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Taste of China
10 DAYS FROM £1296
The itinerary was very full with some amazing places to visit. Excellent value for money. Would definately use Archers again.
Our holiday was called A Taste of China - and what an appetiser! Nothing could have prepared my husband and I for the sights and sounds that awaited us.
The delicious morsels we tasted were in Beijing, Chengde and Xian; names and places so unfamiliar just a few weeks ago.
The Forbidden City in Beijing was a treat to behold with its massive pagodas and courtyards. I could just picture the Emperor holding court surrounded by his concubines and being adored by his many servants.
In contrast we viewed some of modern Beijing during our journeying; the spectacular Olympic Birds Nest and the strikingly shaped new Television Centre to name but two highlights.
A train journey led us through delightful countryside to our second morsel, Chengde. A very friendly city where we were photographed several times with the local people at their request; not because of our beauty but simply because (they told us) of our different complexions and facial features. Here we visited Buddhist Temples, restful parks with Tai Chi and traditional past-times being practised around every corner, and the Emperor's mountain retreat. The highlight here, though, has to be the Great Wall. It is difficult to find words to express the magnificence of it as it snakes its way across the landscape like a Chinese dragon riding the backs of the mountain ranges.
A flight to Xian and then our last titbit of the trip. When I walked into the room which houses the Terracotta Warriors I felt quite emotional. There I was face to face with hundreds of soldiers, each of the faces different from the hundreds of others. What a story they could tell if they were able. I purchased a small replica; he now stands guard for us on the mantelpiece!
Thank you Archers for your expert holiday organising which meant that we had nothing to do except enjoy our 'Taste of China'. We feasted sumptuously indeed during our ten days in China.
This enchanting tour of China will unravel a vastly different world of spectacular scenery, rich cultural heritage and oriental architecture.
Included Highlights
Beijing City sightseeing
Chengde City Sightseeing
Great Wall of China
Xian City Sightseeing & Terracotta Warriors
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Beijing - Xian - Beijing - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 8 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)
Travel on tour by comfortable air-conditioned transport
English speaking guide on tour
Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
All local and airport taxes
Not included in the price Tipping is at your own discretion, as a guide we recommend £3 per person per day
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights. (D)
DAY 3: Beijing. Included sightseeing.
Enjoy the iconic sights of China's atmospheric capital city, including Tiananmen Square, the imposing Forbidden City and the glorious Summer Palace. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Beijing. Included sightseeing.
Take in the ornate Temple of Heaven, one of the most strictly protected and preserved sites in China, built in 1420 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty. Later take a rickshaw ride along the city's Hutongs (tiny lanes) before visiting a local family's home. This evening enjoy a famous Peking Duck dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Beijing - Chengde by train. Included sightseeing.
Take an early morning train through fascinating landscapes to Chengde, your home for the next two nights. This mountain resort with its temples and palaces has made Chengde a famous historical and cultural city, and one of China's leading scenic spots. This imperial resort was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. In the afternoon, visit Summer Resort, once a retreat of the 18th century Qing dynasty, surrounded by romantic and serene Chinese gardens.
Note: Only one small bag per person is allowed on the train, your main luggage will be taken to Beijing airport in time for your flight to Xian on Day 7. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Chengde. Included sightseeing.
Visit the three outer temples: Temple of Universal Happiness (Pule Si), with its Buddha of Happiness, the serene Lesser Potala Palace (Putozongchen Miao) and the combined Han/Tibetan style Temple of Universal Peace (Puning Si), the only active Lama temple in Chengde. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Chengde - Jinshanling Great Wall - Beijing - Xian.
We drive to Jinshanling, set amid the fantastic mountainous Luanping County in Hebei Province, to visit the legendary Great Wall. After lunch, drive to Beijing to catch your flight to Xian. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Xian. Included Terracotta Warriors.
Today sees one of the great highlights of your trip as we visit the imperial funeral vault containing 8000 astonishing hand carved Terracotta Warriors and Horses. You will also explore the Wild Goose Pagoda and Xian's ancient city walls. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Xian (included Grand Mosque and Yangling Tomb) - Beijing.
Visit the Grand Mosque in the atmospheric Muslim Quarter and Yangling Tomb, the wonderfully preserved burial place of Emperor Liu Qi and his Empress, excavated to reveal 40,000 burial objects, including cavalrymen, pottery figurines, chariots and weapons. Take an afternoon flight to Beijing. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Beijing - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Beijing: Plaza Hotel (4*); Chengde: Mountain Villa (3*); Xian: New World Hotel (4*).
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for entry into China. This must be obtained prior to departure.
Harbin Snow & Ice Festival
7 January 2010 Departure
Why not join us on our special departure to witness the spectacular Harbin Snow & Ice Festival? This breathtaking event is held every January in Harbin, which straddles China's northern Songhua River and is cloaked in snow in winter. Inspired by the ice lanterns once carved by Chinese peasants, the Festival draws thousands of visitors who come to marvel at dazzling, handcrafted snow and ice sculptures. Laid out in scenic parks, these amazing carvings replicate everything from gigantic palaces to animals, temples and even the Great Wall - creating an exquisite winter wonderland, much of which is illuminated at night.
Days 1-8: As main itinerary.
Day 9 (Fri): Xian - Harbin. Today visit Xian's Yangling Tomb before transferring to the airport for your midday flight to Harbin. (B,D)
Day 10 (Sat): Harbin. This morning, witness the 'daily dip' in the Songhua, when hardy locals swim in the sub-zero river. Afterwards join our sightseeing tour of Harbin to see its impressive St Sophia Cathedral, extraordinary underground shopping streets and finish in Zhaolin Park to marvel at the Ice Lantern Festival as darkness falls. (B,L,D)
Day 11 (Sun): Harbin. Visit Sun Island Park with magnificent snow sculptures replicating giant faces and palaces, followed by a drive through Harbin's Tiger Garden, a home to a very rare Manchurian Tiger. In the afternoon, watch an ice-carving demonstration at Stalin Park before our evening visit to the Ice and Snow World Park, one of the world's largest ice architecture parks. (B,L,D)
Day 12 (Mon): Harbin - Beijing. Transfer to the airport for a late morning flight to Beijing. (B)
Day 13 (Tue): Beijing - UK. Transfer to Beijing Airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
(For full itinerary, please see our website.)
Note: Winter temperatures in Harbin are approximately -10 to -20 degrees during the day and -15 to -25 at night. Please take appropriate clothing.
Holiday Extensions
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View Holiday PhotosTaste of China + Hong Kong - 4 Extra nights from £210
A chance to break your journey home and immerse yourself fully in the splendours of this city of amazing and wonderful contrasts.
Why not visit Victoria Peak, which boasts outstanding 360 degree views of Hong Kong and Repulse Bay, take a harbour cruise or venture out to Causeway Bay, the city's shopping mecca?
On day 10 of your tour, fly to Hong Kong and transfer to your chosen hotel, either Harbour Plaza North Point or Metropark Hotel for the next four nights. -
View Holiday PhotosTaste of China + Yangtze River - 5 Extra nights from £560
Extend your China tour with a cruise on the amazing Yangtze River. Your cruise boat is President No. 3.
Accommodation on Extensions
Taste of China + Hong Kong - 4 Extra nights from £210
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View Holiday PhotosMetropark Hotel Kowloon
The Metropark Hotel Kowloon is situated within the heart of the Kowloon district and provides easy access to Hong Kong's major shopping areas, yet is set back from the bustle of the city, making it a peaceful haven of comfort in the heart of Hong Kong.
Location: The Metropark is situated in the bustling area of Mongkok with numerous shopping arcades, and entertainment places just round the corner.
Facilities: Swimming pool; poolside bar; fitness centre; restaurants and bars; satellite TV; minibar in bedrooms.
Price includes: Room with private facilities; individually-controlled air-conditioning; TV with in-house movie system; radio channels; tea/coffee maker and refrigerator.
Options: Breakfast; single room.
Official category: 3 star. -
View Holiday PhotosHarbour Plaza North Point
Located in the popular Causeway and Quarry Bay area of Hong Kong Island, this exquisite hotel offers high levels of comfort and service.
Location: On Hong Kong Island, the hotel is close to Quarry Bay Railway station and is set in a convenient location for shopping and sightseeing.
Facilities: Swimming pool; Hoi Yat Heen Chinese Restaurant; Java Mama Deli; The Point lounge bar; coffee shop; fitness centre; solarium; massage service; internet access; currency exchange; laundry.
Price includes: Room with private facilities; air-conditioning; telephone; satellite television; safety deposit box; hairdryer; tea/coffee maker; minibar.
Options: Breakfast; single room.
Official category: 4 star.
Taste of China + Yangtze River - 5 Extra nights from £560
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View Holiday PhotosPresident No. 3
President No. 3, also known as 'MV Splendid', is a well equipped cruiser, combining both modern and uniquely traditional Chinese exterior design and affording guests an unforgettable journey on the charming Yangtze River.
Public Rooms & Facilities: Restaurant; bar; coffee shop; ballroom; viewing areas; shops; barbers and beauty salon; massage room; laundry service.
Dining: Your cruise includes full board. Evening meals will be traditional Chinese cuisine, prepared by a high class chef. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and feature both Chinese and Western cuisine.
Cabins: All cabins are outside facing with twin beds; air-conditioning; television; hair dryer; shower & wc; and river views.
Your holiday price includes a standard cabin with window.
Options: Single Cabin
Note: Please note sailing times and itineraries are subject to change. Whilst the order of the itinerary is subject to change the content will not be sacrificed in anyway. Occasionally it may be necessary to use alternative cruise ships of the same standard and with similar facilities.
View My Holiday Photos
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All
prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement,
Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable)
Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme. |
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