ESSENTIAL CHINA – 21 DAY TOUR from €2209 pp
ESSENTIAL CHINA – 21 DAY TOUR from €2209 pp
Encounter the essence of China in all its wonderful diversity—climb the Great Wall and stare down the Terracotta Warriors before heading down south on this 3-week tour of China’s cultural and natural highlights. Rest your gaze on the giant Buddha of Leshan and explore ancient mountainside monasteries at Emei Shan, then float down the world-famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River before stepping out to experience the vibrant rural life and stunning scenery of Yangshuo. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our expert guides, this adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.
Itinerary
Day 1Beijing
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Beijing
Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.
Day 3Beijing
Visit the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City before free time to explore.
Day 4Beijing/Shanghai
Enjoy a free day before an overnight train to Shanghai.
Day 5Shanghai
Take a walk along the bund before a visit to the world-famous Shanghai Museum. Opt to take in a breathtaking Chinese acrobat performance.
Day 6Shanghai
Explore the city during the free day.
Day 7Shanghai/Xi’an
Enjoy free time before boarding an overnight train to Xi’an.
Day 8Xi’an
Opt to cycle the ancient city walls or visit the Great Mosque.
Day 9Xi’an/Emei Shan
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. Later, board an overnight train to Emei Shan.
Day 10Emei Shan
Arrive in Emei Shan in the late afternoon and travel to the monastery for an overnight stay. Enjoy an orientation walk and some free time to explore the area.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 11Emei Shan
Hike around Emei Shan and learn more about the significance of the area.
Day 12Emei Shan
Visit a local family’s tea farm and one of the region’s old villages.
Day 13Emei Shan/Chengdu
Visit the largest stone carved Buddha in the world before catching the fast train to Chengdu.
Day 14Chengdu/Yangtze River
See the famous giant pandas up close at the Panda Breeding Centre before boarding a fast train to Chongqing. Later, board the Chinese-style boat and settle in before tomorrow’s cruise down the mighty Yangtze River and through the Three Gorges.
Day 15Yangtze River
Enjoy the views from the deck and embark on riverside excursions up stunning tributaries and to historic sites.
Day 16Yangtze River
Enjoy the views from the deck and embark on riverside excursions up stunning tributaries and to historic sites.
Day 17Yangtze River/Liuzhou
Disembark in Yichang and board an overnight train to Liuzhou.
Day 18Liuzhou/Yangshuo
Drive to Yangshuo, a backpacker town set amongst the picture-perfect limestone karsts by the Li River. Opt to try a cooking class, practice tai chi or see the Light and Sound show produced by Zhang Yimou.
Day 19Yangshuo
Take a full-day bike ride through the surrounding countryside with a local guide to gain insight into rural Chinese life. Enjoy lunch at a local family’s home.
Meals included: Lunch
Day 20Yangshuo/Hong Kong
Travel back to Guilin for the fast train to Shenzhen, then cross the border into Hong Kong. Enjoy some free time to explore the city.
Day 21Hong Kong
Depart at any time.
Places visited
- China
- Hong Kong
What’s Included
- Great Wall excursion and entrance (Beijing)
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour
- Shanghai Museum entrance
- Xi’an orientation walk
- Terracotta Warriors excursion and tour
- Emei Shan entrance
- Tea plantation visit (Emei Shan)
- Overnight stay in a monastery
- Leshan Giant Buddha visit
- Panda Breeding Center excursion (Chengdu)
- Yangtze River boat trip through the Three Gorges with tributary excursion
- Yangshuo countryside bike ride with local lunch (full-day)
- Border crossing
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (10 nts), basic monastery (3 nts), sleeper trains (4 nts), Yangtze boat (3 nts).
Meals
1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD530-690 for meals not included.
Transportation
Train, local bus, air-con bus, boat, walking, bicycle, taxi.
Staff & experts
English-speaking Chinese Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Beijing Kung Fu Show – €38.00
Follow the tale of a young boy on his journey to becoming a kung fu master through six gripping scenes told through traditional Chinese art and live modern dance (don’t worry – there are subtitles above the stage). Developed by some of China’s top stage directors and designers, the performance showcases the skills of its talented young cast, most of whom are still in their teens.
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance – €38.00
Let some of China’s most talented entertainers and athletes dazzle you for an evening with gravity-defying tricks and acrobatics. These spectacular performers will contort, balance, plate-spin, foot-juggle and more. Keep your eyes on the stage and you may even see a motorcycle or two.
My Own Room – €799.00
If you’re travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
International flights are not included – Call now for details
Please call for more details. Subject to availability.
Call 021 4320710 or 01 6619090
Website: www.travelagent.ie Email: sales@travelagent.ie
