2 FOR 1CHINA RIVER CRUISE

Transcription

1 2 FOR 1CHINA RIVER CRUISE $ 1998 FOR TWO PEOPLE THAT S % OFF 50 TYPICALLY $3999 YANGTZE RIVER CHENGDU CHONGQING THE OFFER A journey along the majestic Yangtze River will open your heart and mind to the wonders of China; where ancient culture sits alongside modern construction and stunning landscapes. This package is a whole new way to experience China s natural beauty. Journey down the iconic Yangtze River, China s longest waterway, on this amazing eight day two-for-one adventure. See the Three Gorges Dam Site, the Lesser Three Gorges, Qutang and Wu Gorges. Discover the Ancient Plank Road wrapping the river s steep cliffs, Mengliang Stairway and the mysterious Hanging Coffins. Admire the ever-changing scenery, or join optional tours such as visits to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the Tribe of the Three Gorges and the temples of the White Emperor City, or the City of Ghosts (not included). You ll also get to enjoy a day at leisure in historic Chengdu, plus a tour of cosmopolitan Chongqing. With return flights, a four night cruise, 11 meals and more, this is a great way to experience China. 8 DAY CHINA RIVER CRUISE $ DAY XIAN & BEIJING EXTENSION $3398 Have more time? Choose the 12 day package with Beijing and Xi an Terracotta Warriors extension and tick these dazzling man-made wonders off your bucket list. * all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current live deal at or contact our customer service team on TRIP (8747) for the most up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Purchase Confirmation apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure.

2 THE ITINERARY Itinerary 1-8 Day China River Cruise Day 1 Australia Chengdu, China Today depart from either Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth for Chengdu, China (via Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chongqing or Beijing). Fly with China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China or Sichuan Airlines to name a few (subject to availability). Meals included: In-Flight Day 2 Arrive in Chengdu Upon arrival at the Chengdu Airport you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to join an optional tour to visit Chengdu s Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, as well as enjoying a Sichuan Hot Pot Dinner (not included). Despite the giant panda s status as a Chinese national treasure, its population has dropped to only 3,000. As a response to this ecological crisis, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding opened in 1987 to care for rescued, wild pandas. Today, the open-air sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern China due to its focus on breeding and conservation. The goal for the centre is to introduce their pandas into the wild. Overnight: Chengdu Hotel Meals included: None Day 3 Chengdu Yichang (high speed train experience) After breakfast, transfer to Chengdu Railway Station for a high speed bullet train experience to Yichang (approx. 6.5 hours train ride). You will be met at Yichang Railway by your tour guide and transferred to the port where you will begin your memorable four night cruise on the Yangtze River. Overnight: China Goddess Cruises China Goddess 2 ship Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise - Three Gorges Dam Start your day with a full buffet breakfast, before embarking on the first shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site. The site is the largest hydropower construction project in the world. Return to the ship in the evening and attend the Captain s Welcome Banquet. Optional shore excursion: Tribe of the Three Gorges (not included). The only site untouched by the Three Gorges Dam project, The Tribe of the Three Gorges will have you immersed in Ba and Shu Culture. Overnight: China Goddess Cruises China Goddess 2 ship Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner Day 5 Yangtze River Cruise - Lesser Three Gorges Today, disembark the cruise ship and travel to the narrow, Lesser Three Gorges. See the beauty of the Yangtze River as you travel through the Qutang and Wu Gorges. Often referred to as a gallery, the sheer cliffs are adorned with artefacts including the Ancient Plank Road, Mengliang Stairway and the mysterious, Hanging Coffins. Return to the ship and continue sailing to the western section of Xiling Gorge. Optional shore excursion: White Emperor City (not included). White Emperor City, is an ancient temple located at the top of Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, Fengjie County. Overnight: China Goddess Cruises China Goddess 2 ship Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner Day 6 Yangtze River Cruise - Shibaozhai Today, you will enjoy your final shore excursion to the legendary Shibaozhai Pagoda, the Precious Stone Fortress, built on the side of a 200 metre cliff. The 12 story red pavilion was constructed in 1819 to allow people to reach the Buddhist temple at the top. Prior to its construction, people reached its peak using a system of chains. Afterwards, enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening.

3 THE ITINERARY Optional shore excursion: Fengdu Ghost City (not included). Fengdu Ghost City, is known as the City of Ghosts due to the temples built on Ming Mountain, with depictions of hell marking their walls. The paintings feature images of punishment instruments, torture and demons, with the purpose of showing what it would be like to go to hell. Overnight: China Goddess Cruises China Goddess 2 ship Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner Day 7 Chongqing Australia This morning you will disembark the cruise ship in the magnificent city of Chongqing. Enjoy an introductory tour of the city, and then transfer to Chongqing Airport for your return flight to Australia (via Guangzhou, Beijing or Shanghai). Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight Day 8 Arrive in Australia Itinerary 2-12 Day China River Cruise + Xian & Beijing Extension Day 7 Chongqing Xian This morning you will disembark the cruise ship in the magnificent city of Chongqing. Enjoy an introductory tour of Chongqing and then transfer to Chongqing Airport for your flight to Xian. Overnight: Xian Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Terracotta Warriors & Horses Beijing (high speed train experience) The highlight of today is a visit to the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi an in 1974, there are 8000 life size sculptures of soldiers, chariots, and horses covering 20,000 square metres. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. The sheer scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army will leave you reeling. Afterwards, visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory, before transferring to Xian Railway Station for a high speed train experience to Beijing (approx. 5.5 hours). Overnight: Beijing Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square - one of the largest public squares in the world - the tour then takes in the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, now known as the Palace Museum, was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le. Twenty four emperors went on to live there in succession through the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Surrounded by a 52 metre moat, and 10 metre high wall, the palace is the largest palace complex in the world, spanning 74 hectares. Afterwards, visit a Pearl Factory. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included) to see Beijing s 700 year old Hutongs (narrow lanes) from street level as you travel by pedicab. Get a first hand experience of local customs with a family who live in a courtyard style home. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a scenic area consisting of three lakes: Qianhai, meaning front sea; Houhai, meaning back sea and Xihai, meaning west sea. Overnight: Beijing Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Great Wall of China On the way to the Great Wall, stop at a jade museum to learn the history of the ornamental rock. In Chinese, jade translates to Yu, and it has a history in China of at least 4000 years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards, take a scenic drive through the mountainous countryside to China s famed, Great Wall. The tour takes you to Juyong Pass, a quieter section of the wall, to avoid large crowds. The Great Wall meanders through China s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert - a distance of more than 3500 miles.

4 THE ITINERARY Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, The Golden Mask Dynasty (not included). Overnight: Beijing Hotel Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch Day 11 Beijing Australia This morning, make a stop at Tong Ren Tang, where you will learn about traditional Chinese medicine. Then, enjoy free time to shop in Wangfujing, the main shopping district in Beijing. Afterwards, transfer to Beijing Capital Airport for your return flight to Australia. Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight Day 12 Arrive in Australia

5 TOUR INCLUSIONS 8 DAY CHINA RIVER CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy a day at leisure in historic Chengdu Marvel at the scenic Three Gorges Dam Witness the unique beauty of Qutang and Wu Gorges Visit the Ancient Plank Road in the Lesser Three Gorges See the historic Shibaozhai, which translates to Precious Stone Fortress Enjoy a panoramic tour of cosmopolitan Chongqing FLIGHTS Return international flights (economy class) departing SYD/ MEL/*BNE/*ADL/*PER CRUISE Experience a 4 night Yangtze River Cruise Sail aboard the China Goddess 2 ship ACCOMMODATION 1 night in 4 star hotel accommodation DINING Enjoy 11 meals including a Captain s Welcome Banquet TOUR ESSENTIALS English speaking tour guides (days 2, 3 and 7) TRANSPORT 1 way high speed train from Chengdu to Yichang (economy class) Transportation by A/C vehicles TRANSFERS Return airport and rail transfers 12 DAY CHINA RIVER CRUISE + XIAN & BEIJING HIGHLIGHTS All of the 8 Day Package highlights, plus: Discover historic Xi an Visit the ancient Terracotta Warriors and Horses, considered the eighth wonder of the world Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed, Forbidden City Visit the impressive Tiananmen Square Walk along the iconic Great Wall of China Learn about traditional Chinese medicine at Tong Ren Tang FLIGHTS Return international flights (economy class) departing SYD/ MEL/*BNE/*ADL/*PER 1 way internal flight (economy class) from Chongqing to Xian CRUISE Experience a 4 night Yangtze River Cruise Sail aboard the China Goddess 2 ship ACCOMMODATION 5 nights in 4 star hotel accommodation DINING Enjoy 16 meals including a Captain s Welcome Banquet TOURS ESSENTIALS English speaking tour guides (days 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) TRANSPORT 1 way high speed train from Chengdu to Yichang (economy class) 1 way high speed train from Xian to Beijing (economy class) Transportation by A/C vehicles TRANSFERS Return airport and rail transfers

6 IMPORTANT INFORMATION * all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current live deal at au or contact our customer service team on TRIP (8747) for the most up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Purchase Confirmation apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure BOOKING INFORMATION After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase. Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below. On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. Please Note: All additional charges are payable direct to your Travel Consultant (unless otherwise stated). OFFER ESSENTIALS Travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 12th November 2018 Travel offer is valid for 2 people based on twin share. Please be advised, 1 voucher is valid for 2 people. When processing your order, please double check the number of vouchers you are purchasing is what you require. International Passenger Movement Fee (2nd person travelling ONLY) Second person travels for free, except for a mandatory $150 AUD international passenger movement fee payable upon arrival into China. Once the passenger information form is returned to TripADeal this fee becomes non-refundable and will still apply upon arrival into mainland China (whether the 2nd passenger travels or not). This is strictly due to the nature of how flights are booked due to scheduling and availability. Single Traveller Supplement For solo travellers a full priced voucher must be purchased. Departure Dates (2018) Please visit the TripADeal website for current departure dates. Departure Cities Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth Interstate Surcharges *Brisbane or *Adelaide: $500 for two people. *Perth: $700 for two people. FLIGHTS Full Service Airline(s) Used International Flights: China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air China or Shanghai Airlines plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability). Domestic Flights: Hainan Airlines or Air China plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability). Arrive Early Stay Behind Flight Class Upgrades CRUISES Cabins All cabins are subject to availability; some cabins may have restricted views. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation Used 8 Day Package 4 Star (self-rated) Chengdu: Xiangyang Hotel / Jin Yuan Lou Hotel OR Chuntain Meiju Hotel Cruise: China Goddess Cruises China Goddess 2 ship 12 Day Package Xian: Grand Noble Hotel Beijing: Chang An Grand Hotel / Friendship Hotel / Novotel Sanyuan / Ritan International Hotel / Rosedale Hotel & Suites OR Schonbrunn Hotel Rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel. Extra Nights Maximum Room Capacity 2 people. Child Policy No child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents. Valid for Children/infants 1 year old and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed. Triple Share Bedding Configuration Double or Twin Bedding (subject to availability). Adjoining / Interconnecting Rooms GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION Minimum group size 16, maximum group size 40 per vehicle. Optional Tours / Activities Day 2: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Hot Pot Dinner: 400 RMB (approx. $80 AUD) Day 9: Tour 700 year old Hutong with meal: 400 RMB (approx. $79 AUD) Day 10: The Golden Mask Dynasty: 300 RMB

7 IMPORTANT INFORMATION (approx. $60 AUD) Please Note: prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable direct to the tour operator in the currency specified. Some tours require minimum numbers to operate. Shore excursions can be booked/ reserved directly with the cruise line prior to travel (subject to availability) Shore excursions can also be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability). Scheduled shore excursions and activities are subject to change without prior notice based on weather, traffic conditions and other unforeseen occurrences. In these instances, alternative arrangements will be made. EXCLUSIONS Visa fees and requirements (A tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport) Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary International Passenger Movement Fee of $150 AUD payable direct, upon arrival into China (for 2nd person travelling ONLY) Mandatory gratuities/tipping: $10 AUD per person/tour day payable at the beginning of the tour Optional activities/tours (including any onshore excursions as part of cruise) Personal expenses Travel insurance (Mandatory) Please Note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION International Passenger Movement Fee: The Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) is a tax payable by all passengers departing Australia on international flights or sea transport, whether or not the passenger intends to return to Australia. The PMC was introduced in July 1995 (replacing the previous departure tax which commenced in October 1978) and was initially described as a charge to partially offset the cost to government of the provision of passenger facilitation at airports, principally customs, immigration and quarantine functions. The $150 AUD fee for the second customer is payable on arrival into China to your tour guide (strictly non-refundable once your passenger information form has been returned to TripADeal). As this is a 2 for 1 package, the taxes for one passenger are already included in the deal price. This cost is clearly stated in the advertising, fine print, tour itinerary and your final travel documentation. CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURE Yangtze River: The average temperature in spring is about C and in autumn average temperature is C. Because of its temperate climate, April, May, September and October are the best time to take a Yangtze River cruise. These four months are the high season for travel. Winter is also a good season to travel because of its lower crowds. In addition, scenery at the Three Gorges (the most impressive section of the Yangtze River) is more breathtaking because of the much lower water level. Beijing: Beijing has a temperate and continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons and big differences in temperature between day and night. The seasons: summer in Beijing is hot and humid, while winter is cold and dry. Spring and autumn are short and cool. The coldest month is January at an average of -4 C, and the hottest month is July at an average of 26 C. TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER Tour Guide: Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. Tour Leader: An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides in each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however they are not required to have specific knowledge on art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/ guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. COACH TOUR Meals: Daily breakfast is included in the tour, for all other meals; lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. You can also enquire about any allergies and food and if necessary advise meals to be to be prepared with any medication you require. Luggage: You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of their luggage from the coach. Gratuities: Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The mandatory tip for the tour leader and driver is $10 AUD per person per day, which will be collected at the beginning of the tour. Fitness Level Required / Mobility: Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so unfortunately our tours are currently not suitable for

8 IMPORTANT INFORMATION wheelchair users and those less mobile. a general level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel. VISAS A Tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport. Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 3 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours. Please Note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. INSURANCE We are proud to offer a range of travel insurance products - please ask your Travel Consultant for more information. SCHEDULE OF FEES Due to limited availability, passenger name and date changes are strictly prohibited for this offer. This overrides the Schedule of Fees in our standard Terms & Conditions. No refunds will be issued once offer has been purchased.