China Highlights Tour

Transcription

1 China Highlights Tour Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing Arrive in Beijing, where you will be greeted at the airport by your private car which will escort you to your hotel, the Peninsula Beijing. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Day 2 - The Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs Today you will journey past markets and towns to the foothills of the Yanshan Mountains. After the scenic drive, you will walk along the Great Wall of China, one of the most amazing structures in the world. In the afternoon, stroll along the Sacred Way past huge stone animals, warriors and Mandarin guards to the ancient Ming Tombs where China's past emperors lay to rest. Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner this evening, after which you will be transferred back to the hotel.

2 Day 3 - The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square Begin your day exploring China's history and culture in Tiananmen Square. Enter the Forbidden City, a 250 acre compound, now the Imperial Palace Museum which houses historic treasures from all over China. Afterwards, visit the Summer Palace, situated in a 700 acre garden encompassing Kunming Lake. Day 4 - Hutong and Xian This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperor of China came to worship the god of heaven, followed by a hutong tour to see the old quarters of Beijing by pedi-cab and then lunch with a local family. Later this afternoon, fly into Xian, where you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your new hotel, the Sofitel Xian. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Day 5 - Xian's Terracotta Warriors Delve into the culture of the Qin Dynasty with a visit to the Qin Shi Huang Di Tomb, where over 8,000 life-sized terra cotta warriors and horses guard the entrance. These figures were grouped in battle order, rank by rank, and buried over 2000 years ago in a huge pit covering more than three acres. This afternoon, visit the Great Mosque, which was built in traditional Chinese style and ranks among the largest Islamic mosques in China. Day 6 - Xian and Yangtze River Cruise This morning, travel to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven story Buddhist temple located on the grounds of the Temple of Good Will. This afternoon fly to Chongqing and visit the zoo to see the Giant Pandas, China's ambassadors to the world. This evening embark on your cruise on the mighty Yangtze River. Day 7 - Yangtze River Cruise & Shibaozhai As you cruise downstream, enjoy what may be your last chance to view scenery that will soon be lost under the waters, after the Three Gorges Dam is completed. Learn about Chinese traditions with on board lectures and demonstrations. Visit Shibaozhai, an 11 story pavilion built during the 1700s, and considered a gem of Chinese architecture. Day 8 - The Three Gorges River Cruise A major highlight of your trip is passing through the Three Gorges, including the Qutang, Wu and Xiling, each of which has its own special characteristics. The Qutang is the shortest, but is considered the most beautiful for its sheer majestic cliffs. The Wu Gorge was the birthplace of numerous Chinese legends and mythical creatures. Xiling, with its many narrow curves and stretches, is the longest of the three gorges. Downstream from Qutang is Shennong Stream, where you board small boats to be pulled upstream by trackers. Explore Parrot Gorge and Dragon Boat Gorge. See ancient plank roads, cave coffins and aqueous caves along the way.

3 Day 9 - Shanghai Visit the Three Gorges Dam Project to learn about the dam and its influences. Then sail to Yichang and disembark your ship, and head to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Some departures may drive to Wuhan to catch the flight to Shanghai. After landing, you will be escorted to your new hotel, Le Royal Meridien. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Day 10 - Shanghai City Tour Your tour of Shanghai this morning includes a visit to the renowned Shanghai Museum, a must for any traveler to Shanghai. Experience an authentic lunch at a local restaurant, then visit Yu Yuan Garden, which dates back to the 16th century of the Ming Dynasty. Day 11 - Free Day in Shanghai A free day for you to enjoy Shanghai at your own pace. Day 12 - Farewell to China A private car transfer is provided to the airport to catch your departing flight. End of services.

4 Accommodations: Beijing The Peninsula Beijing Centrally located in Wangfujing Shopping District, The Peninsula Beijing offers 5-star accommodations with city views, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. It features an indoor pool, spa and fitness center. Beijing The Peninsula is a 15-minute drive from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Beijing Capital International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Elegant rooms at Peninsula Beijing are well-furnished with a DVD player, ironing facilities and a safe. Luxurious bathrooms a bathtub with shower amenities and a hairdryer. Massage treatments and a sauna are available. Added conveniences include a business center, a Bank of China branch office and a travel desk. A range of Western dishes can be sampled at JING Restaurant, while Huang Ting offers Dim Sum and local favorites. Light refreshments and cocktails are served at the Lobby Lounge.

5 Accommodations: Xian The Sofitel Xian One mile from Bell Tower, Sofitel Xian On Renmin Square features an indoor heated pool and luxurious spa. It offers 4 restaurants and 3 bars. Wi-Fi is available in its rooms at a charge. Elegant rooms are fitted with cable TV channels and tea/coffee making facilities. Bathrooms come with a separate rainshower and bathtub. Some rooms offer city views. Sofitel hotel is one mile from Xian City Hall and 2 miles from Xian Station. Xianyang International Airport is 25 miles away. Guests can recharge with a work out in the gym or indulge in massage or sauna services. Other facilities include a business center with support staff and free parking. Dining options include the 24-hour Mediterranean All Day Dining restaurant and a Japanese restaurant. The Muslim Restaurant specializes in Halal cuisine while Le Chinois features the best of Cantonese dishes.

6 Accommodations: Shanghai Le Royal Meridien The cost of the above tour is $4,399 per person based on double occupancy. It includes all of the above. This does not include travel insurance and flight. Please visit our website at to refer to the terms and conditions attached to this quote. Please note that this is only a quote and it is therefore subject to availability at the time of booking. To book this tour or if you have any additional questions, contact Maupintour at