ESCAPE TO CHINA WITH

ESCAPE TO CHINA WITH

AUSTRALIA AAT KINGS AAT KINGS SYDNEY ITINERARY THURSDAY 30 MARCH For interstate agents, upon arrival in Sydney you will be met by our AAT Kings Representative and then transferred to the Grace Hotel, Sydney. For NSW agents, check in to the hotel after 2pm and enjoy some relaxing free time. Tonight we enjoy a Welcome dinner at Nick s Seafood Bar and Grill in fashionable Darling Harbour. Grace Hotel, Sydney D FRIDAY 31 MARCH Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before being transferred by coach to The Rocks in preparation for your BridgeClimb experience. We have scheduled group times but the short wait will be well rewarded with magnificent unrestricted views over Sydney Harbour and the Sydney skyline. As the adrenalin subsides we will take a leisurely walk to Circular Quay for our lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour. We will board Captain Cooks luxurious Sydney 2000 to cruise around the harbour and enjoy a sumptuous seafood buffet lunch. After the cruise there will be time to freshen up at the hotel ready for our evening farewell event. Tonight we transfer to Tobruk Sydney, an authentic sheep station just over an hour from the CBD for some fun and entertainment as we farewell you before you depart on the next leg of the Great Escape. Grace Hotel, Sydney B, L, D SATURDAY 01 APRIL This morning we will transfer you to Sydney International Airport for your flight. Pick up times will be advised. Enjoy the remainder of the TTC Great Escape and safe travels from the whole AAT Kings Team. ttcgreatescape.com.au 2

CHINA TRAFALGAR TRAFALGAR CHINA ITINERARY SATURDAY 01 APRIL Welcome to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in before meeting your Travel Director. Novotel Peace Hotel SUNDAY 02 APRIL Free morning until around 11:30, followed by a Welcome lunch, then begin your visit to this great capital city by exploring one of the world s largest public areas, Tiananmen Square, home to the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Great Monument to the People s Heroes. Pass through the south gate to the magnificent Forbidden City, a 180 acre complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens, which served as the imperial palace for emperors and their households for more than 500 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This evening, enjoy a succulent Peking Duck Regional Meal - a must during any visit to Beijing. Novotel Peace Hotel B, L, D MONDAY 03 APRIL Travel outside the city and look down upon the Chinese countryside from your perch on top of the Great Wall, which is actually a collection of fortifications built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century to defend against nomadic invaders like the Mongols. Walk the Sacred Way to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once-lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Both places are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Novotel Peace Hotel B, L ttcgreatescape.com.au 3

CHINA TRAFALGAR TRAFALGAR CHINA ITINERARY TUESDAY 04 APRIL Spend the morning at leisure, latter embarking on a unique tour by rickshaw around the ancient alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences. Stop at the home of a local family for a delicious Be My Guest lunch of traditional Chinese cuisine followed by a visit to a charming tea house, where a Local Specialist prepares and serves tea, while explaining the historic tea making ritual. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Xi an. Sheraton North City B, L WEDNESDAY 05 APRIL During term-time, this morning we meet the children and teachers at a local primary school. Perhaps learn a few words of Chinese from the kids who in turn will be happy to practice their English. During school visit, a donation from Trafalgar will be presented to school on behalf of all members in the group. (During school holiday when school is closed, group will be then visiting Tang Dynasty Musuem where a Chinese traditional calligraphy class will be given to guests in addition to musuem visit.) And then we visit the legendary army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Emperor Qin Shi Huang s subterranean tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For lunch enjoy a delicious Regional Meal of traditional Chinese noodles. In the afternoon, visit a Jade factory to learn more about the culture of China s national stone. Sheraton North City B, L THURSDAY 06 APRIL This morning visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the city s most distinctive and outstanding landmarks and one of the Silk Road UNESCO listed sites. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu.In the evening, you are going to visit the famous Jinli Old Street. Time steals away from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc. Crowne Plaza B, L ttcgreatescape.com.au 4

CHINA TRAFALGAR TRAFALGAR CHINA ITINERARY FRIDAY 07 APRIL This morning join your Local Specialist for a visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; a non-profit research and breeding facility for giant pandas and other rare animals which was established in 1987. It s mission is to rescue and protect the endangered giant panda species which currently have a population of less than 2000. Return to your centrally located hotel. Later visit the Wide and Narrow Alleys; two parallel pedestrian streets with 45 courtyards along them. One of Chengdu s historical and cultural areas which dates from the Qing Dynasty, and is today a beautifully restored upscale entertainment and nightlife area with restaurants, teahouses, and stores selling local handicrafts and other keepsakes. This evening get together for a Farewell Dinner. Crowne Plaza B, FD SATURDAY 08 APRIL Today visit the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine and learn about traditional Sichuan cooking practices for a Cultural Insight. Have a go at crushing chilies into powder using a Qing Dynasty pestle and mortar, view ancient kitchenware, books and manuscripts faithfully recording the history of Sichuan culinary cultures dating back more than 3,000 years. Visit Restaurant Alley to catch a glimpse into the dining experiences of the past. Also see the shrine of the Kitchen God to perhaps leave an offering before trying your hand at cooking a few of the dishes under the guidance of the chef. Enjoy eating your creations for lunch before returning to your hotel. Later this afternoon transfer to the airport for your onward flight. B, L Escape itinerary details provided are subject to change or may vary due to circumstances out of our control. For full terms & conditions, please visit our website - ttcgreatescape.com.au. ttcgreatescape.com.au 5