2014 11 Tour Highlights Walk on the incredible Great Wall Unfold the mystery of the Forbidden City Sit by the tranquil West Lake in Stroll in one of the finest Chinese gardens in Immerse yourself in the bustling metropolis Nexus Holidays Sydney China As its name suggests, this tour is designed to give you a of China s ancient history, rich culture, delicate cuisine, thriving industries, and modern architecture. Walk along the Great Wall and unfold the mystery of the Forbidden City in China s capital, discover the exquisite cities of and both on par with heaven for their natural beauty according to a Chinese saying, and immerse yourself in the dynamic cosmopolitan city. 2014 Guaranteed Departure Dates Package Price Single Supplement Forbidden City 28 Feb 14 Mar 28 Mar 11 Apr 16 May 30 May 13 Jun 22 Aug 05 Sep 17 Oct $2,899 per person twin-share $450 West Lake Grand Canal Package Inclusions: International flights (economy class) taxes and fuel surcharges departing Sydney with Air China, departing Melbourne with China Southern 9 nights hotel accommodation Daily meals as indicated (B, L, D) Coach transportation Site entry fees English speaking tour guide(s) Package Exclusions: China visa Tipping - AUD$10/day (total AUD$100) Travel insurance (mandatory) Personal expenses Bund Giant Panda, Zoo Interstate Surcharge: Departing Brisbane/Adelaide $250; Perth $550 Peak Season Surcharge: Apr, May, Sep and Oct $150 Child Price: Same as adult, Infants <2 years (at the time of travel) pay $250 Stay Behind Surcharge: From $150 surcharge (subject to availability and applicable fare difference) Post-Tour Accom. (incl. breakfast): $60 pp twin-share, $120 pp single
Day 1 Friday Sydney / Melbourne Fly from Sydney/Melbourne to, the capital city of China. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Day 2 Saturday (B, L, D) has served as the capital of five dynasties over a period of 800 years. Today, visit Tiananmen Square, the second largest public square in the world, and the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming to Qing dynasty. Continue on to the Temple of Heaven, one of the best examples of Ming Dynasty architecture and also an ornate sanctuary where Chinese emperors offered sacrifices to heaven and prayed for good harvest. Your welcome banquet includes the local delicacy, Peking Roast Duck. Day 3 Sunday (B, L) Today s highlight is an excursion to the majestic Great Wall, the most famous image of China, and a chance to climb a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. You will also visit one of the largest Jade Exhibitions in Asia en-route. After lunch, see skilled artisans at work at a Cloisonné Factory. Tonight, you can choose to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, The Golden Mask Dynasty (at your own expense, AUD$55). Day 5 Tuesday (B, D) Fly to and travel by coach to, an extraordinarily delicate and elegant city with its canals, stone bridges and meticulously designed gardens which has often been referred to as Paradise on Earth by Chinese poets and writers since ancient times. As a large area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, is also known as Venice of the East. Upon arrival, take a cruise along the Grand Canal (at your own expense, AUD$25) to view life along China s golden waterway in its heyday. Then, visit a local art gallery which features priceless works of beautiful Silk Embroidery. Lingering Garden Nanchang Street Peking Roast Duck Great Wall Day 4 Monday (B, L) This morning visit the Zoo to see China s adorable national treasure - the Giant Panda. Then, visit a Chinese Herbal Institute to learn about traditional Chinese medicine, which has existed for thousands of years. This afternoon, you can join an optional Hutong Life Tour, a special journey which explores s ancient alleyways or hutongs by pedicab, (at your own expense, AUD$50) including dinner at a local restaurant featuring mouth-watering dumplings. Day 6 Wednesday (B, L) is also known as the Garden City due to its many classical gardens, renowned for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction. Visit the Lingering Garden which is among the finest gardens in China. Then, visit a Silk Spinning Mill, and learn how silk is created from mulberry-munching silkworms to produce the finest thread and cloth. After lunch, travel by coach to, one of the oldest cities in China with more than 3,000 years history. This evening, stroll along Nanchang Street, a charming and fashionable pedestrian street composed of both ancient and modern architectural styles. West Lake Bund Hutong Grand Canal Day 7 Thursday (B, L, D) This morning visit one of the largest Fresh Water Pearl Exhibitions in the country. After lunch, travel by coach to by, described by Marco Polo as the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world. Upon arrival, take a boat ride on the serene West Lake, the most renowned feature of, noted for its scenic beauty which blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. This evening, you can enjoy an optional open-air performance, Impression West Lake, a masterpiece created by Zhang Yimou, the director of the 2008 Summer Olympics Games Opening Ceremony (at your own expense, AUD$70).
Day 8 Friday (B, L) Experience an oriental tea-tasting at the Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Then travel by coach to, the vibrant metropolis and commercial centre of China. Upon arrival, walk along the famous Bund, a mile-long stretch along the Huangpu River. Lined with colonial architectures of European design, it is the best place to capture the Western influences of the old days. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure strolling along the bustling shopping district, Nanjing Road. Tonight you can watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show "ERA: The Intersection of Time" (at your own expense, AUD$55). Day 9 Saturday (B, D) Enjoy the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the Museum to see ancient Chinese artifacts, before enjoy fabulous cuisine for tonight s farewell celebration dinner. You can cap off the celebrations by joining an optional Huangpu River Night Cruise and get a glimpse of the dazzling and charming night view of (at your own expense, AUD$30). Day 10 Sunday Sydney / Melbourne (B) Enjoy the morning at leisure before you are transferred to airport to board your overnight flight to Australia. The trip may be over, but the experiences and memories will certainly last a life time. Day 11 Monday Sydney / Melbourne Arrive home this morning. B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Nexus Holidays reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as it sees fit to ensure the smooth running of the tour and to substitute hotels of a similar standard if the hotels listed in our brochure are not available. Passengers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not deviate from the set itinerary unless otherwise stated such as free at leisure. Travel Hotel Insurance Accommodation Najing Road Loong Palace Pan Pacific Swiss-bell White Horse Lake Wyndham Bund East Huangpu River *All hotels based on local hotel ratings Travel Insurance Optional Tour Extensions Xi an Terracotta Warriors 3 Days 2 Nights China Visa Majestic Yangtze River Cruise 5 Days 4 Nights $590 $990 Australian passport holders must have a valid visa to enter China. Passports must be valid for at least six months prior to entry. If you would like us to assist with the processing of your Chinese visa the single-entry visa cost is $98.50 + our service/handling fee of $20 per passport (total $118.50). The Chinese visa is only valid for 3 months from the date it is issued so you cannot apply for it too soon in advance. It is typically done 1-2 months before departure and it normally takes 4-5 working days to process. Required documentation for China visa application: 1) Original Passport (with at least 6 months validity) 2) Photocopy of your passport photo page 3) Photocopy of your Chinese visa page (If been to China before) 4) Photocopy of your driver's license (If never been to China before) 5) Photocopy of your Medicare Card (If never been to China before) 6) 1 passport size photo (on proper photo paper) 7) Completed China Visa Application Form We recommend you utilise our visa processing service to avoid any hassles with obtaining your visa.
Xi an Terracotta Warriors 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Extension Package Xian was the first Chinese city to open its doors to the world during the Tang dynasty and the capital for eleven dynasties over a period of more than 2,000 years. Together with Athens, Cairo and Rome, Xian is among the four major ancient civilization capitals of the world. Tour Highlights Terracotta Warriors & Horses Ancient City Wall Big Wild Goose Pagoda Shanxi Provincial History Museum Tang Dynasty Singing & Dancing Show Imperial Dumpling Banquet Departing Sydney: Day 0 Tuesday Sydney Board your Air China overnight international flight from Sydney to. Day 1 Wednesday Xi an Arrive in the morning at and take a connecting flight to Xi an. Your tour guide will greet you at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel to rest. Departing Melbourne: Day 1 Wednesday Melbourne Guangzhou Xi an Board your China Southern international flight from Melbourne to Guangzhou and take a connecting flight to Xi an. Your tour guide will greet you at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel to rest. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 2 Thursday Xi an (B, L, S) The highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors & Horses to see the life-sized defending army to the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. This siteis among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. This will be followed by a visit to an Art Ceramics Factory. In the evening, enjoy a special Imperial Dumpling Banquet and traditional Tang Dynasty Singing & Dancing Show. Day 3 Friday Xi an (B, L) After breakfast, visit the Shanxi Provincial History Museum. Enjoy a special noodle lunch including an interesting noodle making demonstration. Then visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of the city. Later, walk along the Ancient City Wall, which not only is the most complete city wall that has survived in China but also one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Fly to in the evening to commence your China Sampler 10 Day Tour. B = Breakfast L = Lunch S = Special Banquet Nexus Holidays reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as it sees fit to ensure the smooth running of the tour and to substitute hotels of a similar standard if the hotels listed in our brochure are not available. Passengers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not deviate from the set itinerary unless otherwise stated such as free at leisure. 2014 Guaranteed Departure Dates Sydney 25 Feb 11 Mar 25 Mar 08 Apr 13 May 27 May 10 Jun 19 Aug 02 Sep 14 Oct China Melbourne 26 Feb 12 Mar 26 Mar 09 Apr 14 May 28 May 11 Jun 20 Aug 03 Sep 15 Oct Package Price Package Inclusions: Internal flights to Xi an (economy class) 2 nights hotel accommodation Daily meals as indicated (B, L, S) Coach transportation Site entry fees English speaking tour guide Big Wild Goose Pagoda Dumpling Banquet Single Supplement $590 $100 per person twin-share Package Exclusions: China visa Tipping - AUD$25 Travel insurance (mandatory) Personal expenses Travel Insurance Hotel Accommodation *All hotels based on local hotel ratings Xi an Kempinski Hotel 2 3 1 1 2 Xi an 3 Ancient City Wall Shanxi Provincial History Museum
Majestic Yangtze River Cruise 5 Days 4 Nights Tour Extension Package Package Price Single Supplement $990 $300 per person twin-share Package Inclusions: 2 China domestic flights from Xian to Yichang and Chongqing to (economy class) All transfers Daily meals as indicated (B, L, D) Deluxe Cabin with Private Balcony (twin-share) 3 shore excursions (subject to change) English tour guide (on board cruise) Package Exclusions: China visa Tipping - AUD$50 Travel insurance (mandatory) Personal expenses After you walk along the Great Wall in, stroll through classic gardens in, and immerse yourself in the bustling metropolis, relax as you cruise along the majestic Yangtze River on board a luxury five-star vessel - the Yangtze No. 2 and discover the dramatic gorges, mountain villages and breathtaking scenery. A Yangtze River cruise is the thrill of a life time. You will enjoy the stunning picturesque scenery and amazing natural beauties of the famed Three Gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, while exploring the historic relics and ancient cultural sites along the mighty river. Enjoy shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscapes including the spectacle of Fengdu Ghost City, a peculiar site that contains statues of demons and ghosts that roam the after-world; the fun of drifting through Shennong Stream, which offers clear running waters, picturesque rock formations, and monkeys and goats along its banks; and the wonder of the Three Gorges Dam, the world s largest dam. A Yangtze River cruise is a visual delight, full of pleasant surprises and many treasures waiting to be discovered. The images will stay with you long after you have returned home. Day 1 Sunday Yichang Yangtze River cruise (D) This morning fly from to the port city of Yichang, the starting point of our Yangtze River cruise for the next four nights. After dinner, we board the luxury President Prime cruise and receive an introduction on cruise events and onboard activities. China 19:00-20:00 Embarkation at Yichang Day 2 Monday Yangtze River cruise (B, L, D) 07:00 07:00 07:00-09:00 08:00 08:30-10:30 12:00-16:00 16:00-18:00 18:00 20:00 6 5 1 3 2 4 Breakfast Depart Yichang Pier Passing Xiling Gorge (East Part) Briefing on the cruise Shore Excursion: the Three Gorges Dam Project Passing Three Gorges Dam 5-stage Shiplock Passing Xiling Gorge (West Part) Captain s Welcome Dinner Evening entertainment Day 3 Tuesday Yangtze River cruise (B, L, D) 06:30 08:00-12:00 13:30-15:30 16:30-17:00 Breakfast Shore Excursion: Shennong Stream Passing Wu Gorge Passing Qutang Gorge Day 4 Wednesday Yangtze River cruise (B, L, D) 1 2 3 4 5 Yichang 6 Chongqing Luxury 5 Star Yangtze No.2 Deluxe Cabin with Private Balcony Launched in April 2011, the Yangtze No. 2 marks the new generation of super 5-star vessels on the Yangtze River. It features both deluxe classical European style and modern comforts. It boasts one of the highest passenger capacity of all vessels sailing on the Yangtze River. The whole ship is centrally air-conditioned. Each cabin is equipped with satellite TV, satellite telephone, a private bathroom and a private balcony which enables passengers to appreciate the magnificent views of the Yangtze River any time in their own cabin. 07:00 03:00-11:30 14:00-16:00 18:00 Day 5 Thursday Chongqing Australia (B) We disembark from our cruise in the port city of Chongqing this morning. Transfer to the airport and fly to for our connecting flight to Australia. Breakfast Shore Excursion: Fengdu (Ghost City) Lectures Farewell Dinner 09:00 Arrive in Chongqing - Disembarkation Fengjie Shibaozhai Fengdu Finish Chongqing Yunyang White Emperor City Qutang Gorge Wu Gorge Wushan Mountain Twelve Peaks Zigui Qingshi Badong Shennu Stream Xiling Gorge Yangtze River Cruise Map Three Gorges Dam Gezhouba Dam Yichang Start
Travel Optional Insurance Programs Guide, transfers and admission are included in the prices for all optional programs. Payment is to be made to the National Escort in China. Australian Dollars (AUD) or Chinese Renminbi (RMB) equivalent are accepted. Alternatively, please contact our Sydney office if you would like to pre-pay for the optional programs. Book all optional programs and get a further $35 discount ie total $250 per person for all six optional programs listed below (originally $285). Tipping Travel Travel Insurance Insurance The Golden Mask Dynasty Hutong Life Tour Grand Canal Cruise Impression West Lake ERA: The Intersection of Time Night Cruise on the Huangpu River The Golden Mask Dynasty Grand Canal Cruise Huangpu River Night Cruise AUD55/RMB330 AUD50/RMB300 AUD25/RMB150 AUD70/RMB395 AUD55/RMB330 AUD30/RMB180 Hutong Life Tour Impression West Lake ERA: The Intersection of Time Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended - please enquire if you would like a quote. Nexus Holidays customers are entitled to 25% discount off normal rates. Nexus Holidays recommends Aussietravelcover (underwritten by Allianz). Below are some indicative rates based on 11 days in China & Asia (excluding any existing medical conditions). 0-50 years: $91 51-60 years: $105 61-70 years: $118 71-74 years: $173 Please note that all accompanying children below 21 years are included in the adult policy at no additional cost. Special rates for Annual Multi-Trip policy also available. Tipping Travel Insurance Tipping is a firm and expected element in tourism industry today and China is no exception. The nominated tip amount (AUD$10/day/person - total AUD$100) is to be given to your National Guide at the beginning of your group tour upon arrival at your destination and they will do all the necessary tipping on your behalf. Tipping includes National Guide, local guides, drivers and bell-boys. Australian Dollars (AUD$100) or Chinese Renminbi (CNY550) equivalent are accepted. Frequently Travel Insurance Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the baggage allowance? The standard baggage allowance is 20kg for check-in baggage and 5kg for hand carry. For all China domestic flights, all electronics including batteries must be placed in your hand carry. Check-in baggage with electronics will fail X-ray screening. When is the best time to visit China in terms of climate? Spring and autumn is generally the best time to visit China when the weather is mild - not too cold and not too hot. Normally, the most comfortable season of the year is early autumn (September to early October). During that period, temperatures are reasonable throughout China with a limited amount of rain. Spring (March to May) can also be delightful with the average temperatures roughly the same as in autumn. Regardless of the time of the year, a visitor will always be rewarded with charming scenery throughout China. What language is spoken in China? The official national language in China is Mandarin. There are several ethnic minority languages in the western and southern most provinces. What is the local currency in China? Chinese money is called Renminbi (RMB) which literally means "The People's Currency". The popular unit of RMB is yuan. One Australian Dollar is currently worth around 5.5 Chinese Yuan. Are any vaccinations required for travel to China? No vaccinations are required for a trip to China (except for Yellow Fever if you're arriving from an infected area), however, it is recommended that you consult your physician and preferably a doctor at least 4-6 weeks before you are scheduled to depart. There are some recommended vaccines and it's important that you take the necessary precautions and be up-to-date on your routine vaccines. Are there any water and food safety concerns in China? It goes without saying you should be careful with food and water. Only drink bottled water and use it to brush your teeth. Nexus Holidays supplies complimentary bottled water everyday on the tour. Your hotel will also provide several bottles a day free of charge. Travel Insurance Your Travel Agent Nexus Holidays T: (02) 9211 6070 F: (02) 9280 1162 E: hotdeals@nexusholidays.com Suite 203 Level 2 Manning Building 451 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 www.nexusholidays.com.au