Bespoke Tour to China prepared for Mr David Davies & Mrs Elizabeth Davies Mr Arthur Davies & Mrs Adele Davies Miss Lili Davies & Miss Nel Davies

Transcription

1 Bespoke Tour to China prepared for Mr David Davies & Mrs Elizabeth Davies Mr Arthur Davies & Mrs Adele Davies Miss Lili Davies & Miss Nel Davies by Mike Edmunds 54 Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HX Page 2 Page 3 Page 8 Page 11 Page 12 Summary of itinerary Detailed itinerary Accommodation summary What s Included in the Price? China map Booking Reference No WA1BS6-CN02 Page 1

2 Summary of Itinerary Day 1 Wednesday 16th July Met on arrival at Beijing airport and private transfer to your hotel Overnight Beijing International Hotel Day 2 Thursday 17th July Full day sightseeing in Beijing Overnight Beijing International Hotel Day 3 Friday 18th July Full day excursion to the Great Wall of China Overnight Beijing International Hotel Day 4 Saturday 19th July Fly to Xian Overnight Xian Grand Noble Hotel Day 5 Sunday 20th July Full day sightseeing in Xian Overnight Xian Grand Noble Hotel Day 6 Monday 21st July Fly to Chengdu Overnight Chengdu Minshan Hotel Day 7 Tuesday 22nd July Full day sightseeing in Chengdu Fly to Guilin Overnight Guilin Bravo Hotel Day 8 Wednesday 23rd July Li River cruise Overnight Guilin Bravo Hotel Day 9 Thursday 24th July Fly to Shanghai Overnight Shanghai Grand Mercure Zhongya Hotel Day 10 Friday 25th July Half day sightseeing in Shanghai Overnight Shanghai Grand Mercure Zhongya Hotel Day 11 Saturday 26th July Transfer to the airport for your onward flight Page 2

3 Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Wednesday 16th July Met on arrival in Beijing and private transfer to your hotel. China s modern capital Beijing is a melting pot of past & present. This vast, symmetrical metropolis is the seat of communist power and offers a huge diversity of attractions with imperial history & traditional hutongs sitting side by side with the skyscrapers and shopping malls of the city s gleaming future. At the heart of Beijing's historical centre lies the Forbidden City, the enormous palace compound that was the home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Palace Museum contains imperial collections of Chinese art and surrounding the Forbidden City are several former imperial gardens, parks and scenic areas. From Tiananmen Square, which is located right across from the Forbidden City, there are several notable sites, such as the Tiananmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, the Monument to the People s Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. The Summer Palace (a UNESCO World heritage Site) and the quieter Old Summer palace which were the summer retreats for the Qing Dynasty emperors are located in western Beijing and offer a comprehensive collection of imperial gardens and palaces. The Temple of heaven, located in south eastern Beijing is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties made visits for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. Overnight Beijing International Hotel (Standard Room On Business Floor) Today s meal inclusions None Day 2 Thursday 17th July Today you will enjoy a full day private tour exploring the highlights of Beijing. Your tour includes visits to: The Forbidden City, China s most magnificent palace complex, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and the beautiful royal gardens of the Summer Palace. Overnight Beijing International Hotel (Standard Room On Business Floor) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast & Lunch Day 3 Friday 18th July Set off early this morning for an interesting full day private sightseeing tour which introduces you to the iconic Great Wall of China, recognized as one of the greatest wonders of the world. Spend some time exploring the Badaling section of the wall which is one of the most wellpreserved sections. Before returning to Beijing, stop off at The Ming Tombs and visit the final resting place of the Emperors of the most famous Chinese dynasty. Overnight Beijing International Hotel (Standard Room On Business Floor) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast & Lunch Page 3

4 Day 4 Saturday 19th July Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian Flight MU2108 departs Beijing at 1140, arrives Xian at 1345 Met on arrival in Xian and transfer to your hotel. Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province lies in the fertile Wei River valley and was the centre of early Chinese civilisation. Situated at the end of the Silk Road Xian was the capital of China for 1,100 years, and thirteen imperial dynasties. The remnants of this rich history can be seen in and around the city, most famously at the site of the First Emperors Terracotta Army. This underground army of Terracotta Warriors was stumbled upon by peasants digging in 1974 and is part of a grand tomb built by the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi. So far over 7,000 of the figures have been excavated and restored by archaeologists and exhibited for public view. The Great Wild Goose Pagoda is probably the second most well known site in Xian. Originally the pagoda belonged to a vast Buddhist temple complex, of which only a few buildings still remain. Nowadays it s a popular viewing platform with commanding views across Xian and the surrounding countryside. Overnight Xian Grand Noble Hotel (Superior Room) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast Day 5 Sunday 20th July Just outside Xian, the world famous Terracotta Warriors are an unforgettable sight not to be missed! Today you will visit this magnificent army and the impressive and ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda. There is also the chance to see the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and bestpreserved Islamic mosques in China, along with the impressive city wall. A fascinating day exploring Xian s history. Overnight Xian Grand Noble Hotel (Superior Room) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast & Lunch Page 4

5 Day 6 Monday 21st July Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu Flight CZ6433 departs Xian at 1050, arrives Chengdu at Met on arrival in Chengdu and private transfer to your hotel. Chengdu is the charming, relaxed capital of Sichuan Province. Built on flat land on the western edge of the fertile Red Basin the town can easily be explored on foot or bicycle. Chengdu s colourful streets are lined with traditional shops, restaurants serving Sichuan s distinctive spicy cuisine and abundant tea houses. However, the main draw to Chengdu is the Giant Panda Breeding & Research Facility, just four miles north of the city. The centre provides a natural environment for these magnificent creatures, and is undoubtedly one of the best places to view China s most famous and elusive animals. Overnight Chengdu Minshan Hotel (Deluxe Room) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast Page 5

6 Day 7 Tuesday 22nd July The highlight of today is a memorable visit to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Depart your hotel early this morning as you arrive to the centre in time to catch sight of the giant pandas at their most active, during breakfast feeding starting at approximately 9 am. Spend your morning with these beautiful animals, and learn about the important research and conservation efforts of the centre. Your visit does not include any close contact with the giant pandas. However, depending on staff decisions as to the health of the giant pandas on the day of your visit, it may be possible to have a brief photo opportunity holding one of the giant panda cubs. Please note, this would be at an additional cost of approximately USD $250 to USD $350 per person, to which you would pay the centre directly. After your visit, head to the Marquis Wu Shrine and then take a stroll along ancient Jinli Street to soak up the local atmosphere. Later, private transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Flight CA4323 departs Chengdu at 2015, arrives Guilin at 21:55. Met on arrival in Guilin and private transfer to your hotel. Guilin is the gateway to the amazing limestone scenery of the Guangxi region. Almost entirely rebuilt since the Second World War, the city centre is an attractive mix of open parks, shops and restaurants with the famous Li Jiang River at its heart. A boat trip along the Li Jiang River, which winds its way through the surrounding region, is by far the best way to appreciate the stunning scenery. Cruise past limestone landscapes jutted with vertical cliffs and spires, and alongside the physical beauty you ll encounter a snapshot of timeless rural culture with fishermen poling their narrow rafts along the water and villagers tending to their fields. Overnight Guilin Bravo Hotel (Deluxe Room) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast & Lunch Day 8 Wednesday 23rd July A cruise down the Li River is the perfect way to experience the beautiful landscape around Guilin. Lunch will be served on board before a short stop at Yangshou, a peaceful little town full of cafes and craft shops. Overnight Guilin Bravo Hotel (Deluxe Room) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast & Lunch Page 6

7 Day 9 Thursday 24th July Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Flight FM9334 departs Guilin at 1200, arrives Shanghai at Met on arrival in Shanghai and transfer to your hotel. Once a small fishing village, Shanghai has gone through an exhilarating transformation to become a high rise metropolis, boasting cutting edge technology, a pulsating nightlife and a cosmopolitan atmosphere which places it far ahead of the rest of China. Shanghai is however also a city of great contrast, tucked between the shopping malls and ultra modern architecture is the old Shanghai where you can still find small street markets, classical Chinese gardens, Buddhist temples and winding alleyways. Overnight Shanghai Grand Mercure Zhongya Hotel (Superior Room) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast Day 10 Friday 25th July This morning enjoy a private half day tour of the Paris of the East which visits the Jade Buddha Temple, the zen-inspired Yu Yuan Gardens, and Shanghai s historic waterfront, the Bund. This afternoon you have plenty of time free for more sightseeing or some serious retail therapy! Overnight Shanghai Grand Mercure Zhongya Hotel (Superior Room) Today s meal inclusions Breakfast Day 11 Saturday 26th July Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Late check out until 1800 has been included so that you have your rooms until you depart. Today s meal inclusions Breakfast Page 7

8 Details of Your Accommodation Beijing International Hotel (4*) Beijing This modern hotel is situated centrally within Beijing, close to the train station, and offers a comfortable and well equipped stay within easy access to the main sights of the city. The hotel offers a newly opened indoor recreational facility including a gym, spa and stylish pool. Dining is a real delight with the 28 th floor Starlight Revolving Restaurant & Bar offering spectacular 360 degree views of the city as well as a further 4 restaurants, Four Seasons Bar and the informal Sky Café. The hotel is comprised of 1000 guest rooms which all feature large windows to afford great skyline views. Grand Noble (4*) Xian Boasting a fantastic location in the heart of Xian, the Grand Noble is close to the Beilin Museum, Bell Tower, Drum Tower and the Tanshi local market. The hotel features a gym and spa in which to unwind after a busy day sightseeing. As well as a relaxing bar the hotel has a restaurant offering a wide range of international cuisine. The 428 guest rooms are spacious and comfortable. Page 8

9 Minshan Hotel (4*) Chengdu This large hotel boasts a fantastic location in Chengdu, being in the city centre and close to the river, Tianfu Square and Renmin Park. The hotel has an impressive lobby and wide range of leisure facilities including an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre. The hotel has a Chinese restaurant as well as a western restaurant on the top floor and also has a café, perfect for a quick afternoon snack. The 383 rooms are very spacious and comfortable. Deluxe Double Guilin Bravo (3+*) Guilin Guilin Bravo hotel overlooks the picturesque Banyan Lake and offers easy access to Guilin s popular attractions including Elephant Trunk Hill and the Li River. The hotel is also only a 10 minute walk from the centre of town to explore Guilin s colourful markets along with local bars and restaurants. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool and fitness centre along with 2 restaurants which offer international and Chinese cuisine. The rooms are comfortable with modern furnishings. It is worth upgrading to a Lake View Room to enjoy the surrounding scenery and tranquil Banyan Lake. Page 9

10 Grand Mercure Zhongya Shanghai (4*) Shanghai The newly opened Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya provides a good standard of accommodation in a convenient city centre location. Only a 5 minute walk to the Railway Station subway and a 10 minute drive from attractions including The Bund and People's Square, the hotel is a good base for exploring all Shanghai has to offer. The hotel has a modern, stylish design and boasts good dining options and a lounge bar. Other facilities include a gym with steam room. Rooms are stylish and contemporary with modern facilities. Page 10

11 What s Included in the Price? Meet and greet by our local representative and private transfers to and from the airport (unless specified otherwise). Your accommodation in 2 doubles and a twin room with any meal inclusions as specified on the itinerary. Transportation and sightseeing using a comfortable air conditioned vehicle on a private basis with an English speaking local guide. Entrance fees for sightseeing as detailed on your itinerary. Economy flights using the service of scheduled carriers as detailed on your itinerary. Please note the flight schedule on your itinerary should be treated purely as a guide. Flight services are generally only confirmed two or three months before travel and even then can be subject change with little or no prior notice from the airlines. We will always endeavour to inform you of any changes to your schedule that will affect your tour itinerary, however please be aware that exact flight numbers and times will be reconfirmed to you locally. Please note baggage allowance on flights within China varies but is generally 20kg. This may differ from your international allowance. Applicable local government taxes. What s Excluded? Unless shown on your itinerary all meals, snacks and drinks. Optional hotel expenses such as local and international telephone calls, internet access and laundry. Charges for using cameras and video cameras at monuments. Gratuities at your discretion for local guides, drivers, bellboys, waiters etc (details of suggested rates for gratuities is provided in our Holiday Essentials document that accompanies your confirmed itinerary). Local airport taxes. We recommend that you check in advance with your guide if there is a local departure tax to pay and ensure you have made provision for this prior to arrival at check in. Any visas as indicated in the visa advice section of your main itinerary. The Trailfinders Visa Service can help you obtain your visa and as a valued client you will be eligible for a discounted rate. Please call (UK) or (Ireland). Page 11

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