Best of China with Yangtze Cruise and Tibet

Transcription

1 Best of China with Yangtze Cruise and Tibet 18 Day Conducted Tour for only$5,165 per person twin share This price include airport taxes and fuel levies This tour is great value because all the following are included: Air fares from Sydney and Melbourne into Shanghai and out of Beijing with China Eastern Airlines, plus 4 flights within China. A 4 day American Victoria cruise on the mighty Yangtze River with V.I.P privileges. 3 days in Lhasa, Tibet s mysterious capital, plus a full day on the Lhasa Express Train. 2 days in Xian with a visit to the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. 3 days in Beijing and 2 days in Shanghai. Good accommodation, mainly 4 star. Nearly all meals. All transfers and entrance fees. Tips for guides and drivers (except on Yangtze cruise). Chinese visa fee for Australian passport holders. Chinese tour guides, a Chinese national guide (except in Tibet) and if there are 14 or more participants there will be an Australian tour escort. If you don t have a travel partner but wish to travel as twin share, we will do our best to match you up with another traveller, but this is not guaranteed. For a single room there is an extra charge of $1,195. We are happy to arrange return domestic flights to Sydney for Brisbane and Gold Coast passengers. Please contact our office for prices. Tour departs Australia on 6 th May and returns 24 th May 2016

2 Itinerary for Best of China with Yangtze and Tibet Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Australia - Shanghai Depart Sydney at 11.00am on China Eastern Airlines flight MU 562, arriving in Shanghai at 7.20pm. Depart Melbourne at 11.00am on China Eastern Airlines flight MU 738, arriving in Shanghai at 7.20pm. All passengers are met and transferred to the hotel for a two night stay. Accommodation: Wyndham Bund East Shanghai Puxi Hotel or similar Shanghai Walk along the famous Bund past the facades of the colonial buildings lining the Huangpu River and look across to the soaring TV tower and fantastic skyscrapers of the Pudong district on the opposite side. Then visit the beautifully maintained Yu Garden, an outstanding example of a classical garden dating from the 16th century, now surrounded by a bustling market area. Later we will cruise across the Huangpu River and ascend the Grand Hyatt Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings, for an astonishing view over the city. This evening attend a performance by one of Shanghai's famous acrobatic troupes. Accommodation: Wyndham Bund East Shanghai Puxi Hotel or similar Shanghai Wuhan - Yichang This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Wuhan. Upon arrival we are transferred to the train station to take the bullet train to Yichang. From here we will be transferred to the pier to board our Yangtze River Cruise Ship, the Victoria Selina. Our stay on board the Victoria Selina has been upgraded which entitles us to the following benefits: Use of Executive Lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi service and computer internet usage. Complimentary shoe-shine service. Afternoon 'Happy Hour' one hour before dinner with wine, beer and snacks. Free tea, coffee and cold drinks available daily in the Executive Lounge. Complimentary house wine and beer at dinner Yangtze Cruise Cruise the famous Yangtze River, as it winds its way through the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. There is a morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam site at Sanduoping, the largest project of this kind in the world. Later sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. Sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges Yangtze Cruise Today we take an excursion through the Goddess Stream Small Gorges, which are narrower than the Three Gorges, but very impressive. Enter Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Then sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic gorge.

3 Yangtze Cruise Take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named the Pearl of the Yangtze. Shibaozhai is a hill along the bank of the Yangtze River. It has extremely steep sides and is about 200 metres (660 feet) tall. On the river side of the hill is a red pavilion of nine floors which leans against the side of the hill providing a walkway to the temple at the top of the hill. There is a yellow entrance at the base of the pavilion. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, visiting the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam (B/L) Chongqing - Chengdu After breakfast, disembark at Chongqing, the 'Mountain City'. Enjoy a city orientation tour before transferring to the train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Wuhou or similar Chengdu This morning we will enjoy a visit to the Giant Panda Research Institute. This visit provides an opportunity to see a large number of endangered giant pandas, both adults and cubs. We will also visit Chengdu's spice market, to check out the region's renowned fiery chillies. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Wuhou or similar Chengdu - Lhasa Today we fly from Chengdu to Lhasa. Upon arrival in Lhasa we check into our hotel for a three night stay. Accommodation: Brahmaputra Hotel or similar (B/L) Lhasa Enjoy a day of sightseeing in Lhasa, including the holy monastery of Drepung. Drepung was originally the largest and richest monastery in Tibet and housed the Nechung, the State Oracle. Then go on to the 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple, around which pilgrims follow the Barkhor, the holy path of transformation. Lining this circuit are fascinating shops, stalls and teahouses. Also visit a local Tibetan family. Accommodation: Brahmaputra Hotel or similar Lhasa Today we visit the imposing Potala Palace, once the centre of Tibetan government and the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Towering over the city is this enormous building which is 13 storeys high and has thousands of rooms, chapels, shrines and statues. It is one of architectural wonders of the world. Later we explore Norbulinka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, a pleasant park containing small palaces and chapels. Then take a visit to the famous Sera Monastery, dating back to the 15th century. Accommodation: Brahmaputra Hotel or similar (B) Lhasa - Xining Transfer to the train station for our overnight train to Xining on board the 'Lhasa Express', travelling across the Tibetan Plateau.

4 Please note that for this overnight train journey there will be four passengers to a cabin (quad berth with two upper bunks and two lower bunks). Accommodation: Overnight on the train (L/D) Xining - Xian This morning we arrive in Xining from our overnight train journey. If time permits we will have a brief orientation tour of Xining, before transferring to the airport for our flight to Xian. Upon arrival in Xian we transfer to our hotel. Accommodation: Golden Flower by Shangri-La Hotel or similar Xian This morning we will walk along the massive Xian City Wall, one of the best preserved in China. We will also visit the famed Bell Tower that marks the geographical centre of the ancient capital. This is followed by a visit to the excavated Terracotta Warriors and Horses, buried over 2000 years ago to guard the tomb of the first Emperor of China. The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a water well. This discovery prompted Chinese archaeologists to investigate, revealing the largest pottery figurine group ever found in China. In addition to the warriors, an entire necropolis built for the Emperor was found surrounding the Emperor s tomb. This evening we will enjoy a traditional Dumpling Banquet. Accommodation: Golden Flower by Shangri-La Hotel or similar (B/D) Xian - Beijing Today we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing we will visit Tiananmen Square. Look across the vast space to the Great Hall of the People and stand before the massive Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace) Gate bearing a huge portrait of Mao Zedong, who stood here to proclaim the People's Republic of China on 1st October Later we visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors, for the good of the Empire, carried out the most important sacrifices and ceremonies of the year. Set in a huge park planted with conifers, the beautiful blue tiled buildings here represent the epitome of Ming architecture. Afterwards we transfer to our hotel for a three night stay. Accommodation: Lijingwan International Hotel or similar Beijing This morning we visit the Forbidden City, as the former imperial palace is called, where the magnificent marble courtyards, huge halls, gilded temples and ornate pavilions frequented by the emperors and their families are now open for us to view. This is followed by a rickshaw tour of Beijing's old Hutong District, a fascinating maze of narrow alleys, with old houses and hidden courtyards, where people who live and work here welcome us into their homes. Tonight enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Dinner. Accommodation: Lijingwan International Hotel or similar Beijing Going north this morning we will pace the ramparts of China's famed Great Wall, originally constructed over 2000 years ago to keep invaders from the north at bay. Returning to the city, visit the Summer Palace, the famed pleasure gardens of the Qing Emperors. Beautiful ornamental plantings, languid willows and painted pavillions surround a scenic lake, across which are enchanting views to the pagoda-capped Jade Spring Hill and the mountains beyond. Accommodation: Lijingwan International Hotel or similar

5 (B) Beijing - Shanghai - Australia Today we have a late morning transfer to the airport for our flights home. Melbourne passengers depart Beijing at 1.55pm on MU 271, arriving in Shanghai at 3.55pm. Melbourne passengers then depart Shanghai at 8.15pm on flight MU 737, arriving in Melbourne at 9am the next morning ( ). Sydney passengers depart Beijing at 3.50pm on MU 727, arriving in Sydney at 9.30am the next morning ( this flight goes via Nanjing). Note: This tour is not suitable for passengers who have mobility or health problems due to the amount of travelling and walking involved on this tour (including many steps). It is common for passengers to suffer from some form of altitude sickness whilst in Tibet. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before travelling.

6 Conditions for Macleay Valley Travel's Best of China with Yangtze River Cruise and Tibet Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel. The balance is payable in full 8 weeks prior to departure. Refunds and Cancellations - Cancellations after final payment will result in a refund limited to whatever we can recoup from the airline. Insurance - Adequate travel insurance is essential. We can arrange this for you if desired. Macleay Valley Travel offers Suresave Travel Insurance. Please note that we can only process your travel insurance when we have received full payment for the insurance and the signed Suresave Travel Insurance application form, located on the last page of the Suresave Travel Insurance information booklet. Until this time the travel insurance cannot be processed and will not be valid. Macleay Valley Travel will bare no responsibility for any consequences that may occur as a result of an incomplete insurance application. Passports - All travellers require a current passport with at least 6 months left on it at the end of the tour. Non- Australian passport holders require a re-entry visa for Australia. Visas are required for all Australian passport holders to China. The Visa cost for Australian passport holders are included in the tour cost. Basic Tour Price and Taxes - Air taxes and fuel levies are included in the basic tour price if the tour is paid in full on or before the due date on the final invoice. Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to charge for any increase in air taxes and fuel levies if the tour is not paid in full by the due date. Not Included in the Cost - Travel insurance and all items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, excess baggage, tips, meals (except those specified in the itinerary), etc. are not included in the cost. Similarly, credit card payments (Visa / MasterCard) can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies. Breakaway Fee - All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee. The breakaway fee for most deviations including a post-tour extension on this tour is $195 per person. Please inquire with our office for prices on any pre-tour extensions. Booking through other Agents - As we keep the cost of our tours as low as possible, there is insufficient margin for us to be able to pay commission to other travel agents, so some bookings can only be accepted if the client pays the other agent's commission. We are happy for any prospective traveller with us to check us out with your local Consumer Affairs (fair trading) department. Accreditation - Macleay Valley Travel is a fully accredited travel agency under the AFTA (Australian Federation of Travel Agents) ATAS - AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme. As such, you are assured of a consumer focused and quality assured business, ensuring professional conduct and ethical business practices. We are happy for any prospective traveller with us to check us out with your local Consumer Affairs (Fair Trading) department. Health and Fitness -Macleay Valley Travel recommends that the passenger is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in this tour. Persons with a disability requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a companion. Macleay Valley Travel and their representatives cannot provide this service. Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to accept/decline or terminate a passenger's participation in the tour under certain circumstances. Macleay Valley Travel is legally not permitted to provide medical advice as to vaccinations/injections which you may require for this tour and advise you to consult your local medical practitioner for specific medical advice. There are no compulsory injections required for this tour. Limitation of Liability - As Macleay Valley Travel acts only as agent for the Airlines, Hotels, Coach Companies etc., providing accommodation, transportation and other services, Macleay Valley Travel shall not be liable or responsible for death or injury to any person or loss or damage to any property including baggage arising out of or connection with any transportation, accommodation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of Government or other authorities, de jure or defacto wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays or cancellations caused by changes in schedules or itinerary, or over bookings or defaults or for any causes beyond Macleay Valley Travel's control or any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents and neither Macleay Valley Travel, and its servants or employees shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of the foregoing causes. Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to modify the itinerary or the accommodation if circumstances make this necessary, provided that the amended itinerary is of equal value or greater value than that of the original program.

7 MACLEAY VALLEY TRAVEL - BOOKING FORM PLEASE PRINT DETAILS CLEARLY IN BLOCK LETTERS AND ALSO A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT MUST BE SENT WITH BOOKING FORM Name of Tour : Departure Date: Passenger 1 (as written in passport) Title: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss. Dr. Age: Date of Birth: Passenger 2 (as written in passport) Title: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss. Dr. Age: Date of Birth: Postal Address: PostCode Telephone / Fax Number: Mobile Passport Number: Expiry Date: Passport Number: Expiry Date: Passport Nationality: Passport Nationality (Passport must have 6 months validity from the time of tour completion) Single room / Twin beds / Double bed: (Room type is subject to availability) Circle which airport you wish to depart from: SYDNEY / MELBOURNE Do you have any existing medical conditions?: Special Dietary Needs: Optional Extensions: Would you like to receive details of our travel insurance?: YES / NO (Please Circle) In case of emergency, please notify : Name: Relationship: Address: Phone Number: Please return this sheet with your non-refundable deposit of $400 per person. DECLARATION. I have read and understand fully the booking conditions and I accept them. Signature: Date: A copy of passport is required to verify spelling of name; If this is not provided and the information we have for the airline is incorrect and ticket is issued, then the airline will charge a reissue fee.