China Highlights Tour - Itinerary
Day 1: London/Beijing
Begin your tour by taking a non-stop British Airways or Air China flight from London Heathrow Airport for Beijing.
Day 2: Beijing
Arrive in the morning, met by Cultural Tours representative and transferred to 4* Novotel Xinqiao Hotel. Relax for the rest of the day.
Day 3: Beijing
Take an excursion to see the Great Wall and Ming Tombs. Undulating far off into the distance, see the magnificent Great Wall, the only man made object visible from the moon, wind its way along ridges of the Northern Hills.
Visit the Ming Tombs, designed and selected by Emperors during their reign. Accessible only by “The Sacred Way” a road branching off the route to the Great Wall which was forbidden to all but the Emperors' funeral cortege. (B,L)
Day 4: Beijing
Visit the Imperial Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and Tian An Men Square. See this abiding symbol of traditional China and walk through the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, right in the heart of Beijing. Steeped in historic majesty, stroll in the Summer Palace which lies northwest of the world's largest public square, Tian An Men Square. Nearby is the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of 15th century architecture where every year, on the eve of the Winter solstice, the Emperor would perform sacrificial rituals in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. (B,L)
Day 5: Beijing/Xi'an
Depart Beijing by air to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China under 11 dynasties, and the starting point of the renowned Silk Road. On arrival, meet and transfer to 4* Grand New World Hotel. (B)
Day 6: Xi'an
A day excursion to tomb of Qin Shi Huang, where eight thousand of life-size terra cotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1979, this sight is certain to take your breath away. Also visit the Hua Qing Hot Springs, a favourite resort of Emperors and the famous Wild Goose Pogoda. (B,L)
Day 7: Xi'an/Guilin
Leave Xi'an by air for Guilin, a city of unique beauty in China. On arrival meet and transfer to 4* Bravo Hotel. Afternoon free. (B)
Day 8: Guilin/Shanghai (Hong Kong Extension see below)
Enjoy a relaxing cruise with lunch on the Li River, amidst the natural beauty of mist shrouded crags and bamboo groves which inspired painters and poets alike over the centuries. Take an evening flight to Shanghai. On arrival transfer to 5* New Jinjiang Tower. (B,L)
Day 9: Shanghai
Visit the world class Museum of Art and History. Also visit the famous Jade Buddha Temple and Yuyuan Garden. There is a chance to stroll on the lively Bund and busy shopping area of Nanjing Road. (B,L)
Day 10: Shanghai/London
Transfer for flight back to London by Virgin Atlantic or British Airways. Arrive at London Heathrow the same afternoon. (B)
Hong Kong Extension
Day 8: Guilin/Hong Kong
After Li River Cruise, transfer for an evening flight to Hong Kong. Make your own way to City Garden Hotel. (B,L)
Day 9: Hong Kong
Free time for shopping and sightseeing, allowing for further opportunity to explore this boisterous, exciting and colourful metropolis.
Day 10: Hong Kong/London
Another whole day to do as you wish, before taking your British Airways or Virgin Atlantic evening flight home.
Day 11: London
Arrive at London Heathrow in the morning.
Key:
- B = Breakfast included
- L = Lunch included
- D = Dinner included