What the tariff includes:
Airport transfers in China, all transportation in China as per the itinerary, twin sharing accommodation in 4 & 5 star hotels as indicated with full breakfast, excursions as indicated, meals as indicated, twin sharing cabins on board Yangtze Cruise vessel, services of local English speaking guides, pre-tour information pack.
What the tariff does not include:
International flights (Please enquire if you require assistance), travel and cancellation insurance, visa fees, (approximately £60.50), optional excursions, meals as shown on the programme, tips to guides and drivers, incidental expenditure and personal items.
The Heart of Chinese Culture with A visit to the Birthplace of Confucius
Beijing – Mt Tai – Qufu – Guilin – Yangshuo – Shanghai
Here you visit both modern China and those corners of China where the rural scenery is timeless.
There is a keen revival of Confucianism in China – you will recall that the Confucian concept of ‘Harmony’ was a key theme in the magnificent opening ceremony at the recent Beijing Olympics. Also there has been a programme of opening ‘Confucius Institutes’ in major cities throughout the world which are centres for the promotion of Chinese language and culture.
This programme includes a visit to Shandong Province climbing one of China’s ‘holy’ mountains – Mt Tai (Daoist influence), where the Emperor came to perform important rituals and nearby ‘Qufu’ birthplace of Confucius.
We then fly to Southwest China to enjoy the unique scenery of Guilin and whereas often people just take a day trip to Yangshuo, where we have included an overnight stay.
This programme is suitable for pairs of travellers, family groups, or larger affinity groups.
Day 1
Depart London. Overnight on flight.
Day 2: Arrive Beijing
Meeting and transfer to Xiyuan Hotel, afternoon short sightseeing tour of Beijing including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Own arrangements for lunch and dinner.
Day 3: The Great Wall and Ming Tombs
After breakfast accompanied visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, return to Beijing passing the Olympic Park & also visit Summer Palace. Lunch at Great Wall. Own arrangements for dinner – suggest Beijing Duck.
Day 4: Beijing
Day free in Beijing – we recommend a visit to the ‘Hutong’ – the old quarter of Beijing, with its courtyard style houses, and where the most practical way to get around is bicycle or trishaw or the Temple of Heaven.
Main meals – own arrangements.
Day 5: Mt Tai
After breakfast transfer to the railway station for the train to Tai’an, the journey takes less than 4 hours (we suggest you take a packed lunch for the train or buy on board). On arrival in Tai’an you will be met and taken to Mt Tai –take the cable car to the summit (1,532m), to spend the night at the summit guesthouse Shen Qi Hotel (4 star). Dinner in hotel
Day 6: Mt Tai – Qu Fu
Early morning appointment with the sunrise at the summit of the Mt Tai, after breakfast, return to the foot of the mountain and drive to Qu fu. Lunch included. Afternoon visit the massive complex of the Confucius Mansion & Temple. Stay at the Queli Hotel – which is a comfortable 4 star hotel, the architectural style is traditional Chinese.
Day 7: Qu Fu - Jinan
In Qu Fu visit the burial ground of the Kong Clan – the heirs and family of Confucius situated in ancient woodland. Students of Chinese Calligraphy should visit the Forest of Steles – engraved stone tablets. Lunch included. In the afternoon drive to Jinan and stay at the 4 star Quan Cheng Hotel – own arrangements for dinner.
Day 8: Jinan – Guilin
Early departure from Jinan for Guilin Arrive Guilin, take lunch and transfer to Bravo Hotel. Afternoon sightseeing to Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Mountain.
Day 9: Guilin – Yangshuo
Take the boat along the Li River and view the characteristic karst scenery. Disembark at Yangshuo for an overnight stay in a local guesthouse – the Paradis Hotel. There is time for you to cycle in this engaging hamlet or simply to wander around. Spend the night in Yangshuo. Own arrangements for dinner.
Day 10: Yangshuo – Guilin – Shangha
i Day free in Yangshuo. In the late afternoon return by road to Guilin for the flight to Shanghai. Settle into the Salvo hotel and head for the Bund by night! Own arrangements for lunch and dinner.
Day 11: Shanghai
Spend the day in Shanghai – we suggest a half day accompanied tour with a local guide taking in the Yuyuan Garden, the Old City, the Temple of the Jade Buddha, the Bund and Pudong. In the afternoon, visit the Museum and Art Galleries on People’s Square (this can be done on your own). Own arrangements for lunch and dinner.
Day 12: Shanghai – Suzhou
Take a day trip to Suzhou by train. Accompanied transfer to the station and assistance in boarding the train. Arrive in Suzhou about 40minutes later, here you will be invited to take a boat ride along the Grand Canal. During your day in Suzhou you will also visit 2 of Suzhou’s famous Gardens and the Embroidery Institute or a Silk Reeling Factory (there are opportunities to acquire masses of reasonably priced silk articles for which the area is famous.) Lunch is included. Return to Shanghai in the late afternoon. Own arrangements for dinner.
Day 13: Depart Shanghai
An early breakfast, followed by a transfer to Pudong airport for the flight home, flights returning to Europe arrive on the same day.
Departure Dates 2009
Ex London Start Beijing
Cost pp 2-5 SRS | 6-9 SRS | 10+ SRS | ||
15 Mar 12 Apr 10 May 14 June 12 July 16 Aug 10 Sept 11 Oct |
16 Mar 13 Apr 11 May 15 June 13 July 17 Aug 11 Sept 12 Oct |
£1545/£350 £1628/£437 £1635/£445 £1590/£407 £1578/£392 £1578/£392 £1635/£483 £1635/ £483 |
£1285.00/£365 £1350.00/£420 £1355.00/£427 £1310.00/£395 £1345.00/£380 £1345.00/£380 £1400.00/£470 £1400.00/£470 |
£1105/£349 £1165/£385 £1175/£395 £1135/£355 £1125/£348 £1125/£348 £1205/£415 £1205/£415 |
SRS = Single room supplement
Prices are for land arrangements only – please let us know if you require assistance with international flight sectors.
Please also enquire if you wish to upgrade to the 5 Star Prime Hotel in Beijing.