Classic China Tour 2012

Classic China 2012

10 day tour from US$2999.00* 

 

Day 1

ARRIVE BEIJING (3 NIGHTS)

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, you’ll be taken directly to your luxurious hotel. Your Tour Director will be on hand to greet you and answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead.

Hotel: Ritz-Carlton Beijing (Deluxe)

 

Day 2

BEIJING SIGHTSEEING

Begin your visit to one of the world’s great capital cities with an exploration of the world’s largest public area—Tiananmen Square, home to the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the soaring Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes. Pass through the famed south gate to enter the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial palace for more than 500 years. Continue your contemplation of Chinese culture in the splendid Summer Palace and its lovely gardens. This evening, savor a traditional Welcome Dinner of Peking duck.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Welcome Dinner)

 

Day 3

BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - THE GREAT WALL

Travel outside the city and look down upon the Chinese countryside from your perch atop the Great Wall, which is actually a collection of fortifications built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century to repulse nomadic invaders like the Mongols. Then walk the Sacred Way past the tombs and memorials of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Back in Beijing, attend a lively show of acrobatics, kung fu and dance at the Red Theater.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

 

Day 4

BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - XI'AN (2 NIGHTS)

Begin your day by greeting the famed Chinese pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Then embark on a unique tour by rickshaw through the old section of the city (the Hutongs). In one of these atmospheric neighbourhoods, join a local family for a Be My Guest Lunch in their home. This afternoon, depart Beijing and fly to the city of Xi’an. Upon arrival, check in to your stylish hotel and enjoy a sumptuous Highlight Dinner of traditional dumplings at a local restaurant.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square (Deluxe)

 

Day 5

XI'AN SIGHTSEEING

The legendary army (nearly 7,000 strong) of Emperor Qin Shi Huang awaits you in his subterranean tomb. Marvel at the meticulously sculpted Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then get a panoramic view of the city from the old city wall, which protected Xi’an’s inhabitants from marauding invaders. This evening, step back in time at a special Tang Dynasty Highlight Dinner, complete with local delicacies, music and dancing.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Highlight Dinner)

 

Day 6

XI'AN - HANGZHOU (2 NIGHTS)

This morning depart Xi’an for gorgeous Hangzhou, which Marco Polo praised as being “the most charming and splendid city in the world.” Savor the charms of Lingyin Temple, the largest Buddhist monastery in the country, which at its peak in the 10th century housed more than 3,000 monks. On a guided tour, examine the temple’s collection of intricately carved statues, graceful architecture and lovely paintings.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake (Deluxe)

 

Day 7

HANGZHOU SIGHTSEEING

Rise early to watch the mist hovering over the watery expanses of West Lake, which measures nearly four square miles and is surrounded by forested mountains. This morning, head out on the water for a cruise of one of China’s natural treasures, marveling at the views of mountains, temples and islands. Later, visit a local Chinese tea plantation to learn about the importance of this traditional beverage in Chinese society. Then relax, sip a cup of fresh tea and soak up the atmosphere. This evening, you'll be mesmerized by “Impression West Lake,” a spectacular show of light, water and dance created by the choreographer of the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

 

Day 8

HANGZHOU - WUZHEN - SHANGHAI (2 NIGHTS)

Make your way by motorcoach to Shanghai by way of the port of Wuzhen, nicknamed the “Venice of the East” for its elaborate system of canals. As you travel through town, you may see one of the traditional rice wine distilleries, colorful blue silk drying in the sun and the picturesque covered boats that ply the waterways of this ancient town. Continue to China’s window to the future, the vibrant city of Shanghai, where you check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy dinner.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai (Deluxe)

 

Day 9

SHANGHAI SIGHTSEEING

Spend the day exploring one of the most exciting cities in the world. Your tour begins in the former international settlement of the Bund on the banks of the Huangpu River. Get a taste of Old Shanghai at the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, dedicated to preserving some of the rich traditions of the past. And rise above it all for a panoramic view of the city from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the tallest building in Asia. Enjoy a traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant. This evening, celebrate your last night in China with a performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

 

Day 10

DEPART SHANGHAI

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue your travelers with one of our popular optional extensions. (CB/BB)

 

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• Beijing Visit Tiananmen Square. Tour the Forbidden City. Explore the Summer Palace, China's best example of imperial garden design. Walk the Great Wall, wonder of the ancient world. Travel the Sacred Way. Experience an evening of kung fu, dance and acrobatics at the Red Theater. See the pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Explore the Hutongs by rickshaw.
• Xi an Explore the excavations of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Visit the City Wall. Attend a Tang Dynasty cultural show.
• Hangzhou Take a leisurely cruise on beautiful West Lake. Visit a tea plantation and learn about the significance of tea drinking in Chinese society. Enjoy the spectacular “Impression West Lake” show.
• Wuzhen Discover why this Chinese port is nicknamed “Venice of the East.”
• Shanghai Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Explore the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Attend a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats. Tour Old Town. Stroll the famed Bund waterfront promenade.

Dining Highlights

• 9 buffet breakfasts.
• 6 lunches.
• 5 dinners.
• Traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch in Shanghai.
• 2 Highlight Dinners in Xi'an.
• Welcome Dinner with wine in Beijing.
• Be My Guest Lunch in Beijing.

First Class Travel Highlights

• The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional Tour Directors.
• Qualified local English-speaking guides in each city.
• Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 10.
• Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.

Airport Transfers

• To view our full list of Airport Transfer policies please click here

 

Disclaimer
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe  SF: Superior First Class  F: First Class