Classic China

 

Beijing	3 nights
Xi'an	2 nights
Hangzhou	2 nights
Shanghai	2 nights
Guilin	2 nights

CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION - see price grid below

14 days from £1750  

excluding international flights

DAY 1 - Depart UK.

Recommended flight from London: British Airways from London Heathrow (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 – Arrive Beijing.  Hutongs tour by cycle rickshaw.

On arrival in Beijing in the morning you will be met by a representative of World Discovery outside immigration and customs. You will then be taken by private car direct to your hotel.  Enjoy some leisure time and maybe a short sleep after your long flight, and then in the late afternoon your guide will collect you from your hotel for a tour by cycle rickshaw through the narrow streets, or hutongs, of Old Beijing, including a visit to a local family home.

DAY 3 – The Forbidden City.  Temple of Heaven.

In the morning visit Tiananmen Square before passing through the Gates of Celestial Peace to enter the astonishing Forbidden City of the Chinese Emperors [more].  In the afternoon continue to the exquisite Temple of Heaven [more].
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 4 – The Great Wall.  Ming Tombs.

Full day excursion to see one of mankind's greatest achievements - the Great Wall of China.  A visit is also included to the Ming Tombs [more].  In the evening there is the option of sampling a sumptuous Peking Duck Banquet.
Meals included:  Full breakfast.

DAY 5 – Summer Palace.  Fly to Xi'an.

Morning excursion to the Summer Palace of the Chinese Emperors beside Kunming Lake [more]. In the afternoon fly to Xi'an, capital of China under the Tang, Sung and Ming dynasties.  Enjoy a gentle introduction to this historic city with a late afternoon guided walk along the ancient City Wall (you may choose to do this excursion by bicycle or electric car).
Meals included:  Full breakfast.

DAY 6 – The Terracotta Warriors.

Full day excursion to the site of the incredible Terracotta Warriors [more].  In the evening there is the option of attending the famous Tang Dynasty Dance performance with dinner.
Meals included:  Full breakfast.

DAY 7 - Xi'an.  Fly to Hangzhou.

After breakfast discover the highlights of the Old City of Xi'an [more]. In the afternoon fly to Hangzhou, another former imperial capital which was also southern terminus of the ancient Grand Canal.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 8 - Hangzhou.

According to the old Chinese proverb "In Heaven there is paradise, on earth Hangzhou".  Despite the high-rise modern city that has expanded in recent years, much of the traditional beauty of this garden-city remains today, especially in the form of the Xi Hu or West Lake (pictured left) around which the city curls.  A day of sightseeing is included [more].
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 9 - Wuzhen.  Continue to Shanghai.

Step back into the past with a visit to the canal town of Wuzhen, which still retains its traditional wooden waterside houses, arched stone bridges and narrow cobblestone streets, and is famed for its local handicrafts.  You will visit this pretty town, enjoy lunch and take a boat ride on the canals before continuing by road to China's largest and most cosmopolitan city, Shanghai.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

DAY 10 - Shanghai.

Morning tour of Old Shanghai [more].  The afternoon is free to explore the city, perhaps walking along the famous 'Bund' waterfront with its elegant colonial architecture, or shopping in busy Nanjing Road.  In the evening there is the option of enjoying a Dim Sum Banquet and Acrobatics Show.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 11 - Shanghai.  Fly to Guilin. 

The morning is free.  In the afternoon fly to Guilin, with its backdrop of bizarre yet beautiful mountains that bring to life the classic scenery celebrated on Chinese scrolls.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 12 - Cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo .

In the morning board your boat for a cruise on the scenic Li River [more].  Return to Guilin by road in the late afternoon.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

DAY 13 – Guilin sightseeing.  Depart for home.

Morning visit to Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill [more].  In the evening transfer to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong to connect with your international flight home.
Meals included:  Full breakfast.

DAY 14 - Arrive home.

Arrive London Heathrow in the morning. 

International Flights.

We recommend the direct services of British Airways from London Heathrow to Beijing, returning from Hong Kong.  Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Beijing. Depart at 16.35; arrive Beijing at 09.30 (next day)
Hong Kong/Heathrow. Depart at 11.00; arrive Heathrow at 16.25

Classic China (Tour Reference: WDCH003)
2010/2011 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures	Standard Hotels	Superior Hotels
2010
Sep, Oct	£2395	£2565
Nov	£1920	£2315
Dec (see note below)	£1750	£2090
2011
Jan, Feb, Dec (see note below)	£1820	£2175
Mar	£1930	£2290
Apr, May, Sep, Oct	£2160	£2670
Jun to Aug, Nov	£1996	£2410

Departures in January, February and December: Whilst we are pleased to organise your China holiday during the winter months it should be pointed out that weather conditions (particularly in Beijing and Xi'an) can be severe, with very cold temperatures and the likelihood of snow.  On the other hand, there are occasionally days of clear skies and sunshine, and the tourist attractions are far less crowded.

Standard Hotels
Beijing - Novotel Peace Hotel
Xi'an - Grand New World Hotel
Hangzhou - Lakeview Hotel
Shanghai - The Mayfair Hotel
Guilin - Guilin Park Hotel

Superior Hotels
Beijing - Raffles Hotel
Xi'an - Sofitel Hotel
Hangzhou - Shangri-La Hotel
Shanghai - Pudong Shangri-La
Guilin - Sheraton Hotel

Single Room Supplements on request

The price includes:

• Scheduled domestic flights between Beijing and Xi'an, Xi'an and Hangzhou, Shanghai and Guilin, and Guilin and Hong Kong, including airport taxes.
• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• 11 full breakfasts and 2 lunches as shown in the itinerary.
• Private transportation throughout.
• All sightseeing as shown (unless indicated as 'optional'), including entrance fees.
• Private English-speaking guides for included sightseeing.

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance.
• International airport taxes.
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter.
• Chinese visa. This must be obtained prior to departure from the United Kingdom. We recommend that you obtain your visa through CIBT in London - www.uk.cibt.com.

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 3 months before your departure date.