Snapshot of China
Summary
This tour is perfect for the first time visitor to China who wants a varied itinerary encompassing some of the country’s greatest sights. In addition to the jewels of Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai, the highlight of this itinerary has to be the three night cruise on the Yangtze River, where the magnificent limestone cliffs rise from the flooded valley floor.
Duration |
12 Days
Price
From £2,875.00 per person based on two people sharingBest time to go
Generally speaking, the best months to visit China are in the spring or autumn months of April, May, September and October as temperatures are warm and it is fairly dry.
Day 1: UK Departure
Overnight flight to Beijing.
Day 2: Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing (BB)
Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to the Shangri-La Hotel where you will spend your first three nights. Based in China’s capital, you will be immediately immersed in the culture of the country. While modern development has had a noticeable effect on the city in the form of bright lights and skyscrapers, elements of traditional China can still be felt in aspects of the architecture, creating a sense of the coming together of old and new.
Day 3: Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing (HB)
After a good night’s sleep embark on a full day tour of Beijing. The tour will take you to a whole host of different sights and attractions, allowing you to see the best that China’s capital has to offer. Highlights of the tour include taking a stroll through Tiananmen Square, visiting the vast ensemble of lakes and gardens at the Summer Palace, the Palace Museum at Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of architecture.
Day 4: Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing (FB)
No trip to China would be complete without a trip to the Great Wall so on your fourth day that’s where you’ll be heading. Specifically, you’ll visit the Badaling section which is the best-preserved part of the wall, allowing you to truly appreciate this iconic landmark and its cultural significance. Following on from the Great Wall you’ll then visit the Ming Tomb at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, giving you the chance to learn more about China’s history.
Day 5: Golden Flower Hotel, Xi'an (BB)
On your fifth day, you’ll fly to Xi’an and stay for two nights at the Golden Flower Hotel. Once the capital of China, today Xi’an is the capital of the Shaanxi province. The area is one with much cultural and historical significance, as you’ll soon find out for yourself, in fact, it has even earned itself the title of the ‘Natural History Museum’ due to the abundance of important relics and sites it homes.
Day 6: Golden Flower Hotel, Xi'an (HB)
On day six you’ll enjoy a full day city tour of Xi’an. The tour packs so much in, with highlights including, but not limited to, the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Great Mosque, the Wild Goose Pagoda and the Muslim Quarter. By the end of the tour, you’ll have had the chance to experience even more of China’s culture as well as view some wonderful sights.
Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise (FB)
Next, you’ll fly to Chongqing and board the Yangtze River cruise. The route between Chongqing and Yichang is by far the most travelled section of the Yangtze, and for good reason. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to take in some magnificent scenery and the structural brilliance of the Three Gorges Dam.
Days 8 & 9: Yangtze River Cruise (FB)
Enjoy two days sailing down the Yangtze River, marvelling at the stunning and dramatic scenery while also enjoying the luxuries that the cruise ship has to offer. The cruise has to be one of the highlights of this itinerary, giving you the chance to view the incredible limestone cliffs.
Day 10: Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, Shanghai (BB)
Disembark from the cruise in Yichang and fly to Shanghai, where you'll spend your final two nights at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel. As the world's eighth largest city, Shanghai stands as the epitome of China's spectacular economic growth. Once a city of nightclubs and French villas, today Shanghai is a bustling cosmopolitan city full of dazzling sights and sounds, which you'll quickly be swept up in.
Day 11: Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, Shanghai (HB)
The final day includes a full day sightseeing tour of Shanghai. You’ll have the chance to take in some of Shanghai’s greatest sights and discover even more of China’s culture. Highlights of the tour include the Bund waterfront, the Shanghai Museum, a visit to Old Town, the classical Yu Gardens and the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai’s few active Buddhist monasteries.
Day 12: Departure (BB)
Depart on daytime flight to the UK.
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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities as specified, local English speaking guides throughout
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling at peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.