China in Style Tour

Travelling from south to north we take in the best of this country that is so delicately poised between rural and urban, ancient and modern. On this China tour, there's time to explore vibrant Hong Kong before we immerse ourselves in the picturesque karst scenery around Yangshuo. In Xi'an we explore the ancient walled city and visit the Terracotta Warriors which guard the tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang. We relax as we cruise in air-conditioned comfort along the Yangtse River through the famous landscape of the Three Gorges region. Beneath the skyscrapers of Shanghai we find contrasts in pace and technology everywhere, whilst in Beijing we explore different aspects of the city's Imperial past.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 12
Transfers: Airport transfer to hotel on day 1 and from hotel to airport on day 15
Staffing: Fully escorted by Imaginative Traveller Tour Leader , services of local guides at major sites and on the Yangtse cruise
Transport: Plane, private coach, boat on the Li River, air-conditioned cruise boat, taxi
Flights: Shenzhen to Guilin, Guilin to Xi'an, Xi'an to Chongqing, Yichang to Shanghai, Shanghai to Beijing.
Accommodation: 3 nights at the Beijing Grand Hotel, 8 nights in 4 star hotels, 3 nights air-conditioned Yangtse cruise boat.
Activities: Extensive walking at sites, optional countryside excursion in Yangshuo.
Meals: Included as per itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).
Entrance fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Local Payment: Must be paid in cash on day 1 of your tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Boat trip on the stunning Li River
• Countryside excursion in Yangshuo
• Spectacular Shanghai Acrobats and Beijing Opera
• Comfortable air-conditioned Yangtse cruise
• Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors
• Experience the energy of Shanghai
• Historic Beijing - Forbidden City and the Great Wall

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 2, HONG KONG – GUILIN: We transfer to Shenzhen airport for our flight to Guilin. On arrival perhaps take a stroll along the riverfront. (BD)

Day 3, GUILIN - YANGSHUO: We take a relaxing cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo, enjoying lunch whilst marvelling at the amazing karst scenery. The afternoon is free to explore the town, shop or relax. (BL)

Day 4, YANGSHUO: An excursion into the countryside passing through beautiful rural scenery with farmers working away in the fields and lovely old stone buildings. (BD)

Day 5, YANGSHUO - XI’AN: Free morning before a flight to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China. (BD)

Day 6, XI’AN: A morning visit to the Terracotta Warriors, dating back more than two thousand years, and originally built to protect the Emperor in the afterlife. In the afternoon we explore further the wealth of historic sites Xi’an has to offer. (BL)

Day 7, XI’AN – CHONGQING: A free morning to relax before we fly to Chongqing and settle into our cabins on our Yangtse cruise boat. (BD)

Days 8-9, YANGTSE CRUISE: Cruise the Yangtse in air-conditioned comfort. We pass through the spectacular Three Gorges section and enjoy daily excursions to visit places of local interest and beauty. (BLD)

Day 10, YICHANG - SHANGHAI: Disembark and visit the impressive dam site, then transfer to Yichang for our flight to Shanghai. This evening there’s the chance to stroll along the Bund - evocative of the city’s glorious heyday, and still its main attraction. (BL)

Day 11, SHANGHAI: A tour of some of Shanghai’s amazing attractions, giving an insight into historical and contemporary life. There will also be some free time for you to explore sites of your own special interest. In the evening we visit the incredible Shanghai Acrobats. (BLD)

Day 12, SHANGHAI – BEIJING: Fly to Beijing where we stay at the Beijing Grand Hotel, in rooms with stunning views over the Forbidden City. In the afternoon we visit the Summer Palace – holiday resort of the Qing Emperors. In the evening we enjoy a lavish Beijing Opera performance. (BD)

Day 13, BEIJING: This morning we stroll across to the Forbidden City for our guided tour of this incredible complex and the nearby Tiananmen Square. The afternoon is free to follow your own interests. (BL)

Day 14, BEIJING: A day excursion to a unique section of the Great Wall, possibly the highpoint of a trip full of highlights. (B)

Day 15, BEIJING: Transfer to Beijing airport. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You're drawn to exotic destinations but want to appreciate them in style. These trips stay in the finest accommodation with a high level of comfort.

Maximum Group Size - 12: You've travelled a fair bit but you are still looking for rewarding experiences. Price is not quite as important as it used to be and comfort is a little bit more important. You don't like throwing your money away but you do appreciate quality. Maybe you'd like the opportunity to revisit some favourite places or maybe you'd like to see somewhere new. Welcome to the next level.
Single Supplement: Compulsory for all single travellers.
Please Note: Single supplements do not apply on any overnight boats and trains. [Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]