Itinerary for: A China Experience (WWACE)
| China | Shanghai |
| Wuzhen | Xian |
| Beijing | Great Wall |
| Forbidden City |
Days 1-2 : UK – Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’ and transfer to the hotel before our welcome dinner of traditional Shanghai cuisine.
Day 3 : Wuzhen day tour
Travel by coach to the ancient canal town of Wuzhen where we enjoy a leisurely stroll to absorb the atmosphere of this centuries-old Chinese town. Home to an intricate system of canals, old wooden waterside houses, arch stone bridges, narrow cobblestone streets and an abundance of local handicrafts, Wuzhen is renowned for its old-world charm and picturesque setting. We visit the Taoist Temple, which was the former residence of Mao Dun, a master of contemporary Chinese literature and browse through little stores. Return to Shanghai.
Day 4 : Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We also walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings. Later we indulge in some shopping along Nanjing Road. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River, where the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong come face-to-face.
Day 5 : Xian
Enjoy the morning at leisure before flying to the former ancient capital of Xian. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 6 : Xian
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.
Day 7 : Xian – Beijing
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also walk through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. Later, fly to Beijing and visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 8 : Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.
Day 9 : Beijing
Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate the history of China’s most iconic attraction and then tour the exquisite Summer Palace.
Day 10 : Beijing – UK
Transfer to Beijing Airport and fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day filled with many happy memories.
Dossier – A China Experience
For
a brief introduction to China or for visitors with limited time
available, our China Experience tour is the perfect choice as it covers
the essentials of China in one concise and memorable programme.
Visiting such icons as the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, the
Terracotta Warriors in Xian as well as the Great Wall and Forbidden
City in Beijing; we also have time to explore the charming, ancient
canal town of Wuzhen.
Accommodation
All of our hotels chosen for our China Experience program have been
specially selected to meet our customers’ needs. Each property is
mainly three star, with some four star and each room consisting of a
private en-suite and air conditioning.
Transport
We have specially planned the travel modes of this itinerary, with
comfort and enjoyment in mind. You will encounter mostly coach travel
in a luxurious air conditioned bus, domestic flights from Shanghai to
Xian and Xian to Beijing. This allows you to experience the many sights
and sounds of China in different ways!
Tour Grade
This
is a comfortable tour, designed for those with a basic fitness level,
however there are activities planned for every day and a good level of
fitness will grant you the opportunity to make the most of your trips.
Yangtze River Cruise Extension
As
an extension to the Glories of China tour, you can add the 5 day cruise
along the Yangtze River. The cruise begins in Wuhan and disembarks in
Chongqing. The cruise vessel used for the Yangtze River is 5 decks high
and facilities include air-conditioning, western en-suites in each room
and outside windows, enabling us to view the spectacular scenery along
the river.
Cultural differences
We
wish you to embark on this tour with a level of tolerance, patience and
understanding that the areas to which you are travelling are remote and
conditions are not as developed as those that we are used to. You will
encounter traffic jams, terrible road conditions, unclean public areas
and at times experience poor English & poor service in some of the
regional hotels. You will however be richly rewarded by means of
experiencing abundant culture, historic landmarks and a journey filled
with legend, magic and wonders of the ancient world.
Health
You
do not need a health certificate to enter China, however we strongly
advise you seek the advice of your doctor or a travelers’ vaccination
centre before travelling. We recommend a Hepatitis A injection, Malaria
tablets and medication for headaches, stomach upsets etc.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Please consult with your travel agent in regards to your insurance needs.
Money Matters
In
China the local currency is called Renmimbi. Its basic units are yuan,
jiao and fen in which 1.00yaun = 10jiao=100fen. It is similar to
the British system where £1=100pence. The exchange rate is
approximately £1.00 = 14 yuan. You can change any remaining yuan back
into British currency before you leave China provided that you still
have the original exchange receipt.
Introduced by a large number of American
tourists, tipping is compulsory in the Chinese tourism industry today.
A sum of no more than £50 per person is required to be given to your
National Escort when you first arrive in China, to enable him/her to do
the necessary tipping for you during the whole tour, including local
guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff. When a porter delivers
your luggage to your room, it is a good idea to have about 2.00 yuan
(£0.15p) or 3.00 yuan (£0.20p) handy for him.
Meals
All
meals are included our China program. Breakfast is a combination of
local and western dishes, usually served in a buffet style. Lunch and
dinner are always traditional banquets.
Visas
Your
Chinese visa is included in the tour cost for British passport holders.
Each tour member will be given a visa form and instruction guide after
booking. Simply complete the form, attach a passport sized photo and
forward it to our office for visa processing with your passport. The
additional cost for non British passport holders is £50.00.
Packing List
We
will forward each tour member with a detailed packing list and general
information, closer to your departure to prepare you for your Chinese
adventure!
For any further queries, please contact Global Coach Tours
Dubai Extension - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from Dubai Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)
Day 3: Dubai
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)
Day 4: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
Marco Polo Hotel (3 star) from £260pp
Traders Hotel (4 star) from £290pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers (5 star) from £390pp
Price from £ 260.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £420
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Emirates Extension - 5D/4N
Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from Dubai Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. (B)
Day 3: Sharjah
The Emirate of Sharjah is regarded as the cultural centre of the Middle East. Visit the Natural History Museum, the corniche with the golden Al Majara Souk, Al Naboodah House, the Al Arsa Souk and the Central Souk with its vast selection of carpets, antiques and curios. Return to Dubai later in the day. (B)
Day 4: Abu Dhabi
Capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan metropolis rising out of the sand. Visit the beautiful corniche - the focal point of the city, dhow building yards, palaces and the Petroleum Museum for an insight into the industry that has transformed the UAE. Return to Dubai later in the day. (B)
Day 5: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
Marco Polo Hotel (3 star) from £460pp
Traders Hotel (4 star) from £490pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers (5 star) from £640pp
Price from £ 460.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £210
Sole passenger price from £670
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Expo Extension - 2D/1N
The World Expo 2010 in Shanghai is the chance for China to bring the world home, and the world to feel at home in China. The city will be turned into a centre for exhibitions, events and forums along the Expo theme, 'Better City, Better Life'. It hopes to build a powerful and lasting example of sustainable and harmonious urban living. The Expo will take place from 01 May 2010 – 31 October 2010
Day 1: Shanghai Expo
Transfer from your hotel to the Shanghai Expo. Enjoy the day experiencing the sights and sounds of this extravaganza with pavilions constructed by countries from all four corners of the globe. Your entrance
ticket is included and your exploration of the Expo site will be at your own leisure. Later, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 2: Depart Shanghai
Transfer from your hotel to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Price from £ 190.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £60
Sole passenger price from £280
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hainan Island & Hong Kong - 7D/6N
Day 1: Arrive Sanya
Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Days 2-3: Sanya
Spend two days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)
Day 4: Sanya – Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Arrive in Hong Kong and transfer to your hotel. (B)
Days 5-6: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market and Aberdeen Fishing Village. The afternoon and the following day are at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)
Day 7: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £760pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £790pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon (4+ star) from £890pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £890pp
Price from £ 760.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £360
Sole passenger price from £1,130
Includes: domestic flight & taxes, accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hainan Island - 6D/5N
Day 1: Arrive Sanya
Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay. Hainan Island is located off the southern coast of China and lying at a similar latitude to Hawaii. The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of between 22-26 ºC. (B)
Days 2-5: Sanya
Spend the next four days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. Visit the Tropical Wildlife Park which is home to the 'Macaque' monkey, experience the many watersports on offer such as snorkelling, water-skiing and parasailing or play a round of golf. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)
Day 6: Depart Sanya
Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Information:
Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay
With its beachfront location, this tropical delight has all modern amenities. Facilities at the hotel include Café Trio with its open concept kitchens and poolside setting serving Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisine, a Thai restaurant and a Seafood restaurant. The Havana Bar features tapas, exotic cocktails and live music. There is also a pool bar and a lobby lounge. Other facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, fi tness centre, Tea Tree Spa with sauna and jacuzzi and a gift shop. The hotel boasts 463 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV with DVD player, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and a safe deposit box.
Price from £ 460.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £390
Sole passenger price from £790
Includes: accommodation, local transportation and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Extension - 4D/3N
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Hong Kong
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £260pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £290pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon (4+ star) from £390pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £390pp
Price from £ 260.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £420
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Lantau Island - 4D/3N
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Lantau Island
Travel by ferry across the Victoria Harbour to Silvermine Bay and visit beautiful Cheung Sha beach. This is followed by Tai O Fishing Village, where many homes are built on stilts. Then travel by coach to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery where you will enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Later, visit the culturally themed Ngong Ping Village before ending the day with a spectacular ride aboard the Skyrail cable car. (B,L) If the cable car is cancelled due to poor weather or any other reason, alternative transportation will be arranged.
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £350pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £380pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon (4+ star) from £480pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £480pp
Price from £ 350.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £510
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance feels and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Macau - 4D/3N
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Macau
Transfer to the port for a hydrofoil ride across the Pearl River Estuary to Macau. Visit the sights of this former Portuguese colony including the ruins of the St. Paul Church, Ama Temple and Macau Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be the opportunity to visit one of the local casinos for which Macau is famous (minimum age 18). Return by hydrofoil to Hong Kong. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £370pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £400pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon(4+ star) from £500pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £500pp
Price from £ 370.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £530
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Shopping - 4D/3N
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Days 2-3: Hong Kong
Enjoy a two day shopping tour (5 hours per day) including Chinese Dim Sum lunches at local restaurants. During the two days, visit the Horizon Plaza, Aberdeen, Porcelain and Jewellery factories, Stanley Market, Jade Market and the Ladies’ Market. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £390pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £420pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon (4+ star) from £520pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £520pp
Price from £ 390.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £550
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
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