The Grand Tour

19 days from US$2,642.40 

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Day 1 - Arrive Beijing

On arrival into Beijing and after completing all necessary Customs and Immigration formalities you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to Novotel / Mercure Beijing or similar where you will spend three nights.

Novotel	Mercure

Day 2 - Beijing
A delightful day is spent visiting some of the sights of Beijing. The Forbidden City, home to two dynasties of Emperors spanning 500 years, Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the architectural wonders of the Temple of Heaven. (B/L)

Day 3 - Beijing
Today, the highlight for many a visitor to Beijing a visit to The Great Wall at Badaling, undoubtedly one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world. There will also be time for a visit to the Silk Market where negotiation skills are put to the test as you seek out bargains before returning to Beijing where there will be time to freshen up before departing for a 'Legends of Kung Fu' performance. (B/L)

Day 4 - Beijing / Xi'an

This morning you will depart to visit the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside of Tibet – The Lama Temple, then a visit to the 'Hutongs' the local residential area by Pedi cab or rickshaw where you will get an interesting glimpse into the lives of the traditional Beijing citizens. This evening enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Dinner. After dinner you will be transferred to Beijing railway station for your onward night train to Xi'an. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Xi'an
On arrival in the morning, your China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to visit to the Big Goose Pagoda and the ancient City Wall, then go to Mercure / Holiday Inn Xi'an or similar where you will spend two nights. (B/L)

Mercure	Holiday Inn

Day 6 - Xi'an
Today you will depart for the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of China’s top historical sites. Here you will see the magnificent Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang which has been painstakingly restored by archaeologists. Then you will get the opportunity to have a go at making some Chinese dumplings followed by lunch. On returning to your hotel there will be some free time. In the evening you will get the opportunity to sample a Chinese dumpling banquet and a performance of a Tang Dynasty Cultural Show. (B/L/D)

Day 7 - Xi'an / Chengdu

After breakfast at your hotel you will visit the Great Mosque and the Muslim snack street. After lunch you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Chengdu. On arrival, your friendly China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to Enjoyable Stars Hotel  or similar where you will spend two nights. (B/L)

Day 8 - Chengdu
This morning a visit to the Panda Breeding base. Here you will not only be able to observe these wonderful creatures but also learn about their habitat and the conservation efforts. This evening a visit to a Sichuan Opera to learn about this art, including make-up and dress, followed by a performance. (B/L/D)

Day 9 - Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Jiuzhaigou. On arrival a visit to Huanglong National Park and afterwards you will be transferred to Junyue Hotel or similar for three nights. There will be some free time for the evening to allow you to acclimatise to the high altitude. (B/L)

Days 10 & 11 - Jiuzhaigou
Two full days visiting the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. This scenic spot actually consists of three major gullies, which were formerly the sites of nine stockaded villages of Tibetans from which derives the name Jiuzhaigou. Whilst visiting the Tibetan villages there will be the opportunity to shop in the markets for handicrafts of the local ethnic groups. On one evening enjoy a local Cultural show. (B/L/D)

Day 12 - Jiuzhaigou / Chongqing

We move on today with your flight to Chongqing. On arrival, transfer to Wanyou Conifer Chongqing or similar in Chongqing. In the afternoon you will be free to explore at your own pace. (B/L)

Day 13 - Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise
A morning tour of the sights and sounds of this bustling city. After lunch, some free time to explore. In the evening, enjoy some dinner before being transferred to the pier to join your cruise along the mighty Yangtze River. (B/L/D)

Days 14 & 15 - Yangtze Cruise
Two days to relax, enjoy your cruise and take in the varying scenery. Dependent on the weather, there will be shore excursions to Fengdu or Shibaozhai and Shennong Stream or Daning River. (B/L/D)

Day 16 - Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai

This morning you will visit the Three Gorges Dam site before continuing on to Yichang where your cruise ends. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai where your local China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to Holiday Inn / Novotel Shanghai or similar for three nights. (B/L)

Holiday Inn	Novotel

Day 17 - Shanghai
After breakfast at your hotel you will depart for a full day tour of Shanghai. Your day will include a visit to the Yu Gardens; the Old Chinatown and of course the Bund. Then over to Pudong to visit the Jin Mao Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings, from where you will get a remarkable view of the city of Shanghai. In the evening enjoy a visit to an acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 18 - Shanghai
A day at leisure to explore this Cosmopolitan city at your own pace, or maybe partake of some shopping! (B)

Day 19 - Depart Shanghai
Today you farewell Shanghai and China. Your guide will accompany you to Longyang Road Station to board the high-speed Maglev train to Pudong International Airport, with this exhilarating ride taking just under 8 minutes. (B)

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