China Splendor - 15D/14N

Beijing, Great Wall, Xi’an, Lhasa, Chengdu, Yangtze River, Three Gorges, Yichang, and Shanghai.

photo of the Great Wall, courtesy of Tourism Board of ChinaWalk in the footsteps of emperors past as you explore the imperial wonders of Beijing and marvel at the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an. Change the pace as you head to the roof of the world, then meet the famous giant panda. After spending your days admiring China’­s greatest scenic, historic and architectural wonders, cap your evenings off in comfortable hotels.

G.A.P. Adventures Tours
To emphasize our eco-friendly approach even more, we have elected to operate many programs with G.A.P. Adventures, a leader in eco tourism operation, committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike, working with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts. These adventures offer travelers a grassroots, small group adventure vacation, with a focus on culture, nature and active travel.

Comfort Tour
By day, dart around markets, explore the heritage sites and hike through the jungle to discover rare flora and fauna; by night, cozy up in a comfy bed or have a nice dinner with new found friends. Authentic experience doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Comfort is ideal for travelers looking for a little extra cushiness from their adventure, while maintaining the grassroots travel experience. Comfort adventures make use of upgraded hotels with continental breakfast, travel by private and first class transportation, and include your arrival transfer.

Local Payment - Helping to keep the cost to you down…
Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is paid to the Leader/Representative in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging internal flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.

Included: Hotel (11 nights), sleeper train (1 night), riverboat (2 nights), Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to Great Wall, Chinese Acrobats performance, Terracotta Warriors tour, Walking tour of Shanghai, Entrance to the Shanghai Museum, Entrance to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, Panda Sanctuary excursion, Three Gorges boat trip and Dam Tour

Not Included: International Airfares - Local payment - Passport and visa expenses - Government arrival and departure taxes - Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is compulsory) - All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

Departure Dates: May 03, 2008 ; May 26, 2008 ; Jul 12, 2008 ; Jul 26, 2008 ; Sep 20, 2008 ; Oct 04, 2008 ; Oct 18, 2008 ; Nov 15, 2008 ; Nov 29, 2008 ; Dec 13, 2008 ; Mar 21, 2009 ; Apr 04, 2009 ; Apr 18, 2009 ; May 02, 2009 ; May 16, 2009 ; May 30, 2009 ; Jun 13, 2009 ; Jun 27, 2009 ; Jul 11, 2009 ; Jul 25, 2009 ; Aug 08, 2009 ; Aug 22, 2009 ; Sep 05, 2009 ; Sep 19, 2009 ; Oct 03, 2009 ; Oct 17, 2009 ; Oct 31, 2009 ; Nov 14, 2009 ; Nov 28, 2009 ; Dec 12, 2009.

Tour rates from: $ 2,195.00 + Local Payment 200 USD.

Photo of the Center of Beijing, courtesy of Tourism Board of ChinaDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time.
  • Day 2-3 Beijing (2B,1D) - Walk the legendary grounds of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Beijing is a city of incredible sights with shopping, food and entertainment sure to please all tastes.
  • Day 4-5 Xi’an (2B, 1D) - Discover the Terracotta Warriors, one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures and enjoy some of the best market food in the country. This ancient capital is a fascinating mix of traditional and modern.
  • Day 6-8 Lhasa (3B, 1D) - Explore the Jokhang, Barkor, Potala, the Sera Monastery and other important Tibetan Buddhist sites in this historic city situated at over 3700 m above sea level.
  • Day 9 Chengdu (B) -Delight in the successes of the Panda Breeding Sanctuary, discover Chengdu’s ancient tea houses and sample the famous Sichuan cuisine.
  • Day 10 Chongqing (B) - Explore the biggest inland river port in western China, gateway to the Yangtze River. There are numerous temples, museums and parks. One of the most interesting is the Luohan Temple which dates back a thousand years and is still an active monastery.
  • Day 11-12 Yangtze River (L) - Cruise the Yangtze in air-conditioned comfort. We pass through the spectacular three gorges section and take daily excursions from the boat including the impressive Three Gorges Dam.
  • Day 13-14 Shanghai (2B, 1D) - Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and architectural marvel.
  • Day 15 Shanghai - Depart.

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Also tagged with: Adventure Expeditions, Escorted Journeys, Asia, Archaeology, China, Trekking, Active Travel, Educational, Shopping, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Art / Architecture, Culinary / Wine Discoveries, Special Train, Join-In Tour, River Cruises, Classic Visit, Hosted Tours, Yangtze River, GAP