CHINA EXPERIENCE
Duration: 18 days
Tuesday 4th to Friday 21st September
After 40 centuries of looking inward, China is now helping to define the world’s future, whether we’re ready or not.
China isn’t just a country – it’s a different world. Combine the ancient traditions, forbidden cities and imperial ruins with an economic vitality and modern energy. Only then will you experience the Ying and Yang of this amazing land.
China is a fascinating destination. Hong Kong, the famous “City of Life” combines high tech modern living with diverse cultures, open air markets, ancient traditions and the world’s most famous harbour. Beijing’s history and sightseeing is impressive, the former capital Xian has memorable, ancient sights and the bustling, rapidly expanding city of Shanghai is exciting.
Witness an incredible array of famous sights – some of Asia’s most amazing. This journey through China is an unforgettable experience.
TUESDAY 4 SEPTEMBER: Departing Malta.
We meet at Malta International airport in time for our flight to Hong Kong.
WEDNESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER: HONG KONG
As soon as we arrive in HONG KONG, we are met at the airport by our local guide for a transfer to the hotel: Holiday Inn Golden Mile for 2 nights. A short orientation tour to get to know the whereabouts will be organised later on.
THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER: HONG KONG
(Breakfast, lunch and Dinner)
A full day included Hong Kong tour which includes visits to the Flower Market and Bird Garden, Chi Lin Nunnery, Victoria Peak, Stanley market and Aberdeen, Stop for an included Dim sum lunch on the peak. In the evening we have also included a buffet dinner at Harbour cruise – Bauhini with “a Symphony of Lights” show. Kindly note that an English speaking local guide will be with us during the whole day.
FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER: HONG KONG – GUILIN
(Breakfast and lunch)
We continue with our included visits, always accompanied by our English speaking guide. Our visits start at the Hong Kong Museum of History, later we go to the Lyndhurst Terrace and on to the Star Ferry for a boat trip to Tsimshatsui. Afterwards we have a Chinese lunch. Transfer to airport for our included flight to GUILIN, where we are expected to arrive at around 17.45hrs. Transfer to the Bravo Hotel for 2 nights.
SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER: GUILIN
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Today we have included a full day lunch cruise on the River Li downstream to Yangshou for unique countryside vistas. Lunch included on the boat. After the cruise, we shall visit a local village. Dinner will be local specialities.
SUNDAY 9 SEPTEMBER: GUILIN – BEIJING
(Breakfast, lunch)
We shall continue with our included visits in this part of China. Our visits, always escorted by a local English speaking guide, include Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, Mount Yao and Tea Farm. Transfer to the airport for our included evening flight to BEIJING. Transfer after our arrival which should be around 19.00hrs to the Penta Hotel for 3 nights.
MONDAY 10 SEPTEMBER: BEIJING
(Breakfast, Lunch, dinner)
Today’s highlight is an included excursion to the Great Wall. Enjoy the dramatic vistas and marvel at the Wall as it climbs and descends steep ridges and narrow alleys. In the afternoon, we visit the Summer Palace, taking a leisurely stroll while admiring the thousands of ancient murals along the Long Corridor and a boat ride on the Kunming (weather permitting). Being in the capital city of China, we have to include a Peking Duck dinner in the evening.
TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER: BEIJING
(Breakfast. Lunch, Dinner).
We continue with our included itinerary by visiting Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City, home of Chinese Emperors for more than 500 years. After lunch, we visit the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors came to pray for good harvest and pay his appreciation. In the evening, we have included a fabulous Kung Fu show.
WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER: BEIJING – XIAN
(Breakfast, Lunch)
More, more is still to be seen and experienced on this unique tour of China.
In the morning, we have included a visit to the Yonghegong Lama Temple (the Lamasasery). Lunch and then we go back in time by visiting the Hutongs with a pedicab ride through the old city neighbourhoods of narrow lanes and courtyard gardens hidden behind Beijing’s modern façade. Later we have an included transfer to the airport and our flight to XIAN, where we should be landing at around 18.55hrs. Once more we are met at the airport for the transfer to the Grand New World Hotel where we would be staying for 2 nights.
THURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER: XIAN
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Without doubt, this is one of the highlights of the tour. Our full day included sightseeing begins at the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum to view the life size 6000 strong Terracotta Army. Afterwards we continue to see the Bronze Chariot, Huaqing Hot Spring and Wild Goose Pagoda. Dinner today consists of specialities of this area: dumpling feast banquet before enjoying the Tang Dynasty show.
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER: XIAN – HANGZHOU
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Shaanxi Provincial museum will be visited today before lunch. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Hangzhou. Estimated time of arrival at around 16.10. Transfer to the Best Western Meiyuan Hotel for 2 nights.
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER: HANGZHOU
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Full day included visits include the Six Harmony Pagoda and the Linying Temple. Later we have included a cruise on the famous West lake where we also have lunch, the nearby Bamboo Forest and Longjing Tea Fields. Dinner and we shall enjoy the Impression West Lake show.
SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER: HANGZHOU – SUZHOU
(Breakfast, Lunch)
We leave Hangzhou by coach in the morning for SUZHOU. Upon arrival we shall visit Tiger Hill, Humble Administrator’s garden and Han Shan Temple. Proceed to the Holiday Inn Youlian Suzhou Hotel for an overnight.
MONDAY 17 SEPTEMBER: SUZHOU – ZHOUZHUANG – SHANGHAI
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
By coach we depart for Shanghai via Zhouzhuang – a place that is known for its history with blend old Chinese tradition. We have also included a board ride at the Bhou’s village. Accommodation in Shanghai for 3 nights will be at the Holiday Inn Down Town Hotel. After dinner, we have included an Acrobatic show.
TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER: SHANGHAI
(Breakfast, Lunch)
We start the day by going to Yu Garden and later visit the Jade Buddha Temple. We proceed to the oriental broadcast Tower for a splendid view of Shanghai. After so many included visits, we have decided to leave the last two evening on a free basis so that one can follow his own wishes and maybe do some shopping.
WEDNESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER: SHANGHAI
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Our last visits in China include the Children’s Palace. After lunch we visit the Bund by day. Free time in the afternoon.
THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER: SHANGHAI – departure
(Breakfast)
After such a hectic and a full tour, we have some relaxing time before our transfer to the airport and our flight back to Europe.
FRIDAY 21ST SEPTMBER: ARRIVAL IN MALTA
Our arrival by Lufthansa should be around midday. Great memories remain of such a grand experience in China.
WHAT WE HAVE INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
Going over the programme you will see that we have included ALL the excursions, visits and entrance fees.
We have included with every excursion an English speaking guide besides a driver.
All hotels are 4 star properties, centrally located. We gave you the names so that you can check for yourselves.
You can also note that we have preferred to travel by air between each city rather than overnight trains. This gives us the advantage of quick travel, giving us more time for visits and sightseeing while waking up fresh and looking forward to more visits in the morning.
Note also that for each day we have pointed out what is included as for meals.
We know that we have been very clear without any hidden extras at all. We have even included the payment for the visa to China (for those who book by end of July. Bookings after this date are subject to individual visa and costs: €50). Travel insurance, executive, world wide taken out with Gasan Mamo is also included. This means that the final price as quoted hereunder is the one we shall charge without any other additionals.
Flights international and national, are inclusive of all airport taxes, fuel surcharges, service charges and all other charges as on 1st February, 2012.
Rate of exchange of US Dollar to Euro is as on 1st February 2012.
Group will be organised with a minimum of 10 people. Maximum will be 15 persons plus the group leader.
NORMAL PRICE €4799 per person in Twin (single room supp. €700)
SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR BOOKINGS MADE BEFORE THE 15TH MARCH: €199 per person:
Payments:
Deposit €1000 before March 15;
1st payment €1000 before April 30;
2nd payment €1000 before May 31;
3rd payment €1000 before June 30;
4th payment €600 if deposit is made before March 15 or Euros 799 if deposit is made after March 15.
Any single room supplement is to be paid together with the 4th payment.