Magical China
 

Grand Tour of China with Yangtze River Cruise

19 days *Small group *Guaranteed departure *Well paced itinerary *Special banquets and shows

  • Beijing: Great Wall & Forbidden City(3n)
  • Xian: Terracotta Warriors (3n)
  • Yangtze River Cruise & Chongqing: (5n)
  • Chengdu Giant Panda Reserve (optional)
  • Guilin & Yangshuo: Li River cruise (3n)
  • Shanghai: city tour, Zhujiajiao Village(2n)

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Magical China Tours enquiry@magicalchina.co.uk
Tel: 0161 962 9054

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 6:30pm, Sat 10am - 4pm.

itinerary below View details below...

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Example Itinerary

 


the Great Wall

 


Tian an men Square

 


Terracotta Warriors

 


Wuhan Huanghe Pagoda

 


Yangtze River

 


Yangtze Cruise

 

panda

 


Guilin

 


Shanghai TV Tower

 



Zhujiajiao

 

 

Deluxe accommodation


Stay on one of the best 5 star cruise on the Yangtze River!

 

Day 1
Depart from Heathrow or your preferred airport for a scheduled flight to Beijing. Meals on board.

Day 2 Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you are greeted at the airport by our English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel by private transport. The rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from jetlag and get ready for the adventure to come! (China is 8 hours ahead of UK)

Day 3 Beijing
A full day city tour to soak up the atmosphere of Beijing. This includes visiting historical sites such as Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Then we will go to watch an entertaining acrobat show.
(includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Our welcome dinner in the evening provides an opportunity to sample special Chinese cuisine combined with live music, singing and dance entertainment.

Day 4 Beijing
The highlights of today's tour include a visit to the Great Wall, the only man-made wonder on earth visible from the moon. We travel to the Ming Tombs and walk on the Sacred Way to see the resting place of thirteen Chinese Emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Enjoy the famous Peking Roasted Duck dinner upon your return.
(Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

We will visit Juyongguan section of the Great Wall, which was originally constructed in the 5th century and is regarded as the most strategic section of the Wall. The section is quieter and less commercial than some other areas and it provides the opportunity to visit the Sacred Way, another highlight of the Great Wall heritage.

Day 5 Beijing to Xian
Today, our tour includes a visit to the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), which dates back to the 12th century when the Jin ruler built his Gold Mountain Travelling Palace. We walk along the Long Corridor beside Kunming Lake and take a detour to the Garden of Harmony before taking the ferry next to the Marble Boat. In the next part of our tour we take a fascinating Rickshaw ride and visit an old residential area and see how local people live. Our guide will then escort you to Houhai, a popular relaxing and eating out place for both Western and Chinese tourists. For travellers who would like to experience shopping in China, we can take you to the popular shopping street - Xiushui Silk Market. In the evening, we take a flight to Xian, the former capital of China and starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
(Includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 6 Xian
As the ancient capital of China for many dynasties, Xian has a lot of historical sites to offer. We will take a city tour which includes visiting Xian's well preserved Ancient City Walls, built in the early Ming Dynasty (about 600 years ago) and the historic Bell Tower where you can overlook the entire city. Our tour guide will also escort you to Fanggu Street in the city centre, where the shops have all been reconstructed to resemble ancient China. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 7 Xian
Today, the highlights include Terra-cotta Warriors. You will visit the luxury underground palace of Emperor Qinshihuang, The Archaeological Museum of 6,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors and their horses. The warriors were the after life protectors of the first emperor who united China (221BC-206BC). Following this we will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built as a Buddhist Monastery during the Tang Dynasty. In the evening we attend a re-enactment of the royal arts performance of a 7th century Tang Dynasty Show, with a special Dinner of dumplings included.
(Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Xian to Wuhan
We take a flight to Wuhan, a city in South China that is regarded as the major connection point for railways and airlines. Now we are in the 'middle' of the country, and the city provides an opportunity to discover the real China. Our tour will take you to Hubei Provincial Museum which houses a vast and precious display of ancient Chinese items, many of them over 3000 years old. We will also take you to a traditional shopping street where locals have their Chinese traditional silk dress such as Qipao and Changshan made. The tailors can provide tailor-made next day ordering service and the price is a real bargain! (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Wuhan to Yichang
In the morning, we will visit the famous Chinese landmark pagoda Huanghelou which is described by many Chinese poets. Drive to Yichang (approx. 2.5 hrs). Board the cruise in the evening.
(Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 Yangtze River
Shore excursion to the 3 Gorges Dam project in the morning. Sail through Xiling Gorge. Entertainment and organised activities on board, with Captain's welcome dinner to attend. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11 Yangtze River
Shore excursion to Shennong Stream or Lesser 3 Gorges (depends on sailing schedule), cruise sails through Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Entertainment and organised activities on board.
(Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12 Yangtze River
Shore excursion to Shibaozhai or Fengdu (depends on sailing schedule). Entertainment and organised activities on board, with the farewell dinner party in the evening.
(Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13 Yangtze River / Chongqing to Chengdu
Arrive at Chongqing, the city with the highest population in China.
We will go to People's Square before visiting the pandas in the City Zoo. Then we will visit Yangtze River Museum. There are many features that used to be in or along the River before the 3 Gorges dam project, now they have been moved and preserved in the museum. Flight to Guilin, being transferred to hotel. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

*highly recommended optional tour* For travellers who want to see pandas in their own habitat, we recommend optional tour to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu city. It is the best place to see Chengdu's most famous residents. The optional tour also includes an escorted trip to Leshan mountain to visit the Giant Buddha Statue, Lingyun Temple, Haishi Cave etc.

Day 14 Guilin
After breakfast we will visit the
delightful Fubo Hill or Elephant Trunk Hill (depends on local situation), and a visit to Reed Flute Cave, an underground cavern of exotic rock formations. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15 Guilin to Yangshuo
Li' River Cruise. Depart your hotel in the morning and take an hour drive to Zhujiang Dock, embark your ship and start cruising on the picturesque Li River with lime stone pinnacles, water buffalos, tranquil rice paddies on both sides of the river bank. Lunch will be served on board. Disembark your ship when arriving in Yangshuo, an ancient small town that is famous for its beautiful scenery. Overnight in Yangshuo.
(Includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 16 Guilin
Today's activities including early morning Tai Chi, and bicycle ride to the countryside to view rice paddies. Drive back to Guilin
. (Includes: Breakfast)

Day 17 Guilin to Shanghai
We take a flight to Shanghai. Half day tour includes Yu Garden, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds. Sightseeing on the famous promenade along the Huangpu River, the Bund, Nanjing Road. Then we will go to Xin Tian DI (Heaven on Earth), a conservation area of traditional low-rise homes, formerly the French quarter.
Tour disband and the rest of the day is free for you to further explore the city. (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 18 Zhujiajiao
We drive to the village of Zhujiajiao, 'the Venice of China', unspoiled for hundreds of years. There you have the opportunity to take a relaxing boat ride through the village whilst being serenaded. Drive back to Shanghai in the afternoon/evening.
(Includes: Breakfast, Lunch)

Optional extension to Suzhou Chinese Garden tour is recommended, please enquiry at the time of booking.

Day 19 Shanghai to UK
Our Guide will meet you at the hotel and see you off at the airport. You will arrive UK the same day. (Includes: Breakfast)

Hong Kong extension (£399 per person)

Day 19 Shanghai to Hong Kong
You are transferred to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel (superior/moderate deluxe standard). The rest of day is free at leisure. (Includes: Breakfast)

Day 20 Hong Kong
Half day morning tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village. Rest of the day is free. (Includes: Breakfast)

Day 21 Hong Kong
You are transferred to airport for flight home. (Includes: Breakfast)

OR, for the same price, you may choose the option of 3 nights/4 days in Hong Kong incl a flight to Hong Kong. (flight & accommodation only)

Departure Dates & Price 2008 (£)

Ref
Dates
Twin share
Upgrade to 5* cruise
Single supp
YC1

March 9

2500
2660
580
YC1

March 30

2530
2690
600
YC1

April 13

2530
2690
600
YC1

May 11, 25

2530
2690
600
YC1

June 8, 22

2530
2690
600
YC2
July 6, 13
2590
2750
600
YC2
September 14
2590
2750
600
YC2

October 5, 19

2530
2690
600
YC1
November 2, 9
2500
2660
600

Please note dates for 2009 are provisional, subject to confirmation on Yangtze River cruise sailing date.

Price Includes (The prices shown above are 'per person' in Mainland China)

  • All flights including airport tax. We can also arrange your local airport departure and return. Please enquire at the time of your booking.
  • All airport/hotel transfers.
  • Sightseeing tours (including entrance fee) by professional English-speaking tour guide.
  • Selections of deluxe hotel accommodation in well furnished rooms with private facilities. (minimum 4 star, often with opportunity to free upgrade to 5 star)
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.

Price Does Not Include

Why going with Magical China Ltd?

*Small group *Guaranteed departure from 2 people *Well paced itinerary *Special banquets and shows

Our itineraries are designed at a sensible pace to provide you with a real opportunity to enjoy touring the country, with a combination of escorted sightseeing, and some free time. China is huge, please take into account flight time required when considering a tour suggestion.

Guaranteed departure from 2 people. Small group travel with like minded people and flexibility on tour. Normal group size 10 people. Suitable for all age travellers. Add on tours and city extension available, for details visit Optional tours page.

Our itineraries are regularly checked and updated to provide ideal and latest sightseeing spots for our travellers. We organise our own special activities to introduce the real China to our travellers, and connect you closer to the local people.

Your Accommodation for this tour Hand picked hotels. A choice of standard accommodation at 4 star hotels and cruises, or the upgrade option of excellent 4 and 5 star hotels and cruises. In some remote areas, the hotel standard can be lower but will be one of the best available in the area. Please visit Accommodation for details.

Your Meals We include all breakfasts (mixture of western & Chinese) at your hotel and most Chinese lunches and dinners on tour. Each lunch and dinner is selected to ensure you can try a wide variety of tasty dishes. All meals included in the itinerary are pre-booked. We think it is part of the experience of trying out a few meals by yourself while you are in China. Therefore the hotels we select provide a good choices of cuisine with English menu. Alternatively there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the main sightseeing areas in Chinese cities. A good meal (dinner) in a restaurant should cost about £5 per person.

Flights We provide 3 options: 1) The full package price include all air fares. 2)We also sell land only tours if you wish to arrange your own flight. 3) Book the land only tour with your preferred airline at a competitive price. - The choice is yours , we can obtain flights in various class, with reputable airlines such as BA, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair etc.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of flights and cruises sailing schedules available, although occasionally the sequence in which cities are visited, duration of time spent and upstream/downstream cruise route can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. Further places of interest may be visited during your stay, which will provide unique ethnic and cultural handcraft shopping opportunities. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.

Want to know more? Please Contact Us!

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