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Tour Date: 03 Oct 2013 - 27 Oct 2013
Tour Cost ($AUD): $7947.00
'China and the Three Gorges' offers a spectacular adventure through some of the most beautiful parts of this country. From Shanghai to Yangshuo, the tour takes you on a sublime journey. At the heart of the tour is a fabulous cruise along the Yangtze River, through the famous Three Gorges. A change of pace takes us up to the Tibetan foothills and the beautiful ‘Shangri-La’ towns of Lijiang and Dali. The tour then heads south to the spectacular Li River at Guilin before finishing in lovely Yangshuo. A wonderful tour that truly encapsulates China.
03/10/2013 Australia - Singapore - Shanghai
The gardens at
Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang
Depart from your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Singapore. On arrival, we connect with our flight to Shanghai.
Depart Singapore Singapore Airlines SQ 836, 15.25
Arrive Shanghai 22.45
On arrival in Shanghai we transfer to our hotel.
Guoman Hotel
78 Yun Ling Road
Shanghai
Ph: 0011-86-21-60958888
Fx:
04/10/2013 Shanghai (BLD)
Shanghai skyline
After breakfast we explore Shanghai, China's most populous and exciting city. We begin in the Old Town, visiting the Children's Palace, the Shanghai Museum and the Yuyan Garden. In the evening we attend a performance by the world-famous Shanghai acrobats.
05/10/2013 Shanghai (BLD)
Shanghai by night
In the morning we travel to the Pudong development area of the city. We travel by high speed lift to the top of the extraordinary Oriental Pearl Tower for wonderful views of Shanghai.
06/10/2013 Suzhou (BLD)
The Garden of the
Humble Administrator, Suzhou
Today we drive out of Shanghai to Suzhou, a delightful town popularly known as the 'Garden City'. Here, a total of 170 bridges span 30 km of narrow waterways. The interlocking canals, classical gardens, and superb embroidery studios are surviving elements of an ancient cultural capital that once dominated China's artistic scene.
We explore the labyrinthine canal system by boat and in the afternoon visit a silk factory and the famous Garden of the Humble Administrator.
07/10/2013 Shanghai - Xian (BLD)
Tang Dynasty banquet
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Xian.
Depart Shanghai China Eastern Airlines MU 292, 11.30
Arrive Xian 13.30
Xian is the eastern gateway of the Silk Road and a fantastic treasure trove of cultural relics. The remains of past civilisations furnish evidence of every major epoch in China's half-million-year history. After checking into our hotel we visit the superb Shanxi Museum. In the evening we have the chance to experience a cultural show dating back more than 1,000 years to the Tang Dynasty.
Grand Mecure Hotel
319 Dongxin Street
Xian
Shanxi Province
Ph: 0011-86-29-87928888
Fx: 87928999
08/10/2013 Xian (BLD)
Pit 1, Terracotta Warriors
Today we visit the extraordinary site of Qin Shihuang's Terracotta Warriors. Known as the eighth Wonder of the World, this incredible 'army' consists of 6000 life-size terracotta figures, which were only unearthed in 1974. The visit is an unforgettable experience. After lunch we visit the historic gardens of Huaqing Pool.
09/10/2013 Xian - Wuhan (BLD)
Bonsai garden at Wuhan
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Wuhan.
Depart Xian - Wuhan CZ 6939, 13.50
Arrive Wuhan 15.00
This afternoon we have the chance to visit a stunning bonsai and fossil garden before transferring to our ship on the Yangtze. It will be one of three sister ships built in Germany in 1992 for Regal China Cruises. They are the most modern ships sailing the Yangtze. In addition to the very latest facilities, the ship also features superb onboard entertainment, such as acrobatic and folk art shows. You may also enjoy a lesson in tai-chi or Chinese shadow boxing. We set sail up river for the Three Gorges. To cruise this majestic river is a truly memorable experience.
10/10/2013 Cruising the Three Gorges (BLD)
Cruising on the Yangtze
Our first day cruising is spent in the lower reaches of the Yangtze as we are introduced to both the river and our cruise ship.
11/10/2013 Cruising the Three Gorges (BLD)
Gezhou Dam
Today we reach the Gezhou Dam and locks, which were built to prove the practicality of the much larger Three Gorges Dam a short distance upstream. Later we pass through Xiling, the first of the Three Gorges, before docking in San Dao Ping. From here we take a special tour to view the amazing engineering feat of the Three Gorges Dam. At 2,000m long and 200m high, it is one of the world's great construction projects with an estimated cost of $60 billion.
12/10/2013 Cruising the Three Gorges (BLD)
Qtang Gorge
Today is a chance to experience some of the smaller gorges along the river. Pulling in at Shennon Gorge, we take a ferry to a floating station where we transfer to special 'pea pod' boats to be taken upstream by local farmers - rowing at first and later pulling us over the stony river bed.
Back on board our cruise ship we set sail again to pass through the last two gorges, the Wu at 45 km long and the Qtang at only 8 km.
13/10/2013 Cruising the Three Gorges (BLD)
The village of Wanxian
Today we take a shore excursion into Wanxian to visit a local market and museum. We learn about the relocation of local people whose homes were submerged by the rising waters.
14/10/2013 Chongqing - Kunming (BLD)
Kunming
We leave our cruise boat this morning in Chongqing and explore the beautiful Eling Park, before catching our flight to Kunming.
Depart Chongqing 3U 8722, 13.40
Arrive Kunming 14.50
On arrival in Kunming we transfer to our hotel. Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring', Kunming is located in Yunnan province and lies some 1,890m above sea level. It is a fascinating city inhabited by a large number of minority groups. Having checked into our hotel, we have time to briefly explore the area before heading off for a special evening of local cuisine.
Green Lake Hotel
6 South Cui Hu Road
Kunming
Ph: 0011-86-871-5102222
Fx: 5102988
15/10/2013 Kunming (BLD)
The Golden Temple, Kunming
The Golden Temple is much more than a temple as we discover on this morning's visit. It features large areas of specialised gardens with some of the best plant collections in China. The afternoon is at leisure in this beautiful city.
16/10/2013 Kunming (BLD)
The Stone Forest
After breakfast we drive to the magical Stone Forest. A geological phenomenon, the 'forest' was a vast sea millions of years ago. Later the movement of tectonic plates altered the earth's crust, causing the sea to recede and the limestone floor to appear. Due to the constant seeping of rain through the cracks in the limestone, some of the stone formations dissolved and the fissures broadened, producing a mass of strange rock formations.
17/10/2013 Kunming (BLD)
World Horticultural Expo Garden
Today is a leisurely one in Kunming as we explore the beauty of the Western Hills and also visit the glorious garden that was built for the World Horticultural Expo in 1999.
18/10/2013 Kunming - Dali (BLD)
Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Dali.
The Three Pagodas, Dali
Depart Kunming China Eastern MU 5983, 07.35
Arrive Dali 08.20
On our arrival in Dali, we have breakfast at the famous 'Foreigner's Street' before checking into our hotel. Later this morning we explore the arts and crafts of this ancient culture. We visit a local market where an amazing array of fruit and vegetables are on offer, as well as meat and fish. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Asia Star Hotel
Holiday District, Old Dali City
Dali
Ph: 0011-86-872-2670009
Fx: 2671699
19/10/2013 Dali (BLD)
Jinsao Island near Dali
Located on the southwestern edge of China on the crossroads to Burma and Tibet, Dali is a small town with an exquisite setting. It lies on a narrow shore between a long lake and a high mountain range. Regarded by many as one of the loveliest places in China, it has a charming village-like atmosphere, and is home to the friendly Bai minority people.
After exploring the old part we visit the legendary Temple of the Three Pagodas, whose three towers are situated at the very foot of the snow-capped Cangshan Mountain range. After lunch we take a relaxing boat ride to Jinsao Island.
20/10/2013 Dali - Lijiang (BLD)
Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang
This morning we drive to an altitude of 2,400m to Lijiang. En-route we visit markets, houses and workplaces of the local Bai people. Situated amid stunning mountain scenery on the edge of Tibet, the wonderful town of Lijiang has long been referred to as China's Shangri-La.
Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, a minority race whose origin is unknown, whose language and way of life is unique and whose rulers are women rather than men. Upon arrival we have lunch and then visit the scenic gardens of Black Dragon Pool before checking into our hotel in the heart of the old town.
Grand Lijiang Hotel
Xinyi Street
Lijiang
Ph: 0011-86-888-5128888
Fx: 5125858
21/11/2013 Lijiang (BLD)
Naxi people
Lijiang is located in a valley sheltered by rugged peaks at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range. Old Lijiang is a fantastic warren of traditional houses and shops, market squares and cobbled lanes, criss-crossed by canals and beautiful arched bridges. Not surprisingly, this stunning town has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In the evening we have the rare privilege of dining with a Naxi family in their home.
22/11/2013 Lijiang (BLD)
Yak Meadow
Beautiful as the old city is, it is also surrounded by irresistible natural wonders. Today we visit the Blue Moon Pools and Yak Meadow, which is located in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range.
We take a chairlift up the mountain and enjoy a picnic in this beautiful area. In the afternoon we visit the ancient town of Shufe and also the smaller village of Baisha, to see its famous frescoes.
23/10/2013 Lijiang - Kunming - Guilin (BLD)
Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Guilin via Kunming.
Depart Lijiang China Eastern MU 5808, 09.30
Arrive Kunming 10.20
Depart Kunming China Eastern MU 5797, 14.10
Arrive Guilin 15.30
On arrival in Guilin we transfer to our hotel in the centre of town.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
1 Sanhu Bei Road
Guilin
Ph: 0011-86-773-2822881
Fx: 2825523
24/10/2013 Guilin - Yangshuo (BLD)
Evening on the Li River
Located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin is considered to be one of the most beautiful cultural cities in China. This morning we take a cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo. The scenery is exceptional with great limestone cliffs towering above the river.
Green Lotus Hotel
1 Guanlian Road
Yangshuo, Guangxi
Ph: 0011-86-773-8886666
Fx: 8828550
25/10/2013 Yangshuo (BLD)
On the Li River near Yangshuo
This morning we board a boat to visit the minority groups who inhabit this culturally important region, which is also known for its cormorant fishermen. The afternoon is at leisure in this lovely town.
26/10/2013 Guilin - Guangzhou (BLD)
We return to Guilin today for our flight to Guangzhou.
Depart Guilin China Southern CZ 3304, 18.10
Arrive Guangzhou 19.10
On arrival in Guangzhou we transfer for our flight to Singapore.
27/10/2013 Guangzhou - Singapore
Depart Guangzhou Singapore Airlines SQ 853, 01.50
Arrive Singapore 05.20
In Singapore we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
OCTOBER 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $7947
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1947
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia and China
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers and ground transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Travel Directors Tour leader
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* Visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities (except on cruise)
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
* Tips and gratuities on cruise
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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