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Three Gorges Discovery
12 Days/11 Nights - Gateway: Beijing
£1595pp (valid 5 Sep - 18 Nov 08)
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Deluxe upgrade available
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| A cruise down the Yangtze River is one of the world’s great journeys. Experience the China of both past and present as you sail through the famous Three Gorges and see villages soon to be lost forever underwater as the river rises. We take in China’s most impressive and historic sites as well on this journey – the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Xian’s impressive Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai’s grand Bund riverfront. |
Day 1-4: Beijing
We start our journey to China in her most formidable city and capital, Beijing, the historical and cultural heart of the Middle Kingdom. On arrival in Beijing, transfer to our centrally located hotel and meet our tour leader and fellow travellers for a briefing over drinks. We commence our exploration of Beijing with the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square. We also take time to explore the lanes and hutongs in the fascinating backstreets of the city by rickshaw and by foot. As we wander through these classic neighbourhoods we’ll get the chance to see the beating of the drums at the Drum Tower, and stop by a local family’s house for a delicious home-cooked meal. Travel to the amazing Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, far from the crowds, and enjoy a visit to the dramatic Temple of Heaven. There will be time for shopping and a night market visit, as well as the chance to sample some of Beijing’s famous culinary delights. Learn the art of Chinese water painting in a fun hands-on class before we fly to Xian.
Stay 3 nights at the Novotel Xinqiao |
Day 5-6: Xian & Warriors
The Xian region has been home to some of the oldest cities in human civilisation and its colourful past has seen the tumultuous uprisings of many great Chinese dynasties. We explore the city’s Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque, the ancient fortified city walls and Wild Goose Pagoda before continuing to Xian’s greatest site and one of China’s most awesome – the Terracotta Warriors. Buried for over 2,000 years and unearthed only in the 1970’s, this vast army of warriors was created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. We also take a morning stroll through some of the city’s park areas to see the locals practising Tai Chi, calligraphy and classical singing.
Overnight train & 1 night stay at the Bell Tower Hotel |
Day 7-9: Yangtze River Cruise
We fly to Chongqing to begin our cruise down the mighty Yangtze, the third longest river in the world and the lifeblood of this vast country. Leaving behind the industrial city, we cruise alongside rolling hills and past small towns, villages and an array of river transportation. Stop at the Abode of Ghosts at Fengdu and visit its garish hilltop temple. The old town of Fengdu has disappeared underwater with the first flooding stage of the Three Gorges Dam Project. Be on deck as we sail through the mighty Three Gorges – Qutang Xia, Wu Xia and Xiling Xia – and enjoy a small boat ride up the tributary of Shennong Stream. Witness the enormity and scale of the Three Gorges Dam and ship lock before we disembark in Yichang and fly to our next destination, Shanghai.
Stay 3 nights at the Victoria 5 |
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Day 10-12: Shanghai & Zhujiajiao
Shanghai is one of Asia’s most amazing modern cities, with its soaring skyline dwarfing the grand colonial structures of old. We explore the majestic Bund, the Shanghai Museum (China’s finest), the bustling activity of the Chinese Quarter and the Yu Garden and Bazaar. Catch a glimpse into Shanghai’s future at the Urban Planning Exhibition Centre. We also head out to the ancient canal town of Zhujiajiao where we stroll the backstreets, cruise the canals and absorb the charming old world atmosphere. See a unique private collection of original propaganda artwork dating back to the Cultural Revolution era before our journey ends on day 12 with a transfer to the airport.
Stay 3 nights at the Rendezvous Merry |
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Price based on twin share (excluding flights). Road travel by modern, air-conditioned mini-buses or coasters. Overnight train from Beijing to Xian in 4 berth soft-sleeper cabins. Flights from Xian to Chongqing, Yichang to Shanghai. Meals are breakfast daily, three lunches, and two dinners.
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