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Classic China Panorama
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On this fantastic Classic China Panorama tour you spend 15 memorable days travelling around this fascinating country seeing all the famous sights. Beginning in mind blowing Shanghai and ending in the capital Bejing, you travel by road, river, air and high speed train seeing something new every day. You will visit the Great Wall, the incredible Terracotta Warriors, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City as well as enjoying a relaxing cruise along the beautiful Li River and meeting the lovely Giant Pandas at Chengdu.
Day 1
Arrive Shanghai
On arrival at Shanghai you will be met by your experienced local guide and taken to your hotel in the city for a three night stay. Shanghai is located in the east of China and sits at the mouth of the Yangtse River and is the largest, most prosperous and populous city in the country. Shanghai is also a hot tourist destination renowned for its many historical landmarks and modern buildings. Tonight meet the rest of your group in the hotel's reception area for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.
Day 2
Shangahi
Once known as the Pearl of the Orient, Shanghai today has emerged as one of Asia’s most important cities and is a buzzing contemporary metropolis. Your city tour will take you to the historical riverfront area known as the Bund - home to an impressive collection of 1920s neoclassical buildings. Next visit a silk factory before veering off the tourist trail to one of the oldest neighbourhoods near the serene Confucius Temple. Later head to the Old Chinese Quarter to take a relaxing walk through the peaceful Yu Garden and the surrounding bazaar.
Day 3
Shanghai
Head out of Shanghai to the charming old world atmosphere of nearby Zhujiajiao, a traditional water canal town dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Browse through small stores along Great North Street and see the great Qing Post Office. Zhujiajiao's network of waterways, old wooden waterside houses and arch stone bridges are the perfect setting for a short canal cruise. Then back in Shanghai, visit the Propaganda Poster Art Centre and in the evening go to the theatre to see the world famous Chinese acrobats in a mind-bending show.
Day 4
Shanghai to Guilin
Today you are taken to the airport for your flight to Guilin, a city on the banks of the Li River and famous for its unique limestone hill landscape. Climb the stone steps up Fubo Hill to enjoy 360 degree views over the rooftops and the mountains that encircle the city. Then stop at a riverside village, stroll through the laneways and feel the rhythm of local life before visiting a tea plantation. This evening take a walking tour of the Central Square and lake area near the hotel which comes alive after dark with fountain shows, light displays and a bustling market.
Day 5
Longshen
Eat breakfast as the locals do at one of your guide's favourite spots. Then have a wonderful day trip to Longsheng to explore some of China’s beautiful countryside. Drive past spectacular scenery of towering karst cliffs and climb the winding road that snakes up to an area that is home to various ethnic minority groups. Wander through the maze of stone pathways and traditional wooden houses on stilts of the White Yao village, and see some of China’s most spectacular rice terrace scenery in an area known as the Dragon’s Backbone.
Day 6
Li River Cruise & Yangshuo
This morning transfer to the pier to board your boat for a journey along the Li River which takes you past tranquil farming and fishing scenes and picturesque villages. The stunning limestone karsts that tower above the river create a magical landscape. The small town of Yangshuo - set in the lush green rice paddies of southern China - provides an interesting contrast to the big Chinese cities you have just visited. Spend the afternoon walking the cobblestone streets, relax in a cafe, and enjoy the colourful atmosphere of this enchanting town.
Day 7
Yangshuo
On the peaceful banks of the Li River, get a hands-on Tai Chi lesson from a professional instructor and learn about the complexities of this ancient martial arts form. Then pick up a bike for a ride around Yangshuo’s beautiful countryside, exploring villages, rice paddies, lotus fields and fish farms. Back in town, there's time for a visit to the markets.
Day 8
Yangshuo to Chengdu
An early transfer to Guilin for your flight to Chengdu, which takes around two hours. Chengdu is capital of Sichuan province, the largest in South West China and renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, natural and historic sites and fabulous spicy cuisine. Chengdu is a Chinese city with a difference and, despite rapid development, there are delightful pockets of backstreet life, teahouses and riverside parks to explore. On arrival visit Dufu’s Cottage and wander through the gardens then stop at an outdoor teahouse in the bustling People’s Park.
Day 9
Chengdu to Xian
Rise early this morning to visit the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base, just a short drive out of Chengdu and one of the highlights of this region. The base is a fascinating place to observe Giant Pandas and learn about these endangered animals. Take time to watch the younger ones at play which is always a source of much entertainment. You may even be lucky enough to see newborn pandas only a few months old who are usually kept in incubators. This afternoon, take a flight to the fascinating city of Xian, home of the Terracotta Army.
Day 10
Xian
Start the day with a stroll through Xian’s City Park which is alive with people exercising and enjoying a range of activities like tai chi, ping-pong, badminton and even ballroom dancing. Continue with a tour of this culturally diverse and exotic Chinese city. Xian is located close to the banks of the Yellow River and has a history dating back to 1000BC. Walk around the stunning Old City Walls and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Great Mosque. Enjoy the lively street markets and this evening try Xian’s famous local dumplings at a restaurant.
Day 11
Xian to Beijing
One of the highlights of the tour today when you take a short drive to the remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors - one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Still under excavation, these thousands of life sized warriors and horses were only unearthed in 1974 after being buried for 2,000 years. After lunch visit a Terracotta Warrior Factory to learn about the complex production process of these fascinating artworks. Late this afternoon you are taken to the railway station to board the high-speed train to Beijing.
Day 12
Beijing
Begin your exploration of this impressive capital city with a walk through Tiananmen Square which was built on the orders of Chairman Mao and can hold more than a million people. Continue on foot passing through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to enter the splendid Forbidden City. After exploring here leave via the North Gate and head into one of Beijing’s few remaining ‘hutongs’ or traditional lanes in the backstreets and have lunch at a family home. Later see the famous Drum Tower and this evening you can explore the Wangfujing night markets.
Day 13
Beijing
See one of China’s most iconic temples, the sacred and architecturally unique Temple of Heaven. Also known as Tiantan, this is a perfection of Ming architecture. The temple is located within a vast park and in the early mornings the area is alive with tai chi enthusiasts, elderly men practicing calligraphy, dancers and performers reciting Beijing opera. From here head to the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall before driving to the north-west of the city to visit the magnificent Summer Palace, filled with temples, pavilions, gardens and decorated corridors.
Day 14
Beijing
Another big day today when you travel to Mutianyu, 56 miles north-east of Beijing, to visit the country's most famous attraction - the Great Wall of China. It was built more than 2,000 years ago and extends 3,107 miles from the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Take the cable car up to the Wall from where you can walk or climb sections admiring the panoramic views. This evening join your group for a special Peking Duck dinner to celebrate the end of a fascinating journey through China’s culture and people.
Day 15
Depart Beijing
Today your wonderful 15 day Classic China Panorama tour comes to an end. Possibly time for some more sightseeing and shopping in the city before you are picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport to catch an onward flight or begin your journey home. This comprehensive tour packs in all of China's iconic sights and will leave you with lots of great memories.
Tour details 15 days
Tour Highlights
- Shanghai
- Guilin
- Longshen
- Li River Cruise
- Yangshuo
- Chengdu
- Xian
- Beijing
Included:
- 13 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily and 1 lunch.
- 1 overnight train soft sleeper 4berth shared cabin
- All road transport by air-conditioned vehicles
- Some sightseeing
- Entrance fees
- Western tour leader with a minimum of 7 travelling
- Arrival and departure transfers on tour dates
- Maximum group size of 18
Not included:
- Chinese visas
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Simon Brett| Posted on 18 Apr
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As always excellent service by Gary, Rob and Rory
Russell Alkins| Posted on 27 Nov
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Friendly and knowledgeable service, thank you
Jill Evans| Posted on 30 Oct
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No problems, competitive fares
Haitham Allos| Posted on 19 Oct
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If booking to China do not use a gmail email to receive information (return flight details), as gmail and Google are not available in China using Wi-Fi, they may be available if you use your carrier on roaming data.
Michael Major| Posted on 12 Oct
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Another very smooth trip, thanks.
Nicholas Bowley| Posted on 29 Sep
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Fantastic customer service - fast, helpful and clear replies to emails and calls. Many thanks Travis
Fraser Young| Posted on 22 Sep
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No connection problems, flying with Emirates is great. A good trip.
Robert Price| Posted on 12 Sep
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Special thanks to Spencer and Ethan. Also we would highly recommend Emirates
David Galloway| Posted on 09 Sep
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Ted is always brilliant with putting together our holidays.
Stephen Butcher| Posted on 03 Sep
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Can't fault service. Will certainly use you again.
Tim Salisbury| Posted on 22 Aug
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Glen was very efficient and gave us an extremely well tailored service. We have previously booked through him
Syra German| Posted on 18 Aug
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Another smooth trip, thank you.
Nicholas Bowley| Posted on 29 Jul
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The flights to and from Beijing were on time and comfortable. No problems with booking seats
Nicholas Bowley| Posted on 28 May
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Jordan was excellent as he always has beeen when arranging our vacations over the years. He offers a personalised service and is always on hand to give help and advice with our numerous trips.
John Hutchinson| Posted on 24 May
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All went perfectly...
David Whone| Posted on 17 May
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Fergus and the team made things exceptionally easy
Moira Gatt| Posted on 16 May
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First rate service as usual - well done.
Ronald Brown| Posted on 02 May
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Great as always
Emefa Austinseade| Posted on 26 Apr
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Really great understanding shown for two adults who struggle with technical things and online bookings. You were so patient and helpful at all times. Wonderful!
Marie Wears| Posted on 20 Apr
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I was extremely satisfied with the customer service from DialAFlight. However I was disappointed with the quality of the the flight outbound provided by Swiss Air.
Kathryn Connor| Posted on 10 Apr
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A big thanks to Sophie
Maurizio Poma| Posted on 07 Apr
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Very good arrangements.
Nicholas Bowley| Posted on 25 Feb
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Very comfortable flight
Nicholas Bowley| Posted on 03 Dec
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The best way to judge any service provider is how well they operate when things go wrong. We had a health issue meaning the trip was cancelled then rebooked and you handled it with care and support.
Stephen Norton| Posted on 26 Oct
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As always thank you to Tristan for making our recent trip trouble free. We will continue to recommend to our friends that they book their travel with Tristan. Here's to the next trip.
Paul Andrews| Posted on 14 Oct
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Great service from Ian finding all the different flights I needed, will use again.
Natalie Miller| Posted on 24 Sep
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I have now used DialAFlight twice and both times they have been excellent. A hassle free and efficient approach to travel.
Kirsty Mcconochie| Posted on 01 Sep
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I have always been happy with the service DialAFlight has given me, having now booked through them on a number of different occasions. This was no different. They also offer great prices and flight deals - often even better than on the website when you phone up directly and discuss your needs.
Gordon Morrison| Posted on 24 Aug
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Great service and attention to detail
Clemency Mealing| Posted on 21 Jul
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