14Days - China Highlights
Price from: $4865 per person on Twin sharing basis
Small Group Tour
Departures 2019: Mar 22, Apr 05, 12; May 10, 17; Jun 07
Beijing – Xian – Guilin – Yangshuo - Chongqing - Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai
Visit the most popular destinations in China with all the highlights in 15 days combined with a spectacular cruise on Yangtze River. Visit Beijing and you’ll find some of China’s most stunning sights – The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and The Great Wall. Travel from ancient Beijing and pay your respects tothe Terracotta warriors in Xian. Then you will have chance to enjoy the Li River cruise, take in stunning landscapes as you cruise between the most incredible karst mountains. Cruise on the Yangtze River as it cuts away through towering cliffs. Enjoy the scenic views and disembark at Yichang. Visit Shanghai, which has embraced the forces of business and design, shaping a fresh new city that is sophisticated and innovative. The Bund, its riverside area and Frenchtown are the best places to see the remnants of the city’s colonial past. See the temples, gardens, bazaars and the striking architecture of the new city.
Day 01: Arrive Beijing (D)
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will have time to relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. Your guide will be pleased to advise on what you can do at your leisure. In the early evening your guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet your fellow group members.
Day 02: Beijing (B/L/D)
This morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped and prayed for good harvest for the year. Here, you can observe the tradition of practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard. This will be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and a visit to the Forbidden City, a grand imperial palace for centuries.
Day 03: Beijing (B/L/D)
Starting off with a visit to the Great wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall which offers all round stunning views. Built mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. In the evening there will be a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional delicacy in Beijing.
Day 04: Beijing - Xi'an (B/L/D)
After breakfast, a visit to the Summer Palace, full of lakes, gardens and palaces with lovely views and walks. Afterwards, you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. Followed by a stop at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube. The final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, before finally, catching a flight to Xian.
Day 05: Xi'an (B/L/D)
Today your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of ten thousand life size statues of the Chinese army made over two thousand years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. This will be followed by a visit to the ancient city wall in Xian in the afternoon, which can be enjoyed through a peaceful stroll or a bike ride. This evening you will try a dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.
Day 06: Xian – Guilin (B/L/D)
Today, you will visit to the Shaanxi museum which houses over a quarter of a million artefacts on display, including treasures from many periods of China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, will explore China’s unique architecture style. Visit the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin.
Day 07: Li River Cruise (B/L/D)
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Zhujiang quay for a four hour boat cruise on the breathtaking Li River towards Yangshuo. On the Li River, there are opportunities to enjoy the tranquil rural scenes of buffalo farming, the rice terraces and the towering karst mountain peaks. In the evening there is the spectacular ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show actually staged in the Li River itself!
Day 08: Yangshuo & Yulong River (B/D)
This morning is free for leisure. Explore this beautiful area independently. Return to Guilin. Visit the Reed Flute caves, a remarkable collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. In the evening, you will see the fascinating cormorant fishing show.
Day 09 Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
This morning board your flight to Chongqing. Enjoy a city tour and visit the ancient town market called Ciqou. In the evening you will board your 5 star ship for the start of your cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
On the first day of the cruise, you can relax while the ship meanders through the Yangtze, enjoying its scenic views. Today’s excursion will be Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. The final excursion of the last day will be an enjoyable journey on a small motorboat through the tranquil Goddess Stream while marvelling at the soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water.
Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Full day at leisure on the cruise
Day 12: Yangtze River Cruise- Shanghai (B/L/D)
You have nearly arrived at the end of your cruise. Before arriving at Yichang you will visit The Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power station. Disembark at Yichang at noon and our guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai.
Day 13: Shanghai (B/L/D)
First stop is the centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens, home to beautiful pavilions, streams, courtyards and flowers, followed by the Jade Buddha Temple, where you can expect both historical and modern, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai museum, next up is the waterfront attraction of the Bund. Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city.
Day 14: Shanghai (B)
Your program ends with transfer to the Airport for your onward flight.
** This is a Small Group Tour where you may have guests from other English speaking countries joining the same program. All transfer, sightseeing, guide services etc. will be provided to you on non-exclusive basis. Guaranteed departure with minimum 2 persons
Private program - can start any day of the week and can be modified or operated in reverse
Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.
Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid from 01 March - 30 September 2022. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.