14Days China & Japan
Beijing-Xian-Shanghai-Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto
Price from: $9785 per person on Twin sharing basis
Day 1: Arrive Beijing (D)
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay. You will have a chance to relax before your guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet and greet your fellow group members.
Day 2: Beijing City tour (B/L/D)
In the morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven - this was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year, where you can observe the tradition of practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard. This will be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, the biggest square in the world. Finally, there will be a visit to the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries.
Day 3: Great Wall (B/L/D)
Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall offering breathtaking views in a less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built in the mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. In the evening enjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional delicacy and a culinary must.
Day 4: Fly to Xian (B/L/D)
In the morning visit the Summer Palace, which includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. This will be followed by the opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, which hosted the memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 World Championships. Your final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs. Here, you can have a personal insight into the everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens. Finally, you will catch a flight to Xian.
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors (B/L/D)
In the morning visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of ten thousand life sized statues of the Chinese army made over two thousand years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. In the afternoon spend time at the ancient city wall in Xian, which can be enjoyed through a peaceful stroll or a bike ride. It is the most complete city wall that has survived in China. This evening you will try a dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.
Day 6: Fly to Shanghai (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 then visit the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Day 7: Shanghai (B/L/D)
The first attraction will be the Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens are home to beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and flowers. At the Jade Buddha Temple, see impressive temples, both historical and modern, sporting large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai museum, visit the waterfront attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis. Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city.
Day 8: Suzhou (B/L/D)
Today will feature an excursion to the scenic city of Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Its attractive gardens are renowned for their remarkable history and skilled horticulturalists, an example being the Master of the Nets Garden. After, enjoy a cruise on the striking Grand Canal, a local silk mill still in operation, but uses only traditional methods for silk production. Finally, there will be a chance to visit the Panmen Gate.
Day 9: Shanghai to Tokyo (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda airport, exit through the arrivals hall and look out for your name on a board that the assistant will be holding. You will be assisted to board an airport bus for your transfer to your accommodation.
Day 10: Tokyo Morning Tour (B)
Today, you will be picked up from your hotel to join Tokyo Morning Tour. Enjoy the panoramic view of Tokyo from the main observation platform at Tokyo Tower, visit Meiji Shrine, drive past Akasaka House which is one of the two State Guesthouses of the Government of Japan. See the National Diet Building and visit Imperial Palace East Garden (or Imperial Palace Plaza & Double Bridge, Monday, Friday and when the garden is closed) and drive through Ginza shopping district. Tour ends in Ginza approx. 1 pm. The tour guide will inform you how to go back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 11: Tokyo - Mt. Fuji & Hakone (B/L)
Your main suitcase will be transferred directly from Tokyo to Kyoto. Please leave your main suitcase with the porter/bell desk by 7:30 am. Please keep an overnight bag with you for the night in Hakone. After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to join a day tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Visit Mt. Fuji 5th station in the morning. After lunch, Ropeway in Hakone and take a cruise on Lake Ashi. After the tour, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hakone by taxi.
Day 12: Hakone – Kyoto Afternoon Walking Tour (B/L)
After breakfast, transfer to Odawara or Atami station by private car (Japanese speaking driver only). Take the bullet train to Kyoto (travel time 150min). You will be met by an English speaking assistant at Kyoto station upon arrival. Transfer to your hotel with the assistant. In the afternoon, you will join Kyoto Afternoon Tour on foot (Approx. 3.5 km walking including over steep terrain). You will meet an English speaking guide at Kyoto Station. Take public bus from the station to Higashiyama area and visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine and Gion district, one of the famous Geisha quarters. Tour ends in Gion approx. 6 pm.
Day 13: Nara Morning Walking Tour - Kyoto (B)
After breakfast, you will join Nara Morning Tour on foot (Approx. 4.5km walking). You will meet an English speaking guide at Kyoto station. Take a Kintetsu Express Train to Nara, the imperial capital of Japan in the 8th century. You will visit Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha), Nara Park, where over 1,200 wild shika deer freely roam around the park and Kofuku-ji Temple. Return to Kyoto by train. Tour ends at Kyoto station approx. 1 pm. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 14: Depart (B)
Transfer to Kansai International Airport by airport shuttle van for your onward flight
Included: Domestic flights in economy class, Transfers and transport in China and Japan, Hotel accommodation based on twin share, Luggage Transfer Service in Japan (Tokyo – Kyoto), English speaking guides and assistants, Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), Entrance fees to the sites listed, Japan Information Pack
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, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, 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.