15Days China & Tibet
Prices from: $12089 per person on Twin sharing basis.
Small Group Tour
Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Chengdu - Yangtze River Cruise – Shanghai
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 6: Xi’an - Lhasa, Tibet (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will depart Xian following your transfer to the airport for a flight to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Upon arrival, our local guide will bring you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude of 3,700 metres.
Day 7: Lhasa (B/L/D)
Today, you can expect a tour of the inspiring 13-story Potala Palace, winter home of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century. This will be followed by visit to the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, with opportunities to explore the maze-like Barkhor Market in the spiritual heart of the city.
Day 8: Lhasa (B/L/D)
In the morning visit Norbulingka Palace, built in 1755. It served as the traditional summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s up until the 14th Dalai Lama's exile in 1959. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Sera Monastery, one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet.
Day 9: Lhasa - Chongqing (B/L/D)
You will leave the ‘Roof of the World’ behind this morning and fly to Chongqing. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your 5-star Yangtze River Cruise ship.
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
On the first day of the cruise, you can relax while the ship meanders throughout the Yangtze, allowing you to enjoy its scenic views.
Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
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 12: Yichang - Shanghai (B/L/D)
Before arriving at Yichang you will visit The Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station site. Disembark to a smaller specially-designed sightseeing vessel and travel through the ship elevator. Continue to Yichang by coach and our guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai.
Day 13: Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai (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. Afterwards, enjoy a cruise on the striking Grand Canal, visit 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 14: Shanghai (B/L/D)
The first attraction of the day will be the Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens is home to beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and flowers, perfect for the horticulturist. At the Jade Buddha Temple, one can expect impressive temples, both historical and modern, sporting large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai Museum, there will be an opportunity to 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 15: Depart (B)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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 till 30 September 2023. 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.