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About us
Who are we?
Why choose us?
Your financial security
What does individual travel involve?
How to book
Who are the local guides?
What are the hotels like?
China Direct is an independently owned and managed company specialising in travel to China that has been operating for over 12 years. Since starting China Direct in 1998 we have organised the travel arrangements of many visitors to this remarkable and fascinating country. As our name implies, we deal directly with travel suppliers in China to obtain the best deals for our customers. This way we strive to ensure that the service our customers receive is the best available and personalised to their requirements.
By choosing us to organise your travel in China you will receive prompt, personal service and will be able to ensure that your requirements are met as closely as possible. This could be anything from a fully inclusive tour to a basic framework that gives you free time to explore on your own while taking away the hassle of transfers, schedules and connections. Our service includes careful reconfirmation of your itinerary by phone before you depart, and full back-up while you are in China in case there are any problems. Furthermore, customer protection rules in the UK and European Union mean that you will not be in any danger of losing your money or being 'ripped-off'. Remember that booking with an agent in China is not governed by these rules and could leave you with severe problems if something went wrong since you would have no-one to turn to in order to sort it out.
Many people still believe that you can only visit China as part of a tour group or as a 'backpacker'. This is not the case. We can organise a programme for you that is as complicated or as simple as you wish. Most of our customers prefer some help, including transfers, sightseeing and transport, so the prices quoted for the suggested private tour routes include the following:
Prices are based on two persons sharing a twin/double room, starting from Beijing or Shanghai, and include:
- accommodation in mostly 4- and 5-star hotels
- all internal transport and private transfers
- private sightseeing excursions as listed, with local guide service and car and entrance fees,
breakfast and lunch on excursion days.
You can choose when you want to travel and are not bound by fixed departure dates. In addition, we can offer a quotations for the same routes with
- international scheduled flights UK-China (for those passengers departing the UK only)
- additional sightseeing excursions
- full board (3 meals a day on all days)
- better class hotels, up to deluxe.
Alternatively, we can 'tailor-make' or 'customize' your trip to fit your personal requirements. The choice is yours.
All tours and travel arrangements offered by China Direct are licensed by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (Air Travel Operator's Licence ATOL no: 5120), and fully bonded. This scheme means that in the unlikely event of China Direct being declared insolvent your money will be refunded, or if you are abroad you will be safely brought home at no extra cost. Your money paid to us is therefore secure and your holiday guaranteed. Futhermore, we abide by the conditions of the European Union's Package Tours Regulations, 1992.
To make a booking, please telephone, fax or e-mail us. You will be asked to pay a deposit of £300 per person or full payment if the date of departure is less than 10 weeks away. Payment should be by cheque payable to China Direct, or bank transfer, credit or debit card or American Express. On receipt of your deposit you will receive a receipt and in due course an ATOL confirmation invoice. The balance must be paid at least 10 weeks before you travel. Any failure will lead to the cancellation of your holiday and incur cancellation charges. Full booking details will be supplied.
Travel in China can be frenetic, tiring and confusing and the language barrier can sometimes make small difficulties seem complex problems. All tours therefore include the services of a local guide. They are English-speaking and based in their home cities. At each stage they will meet you at the airport, arrange transfers to your hotel, accompany excursions, book tickets, check-in your luggage and see you off on your onward journey.
The hotels used in the suggested routes are mostly 4- and 5-star establishments offering high levels of service and comfort equal to similar hotels in the West. The majority have a choice of restaurants and some have a swimming pool. All rooms have double or twin beds, private bath or shower, air-conditioning and TV. The Silk Road, Tibet and parts of the north, west and south are areas with less developed tourist facilities and the hotels are therefore simpler and of a lower standard than found elsewhere. Star ratings are those given by the China National Tourism Association and you may find that hotels of the same rating have standards that may be below (or above) what you expect. Please note that ultimately we have no control over the daily management of hotels and any change of hotel will be to one of a similar standard.
Meals included usually mean a 'Western-style' buffet breakfast at the hotel and lunch and/or dinner at local restaurants. These may be different in style to restaurants you may be used to, but often provide the opportunity to try regional cuisine and local specialities. Special diets can be catered for, but please enquire at the time of booking.
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