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China Magical

Length: 14 nights/15 days

Guaranteed departure dates with minimum of 2 passengers

A tour of China's highlights without a Yangtze River cruise, concentrating on the cities of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai, contrasting history, modern city life, and beautiful countryside and scenery.

A select group tour based on 5-star and top 4-star hotels, with most meals included and with cultural evening shows.

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow or regional airports.
Day 2 Arrive Beijing. Met on arrival and transfer to Grand Gongda Jianguo Hotel (5 star) or similar. Rest of the day free.
Day 3 One day excursion to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City - the complex of courtyards, palace buildings and gardens that were the centre of power for China's rulers from the 15th to the early 20th centuries - plus the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for good harvests. Acrobatic show in the evening after dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Excursion to the mountains north of Beijing to visit the famous Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass. After lunch, visit the tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors, in particular that of the emperor Yongle, plus the Sacred Way, lined with lifesize figures and animals. Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner in the evening.(B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit to the Summer Palace on the outskirts of Beijing, with its gardens and pavilions. Then take a tour by cycle rickshaw around the 'hutongs' - the traditional residential areas of old Beijing with their narrow alleyways and courtyard houses - and the scenic Lake Houhai fringed by popular cafes and bars. Transfer to airport for evening flight to Xi'an. Transfer to Grand Noble Hotel (5 star) or similar. (B, L)
Day 6 One day excursion to see the renowned Terracotta Army, the thousands of lifelike warrior figures that were buried around the tomb of the China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the 3rd century BC. Then travel back to Xi'an to visit the atmospheric Muslim Quarter and the Grand Mosque, an intriguing mix of Chinese and Arab styles, and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. 'Tang Dynasty' music and dance show in the evening after dinner, evoking the sights and sounds of old China. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Visit Xi'an's imposing medieval city walls and ancient Bell Tower before transfer to airport for flight to Chengdu. Transfer to Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (4 star). (B)
Day 8 Excursion to the Panda Research Base on the outskirts of Chengdu where many pandas are kept in semi-naturalistic surroundings before travelling on to Leshan to view the 'Dafo' or Giant Buddha, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, carved from a river cliff in the 8th century AD. Return to Chengdu for overnight stay. (B, L)
Day 9 Free day in Chengdu before transfer to airport for flight to Guilin, in south-east China, noted for the beauty of its landscape. Transfer to Bravo Hotel (4 star). (B)
Day 10 Cruise down the meandering Li River to Yangshuo, a large riverside village popular with independent travellers. Explore the local shops, market and backpackers' cafes. Stay overnight at Magnolia Inn (deluxe room). (B, L)
Day 11 Free day in Yangshuo, with options to walk, take a bicycle tour, or simply relax. (B)
Day 12 Transfer to Guilin airport for flight to Shanghai. Transfer to Ramada Plaza Gateway Hotel (5 star) or similar (B)
Day 13 Visit the Yu Garden in the old town district, the Bund or waterfront with its European-style former banks and trading houses, and the revitalized Xintiandi district in the former French Concession. (B, L)
Day 14 Half day tour to the small 'water town' of Zhujiajiao, now on the outskirts of Shanghai, with its maze of canals, bridges, old houses and narrow alleways. Return to Shanghai for the rest of the day free for you to explore on your own. (B, L)
Day 15 Transfer to airport for flights back to UK, arriving later the same day. (B)

EXTENSION TO HONG KONG - please ask for prices

Day 15 Transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Transfer to Eaton Smart Hotel (4 star) in Kowloon. (B, L)
Day 16 Half day tour of Hong Kong Island, to include Victoria Peak and Aberdeen Harbour. Afternoon free. (B)
Day 17 Transfer to airport for flight back to UK, arriving later the same day or early the following morning depending on airline schedules. (B)