SHANGHAI - XIAN - BEIJING SUPERDEAL
11 days/8 nights accommodated
Departs:Every thursday night year round (minimum 2 passengers)
Hosted departures in 2010 July 9, September 10, October 15 ($4,990) - host subject to minimum of 10 travelling
Day 1. Thursday. AUCKLAND - SHANGHAI ** Return economy class air fares from Auckland
Check in at Auckland International Airport and depart late evening with Air New Zealand non stop to Shanghai.
Please note: Travel arrangements to Shanghai and back from Beijing are flexible. You are welcome to fly with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai International, Qantas, or Japan Airlines via their respective hubs with stopovers en route if you wish. Costs will vary but usually increase by $300 - $500. For best fares you need to fly with the same airline in both directions.
Day 2. Friday. SHANGHAI ARRIVE. (LD)
Arrive Shanghai around 7.30am. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Shanghai Mansions or similar 4 star hotel, handy to the Bund and Nanjing Road. (Please note rooms cannot be guaranteed before 2pm).Sightseeing today includes the Bund, a 1 hour cruise on the Huangpu River and a walk along Nanjing Road with a visit to the markets.
Day 3. Saturday. SHANGHAI (BLD)
Our full day sightseeing includes the new commercial area of Pudong including a ride to the upper shere of the Oriental Tower for a panoramic view over Shanghai, Jade Buddha Temple, and Yu Gardens. This evening enjoy the world famed Shanghai Acrobats.
Day 4. Sunday. SHANGHAI (B)
Today is free to shop and explore at your leisure. Maybe take a day tour to Suzhou (extra cost $190 per person for either) or the water village of Zhujiajiao (Extra cost $150), shop till you drop in the markets or designer stores, visit the excellent Shanghai museum, the exhibition centre, or check out the business opportunities. (Minimum of 2 persons required for optional tours). Lunch and dinner are not included to let you choose from a wide variety of restaurants.
Day 5. Monday. SHANGHAI - WORLD EXPO (B)
Transfer to the World Expo and explore as much as you can in the day. Queues will be long at some pavilions but you will still be able to visit many. Transfers back to your hotel are not included and you can return when you wish.
Day 6. Tuesday. SHANGHAI - XIAN (BLD)
Some free time and late morning transfer to the airport by MAGLEV train at a gentle 450km per hour for your flight to Xian, first capital of all China dating back to 202 BC. Arrive late afternoon and transfer to the Bell Tower Hotel right in the heart of the city. This evening enjoy dinner and the colourful Tang Dynasty Show.
Day 7. Wednesday. XIAN - BEIJING (BLD)
A highlight of your tour will be a visit to the amazing Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. See 3 of the open pits with soldiers arrayed in battle formation and the amazing 360 degree panoramic movie. Also visit the city wall, Small Wild Goose pagoda, and Ban Po Neolithic Village. This evening fly to Beijing. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the New World Courtyard Hotel, or similar, within walking distance of Tian an Men Square, Temple of Heaven, and the main market.
Day 8. Thursday. BEIJING (BLD)
Your full day sightseeing includes Tian an Men Square,the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and a rickshaw ride through the ancient Hutong residential area.
Day 9. Friday. BEIJING (BLD)
Another highlight day as we travel through the countryside to the Great Wall at Mutianyu and take a cable car ride up to the wall. Continue through the back roads to the Ming Tombs and visit a Cloisonne Factory before returning to Beijing.
Day 10. Saturday. BEIJING (OLYMPIC CITY) (B)
This morning visit the sites of some of the main stadiums (exterior view only usually), the main market, and the Temple of Heaven. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure, shop, or visit one of the excellent museums. This evening finish your tour with a Peking Duck dinner.
Day 11. Sunday. BEIJING DEPART (B)
Transfer to the airport to join Air New Zealand's direct flight departing mid morning.
You are welcome to stay longer in Beijing if you wish.
Day 12. Monday. AUCKLAND ARRIVE
Arrive Auckland around 5am this morning.
Tour cost per person
Tour cost 1st April - 16th October, 2010
Group departures:
2 per room..... $4,990.
Single room.... $6,200
Independent Departures (Minimum 2 passengers)
2 per room......$5,600
Single room.....$6,200
** Arrival and departure transfers at each city in China
** 9 nights accommodation and breakfast at 4 star hotels
** 6 lunches and 6 dinners as listed
** Sightseeing listed (except options) with local english speaking guides including admissions