Discover Magnificent China

HONG KONG - GUILIN - SHANGHAI - SUZHOU - LUXURY YANGTSE CRUISE ABOARD VICTORIA QUEEN - CHONGQING - DAZU - XIAN - BEIJING

17 Days/14 nights accommodated
10 nights 4 star hotels, 4 nights 5 star luxury cruise ship

INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES (minimum of 2 passengers)
Locally hosted by English speaking guides in each city
Departs Auckland every friday March 26 to November 19, 2010

ESCORTED GROUP DEPARTURE (escorted from Auckland)
(Tour guaranteed for minimum of 2 - Minimum 10 passengers required for escort)
2010: September 24
Special price ..2 per room $9,980... Single $11,600

INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES - Tour cost per person, 2010
June, July, August.. 2 per room $8,600. Single $9,950
Sept, Oct, Nov....... 2 per room $8,900. Single $10,600

Day 1. Friday. AUCKLAND - HONG KONG
Depart Auckland for Hong Kong. You will be transferred to the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel or similar on arrival.

Day 2. Saturday. HONG KONG - GUILIN (B)
Free time to explore as you wish this morning. Mid afternoon transfer to the airport and this evening fly to Guilin. You will be met by your local guide and transferred to the Park Hotel or similar.

Day 3. Sunday. GUILIN - Li River cruise - YANGSHUO (BLD)
A day of magnificent scenery as we cruise down the Li River among the amazing Karst limestone landscape to Yangshuo. Explore the markets and the town and enjoy a fabulous show tonight. Overnight at the Paradise Hotel

Day 4. Monday. GUILIN - SHANGHAI (BLD)
Drive back to Guilin. Visit Reed Flute limestone cave, Fubo mountain, and an arts centre before flying to big, bustling, exciting, Shanghai and transfer to the Shanghai Mansions Hotel or similar.

Day 5. Tuesday. SHANGHAI (BLD)
Our full day sightseeing includes the Bund, Nanjing Road, and the new development area of Pudong including a visit to the upper sphere of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Also enjoy a leisurely 1 hour cruise on the Huangpu River, and visit the Yu gardens, and the Jade Buddha Temple. Time to relax and freshen up before enjoying the famed Shanghai Acrobats.

Day 6. Wednesday. SUZHOU EXCURSION (BLD)
Transfer to the rail station and enjoy the scenes of rural China during the ride to Suzhou, city of silks and gardens. Visit one of the famous gardens such as the Garden of the Humble Administrator, as well as a silk weaving factory, and take a cruise through the suburbs on an ancient canal. Return to Shanghai this evening.

Day 7. Thursday. SHANGHAI - YICHANG - CRUISE (BLD)
Free time to explore at your leisure this morning. This afternoon fly to Yichang for dinner at a local restaurant and join your 5 star Victoria cruises ship Victoria Queen.

Day 8. Friday. CRUISING (BLD)
This morning we visit the Three Gorges Dam information centre for panoramic views over this massive engineering project. Return to the ship and cruise through the Xiling Gorge.

Day 9. Saturday. CRUISING (BLD)
Disembark into small boats for a cruise up the Daning River or Shennong Stream for more amazing scenery before reboarding victoria Queen we cruise through the Wu and Qutung Gorges. Your optional ship board programme includes Tai Chi, Calligraphy lessons, Massage demonstrations, and entertainment from your wonderful crew.

Day 10. Sunday. CRUISING. (BLD)
Continue upriver and enjoy the passing parade of villages, boats, and amazing scenery. You will have a shore excursion at either Shibozhai or Fengdu as determined by the river authorities.

Day 11. Monday. CHONGQING - DAZU (BLD)
Arrival at Chongqing is scheduled for 9am. Say farewell to your crew and enjoy a short tour of Chongqing before driving to the amazing World Heritage Site at Dazu. Explore the carvings and grottoes before returning to Chongqing. Accommodation at Holiday Inn Yangtse Hotel.

Day 12. Tuesday. CHONGQING - XIAN (BLD)
This morning fly to Xian, first capital of all China. This afternoon visit the City Wall, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, market, and Mosque. This evening enjoy the Tang Dynasty show and buffet dinner.

Day 13. Wednesday XIAN - BEIJING (BL)
A highlight of your tour will be a visit to the amazing Terracotta Army of Emperor Qing Shi Huangdi. See 3 of the open pits with soldiers arrayed in battle formation and the amazing 360 degree panoramic movie. Late afternoon fly to Beijing, capital of modern China. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Joy hotel or similar. Dinner is not included today. Maybe try a western meal at your hotel or nearby restaurant.

Day 14. Thursday. BEIJING (BLD)
Full day sightseeing includes Tian an Men Square, the Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and a rickshaw ride through the ancient Hutong residential area.

Day 15. Friday. BEIJING (BLD)
Drive to the Great Wall at Mutianyu with a ride on the cable car included then on to the Ming Tombs to walk the sacred way of the animals and visit one of the tombs. Also today visit a Cloisonne factory with demonstrations of this ancient art form - and the opportunity to buy!. This evening enjoy a Peking Duck dinner.

Day 16. Saturday. BEIJING - DEPART (BLD)
Free time this morning before transferring to your flight. You are welcome to stay longer in Bejing if you wish.

Day 17. Sunday. AUCKLAND ARRIVE
Arrival at Auckland is scheduled for early this morning after a most memorable time in China.

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Tour cost includes: Economy class air fares, arrival and departure transfers at all points in China, 11 nights 4 star hotels and 4 nights 5 star cruise ship, most meals as indicated by each day, and comprehensive sightseeing and special features with local english speaking guides.

This tour links from and to our tours in Japan, North and South Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.