Ultimate China Discovery Tour

12 Days fully escorted

 $3,995

with Denise Dodd, Bridge Grand Master

7th – 19th May, 2010

 

·         Day 1:  FLY BrisbaneBeijing

Fly Cathay Pacific from Brisbane and be met at Beijing International Airport and transferred to your hotel for four nights. Welcome dinner. (-/-/D)

Hotel: Bejing  International Hotel (5 stars)

 

·         Day 2:  City tour in Beijing

Beijing is the political & cultural centre of China. Your first day will include strolling Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world; exploring the magnificent Forbidden City (Palace Museum) and visiting the largest Imperial Garden at the Summer Palace. Evening - Peking Duck Dinner with local entertainment.  (B/L/D)

 

·         Day 3: Great Wall & Ming Tomb Tour

Today we visit the Great Wall – the incredible construction commanded by the 1st Emperor of China, Qinshihuang to impede northern invasions; view the amazing exhibits at Ming Tomb and walk the Sacred Way.  On our return, we pass the Beijing Olympic Park and sight the “Bird Nest” & “Water Cube” stadiums. (B/L/-)

 

·         Day 4:  City tour in Beijing

Relax this morning and visit the silk and pearl market places, where you will experience the free open market in China and pick up a bargain or two.  Afternoon free. (B/L/-)

 

·         Day 5:  FLY Beijing-Xian

Take a morning flight to Xian, an ancient Chinese capital. Visit the Provincial Museum & Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, enjoy the Tang Dynasty show and the famous “Dumpling Dinner”. Stay at the hotel for two nights. (B/L/D)

Hotel:  Titan Times Hotel (5 stars)

 

·         Day 6:  Terracotta Warriors, Xian

Explore one of the great archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the Terracotta Warriors and Bronze Chariot  also commissioned by the first Emperor of China, Qinshihuang (B/L/-)  

 

·         Day 7:  FLY Xian-Guilin

Guilin is one of the most scenic cities in China. Visit the Elephant Trunk and Reed Flute Caves, if time permits the Pearl Museum. Tonight enjoy the famous local meal “Cross the Bridge” noodle. Stay at your hotel for two nights. (B/L/D)

Hotel:  Guilin Bravo Hotel  (4.5 Stars)

 

·         Day 8:  Li River Cruise in Guilin

For centuries Chinese painters have gathered here. Cruise the legendary Li River and view the amazing Limestone Mountains & karsts peaks. Explore the fascinating town, Yangshuo, and its bustling markets. (B/L/-)

 

·         Day 9:  FLY Guilin-Shanghai

In the morning fly to Shanghai; rest of the day at leisure to explore the busy Nanjing Road -- within walking distance - with its splendid shopping. Evening, enjoy the astonishing Shanghai acrobatic show with dinner. (B/-/D).

Hotel: Salvo Hotel Shanghai (5 stars)

 

·         Day 10:  City Tour in Shanghai

Shanghai, originally a sleepy fishing town, is now China’s most populous & cosmopolitan city. It is regarded as the citadel of China’s modern economy. We will be visiting the famous “Bund” Waterfront, which represents the blending of the ancient and modern influences. We will also visit the Shanghai Museum and the Carpet & Silk factories. From the Oriental Pearl Tower we will get a birds-eye view of this amazing city. (B/L/-).

 

·         Day 11:  Suzhou Trip

We will take a coach to Suzhou, a “paradise on earth” and renowned for its beautiful gardens and silk products.  We will also visit the “Net Master” and “Lingering” gardens, the Silk Museum and enjoy a boat cruise on the Grand Canal. Lunch will be in a local restaurant. (B/L/-)

 

·         Day 12: FLY Shanghai- Brisbane

Leisure time until being transferred to the airport for flight home. (B/-/-) 

 

Day 13: Arrive Brisbane

 

Best Value!  This fully escorted and comfortably paced tour has been customized to my requirements. Four and a half to five star Hotels have been chosen for ease of walking to well known destinations. All airfares, sightseeing & most meals are included. Those of you who have travelled with me before know the high standard I strive to deliver and which you have come to expect.

 

 

Price Includes:

·          International economy class return airfares & taxes

·          Australian International flight departure tax

·          China domestic economy airfares & taxes

·          Twin share hotel accommodation

·          Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Chinese Lunch, D=Chinese Dinner)

·          Chartered air-conditioned vehicles

·          Peking Duck and Chinese dumpling dinners

·          Shanghai Acrobatic Show, Beijing Cultural show and  Xian Tang Dynasty Show

·          Professional English speaking local guides

·          Australian Tour Managers

·         Transfers, sightseeing entrance fees as specified.

 

Price does not include:

·          Chinese Visa 

·          Tipping to local guides (Approx. $6 p.p. per day)

·          Increase in taxes and charges

·          Foreign exchange rate fluctuations

·          Travel Insurance  (essential)

·          Fuel surcharge increase

 

General Information

Travman Tours  is based in Melbourne at Level 9, 179 Queen Street.. They have been organizing trips to China for 33 years. Their parent company, CITS Group, is the largest travel agency in China.

 

Conditions

We need to achieve 16 passengers to guarantee departure; otherwise the tour may be cancelled or subject to a price increase.  A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your seat; final payment will be due 60 days prior to departure.

 

Question: What to wear?  Answer: Very Casual.

We will be travelling in late Spring - average temp. around 22◦C. Best to leave significant wardrobe items and superfluous jewellery at home.  No-one dresses up when touring China. Jeans & slacks, blouses & t-shirts, a warm jacket, umbrella, hat/cap and sound walking shoes are essential. Suggest a small back-pack (or shoulder bag) for water bottle/camera etc. Approximately 6 Yuan to A$1.

 

Travel Insurance

Travman offer discounted group insurance. Please enquire with them or seek independent advice.
 

Passport

You will need an up-to-date passport with six months validity plus a current Chinese Visa.

 

Visa Application

Contact the Chinese Embassy, Level 9,  79 Adelaide Street, Brisbane. Tel: (07) 3210 6509 or Travman can obtain a group visa on your behalf for $50.

 

Vaccinations

Please check with your Doctor regarding any necessary pre-departure vaccinations.

 

Tipping

Tipping is now a common practice in China and I am happy to take care of this for you.

 

Frequent Flyers

Please feel free to use your frequent flyers.  Travman Tours will be happy to assist in arranging this.

 

Hong Kong stopover

A Hong Kong stopover is an optional extra, subject to availability and airline approval.  Talk to Travman Tours.

 

Single Supplement

Available at $697pp. Please consult Juliet Zhang at Travman Tours. See me if I can help with a “Travel Pal”.

 

Money

ATMs are plentiful and hotels will exchange Australian dollars. Most major credit cards accepted. Room safety deposit boxes available at all hotels.

 

Contacts

Denise Dodd: (07) 33591285 Mob: 0409591285

Email:  denise@seriouslysocialbridge.com.au

www.seriouslysocialbridge.com.au

 

                                                                        Juliet @ Traveman Tours:  Ph (03) 9606 0188

Australia wide: 1800 338 007

Email: citsaust@travman.com.au

www.travman.com.au