China........

[Kazz]

Here you go Eileen this is the iternary.....may add on things.... not sure yet.....this is a guided tour thing for people traveling alone which we in effect are even if as a group this way regardless of who how many go we have the benfit of others in the wider group...and the benefit of twin/bouble rooms with no single supplement and guides..so it does not matter how many go we will be fine, I think this is one I will go on even if I am the only one.....Dave would rather go and watch the cricket/rugby/grand prix/fish than anyything and that suits me fine I would like this holiday to be something for me.........(it was my dream when poorly, to do something alone as I figured if I could defeat the big C I could do anything........ )

DAY 1
Meet your travelling companions in the executive lounge prior to your scheduled flight to Beijing.

DAY 2
Arrival in Beijing for a three night stay. During the afternoon you will be taken on an included introductory city tour. You will see Chang An Avenue and the strikingly beautiful Temple of Heaven. This ornate structure, made entirely of wood, was built in 1420 and is still used as a hall of prayer. This evening there will be a welcome drink at the hotel.

DAY 3
Beijing is an extraordinary city. Ancient temples and palaces, with golden, curved roofs and exquisite marble and jade, stand proudly beside the vast 20th century civic buildings created by Chairman Mao and his people. Today we include a visit to the heart of Beijing – Tian an Men Square. The largest public square in the world, it is bordered by the Qianmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Your tour will proceed through the gate, which forms the entrance to the incredible Forbidden City, to marvel at the magnificent buildings of the Imperial Palace, from which China was ruled by the imperial dynasties for hundreds of years. During your guided tour you will see magnificent collections of Chinese bronzes, porcelain, paintings, jade and other treasures. Included afternoon visit to the world famous Beijing Zoo to see the pandas, before continuing to the outskirts of the city to visit the magnificent, 800 yearold Summer Palace, the largest and best preserved of all imperial palace gardens. Included evening visit to the Beijing Opera.

DAY 4
This morning we include a visit to the Great Wall. For generations, people from all over the world have longed to see this marvellous structure, some 3,800 miles long and around 2,600 years old. The Great Wall winds like an immense dragon through the hills of northern China and passes within 40 miles of Beijing at Badaling, where it is wide enough to allow five horsemen to ride abreast. Here you will have plenty of time to walk along the historic ramparts and marvel at the wall’s size and grandeur. Lunch is followed by a visit to the remarkable Ming Tombs museum where 13 emperors are buried. During the evening there will be a special Peking Duck Dinner.

DAY 5
Early morning transfer to Beijing Central Railway Station for the train to Chengde where you will stay for two nights. This 160 mile train journey, travelling in ‘soft’ ( first) class, with refreshments available, is a fascinating and unique experience as the train passes through the attractive countryside to the north of Beijing. Chengde is a thriving market town, situated in a wooded valley at the foot of Yunshan Mountain. At its heart is the vast and picturesque landscape of the Summer Resort, protected by eight Outer Temples, each one quite unique. We have included a visit to the Summer Resort during the afternoon.

DAY 6
Included morning visit to two of the famous Outer Temples. These are the Putuo Temple, a vast and stunning replica of a Tibetan Monastery, and the Temple of the Wooden Buddha. Free time to stroll around the busy streets and open markets. Chengde is noted for the excellent quality and novel design of its silk products.

DAY 7
After breakfast, return to Beijing by road. On arrival, drive directly to the airport for the flight to Xian. Transfer to your hotel where two nights’ accommodation has been arranged. Dinner on arrival at your hotel.

DAY 8
Xian, the ‘City of Eternal Peace’, was once the flourishing capital of China and the most important city in Asia. The recent archaeological discoveries near the city have staggered the imagination, for it is here that the first Qin emperor was interred in 200BC with at least 6,000 life-size terracotta figures, representing the individuals of the Imperial Guard. We include a visit to the site of the Terracotta Army at Li Shan Mountain. You will also visit Hua Qing Hot Springs. Included Tang Dynasty folklore show this evening.

DAY 9
Included morning tour of Xian, visiting the Goose Pagoda, and the City Walls and Bell Tower. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Beijing. Farewell get-together in the evening and an overnight stay.

DAY 10
Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. As you will be flying westwards your arrival is later the same day.

[Kazz]

Well what do you think then Eileen the more I read it the more I am tempted......?

[dandysmom]

GO, girl! It sounds like an ideal trip! God, the wonderful things you'll see: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the warriors! Not to mention authentic Chinese food,,,whole thing sounds marvellous!

[Kazz]

Tell you what when I go............... WHEN I GO ..... I'll send you a postcard from everywhere.......I find a post box or can buy a card....and take loads of pictures for you.....I am told you can buy "for delivery to your home" when you return as they are vetted by the Chinesse goverment....a terracotta statue of a soldier made from the same "clay/terracotta" as the orginals were made from.....this I shall buy................the train trip fascinates me......

[Mags]

That sounds absolutely marvellous Kazz ....when are you thinking of going?

[Kazz]

There are trips available for Oct and Nov Mags........I am going.........just need to see how quickly I can cash in the rest of my shares from work...............was intending to buy a new car as you know but may now buy an older car 2-3 years and have this trip.......there is an add on "" for 5 days in Hong Kong..........
Which I may well take too........

DAY 1
This will be Day 10 of the main itinerary. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong.

DAY 2
Today we include a morning sightseeing tour of Hong Kong Island. You will cross from the mainland (Kowloon) to Hong Kong Island and proceed to the top of Victoria Peak for the best views in town! The tour then includes such attractive sights as Repulse Bay and the fishing village of Aberdeen, famous for its floating community of 30,000 people.

DAYS 3 & 4
Free to relax or enjoy the optional excursions available. You can take a day trip into the New Territories or across the Pearl River to the infamous Portuguese colony of Macau which reverted back to Chinese rule in December 1999. You can also sail along the coast to Aberdeen for a seafood lunch. A ride on the Star Ferry is an absolute must. For a few pence you can see the whole city from a spectacular vantage point.
DAY 5
Morning free prior to transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.


DAY 6
Arrival in the UK.

This sounds like a lovely way to rest after such a mad/busy 10 days...............Just off to check the hotels in trip advisor...............

[Mags]

That's a once in a lifetime trip Kazz and the extra 5 days in Hong Kong makes it that extra special. Are your hotels already picked out for you or have you the option to choose your own?

[Kazz]

They are picked out Mags.....there are at least 2 for each city I imagine you get the hotel confirmed when you book....or confirmed when you gp tp book all look really similar and have equaly good/reasonable/very good write ups.........one has a terrible write up but on looking that person has not had a good word to say about anywhere...................

[Mags]

Originally Posted by Kazz

They are picked out Mags.....there are at least 2 for each city I imagine you get the hotel confirmed when you book....or confirmed when you gp tp book all look really similar and have equaly good/reasonable/very good write ups.........one has a terrible write up but on looking that person has not had a good word to say about anywhere...................

You usually find that in reviews Kazz, I swear competitive hotels put a plant in to try and put people off a popular hotel..

[dandysmom]

It sounds wonderful, Kazz! I loved Pearl Buck's novels (The Good Earth), etc) when younger, have read a lot about China; sounds as if that is a very well planned trip!!
And as long as you.re there, go for Hong Kong too. Those statue reproductions aren't life-size, are they....