Best of China
12 Days

Days 1-2: Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, today Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and architectural marvel - a mesmerizing array of old and new and walking is a great way to explore the streets and get a feel for this enormous city. There are many options - stroll along the Bund with its spectacular array of art deco-style buildings, or cross the river and take in the sights of Pudong - one of China's 'special economic zones' - with its amazing skyscrapers.
A visit to the Shanghai Museum, which houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork, is included in our itinerary. We also visit Yuyuan Gardens in the old city section of Shanghai and a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats.

Days 3-4: A city which has witnessed the highs and lows of humanity. Explore the Fu Zi Miao Area with its many interesting side streets with Qing buildings, gateways and cobblestone paths. There is a wonderful night market with souvenirs and antiques amongst everything else – including Yu Hua Shi, multicolored rocks special to Nanjing, Some believe the colors come from Chinese blood spilled during the upheavals of Nanjing’s tumultuous history that then seeped into the local rock. And on the canal there are paddle boats available for hire – great for summer evenings as the canal is all lit up!
The pride of the Nanjing Museum's collection is the life sized Han Dynasty (206BC – AD221) jade burial suit. The suit is made of 2,600 jade pieces held together by silver wire. The museum is a tribute to 5,000 years of Nanjing history. The ‘Rape of Nanjing’ is unfortunately a large part of Nanjing’s history. For Nanjing residents today, memories of the events in December 1937 are personal, for the rest of China; the massacre embodies the national humiliation and numerous atrocities associated with the Japanese invasion during WW2. This well presented museum displays memorabilia, photos, enough English annotation to be informative & actual buried remains . The exhibits are at times very graphic

Days 5-7: Arriving in Yichang in the morning you will start off with a tour of the massive Three Gorges Dam - a source of international controversy and technological wonder. After touring the dam site board a fast boat to travel through the Three Gorges themselves to BaiDi City at the mouth of Qutang Gorge - a site closely associated with the events of the Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Return to Yichang for the flight to Xi'an.

Days 8-9: Capital of Chinese empires for more than 2000 years, Xi’an is a city of ancient treasures - the most magnificent and famous of which is the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Di. The thousands of soldiers, crafted in intricate detail, stand in battle formation to guard the mausoleum of the emperor who ordered their creationThe city has many other attractions including the Great Mosque, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and fantastic evening food markets. The center of Xi'an is enclosed by an enormous city wall which can be climbed for a small fee - the top is a great place to view the setting sun. In the evening head out to the Muslim Quarter for some of the best street food in China – great spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.

Days 10-12: Tiananmen Square, the elaborate grandeur of the Forbidden City and 2000 year old Great Wall are just a few of the attractions that Beijing has to offer. On Day 2 you will take a trip to the Great Wall at Mutianyu with time in the afternoon to visit one of Beijing’s great clothing or souvenir markets.
In the evening venture into the hutongs for a succulent Beijing Duck dinner. This courtyard restaurant is one of Beijing’s most traditional, the family has been preparing Beijing Kaoya for generations.
Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace, shields the Forbidden City from the vase expanse of the Square. Its lavish palaces and ornate courtyards tell their own story of China’s rich history and the surrounding hutongs (old alleyways) reveal the traditional life of the city.

Tour Costs
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
from €1010p/p

single supplement:
€170