Cities of the Orient

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO SHANGHAI

Fly with Cathay Pacific Airways to Shanghai for a two night stay.

DAY 2: SHANGHAI

Visit the Yu Gardens and the Old Town. Stroll along the famous Bund and explore the Xintiandi area with its 1920s-style ‘shikumen’ buildings. Cross the Nanpu Bridge to explore the Pudong area. This evening enjoy a cruise along the stunning Huangpu River.

DAY 3: SHANGHAI TO BEIJING

Explore the antiques and fine arts at the Shanghai Museum and wander the surrounds of the neighbouring People’s Square. Fly to Beijing for a three night stay. This evening enjoy a sample of the delicious local delicacy, Peking Duck.

DAY 4: BEIJING

Stroll through the famous Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum. Visit the treasure-filled Forbidden City and the 15th-century Temple of Heaven. If time permits you will have some free time for shopping at the copy markets.

DAY 5: BEIJING

Enjoy an exciting walk along the Great Wall and then visit the Summer Palace, admiring the landscaped beauty. This evening enjoy an exciting acrobatics performance.

DAY 6: BEIJING TO XIAN

Fly to Xian. This afternoon visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. In the evening you will feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet, a specialty of the region, while enjoying a performance of music and dance dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 7: XIAN

Explore one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Later, visit the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. Wander through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets.

DAY 8: XIAN TO WUHAN – YANGTZE RIVER

Fly to Wuhan. Upon arrival you will be transferred by coach (approximately 4-5 hours) to Yichang to board your Yangtze River cruise for the next four nights.

DAYS 9-11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Tour the Three Gorges Dam before cruising along the Yangtze River. Your journey will take you past beautiful scenery and shore excursions and will allow you to explore the local history and landscape.

DAY 12: CHONGQING TO GUILIN

Disembark your cruise in Chongqing and visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo. Later you will fly to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful cities.

DAY 13: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO

Cruise along the Li River to the town of Yangshuo. Spend the evening walking the cobblestone streets or relax in a local café and absorb the colourful atmosphere.

DAY 14: YANGSHUO TO GUILIN

Enjoy a stroll to the local markets before returning to Guilin. Later this afternoon visit the Reed Flute Caves. This evening watch a display of cormorant fishing.

DAY 15: GUILIN TO HONG KONG

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong for a three night stay. Enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure to explore this exciting and vibrant city. (Breakfast only included)

DAY 16: HONG KONG

Enjoy a tour of Hong Kong Island, including Victoria Peak and Stanley Market. Later you will visit the Aberdeen Fishing Village. (Breakfast only included)

DAY 17: HONG KONG

Take a ferry ride through Victoria Harbour to Lantau Island. Visit Cheung Sha Beach, Tai O Fishing Village and the Giant Buddha before taking the Skyrail cable car down the mountain. Enjoy dinner at the top of Victoria Peak. (Breakfast and dinner included)

DAY 18: DEPART HONG KONG

Enjoy a tour of the ‘Land Between’, including a visit to the Yuen Yuen Institute. Take in the view from Tai Mo Shan and Luk Keng Road Lookout and visit Sam Mun Tsai Fishing Zone. The afternoon is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Hong Kong airport to board your overnight flight to Australia. (Breakfast only included)

DAY 19: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Arrive home today.

Tour reviews

Price guide

Important Note: Above prices include Cathay Pacific Fuel surcharges and tipping of $416 (correct as at May 2013 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD109 is payable on arrival in China.

Yangtze River Cruise operators, Victoria Cruises and Century Cruises have introduced a compulsory service levy of RMB150 per person (approximately AU$25 per person) which is to be paid upon check-in when boarding the cruise vessel. For the purposes of your overall cost, this has been calculated into your AUD/USD tipping amount. Your required tipping amount will need to be paid in two different currencies (US Dollars and Chinese Renminbi/Yuan) whilst you are in China. The specific amounts for each currency will be outlined in your final documentation.

Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book. Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date.