Review for China by Rail
My name is Diego Citroni and I took part in the China by rail tour from 7 September to 27 September 2024 with code UK12345678.
Once the trip is over, I want to describe my impressions: It all started around March when searching on Google to show me organized tours in China I came across Wendi Wu's website and while scrolling through the various proposals I was amazed by the China by rail proposal: the locations visited and the length of the tour.
The departure was not entirely easy for me because I discovered that both Alipay and Wechat pay did not work even though I had configured and recognized my credit card from these APPs. Other problem, my credit card was not accepted at ATMs to withdraw cash, luckily, I also had some cash that I could change, as if that were not enough, the Chinese SIM in my possession did not work.
When I arrived in China, I found Mr. Addison and another person that kindly escorted me to the hotel.
The tour was as expected and I had a lot of fun seeing beautiful and interesting things. Of course, not everything can go well, but here it depends only on me, who has a very personal diet, as I do not eat meat from animals with feathers (chicken, duck, turkey, goose, etc.) and I do not eat spicy food. In Italy, there are many Chinese restaurants and Italians frequent them.
Our guide deserves a separate mention; he was always up to his role. He was able to mix and create a group of people from different countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as myself, Italy, I don't think I forgot anyone and he was able to organize all the transfers and tasks that arose as the trip progressed.
Personally, I have to thank him because he helped me get a Chinese SIM card. About a week before the end of the tour, I lost my glasses, so I had problems seeing up close.
One evening, when I was having trouble eating dinner, I warned him that I would not go because I was unable to eat food. He came to my room door and brought me some fruit, and if that was not enough, he brought me a pair of reading glasses that gave me back my sight. I cannot thank Mr. Addison enough for all the attention.
Talking with my friends on the tour, everyone agreed that we were lucky to have him as a companion during our trip and that if things always went well, it was all thanks to him.
If I had to give a definition of Addison, he was like the shepherd who scrupulously cared for his flock, making sure that everything was at the maximum level of safety and perfection for all his sheep.
Lastly, he gave us a video where he filmed the highlights of our trip, leaving us with an indelible memory of him and of all of us.
Now I am home, other trips? We will see about the well-deserved rest for now.
Best regards
Diego Citroni
Oct 02, 2024
Review for Silk Road Explorer
The basic arrangements were very good, our guides were excellent & knowledgeable. Our tour manager, Gary, was VERY attentive and had a good grasp of English and British humour.
My fellow travellers were a mix of Aussies, Kiwis and Brits - a good mixture and very convivial company
The itinerary covered what you might expect when going to these far out-of-the-way places - we did not feel that we had missed anything - and if you have been to China already (recommended) you will be surprised at the new sights and scenes
The food was excellent/very good all the way through with Gary ensuring that we tried a mixture of the local cuisines available. He also noted what we ate and what we ate less of and was adjusting the selection of dishes provided on a daily basis.
Wendy Wu's staff and arrangements are first class, and I would recommend this tour to anyone who has been to China already and wants to branch out into something a little different, so as to get a more balanced experience of China and its different cultures and landscapes
Oct 02, 2024
Booking Experience for Namibia Adventure
All the upfront information required to make a decision to book the tour was readily available along with a full itinerary and list of hotels.
Oct 01, 2024
Review for Enchanting China
Enchanted China covered all the highlights of China accompanied by an excellent, friendly and knowledgeable guide. We were a group of 15
There is a lot of travel, with 3 long train journeys and a lot of walking on many days, but the sights are all worth the effort. China is an extraordinary country and this trip enabled us to get glimpses of the highlights. There were some excellent excursions and shows included as part of the trip but also lots of optional trips, which cost extra and had to be paid for in cash in the local currency.
The hotels were generally very good with good facilities and all the local guides were knowledgeable. Breakfast was included and often lunch served in a local restaurant.
Overall it was an unforgettable experience we thoroughly enjoyed.
Oct 01, 2024
Review for Treasures of Turkey
A very comprehensive tour with a lot of different experiences. Istanbul was busy with many tourists visiting the main sites. The tour of Gallipoli was very well laid out and the information boards and the words of our guide brought it all to life.
The historical sites of Ephesus and Hieropolis were very good and well preserved. The highlight was Capadocia and the hot air balloon ride from which you got a fantastic view of the landscape. Pamukkale was also a great place to visit although very busy.
Be prepared for long coach journeys and sometimes having lunch and dinner quite close together without checking into your hotel until later.
A very good but exhausting holiday.
Oct 01, 2024
Review for Japan Uncovered
Wendy Wu 2460 Japan Uncovered tour. September 2024.
Excellent tour, great food and exceptional tour guide.
Faultless in every possible way.
Too many pictures to upload, just a few to sample.
Sep 30, 2024
Review for Wonders of China
Excellent trip. The sights we saw were unbelievable but it was a very tiring holiday with very little downtime. Need to be fairly fit as it involved a lot of walking.
Sep 29, 2024
Booking Experience for Inspiring India
Extremely informative and easy to deal with. The booking experience was no problem. This will be the second Wendy Wu booking having been on a previous tour with this Company, although booked as part of a cruise package through another Company. That included a visit to China. The guides were excellent on that tour hence booking directly this time. Keith and Natasha are a credit to Wendy Wu
Sep 29, 2024
Review for Glories of China
Very well organised throughout the holiday apart from pick up from airport Not enough information on arriving to Hong Kong Jackie our main tour guide was very professional took meticulous attention on our needs felt very secure and looked after. I couldn’t recommend him more. Sammy in Shanghai wasn’t so good. I kept asking her to walk slower ended up getting lost for half an hour in the pouring rain Lily was absolutely lovely very knowledgeable and Jackie made a wonderful team. Angie was okay but didn’t give that little bit extra unlike Jackie and Lily all the restaurants were excellent very accommodating all the hotels were clean and some were excellent. The hotel in Hong Kong nice hotel, but the rooms were very basic . The guide in Hong Kong was very knowledgeable a very nice man who looked after the two of us perfectly old transport was good from taxis, coaches and airlines no complaints overall an excellent holiday. Very good value for money. I loved the whole experience of China and Hong Kong and I would definitely definitely, recommend Wendy to anyone
Sep 29, 2024
Review for Ultimate Uzbekistan
For me, the holiday of a lifetime.
A very comprehensive itinerary, going places other operators don’t (eg. Nukus) we saw sights that very few British have seen.
Good hotels, and the location of the hotels in Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand was excellent.
We had an excellent guide, whose knowledge was extensive.
Food was plentiful, possibly too plentiful and I’m on a strict diet now!
On a serious note I don’t think this should be a Level 1 Physical rating, there are lots of steps at times, walking on uneven surfaces and not insignificant distances. One person on our trip had mobility issues and missed out on quite a bit. But it didn’t inhibit me and I am so glad I have taken this holiday.
Sep 29, 2024
25 Oct 2024
