Magnificent ChinaFrom ZAR33 410 - 22 Days, Fully Inclusive from JohannesburgThis slower paced three week tour, allows us to spend extra time in the fascinating cities of Beijing and Shanghai and the charming garden city of Suzhou. In addition, we travel to Chengdu to see the delightful pandas and gaze in awe at one of the world’s largest Buddha statues at Leshan. The tour also includes popular attractions such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, the incredible landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, which you can enjoy from the Li River Cruise, and a four night cruise on the Yangtze River to marvel at the Three Gorges. From ancient cities, spectacular scenery and adorable pandas, this comprehensive itinerary has it all! TOUR ITINERARYDay 1-2 Johannesburg to Beijing
Depart South Africa on board Singapore Airlines and fly overnight to Beijing via Singapore. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel for 4 nights. Enjoy our welcome banquet of the delicacy ‘Peking Duck’.
Days 3-4: Beijing
Our first day of sightseeing involves a stroll through famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum followed by a visit to the treasure filled Forbidden City. Take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas. The following day enjoy an exciting walk on the Great Wall and visit the unique Temple of Heaven.
Day 5: Beijing
Indulge in a shopping spree at the Silk Markets then visit the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening entertainment will be a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show.
Day 6: Xian
Fly to the ancient city of Xian for a 2 night stay. Upon arrival visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum before indulging in a traditional Shui Jiao banquet this evening.
Day 7: Xian
We visit the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors, followed by the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. We stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the interesting Islamic food markets. Tonight enjoy a Tang Dynasty Dancing show.
Day 8: Xian - Yangtze Cruise
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Wuhan. Transfer by coach (6 hours approx) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights.
Days 9-11 Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty Yangtze River, passing through the spectacular Three Gorges and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Enjoy side-trips to the striking Shennong Stream or the Lesser Three Gorges.
Day 12: Chengdu
We disembark from our cruise this morning and transfer to Chengdu. This evening enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet.
Day 13: Chengdu - Pandas/Leshan
This morning, visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat. Afterwards we take an excursion to Leshan to see the remarkable Giant Buddha. This enormous statue is carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain and is over 71 metres tall and wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet.
Day 14: Chengdu - Guilin
Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin, where we will visit Mt Diecai and see views of the karst landscape.
Days 15-16: Li River Cruise – Yangshuo - Guilin
Relax on the spectacular Li River Cruise, as we travel to the town of Yangshou to stay overnight. The next day visit the colourful local markets before returning to Guilin to see the beautiful Reed Flute Caves.
Day 17: Guilin - Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai for 4 nights. Visit the Shanghai Museum and neighbouring People’s Square. Enjoy a banquet of delicious Shanghai cuisine.
Day 18: Shanghai - Suzhou
Take a day trip to the city of Suzhou. Visit a Silk Mill still in operation today; enjoy a cruise on a section of the ancient Grand Canal and see classical oriental gardens.
Days 19-20: Shanghai
Experience this city with visits to the Yu Gardens, the fascinating Old Town and the famous Bund. The following day visit the Pudong New Economic Zone and explore the Xintiandi area. This evening enjoy a stunning Huangpu River Cruise.
Days 21-22: Shanghai to Johannesburg
Transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to South Africa. Arrive home the following morning.
|
Price Guide
Travel Info
Country InfoInclusions
Exclusions
Images from Magnificent China
|