Great Wall and Warriors (family)
10 days - from $2005
The first stop on this fantastic adventure is China's most famous landmark - the Great Wall. We travel to a quiet section of the wall and walk along this mighty fortification, which stretches for miles towards the horizon. Back in Beijing we explore the Forbidden City and also do as the local kids do - fly kites in Tiananmen Square. Travelling south by train, we visit the Terracotta Warriors of Xian. Buried for 2,000 years, each one has a different costume, height and even facial expression! The spectacular limestone karsts of Yangshuo are best explored by bike; we cycle amongst lush paddy fields, before stopping for lunch at a local family's home. After cruising down the Li River, we board a ferry bound for the shimmering skyscrapers and bright lights of Hong Kong.
Highlights
- Beijing
- Great Wall
- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City
- Xian
- Terracotta Warriors
- Yangshuo
- Hong Kong
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Sat) Arrive in Beijing and transfer to hotel.2 Day trip to Great Wall at Mutianyu. Return to Beijing in the afternoon.3 Fly kites in Tiananmen Square, tour the Forbidden City and explore the sights of Beijing. Overnight train to Xian.4 Half-day tour to the Terracotta Warriors.5 Free day to explore Xian.6 Fly to Guilin, travel to Yangshuo. Cooking class.7 Ride bikes in Yangshuo, stopping for lunch at a local family's home.8 Boat cruise down Li River. Overnight train to Guangzhou.9 Board ferry and travel to Hong Kong.10 Trip ends in Hong Kong this morning (Mon).
Included: Local tour leader, arrival and departure transfers, transport. sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: Visa costs, international flights, departure taxes, insurance (obligatory on all trips), other meals, drinks, any optional additional tours and activities during free time, spending of a personal nature such as tips, laundry, drinks, souvenirs.
Meals: 8 breakfasts,2 lunches,3 dinners
Valid From: 01 Jan 09
Notes: FLIGHT: XIAN TO GUILIN
Your flight ticket will be given to you by your tour leader, before you board this flight.
OVERNIGHT TRAINS
The overnight trains are a comfortable way to travel. We travel softsleeper and there are 4 people to a compartment. Your luggage is with you and can be stored overhead or under the bed. Pillows and blankets are supplied. There are both squat and western style toilets. Dinner can be purchased in the dining car or from trolley vendors. A meal will cost at least RMB20; alternatively you can bring your own food onboard. Drinks bought on the train will not be chilled. Hot water for drinking is available - you may wish to bring your own mug.
LOCAL LEADERS
By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as important, however, is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader's friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
TIPPING
Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend 10% in restaurants, and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing what is an appropriate amount to tip.
It is customary to tip your tour leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
NOTE ON HONG KONG
The city is designed to be just an ending point for this tour. There is not much time allocated in our itinerary for sightseeing in this fascinating metropolis. Therefore, if you have not been to Hong Kong before, we recommend that you extend your stay by a few days and book post-tour accommodation, in order to enjoy exploring the city on your own. It is an easy place to get around and the staff at your hotel can help you with suggestions.
Age limits and responsibility for minors
Our family trips are not recommended for children under the age of six. There must be at least one parent/adult guardian for three minors. Parent/adult guardian must be fully responsible for their minors throughout the entire trip. If you have a question regarding age and suitability, please contact us for further advice.
Starts/Ends: Beijing to Hong Kong
Trip Reference: PTGW
