Kung Fu & Pandas (Family)

10 days - from $2140

The first stop on our 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 do what the local kids do - fly kites in Tiananmen Square. The following day we travel out to the amazing Summer Palace where we jump on a dragon boat in Kunming Lake. Traveling south by train, we visit the Longman Grottoes in Luoyang. The following day we travel out to the Shaolin Temple where the Legend of Kung Fu was born, here we witness gifted students in a Kung Fu demonstration. The following morning we fly to Chengdu and visit the Giant Pandas at the research and breeding centre. Our journey comes to an end in Shanghai but not before visiting the Children's Palace. See and experience the wonder of China through your children's eyes.

Highlights

• Beijing
• Great Wall
• Tiananmen Square
• Forbidden City
• Summer Palace
• Longmen Grottoes
• Shaolin Temple
• Chengdu
• Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Shanghai
• Children's Palace

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sun) 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. 4 Visit the Summer Palace and enjoy a dragon boat ride on Kunming Lake. Overnight train to Luoyang.5 Half-day tour to the Longmen Grottoes.6 Shaolin Temple and Kung Fu demonstration.7 Fly to Chengdu. Afternoon visit to the giant panda breeding centre.8 Fly to Shanghai. Walking tour of the Bund.9 Visit Children's Palace. Free afternoon to explore Shanghai.10 Trip ends in Shanghai this morning (Tue).
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 breakfasts1 dinner
Notes: FLIGHTS: ZHENGZHOU TO CHENGDU & CHENGDU TO SHANGHAI 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. 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 Shanghai
Trip Reference: PTKP