China Express

9 days - from $1075

This highlight-packed tour of eastern China has all the ingredients for a great holiday. Starting our journey in Beijing we take a walk along the Great Wall and visit the Ming Tombs - the final resting place for many emperors of that dynasty. We continue to Xian, where we head out to visit the ancient Terracotta Warriors, finally finishing in Shanghai with its mixture of Art Deco and futuristic buildings. Along the way we have time to taste the many different styles of food, from Peking Duck in Beijing to dumplings in Xian, as well as snails in Suzhou. This brief taste of China’s east will whet your appetite for more!

Highlights

• The Forbidden City
• Terracotta Warriors of Xian
• Suzhou's backstreets by bike
• Shaolin - the birthplace of Kung Fu
• Shanghai

Itinerary:

Day 1: Beijing2-3: Beijing4-5: Xian6-7: Suzhou - Zhouzhaung8: Shanghai9: Shanghai

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking Chinese tour guide throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Beijing, Terracotta Warriors, Suzhou, Zhouzhuang and Shanghai.

• Walk on a remote section of the Great Wall at Simatai.

• Free time to explore Beijing, Xian and Shanghai.

• Overnight trains from Beijing to Xian and Xian to Suzhou. Accommodation in six-berth, air-conditioned cabins.

• Train from Suzhou to Shanghai.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.