17 day Imperial China, Guilin and Hong Kong with APT

Inclusions

• 12 nights first class accommodation including Sofitel Xi’an & the iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel
• 5 Day luxury Yangtze River cruise in the largest suites on the Yangtze
• Premium seating at a Shanghai acrobatic show
• Freedom of Choice Touring & Dining at no extra cost
• Tipping, transfers & excursions
• Internal flights
• 42 meals including authentic Peking Duck Banquet
• Visit the Great Wall of China,see the Terracotta Army, see Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo

Itinerary

Day 1    Arrive Beijing
Arrive in China’s bustling capital. Stay: Three Night Stay: Grand Hotel Beijing. Stay in a Forbidden City View Room.

Day 2    Beijing 
Your sightseeing begins today with a tour of Tian’anmen Square. After the tour, head to the World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, the largest surviving palace complex on earth.

Day 3 - Beijing
Great Wall of China - You’ll set out for Huairou County and the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea up into the Gobi Desert for more than 6,000 kilometres.

Day 4    Beijing - Yichang
Enjoy a rickshaw ride for a guided sightseeing tour through the hutongs (narrow streets or alleys) of Old Beijing. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and fly to Yichang, On arrival in Yichang, an important river port city on the Yangtze River, transfer to your river ship. Stay: Four Night Cruise: the luxurious Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer.

Day 5    Three Gorges Dam - Xiling Gorge
This morning set off on your cruise along the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges region, considered by many to be China’s most picturesque area.

Day 6    Shennong Stream - Qutang Gorge - Wu Gorge
Disembark your river ship at Badong and transfer by ferry to a traditional sampan (longboat). After lunch back on board your river ship, continue to tranquil Wu Gorge, noted for its sheer peaks and cliff faces. Later this afternoon, your ship will pass between two majestic cliffs on entry to Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest.

Day 7    Fengdu
Tour Fengdu, a graceful little ‘Ghost City’ that lies at the foothill of the mountain right by the river.  Enjoy the markets and many Buddha and Tao temples gathered on Ming Mountain.

Day 8    Chongqing, Disembark Ship - Xi’an.
Head to the famous Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the Giant Pandas. Stay: Two Night Stay: Sofitel Xi’an On Renmin Square. Stay in a Superior Room.

Day 9    Xi’an,
Terracotta Army. This morning tour the City Wall of Xi’an, one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Then travel via a nearby clay factory, where replica Terracotta Warriors are made, to the site of the Terracotta Army, an incredible collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China.

Day 10    Xi’an
Shanghai -  Exclusive to APT, travel to Anwu Village this morning. Here, get a feel for the local culture of a typical northern Chinese rural village as you visit the local dairy farm and a primary school.  Stay: Three Night Stay: Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel. Stay in a Deluxe Room with city views.

Day 11    Shanghai
Enjoy a stroll on the Bund, this morning, a famous stretch of riverfront which houses buildings of various styles including Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco.

Day 12    Zhujiajiao, Suzhou - Shanghai
Today’s touring begins with a cruise through the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao, on the outskirts of Shanghai. Later, return to Shanghai and enjoy a dinner of contemporary French cuisine at Mr and Mrs Bund, overlooking the Bund and the Huangpu River.

Day 13    Shanghai - Guilin
After the morning exploring Shanghai you will fly to Guilin in the afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a buffet dinner at the Li Café or enjoy a set menu of Chinese specialities at Shang Place. Stay: Two Night Stay: Guilin, Shangri-La Hotel. Stay in a Deluxe River View Room.

Day 14    Guilin - Li River Cruise
Enjoy a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo along the picturesque Li River. After lunch on board, disembark for a visit to Yangshuo before returning by coach to Guilin. This evening, enjoy a dinner of the famous local rice noodles.

Day 15    Reed Flute Cave, Hong Kong
Travel to Reed Flute Cave this morning, named after the reeds growing outside that are used for making flutes. On a tour, venture inside the cave to discover a world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations that are illuminated by coloured lighting. Stay: Two Night Stay: The Langham Hong Kong. Stay in a Grand Room.

Day 16    Hong Kong
Freedom of Choice Touring. This morning after breakfast, choose from two half-day sightseeing tours.

Day 17    Depart Hong Kong

Departure Dates and Prices*

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 23 February 2012
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share, land only
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuation)
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
• Single Supplements apply
• Further conditions apply please see APT China brochure 2012 or speak to your RACQ Travel consultant