Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys

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A Taste of China (2012)

*International flight included
10 days/8 nights in China in Far East
From £1995 pp
To book this tour, call Experts NOW on
0844 417 3382

Tour Summary

This is essential China. Beijing, China’s capital, and Shanghai are probably the most dynamic cities in the world. Enjoy the modern metropolis of Shanghai, followed by historic Beijing and Xi’an. Beijing is home to some of the most stunning architectural wonders in the world. The Imperial residences never fail to awe with their grandeur and scale, whilst the Great Wall humbles with its sheer scale. Xi’an is the site of one of the world’s most important archeological treasures: the army of 2,200-year-old famous Terracotta Warriors with life-size soldiers, chariots and horses buried to protect the tomb of the first Qin emperor.

The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China
Summer Palace, Beijing
Summer Palace, Beijing
Forbidden City, Beijing, China
Forbidden City, Beijing, China
Yu Garden, Beijing
Yu Garden, Beijing
Chinese Lanterns, Beijing
Chinese Lanterns, Beijing

Day 1: London – Shanghai

Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Shanghai with Virgin Atlantic.

Day 2: Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai – China’s bustling and modern metropolis, a place with a deeply evocative past and where tree-lined streets rub shoulders with sci-fi cityscapes. You will be transferred to the Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Puxi for the next 2 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore China’s most vibrant city.

Day 3: Shanghai

A full-day private city tour of Shanghai, including Yu Garden, an oasis of peace in the heart of the dynamic city, and the wonderful 19th-century Jade Buddha Temple that depicts the historical Buddha – a rare cultural relic and a porcelain artwork. (B/L)

Day 4: Shanghai – Beijing

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Shanghai airport for your flight to Beijing, China’s capital and the regimented seat of the communist power and filled with historical narrative. On arrival, transfer to the Holiday Inn Downtown for the next 3 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this cultural city. (B)

Day 5: Great Wall of China

A full-day tour to the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China and the Tombs of the Ming Emperors. Visit the Great Wall of China at Badeling, built to hold back the Mongolian hordes, where you can enjoy a memorable walk along a section of one of mankind’s most incredible creations which covers an astonishing 6,500km. (B/L)

Day 6: Summer Palace – Forbidden City

Enjoy a full-day tour to the stunning Summer Palace, the seasonal retreat of the Qing Emperors, followed by the mystical Forbidden City, once off limits to all but the Ming and Qing dynasty Emperors, plus the immense Tiananmen Square – symbolic political centre of the country. (B/L)

Day 7: Beijing – Xi’an

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an – formerly Chang’an, a thriving city of emperors, courtesans, poets and an epicentre for early Chinese civilisation, where you will feel potency of this city’s history just by wandering the streets. On arrival, transfer to the Jian Guo Hotel for the next 2 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this ancient city. (B)

Day 8: Terracotta Warriors

Enjoy a full-day tour to see the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, which were discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers who were digging a well. It is estimated that in the 3 pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. Also visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Neolithic Museum. (B/L)

Day 9: Xi’an – Shanghai

Transfer to Xi’an airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Puxi for 1 night. (B)

Day 10: Shanghai – London

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Shanghai airport for your flight back to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic, arriving this evening. (B)

  • International flights with Virgin Atlantic in economy class, including all UK and overseas airport taxes and applicable fuel surcharges
  • Domestic flights within China
  • The services of experienced local guides for included sightseeing
  • Meals as specified
  • Accommodation as detailed
  • Private air-conditioned transfers throughout exclusive to the Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys clients
  • Sightseeing as detailed including entrance fees. Sightseeing in Beijing and Xi’an is not exclusive to Virgin Worldwide Journeys clients.

From £1995 pp

Tour departs every Friday from the UK, based on a minimum of 2 passengers travelling

 

Hong Kong Extension

Why not extend your stay in Hong Kong for 2 nights at the centrally located Metropark Causeway Bay Hotel?

Prices start from £230

Prices are per person based on twin share on a Room Only basis, including airport transfers by coach.

Eastern Waterways Extension

You may wish to extend your stay with our 4-night extension from Shanghai to beautiful Suzhou, Wuzhen and Hangzhou. Your tour extension will commence on day 10 of the ‘A Taste of China’ itinerary and will include 4 whole days of sightseeing in and around these stunning cities.

Prices start from £570

Prices are per person based on twin share.

Chengdu Pandas Extension

Why not extend your tour from Shanghai with a short tour to Chengdu to visit the famous Panda Breeding Centre? The tour includes flights to Chengdu from Shanghai, 2-nights accommodation at the Minshan Hotel in Chengdu, a full-day sightseeing around Chengdu and a morning visit to the Panda Breeding Centre.

Prices start from £395

Prices are per person based on twin share.