John Craven - China Revisited
China tour information
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| Great Wall of China | Terracotta Warriors | Pandas | Yangtze River Cruise | Buddhist Site | Beautiful Scenery | Temples & Palaces | UNESCO World Heritage | Cultural Show |
Experience the wonders of China in the company of John Craven.
17 days from £2790
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the wonders of China in the company of John Craven. John filmed in China 25 years ago, so this is a unique chance to join him on his re-visit and find out about the changes he witnesses over this period.
Days 1-2 : UK – Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing and transfer to the hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome drink and meet our host, John Craven. He will describe the highlights of his tour to China 25 years ago and the changes he will be looking out for on our journey together. We will then enjoy a dinner of local cuisine.
Day 3 : Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 4 : Beijing
Walk on the magnificent Great Wall to appreciate its historical significance and admire the panoramic views, and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.
Day 5 : Beijing – Xian
Fly to the former ancient capital of Xian and visit the Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. Xian is at the eastern end of the fabled Silk Road and John will describe his journey along this route in 1985.
Day 6 : Xian
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. In the evening enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 7 : Xian – Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise
Fly to Wuhan and transfer by coach to Yichang (approx 4.5 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next four nights.
Days 8-10 : Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, we will take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat or visit the Lesser Three Gorges. We also enjoy various shore excursions along the way, including the 'Ghost City' of Fengdu with its captivating temples.
Day 11 : Chongqing – Chengdu
Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and transfer by coach to Chengdu. After lunch we will enjoy a half day city tour including a local bamboo park. Later John will describe the amazing success of the panda breeding programme in Sichuan Province and will describe his visit to the Wolong Panda Reserve, which is temporarily closed due to damage caused by the 2008 earthquake. This evening we will enjoy a dinner of traditional Sichuan cuisine.
Day 12 : Chengdu – Leshan – Ya’an
Travel to Leshan to visit the remarkable Grand Buddha, the world’s largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. The carving of the Buddha into the side of Lingyun Mountain began in 713AD and was completed in 803AD. Continue to Ya’an.
Day 13 : Ya’an – Chengdu
Visit the Bifengxia Panda Reserve which is now home to 16 giant pandas, which were move from Wolong Panda Reserve following the earthquake in 2008. The Bifengxia Reserve is nine times larger than Wolong and is planned to accommodate a total of 40 pandas within the next 5 years. Return to Chengdu.
Day 14 : Chengdu – Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Later today, see the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum and wander around neighbouring People’s Square. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River, where the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong come face-to face.
Day 15 : Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens, the Old Town and a walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture. We also visit the modern Pudong area and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings. Later John will review our trip and give his personal view on the changes he has witnessed in China over the past 25 years. There will be the opportunity for tour members to ask questions and discuss their own views. Our dinner this evening will be of traditional Shanghai cuisine.
Days 16-17 : Shanghai - UK
Transfer to Shanghai Airport for your overnight flight to the UK, arriving the following day filled with many happy memories.
Dates and Prices
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Price pp from | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Oct 2010 | 22 Oct 2010 | £2,790 |
Tour departs Wednesday and returns Friday
- Prices are fully inclusive from the UK and based on London Heathrow departures
- Regional departures available at no additional charge (subject to availability)
- Flight upgrades available on request
- Land only from £2,390pp (Shanghai - Beijing)
- Single supplement from £540 (no supplement if you are willing to share)
- Tipping 2010 payable locally US$60pp
Dubai Extension - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Dubai.
Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)
Day 3: Dubai
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)
Day 4: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
Marco Polo Hotel 3* from £290pp
Traders Hotel 4* from £360pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers 5* from £440pp
Price from £ 290.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £190
Sole passenger price from £480
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Emirates Extension - 5D/4N
Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Dubai.
Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. (B)
Day 3: Sharjah
The Emirate of Sharjah is regarded as the cultural centre of the Middle East. Visit the Natural History Museum, the corniche with the golden Al Majara Souk, Al Naboodah House, the Al Arsa Souk and the Central Souk, famous for its carpets and curios. Later, return to Dubai. (B)
Day 4: Abu Dhabi
Capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan metropolis rising out of the sand. Visit the beautiful corniche, Dhow building yards, stunning palaces and the Petroleum Museum for an insight into the industry that has transformed the UAE. Later, return to Dubai. (B)
Day 5: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
Marco Polo Hotel 3*+ from £520pp
Traders Hotel 4* from £590pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers 5* from £690pp
Price from £ 520.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £260
Sole passenger price from £800
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Expo Extension - 2D/1N
The World Expo 2010 in Shanghai is the chance for China to bring the world home, and the world to feel at home in China. The city will be turned into a centre for exhibitions, events and forums along the Expo theme, 'Better City, Better Life'. It hopes to build a powerful and lasting example of sustainable and harmonious urban living. The Expo will take place from 01 May 2010 – 31 October 2010
Day 1: Shanghai Expo
Transfer from your hotel to the Shanghai Expo. Enjoy the day experiencing the sights and sounds of this extravaganza with pavilions constructed by countries from all four corners of the globe. Your entrance
ticket is included and your exploration of the Expo site will be at your own leisure. Later, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 2: Depart Shanghai
Transfer from your hotel to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Price from £ 190.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £60
Sole passenger price from £280
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
This document is designed to be read in conjunction with the other pre-departure information provided by Wendy Wu Tours including the tour itinerary as described in our brochure and/or website. It aims to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour.
If there are any particular challenges, from the length of time spent on your feet, the length of drives and flights, to the standard of remote accommodation for our more adventurous tours; they will be explained here.
All passengers must read this document to ensure the itinerary is suitable for their interests and physical capabilities. This is not your final itinerary and therefore does not mention all the sites visited. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.
