China
Tradition and modernity, from the imperial cities to the karst peaks of Guilin
China
China from north to south in a group of 25 at most: Beijing (the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Liulichang quarter), Xi'an and the Terracotta Army, Shanghai and the water town of Zhujiajiao, then Guilin, the raft ride near Yangshuo and Elephant Trunk and Fubo hills, before the high-speed train to Hong Kong and a last morning between Aberdeen and Victoria Peak.
When
Apr-June, Sept-Oct
Price
From 2 658€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
12 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-5
The Wall, the palaces and the Temple of Heaven.
Day 1
Flight to China
Flight to China. Dinner and night on board.
Day 2
Arrival in Beijing
Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Free time depending on your arrival.
Day 3
The Great Wall
Drive to the Great Wall at Juyongguan and free time on the ramparts. Lunch, then a visit to a cloisonné enamel workshop.
Day 4
The Summer Palace and the Forbidden City
The Summer Palace west of the city, then Tiananmen and the Forbidden City.
Day 5
The Temple of Heaven – Xi'an
The Temple of Heaven, the old town and the Liulichang antiques quarter, then about 4 h 45 by high-speed train to Xi'an.
Days 6-9
The terracotta warriors, then the big city and its canals.
Day 6
Xi'an and the Terracotta Army
The pits of the Terracotta Army, several thousand soldiers lined up in battle order for the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Back to Xi'an and its city walls.
Day 7
Xi'an – Shanghai
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda and an introduction to calligraphy, then the high-speed train to Shanghai.
Day 8
Shanghai, the concessions
Fuxing Park, the old concessions and the Moganshan arts district.
Day 9
The water town of Zhujiajiao
The Shanghai Museum, then Zhujiajiao, the 'Venice of Shanghai', its canals, stone bridges and Ming and Qing houses, by boat.
Days 10-15
The karst peaks, then Hong Kong harbour.
Day 10
Flight to Guilin
Domestic flight to Guilin and free time.
Day 11
Yangshuo and the Yulong river
Drive to Yangshuo and a bamboo raft ride on a tributary of the Li river, among the karst peaks. A walk around the town.
Day 12
Guilin
Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill, then free time on the traditional culture street.
Day 13
Guilin – Hong Kong by high-speed train
A free morning, then about 3 hours by high-speed train to Hong Kong.
Day 14
Hong Kong, Aberdeen and Victoria Peak
The fishing village of Aberdeen, Repulse Bay beach and up Victoria Peak for the view over the harbour. Transfer to the airport and fly to France.
Day 15
Arrival in France
Arrival in France during the day.
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