Tour Information
Starts in: Beijing
Ends in: Beijing
Local Payment Required: No
Breakfast: Daily, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 1
Hotel rating: 3 - 4
Tour leader: Yes (for groups of 6 or more)

Prices from £549 pp

Flights are not included, land only prices.  Flights can be arranged upon request.

This tour is operated by one of our suppliers. For more information please contact Ulster Travel

 

 

Day 1: Beijing
Hello China! Arrive Beijing and included airport transfer to our hotel. Overnight - Beijing.

Day 2: Forbidden city
Breakfast. This morning, we explore the heart of Beijing including the vast Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao’s tomb and various monuments to the people are located. Dominating the city’s heart is the Forbidden City, a centre of power for five centuries and seat of the emperors. Entering through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (replete with Chairman Mao’s portrait), we enjoy a guided tour of this old city within a city. Later we take a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing, weaving through old back lanes, traditional courtyards and compact houses, gaining a fascinating snapshot of the city’s traditional way of life. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional dinner at a city restaurant. Dinner and overnight - Beijing.  

Day 3: The Great Wall
Breakfast. Don some comfortable shoes. Today we walk a section of the famous Great Wall. Snaking some 6000 kilometres, ducking and weaving through mountain peaks and lush terrain, climbing the Great Wall is one of those ‘must do’ experiences! Later we visit the tombs of the Ming emperors and a cloisonne workshop, viewing the unique art of decorating copper with colourful enamel. Tonight, an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance. Swinging ropes, juggling hoops, spinning plates, rings of fire and human pyramids are just a few tricks these showstoppers pull out. Lunch and overnight - Beijing.

Day 4: Summer palace
Beijing - Xi’an - breakfast. Today, we walk the local street market. Fancy stir fried scorpions or silk worms on a skewer? Visit the Silk Alley market and the beautiful Emperor’s Summer Palace and drive past the 2008 Olympic Stadium and aquatic centre. Tonight we travel to Xi’an in Shaanxi Province by express soft sleeper train. Overnight - sleeper train.

Day 5: Xi’an/Terracotta Warriors
Breakfast. Arrive Xi’an and transfer to hotel. We visit Huaqing Hot Springs, a scenic spot in the shadow of Li Mountain and the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site. 7,000 Warriors stand battle ready and have done so for the past 2,200yrs. Try counting them! Visit to a clay workshop specialised in making replica figurines. Tonight, optional Tang Dynasty Bolt-on, with dinner and performance. Lunch and overnight - Xi’an.

Day 6: Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Xi’an - Beijing - breakfast. Today, we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Muslim Quarter and the Great Mosque. Encircling the old city is Xi’an’s medieval City Wall; here we bike ride (solo or tandem) around its perimeter, peaking down upon the lively city beneath us. Later, this evening we board the express soft sleeper train to Beijing. Lunch and overnight - sleeper train.

Day 7: Beijing
Arrive Beijing and transfer to a nearby hotel for breakfast. Our tour concludes after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport. Please ensure that onward international flights are booked after 14:00pm. This will allow sufficient time for arriving into Beijing, breakfast, transfer to the airport and check in prior to your flight. Alternatively, extra nights accommodation are available should you require.