Day 1
Arrive into Beijing
Today begin your 'Jewels of China' tour. On arrival at Beijing Visit the Ming Tombs Airport, our local representative will be waiting outside the customs area to welcome you and to take you to your hotel. The evening is free for shopping and to explore the city on your own. Enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Beijing Jinqiao Apartment Hotel or similar in Beijing.
Today begin your 'Jewels of China' tour. On arrival at Beijing Visit the Ming Tombs Airport, our local representative will be waiting outside the customs area to welcome you and to take you to your hotel. The evening is free for shopping and to explore the city on your own. Enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Beijing Jinqiao Apartment Hotel or similar in Beijing.
Day 2
Temple of Heaven
The Forbidden City
Tian'anmen Square
Summer Palace
After a buffet breakfast, we take you on a panoramic city tour of Beijing conducted by an English speaking guide. Visit the Temple of Heaven, the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for good harvests. The highlight of the temple is its blue tileroofed Hall of Prayer. See Tian'anmen Square, the largest square in the world. Visit the Forbidden City, an awesome 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions and gardens. We continue our tour to Summer Palace and its immense gardens, where the imperial court resided during summer. Enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Beijing Jinqiao Apartment Hotel or similar in Beijing.
The Forbidden City
Tian'anmen Square
Summer Palace
After a buffet breakfast, we take you on a panoramic city tour of Beijing conducted by an English speaking guide. Visit the Temple of Heaven, the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for good harvests. The highlight of the temple is its blue tileroofed Hall of Prayer. See Tian'anmen Square, the largest square in the world. Visit the Forbidden City, an awesome 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions and gardens. We continue our tour to Summer Palace and its immense gardens, where the imperial court resided during summer. Enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Beijing Jinqiao Apartment Hotel or similar in Beijing.
Day 3
Great Wall of China
Visit the Ming Tombs
After a buffet breakfast, we take you on a tour of the GreatWallof China. This 3,946 mile long wall is a symbol of China's ancient civilization and ranks among the greatest ancient monuments in history. Next, we walk through the SacredWay to see the Imperial Ming Tombs - the mausoleums of 13 emperors. See the Underground Palace and enjoy the rustic setting of the Tombs. Enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Beijing Jinqiao Apartment Hotel or similar in Beijing.
Visit the Ming Tombs
After a buffet breakfast, we take you on a tour of the GreatWallof China. This 3,946 mile long wall is a symbol of China's ancient civilization and ranks among the greatest ancient monuments in history. Next, we walk through the SacredWay to see the Imperial Ming Tombs - the mausoleums of 13 emperors. See the Underground Palace and enjoy the rustic setting of the Tombs. Enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Beijing Jinqiao Apartment Hotel or similar in Beijing.
Day 4
Onto Zhengzhou
Day free
After a buffet breakfast, the morning is free. Later we proceed to the airport for our flight to Louyang. On arrival we check-in at the hotel. The evening is free to relax. Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Peony Plaza or similar in Louyang.
Day free
After a buffet breakfast, the morning is free. Later we proceed to the airport for our flight to Louyang. On arrival we check-in at the hotel. The evening is free to relax. Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Peony Plaza or similar in Louyang.
Day 5
Shaolin Temple
Chinese Kung Fu Show
Longmen Cave
After an early breakfast, we proceed to the Shaolin Temple, built in 495 AD on the Shaoshi Peak from where it took its name. The monastery still boasts a sizable collection of cultural relics, including over 400 pieces of stone carvings, more than 250 dagobas and 500 murals painted in the Ming Dynasty. To the west of the Shaolin Monastery lies the Forest of Dagobas an open space mushroomed with over 200 stone memorials. Visit the Temple and Tower Forest and enjoy a real Chinese Kung Fu Show. Next we visit Longmen Cave. The Longmen Grottoes are located 12 km south of modern Luoyang along two mountains and boasts of 1352 caves, more than 100,000 statues, 40 pagodas and 3600 tablets with Buddhist inscriptions. Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Overnight at Peony Plaza Hotel or similar in Louyang.
Chinese Kung Fu Show
Longmen Cave
After an early breakfast, we proceed to the Shaolin Temple, built in 495 AD on the Shaoshi Peak from where it took its name. The monastery still boasts a sizable collection of cultural relics, including over 400 pieces of stone carvings, more than 250 dagobas and 500 murals painted in the Ming Dynasty. To the west of the Shaolin Monastery lies the Forest of Dagobas an open space mushroomed with over 200 stone memorials. Visit the Temple and Tower Forest and enjoy a real Chinese Kung Fu Show. Next we visit Longmen Cave. The Longmen Grottoes are located 12 km south of modern Luoyang along two mountains and boasts of 1352 caves, more than 100,000 statues, 40 pagodas and 3600 tablets with Buddhist inscriptions. Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Overnight at Peony Plaza Hotel or similar in Louyang.
Day 6
White House Temple
Onto Xi'an
After an early breakfast we visit White House Temple, one of oldest Buddhist Temples in China. From the outside, the Temple looks as if it houses the common collection of ornaments, decorated with cartoon style colours and images that are so prevalent in many of China's cities. In fact, this is one of the most impressive and truly holy temples in the entire province. Later we proceed to Xian. On arrival we check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax. Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Overnight at Xian Hotel or similar in Xian.
Onto Xi'an
After an early breakfast we visit White House Temple, one of oldest Buddhist Temples in China. From the outside, the Temple looks as if it houses the common collection of ornaments, decorated with cartoon style colours and images that are so prevalent in many of China's cities. In fact, this is one of the most impressive and truly holy temples in the entire province. Later we proceed to Xian. On arrival we check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax. Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Overnight at Xian Hotel or similar in Xian.
Day 7
TerracottaWarriors
Huaqing Hot Springs
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
City wall of Xian
After a buffet breakfast, we begin with a full day tour of Xian. See the TerracottaWarriors - the tomb of the First Emperor of China. See more than 6000 moulded soldiers, officers, horses and wagons of this famed army. Later, we visit the Huaqing Hot Springs situated at the foot of Li Mountain. For over a 1000 years, these springs have maintained a pleasant 43 C temperature. Our tour now takes us to the BigWild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD. We also visit the CityWall of Xian, built during the Tang dynasty. Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Overnight at Xian Hotel or similar in Xian.
Huaqing Hot Springs
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
City wall of Xian
After a buffet breakfast, we begin with a full day tour of Xian. See the TerracottaWarriors - the tomb of the First Emperor of China. See more than 6000 moulded soldiers, officers, horses and wagons of this famed army. Later, we visit the Huaqing Hot Springs situated at the foot of Li Mountain. For over a 1000 years, these springs have maintained a pleasant 43 C temperature. Our tour now takes us to the BigWild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD. We also visit the CityWall of Xian, built during the Tang dynasty. Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Overnight at Xian Hotel or similar in Xian.
Day 8
Chongqing Zoo
Yangtze River Cruise
After a buffet breakfast, the morning is free. Later we drive to the airport for our flight to Chongqing. On arrival, we visit Chongqing Zoo, the largest zoo in southwest China with over 1000 birds and 170 species of animals. See the giant panda, lesser pandas and their offspring, golden hair monkeys and South China tigers. We proceed to board the scenic Yangtze River cruise. Enjoy a Chinese dinner on board the cruise. Overnight in the comfort of your own cabin on board the cruise.
Yangtze River Cruise
After a buffet breakfast, the morning is free. Later we drive to the airport for our flight to Chongqing. On arrival, we visit Chongqing Zoo, the largest zoo in southwest China with over 1000 birds and 170 species of animals. See the giant panda, lesser pandas and their offspring, golden hair monkeys and South China tigers. We proceed to board the scenic Yangtze River cruise. Enjoy a Chinese dinner on board the cruise. Overnight in the comfort of your own cabin on board the cruise.
Day 9
On board the Yangtze Cruise
Shore excursion of Fengdu
Enjoy breakfast on board the cruise. Relax on the deck and enjoy the scenic beauty as your cruise ship sails through Fengdu. Enjoy a shore excursion of Fengdu - the City of Ghosts on the Ming Hill. You may climb the winding cobblestone road or take a cable car to reach the 288 meter-high Ming Hill. Have an enjoyable time at Captain'sWelcome party as your ship anchors atWanxian for an overnight halt. Enjoy a Chinese lunch and dinner on board the cruise. Overnight in the comfort of your own cabin on board the cruise.
Shore excursion of Fengdu
Enjoy breakfast on board the cruise. Relax on the deck and enjoy the scenic beauty as your cruise ship sails through Fengdu. Enjoy a shore excursion of Fengdu - the City of Ghosts on the Ming Hill. You may climb the winding cobblestone road or take a cable car to reach the 288 meter-high Ming Hill. Have an enjoyable time at Captain'sWelcome party as your ship anchors atWanxian for an overnight halt. Enjoy a Chinese lunch and dinner on board the cruise. Overnight in the comfort of your own cabin on board the cruise.
Day 10
Three Little Georges
As you enjoy breakfast, we pass through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge.We proceed on an excursion of the Three Little Gorges. The magnificent Qutang Gorge extends 8 kmand leads us to the splendour of Wu Gorge. Wu Gorge is characterised by beautiful towering peaks and steep cliffs on either side. We disembark for a shore excursion of the Shennong Gorge. Enjoy the sight of crystal clear stream flowing swiftly from north to south through deep gorges. We sail into the west section of the third gorge of the Yagtze River - the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Yangtze gorges, after which your ships passes through the 5 stage ship lock. Enjoy a Chinese lunch and dinner on board the cruise. Overnight in the comfort of your own cabin on board the cruise.
As you enjoy breakfast, we pass through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge.We proceed on an excursion of the Three Little Gorges. The magnificent Qutang Gorge extends 8 kmand leads us to the splendour of Wu Gorge. Wu Gorge is characterised by beautiful towering peaks and steep cliffs on either side. We disembark for a shore excursion of the Shennong Gorge. Enjoy the sight of crystal clear stream flowing swiftly from north to south through deep gorges. We sail into the west section of the third gorge of the Yagtze River - the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Yangtze gorges, after which your ships passes through the 5 stage ship lock. Enjoy a Chinese lunch and dinner on board the cruise. Overnight in the comfort of your own cabin on board the cruise.
Day 11
Three Gorges Dam
Onto Shanghai
After breakfast on board the cruise, enjoy a shore excursion of the Three Gorges Dam. We drive across the Three Gorges Bridge, which takes us to the top of the hill for a birds-eye view of the construction from the observation deck. See the five-step ship lock, the diversion canal, the dam in construction, and the power station.After the ship sails into Yichang, we disembark the cruise and proceed to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. After checking in to the hotel, the evening is free to relax. Enjoy a veg / non-veg dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Shanghai Argyle International Hotel or similar in Shanghai.
Onto Shanghai
After breakfast on board the cruise, enjoy a shore excursion of the Three Gorges Dam. We drive across the Three Gorges Bridge, which takes us to the top of the hill for a birds-eye view of the construction from the observation deck. See the five-step ship lock, the diversion canal, the dam in construction, and the power station.After the ship sails into Yichang, we disembark the cruise and proceed to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. After checking in to the hotel, the evening is free to relax. Enjoy a veg / non-veg dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Shanghai Argyle International Hotel or similar in Shanghai.
Day 12
City tour of Shanghai
See Yu Yuan Garden and Jade Buddha Temple
After breakfast, we take you on a full day tour of Shanghai. Visit Nanjing Road and the Bund Area, where you can shop for souvenirs. See the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Visit Yu Yuan Garden, a traditional Chinese park with beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes and bridges. See the famous Jade Buddha Temple. Built in 1882, it has two Jade statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha and houses various ancient sculptures, rare paintings and Buddhist scriptures. Enjoy a veg / non-veg dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Shanghai Argyle International Hotel or similar.
See Yu Yuan Garden and Jade Buddha Temple
After breakfast, we take you on a full day tour of Shanghai. Visit Nanjing Road and the Bund Area, where you can shop for souvenirs. See the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Visit Yu Yuan Garden, a traditional Chinese park with beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes and bridges. See the famous Jade Buddha Temple. Built in 1882, it has two Jade statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha and houses various ancient sculptures, rare paintings and Buddhist scriptures. Enjoy a veg / non-veg dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Shanghai Argyle International Hotel or similar.
Day 13
Day free for shopping in Shanghai
After breakfast, the morning is free to relax or go shopping in the many malls of Shanghai. Enjoy a veg / non-veg dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Shanghai Argyle International Hotel or similar.
After breakfast, the morning is free to relax or go shopping in the many malls of Shanghai. Enjoy a veg / non-veg dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight at Shanghai Argyle International Hotel or similar.
Day 14
Return home with wonderful memories
After breakfast, the morning is free.We check out of the hotel by 12 noon. Later,we drive to the airport for your flight back home. We hope you take back happy memories of your SOTC Tour.
After breakfast, the morning is free.We check out of the hotel by 12 noon. Later,we drive to the airport for your flight back home. We hope you take back happy memories of your SOTC Tour.
=
=
=