Highlights of China

13 days
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Small Group Tour
Tracing the remnants of China's imperial past, we discover the magnificent monuments of Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors, the imposing mosques of Xi'an, and the delightful canals of Xitang. We also have time to explore some of the exquisite landscapes and tranquil countryside of Yangshuo, so beloved by Chinese poets and painters. Visit a time capsule containi...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Start Beijing.
    • Three days sightseeing, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Summer Palace, plus a visit to the Great Wall; overnight train to Xi'an on day four.
    • Second day of Beijing sightseeing.
    • Third day of Beijing sightseeing.
    • Morning walking tour of the Muslim area; free afternoon or optional cycle ride.
    • Visit the Terracotta Warriors; afternoon fly to Guilin.
    • Walk along Lijang River and visit Reed Flute Cave; drive to Yangshuo; free afternoon; evening cooking class.
    • Cycle to Moon Hill past rice terraces; free afternoon.
    • Free day.
    • To Guilin for flight to Shanghai; evening tour along the Bund.

What's this trip about?

    Tracing the remnants of China's imperial past, we discover the magnificent monuments of Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors, the imposing mosques of Xi'an, and the delightful canals of Xitang. We also have time to explore some of the exquisite landscapes and tranquil countryside of Yangshuo, so beloved by Chinese poets and painters. Visit a time capsule containing one quarter of the human race, where the modern world coexists with the ancient, and each region has its own traditions and mouthwatering culinary delights.A classic journey exploring China's historic sites and stunning landscapes

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBeijing
End CityShanghai

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • History

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 5

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • 5 lunches
    • 1 dinner
    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • Arrival and departure transfers

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London.

Day 2 Arrive Beijing.

There will be a welcome briefing this evening followed by an opportunity to taste the famous Beijing duck during an optional welcome dinner.

Day 3 To the Great Wall.

We leave the capital and head into the countryside to the Great Wall, an approx 2 hour journey to the north of the city. We go to one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall at Mutianyu which is an impressive sight, snaking across mountains and valleys into the ...

Day 4 Sightseeing in Beijing.

The sightseeing in Beijing today will include the Forbidden City with its innumerable courtyards and temples, and the Temple of Heaven Park in the southern part of the city. We also visit Tiananmen square, the largest square in the world and able to hold over a million people.. We will take a walking tour of the cities hutongs (narrow alleys) to see what is left of old Beijing and its traditions.

Day 5 Visit the Summer Palace; overnight train to Xi'an.

Just outside the city centre is the Summer Palace, a huge park dotted with impressive pavilions and temples which, like the Forbidden City, was once the exclusive playground of China's emperors and their concubines. Today we will spend a couple of hours here, before w...

Day 6 Morning walking tour of the Muslim area; free afternoon or optional cycle ride.

Xi'an is one of China's former capitals and one of the few cities in China to have retained its city walls, probably because they are so massive that no revolutionary was willing to tackle the huge task of removing them. Today we will visit the city and the Bell and D...

Day 7 Visit the Terracotta Warriors; afternoon fly to Guilin.

Today we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin. Originally four armies were planned, at each point of the compass, life-size and lifelike. Three have been found and it is assumed the emperor's successors decided enough was enough before the fourth was be...

Day 8 Walk along Lijang River and visit Reed Flute Cave; drive to Yangshuo; free afternoon; evening cooking class.

This morning we walk along the Lijiang river and visit Reed Flute cave, its name comes from the reeds growing nearby, from which flutes were made. The cave is filled with a large number of stalactites and stalagmites. We then drive for 2 hours through the stunning tow...

Day 9 Cycle to Moon Hill past rice terraces; free afternoon.

Today we have the chance to appreciate the spectacular landscape on two wheels; as we take a bike and ride towards Moon Hill, one of the most famous in the area. Lunch is spent at a local family-run restaurant, giving us the opportunity to sample some new dishes. The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy one of the many optional activities Yangshuo has to offer.

Day 10 Free day.

Today is free to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery around Yangshuo. There are many optional activities to choose from: visit the Black Buddha caves, enjoy a Chinese massage or even a kung fu class or watch the Liu Sanjie Show an outdoor per...

Day 11 To Guilin for flight to Shanghai; evening tour along the Bund.

In the morning we transfer to the airport at Guilin to fly to Shanghai; a city with a real international feel to it which will seem a world away from the countryside you have come from. In the evening we take a walking tour of the famous Bund area, to see the iconic b...

Day 12 To the water town of Xitang.

Today we will spend the day visiting the ancient water town of Xitang; famous for its cobbled streets and bridges arching over the many canals. There are several well-preserved buildings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, and the town is a delig...

Day 13 Morning city tour; afternoon free.

Today after a visit to the tranquil Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar, the day is free to explore Shanghai, the largest city in China, with a population of around twelve million. Though it no longer warrants the title 'Paris of the East', many of the vestiges of its colonial ...

Day 14 Fly to London.

For those on the group flight to London the flight is in the morning, with a same day arrival into London in the evening.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Beijing.

There will be a welcome briefing this evening followed by an opportunity to taste the famous Beijing duck during an optional welcome dinner.

Day 2 Three days sightseeing, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Summer Palace, plus a visit to the Great Wall; overnight train to Xi'an on day four.

We leave the capital and head into the countryside to the Great Wall, an approx 2 hour journey to the north of the city. We go to one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall at Mutianyu which is an impressive sight, snaking across mountains and valleys into the ...

Day 3 Second day of Beijing sightseeing.

The sightseeing in Beijing today will include the Forbidden City with its innumerable courtyards and temples, and the Temple of Heaven Park in the southern part of the city. We also visit Tiananmen square, the largest square in the world and able to hold over a million people.. We will take a walking tour of the cities hutongs (narrow alleys) to see what is left of old Beijing and its traditions.

Day 4 Third day of Beijing sightseeing.

Just outside the city centre is the Summer Palace, a huge park dotted with impressive pavilions and temples which, like the Forbidden City, was once the exclusive playground of China's emperors and their concubines. Today we will spend a couple of hours here, before w...

Day 5 Morning walking tour of the Muslim area; free afternoon or optional cycle ride.

Xi'an is one of China's former capitals and one of the few cities in China to have retained its city walls, probably because they are so massive that no revolutionary was willing to tackle the huge task of removing them. Today we will visit the city and the Bell and D...

Day 6 Visit the Terracotta Warriors; afternoon fly to Guilin.

Today we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin. Originally four armies were planned, at each point of the compass, life-size and lifelike. Three have been found and it is assumed the emperor's successors decided enough was enough before the fourth was be...

Day 7 Walk along Lijang River and visit Reed Flute Cave; drive to Yangshuo; free afternoon; evening cooking class.

This morning we walk along the Lijiang river and visit Reed Flute cave, its name comes from the reeds growing nearby, from which flutes were made. The cave is filled with a large number of stalactites and stalagmites. We then transfer by road for 2 hours through the s...

Day 8 Cycle to Moon Hill past rice terraces; free afternoon.

Today we have the chance to appreciate the spectacular landscape on two wheels; as we take a bike and ride towards Moon Hill, one of the most famous in the area. Lunch is spent at a local family-run restaurant, giving us the opportunity to sample some new dishes. The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy one of the many optional activities Yangshuo has to offer.

Day 9 Free day.

Today is free to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery around Yangshuo. There are many optional activities to choose from: visit the Black Buddha caves, enjoy a Chinese massage or even a kung fu class or watch the Liu Sanjie Show an outdoor per...

Day 10 To Guilin for flight to Shanghai; evening tour along the Bund.

In the morning we transfer to the airport at Guilin to fly to Shanghai; a city with a real international feel to it which will seem a world away from the countryside you have come from. In the evening we take a walking tour of the famous Bund area, to see the iconic b...

Day 11 To the water town of Xitang

Today we will spend the day visiting the ancient water town of Xitang; famous for its cobbled streets and bridges arching over the many canals. There are several well-preserved buildings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, and the town is a delig...

Day 12 Morning city tour; afternoon free.

Today after a visit to the tranquil Yuyan Gardens and Bazaar, the day is free to explore Shanghai, the largest city in China, with a population of around twelve million. Though it no longer warrants the title 'Paris of the East', many of the vestiges of its colonial p...

Day 13 End Shanghai.

For those on the group flight to London the day is free day for further sightseeing or shopping.The French Quarter, an area of unchanged old Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai's most famous temple and Shanghai's various museums are many of the options available. Evening depart.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,649
Price per day$204
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request) - from GBP340 (excludes sleeper train)
    • Vaccinations
    • Chinese Visa - GBP136 with Travcour or GBP96 plus GBP18 special delivery direct with embassy

Accommodation

Travel by train, private minibus, public bus and 2 internal flights Reasonable fitness required Group normally 5 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs 11 nights hotels, en suite and 1 night sleeper train, soft-bed berths All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 1 dinner included
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: 9 breakfasts and 5 lunches and 1 dinner are included. One of the major draws of China is its exciting and varied cuisine. On this trip you will be able to try many different dishes that will be carefully selected with your leaders help and based on the group's dietary requirements and preferences. Meals generally consist of shared dishes, which is the best way to experience as many different ingredients as possible and try things you might not usually choose. Examples of popular dishes include Ma Po Tofu, a delicious tofu dish made with beef, chillies and onion, Gong Bao chicken, a very popular dish with chilli and peanuts, the iconic Peking Duck, served with hoisin sauce and pancakes, and dumplings in many shapes and sizes. There are many different dishes to try and the leader will always try and accommodate tastes, but if you do tire of Chinese food there are always opportunities to eat Western-style dishes in the cities you visit. For vegetarians or those with dietary requirements, many of the traditional dishes can be amended to omit the meat products.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
exodus-ACH

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