Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Yunnan Explorer
Preferred
Overview
Short Description
A land of contrasts, China is home to modern metropolises, soaring mountain ranges and some of the world’s most recognisable tourist sites.
There are countless activities and experiences available across the country, but for many a walk along the Great Wall is an undisputed highlight. Although justifiably popular, we can show you how to experience this and China’s other premier attractions away from the crowds. See the Terracotta Army at a quiet time, marvel at the verdant rice terraces and minority villages of Longji, or take a boat trip through the striking karst scenery of Guilin and Yangshuo.
Itinerary
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kunming.
Day 2 : Kunming
Upon arrival into Kunming airport you'll be met by your guide and driven to your city hotel.
Day 3 : Dali
This morning you drive or fly to Dali, which is the starting point for exploring the mountains of the northwest of the province. After checking into your hotel you have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4 : Dali
Spend today exploring Dali's Old Town by yourselves.
Day 5 : Dali
A further day at leisure to explore the delights of Dali; perhaps take a cable car into the Cangshan Mountains or cycle out to Lake Erhai.
Day 6 : Shaxi
Today you'll drive out to the village of Shaxi. This drive will take you into the countryside, through villages and rice paddies to Shaxi. Once there you'll have time to explore.
Day 7 : Lijiang
After more time spent in the village, you'll drive further north today to Lijiang, stopping off at the holy Buddhist mountain of Shibaoshan on the way.
Day 8 : Lijiang
Lijiang has a very well preserved old town and you'll spend the day exploring it by yourselves.
Day 9 : Lijiang
At leisure in Lijiang.
Day 10 : Lu Gu Lake
You drive onto Lugu Lake today - a stunningly picturesque journey, folllowing a tributary of the Yangtze some of the way, and passing through a handful of minority villages.
Day 11 : Lu Gu Lake
Have time around Lake Lugu today - visit some minority villages, go walking or even horseriding, or simply relax and take in the views - the choice is yours.
Day 12 : Lijiang
Return to Lijiang today, retracing your steps.
Day 13 : Tiger Leaping Gorge
This morning you'll be driven to Daju, start of the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek. Your guide will then accompany you for day one of the trek. This is the more strenuous of the two days, as you gain height to the upper path of the trek. Towards the end of the day, you'll approach a small guesthouse, where you spend tonight.
Day 14 : Zhongdian
After a restful night's sleep, you'll continue along the path - today is a little less tiring than the first day, with less climbing. You'll finish the trek and be met by your driver around the middle of the afternoon. You'll then be driven onto Zhongdian, sitting high on the Tibetan plateau at 3,200 metres.
Day 15 : Zhongdian
Today your guide will accompany you to Songzanlin Monastery - the most important Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet. You have this afternoon at your leisure to explore Zhongdian by yourselves.
Day 16 : Zhongdian
A final day at leisure to explore the beautiful surrounds of Zhongdian.
Day 17 : International return flight
You drive to the airport this morning for your flight to Kunming, where you connect onwards to Hong Kong, ready for your international return flight.
Day 18 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Availability
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3,424 Audley Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings
Yunnan Explorer
Company Reviews
California Road trip
Japan
We wanted to let you know that the trip exceeded expectations. We appreciated, connected and enjoyed each of our guides as unique people who shared their cities and culture with us. The couple of snafus were handled competently- the missing bus passes, train schedules that still were not quite right all fixed with the help of our Orientation guide! Dana was a great last guide- giving us Insight into religious practices, culture and living in modern Japan.
The accommodations were fantastic, we felt spoiled by the attention.
Our experiences with the people of Japan were wonderful. The random people we met were friendly and helpful - the Japanese businessman who led us to our train to make sure we got on the right one when we were a bit confused by the Tokyo train system early on...comes to mind, our language barrier was forgiven. Occasionally the google translator was called into service, and google maps was a godsend! Each of our interactions with local folks turned into a story and adventure, such as the restaurant owner who wants to be a football player for Atlanta!
We took over 1200 pictures most are breathtaking. I am having trouble trimming things down for a slide show to share with family and friends that won't last an hour or more!
I will include just a few here with our thanks for putting together an experience that we both truly enjoyed and will remember!
Arigato, thank you!
Sharon & Rick
Botswana and Zambia Safari
What stars Audley are
All locations and accommodation including the staff therein, were brilliant. The icing on the cake however, came when our long haul flight was cancelled with only hours to spare. An hour after emailing James, who was going on holiday that day, we had overnight accommodation organised, how to get there and what to do when there. When you’re a long way from home and something like happens, Audley will sort it. No problem. Thankyou.
Japan , our holiday of a lifetime
Audley took into account our budget. They booked mid range hotels that were fabulous and close to train networks for ease of travel.
I cannot think of one criticism at all. The G7 summit threw up some last minute problems with our booking which Jo dealt with on our behalf , she fully consulted us throughout.
Audley ensured we had the most amazing holiday. I have no hesitation in recommending them based on my personal experience and would definitely use them again if I were to have another long distance holiday.
Excellent all round
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Intimate Group - 12 max
Trip ID#:
audley-travel-39741
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