Total China

24 days
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Group Tour
Be entranced by natural wonders, ancient relics, vibrant cities and unique landscapes on this 24-day journey from coastal Hong Kong to picturesque Kunming. Take a cooking class in Yangshuo, discover ancient artefacts in Xi’an, visit an Intrepid Foundation-supported project in Beijing, ride a high-speed train out to Suzhou and see some of the China’s most spec...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors
    • Practise tai chi with a local master
    • Admire the classical gardens of Suzhou
    • Walk through impressive ‘danxia’ landscapes
    • Trek in Tiger Leaping Gorge
    • Explore the former capital of the Naxi Kingdom
    • Learn to cook delicious Chinese dishes

What's this trip about?

    Be entranced by natural wonders, ancient relics, vibrant cities and unique landscapes on this 24-day journey from coastal Hong Kong to picturesque Kunming. Take a cooking class in Yangshuo, discover ancient artefacts in Xi’an, visit an Intrepid Foundation-supported project in Beijing, ride a high-speed train out to Suzhou and see some of the China’s most spectacular scenery at Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is an adventure jam-packed with charming culture, intriguing history, mesmerising beauty, lively locals and unforgettable experiences.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityHong Kong
End CityKunming

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1-2 Hong Kong

A fantastic blend of East and West, ancient and modern, cityscape and island vistas, Hong Kong is a remarkable fusion. Discover the city’s rich history and beautiful Cantonese culture, taste fantastic local dishes and stroll lively city streets. Why not jump on a ferry and explore the nearby islands, or venture down to the harbour of an evening and be dazzled by a fabulous sound and light show?

Day 3-4 Yangshuo

After a visit to the countryside of Yangshuo, you’ll soon realise why so many Chinese artists chose to capture this stunning landscape. Soak up the beauty and cultural charm of the region. Visit a local market, learn to cook classic Chinese dishes at the Yangshuo Cooking School and take a tai chi class with a local master.

Day 5-7 Xi'an

Fly out to historic Xi’an and visit the city’s most famous site – the Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed by farmers late in the 20th century, these incredible relics were buried with the first Emperor of China back in the third century BC.

Day 8-10 Beijing

Explore the sights and sounds of China’s capital, walk on the Great Wall, taste some of the world’s best Peking duck and later, visit our friends at Beijing Huiling (meaning 'wise spirit') – a special Intrepid Foundation-supported project for people with intellectual disabilities.

Day 11 Tongli

Contrast the thrill of riding a high-speed train with the tranquillity of our destination, Suzhou. Renowned for its classical Chinese gardens (all designed according to the principles of feng shui), the city exudes serenity and calm. Later, take a bus out to the quain...

Day 12-13 Shanghai

Venture out on a walking tour of historic Shanghai. Discover a spectacular array of art deco buildings and the quaint winding lanes of the old Nongtang. Later, why not head up to Cloud 9 – one of the world’s highest bars and enjoy panoramic views as you sip a local lager.

Day 14 Kunming

Fog up the plane window as you stare down in awe at the striking vista of Kunming. A vibrant city with a relaxed vibe, enjoy a free afternoon exploring the sights and sounds of Yunnan’s capital.

Day 15-16 Dali

Situated on the banks of Er Hai Lake, Dali is home to the traditional Bai people. Soak up the culture and charm of this picturesque city, explore the local area by bike or take a walk in the nearby mountains.

Day 17-18 Shaxi

Don your walking shoes and follow winding mountain trails through ‘danxia’ landscape out to the beautiful Shizong Temple. If you’re still feeling energetic in the evening, head down to the town square and join the locals in some dancing and singing.

Day 19-20 Tiger Leaping Gorge

Discover some of China’s most dramatic scenery on a walk through Tiger Leaping Gorge. See sheer rocky cliffs rise from the raging Jinsha River and pass enchanting local villages.

Day 21-22 Lijiang

Once the capital of the renowned Naxi Kingdom, Lijiang seems like something out of a dream. Be entranced by the magic of the city as you stroll cobblestone streets and meander along narrow canals. In the evening, why not catch a performance by the local Naxi orchestra.

Day 23-24 Kunming

Head back to Yunnan’s capital and visit all those places you didn’t get to first time round. Enjoy one last group dinner, then it’s goodbye China.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,400
Price per day$267
Last Updated: 6/9/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

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.

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Peregrine Adventures

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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Dong Fang Hotel or similar (3 nts), Bund Riverside Hotel or similar (2 nts), Overnight Sleeper Train (2 nts), Yangshuo New Li River Hotel or similar (2 nts), Union Alliance Atravis Executive Hotel or similar (2 nts), Dali Lan Ling Ge Hotel or similar (2 nts), Lijiang San He Hotel or similar (2 nts), Tibet Guesthouse or similar (2 nts), Shaxi Hotel or similar (2 nts), Metropark Hotel Kowloon or similar (1 nt), Lao Jie Courtyard Inn or similar (1 nt), Kunming Haikun Hotel or similar (1 nt), Haikun Hotel or similar (0 nts)
SOFT-SLEEPER TRAINS: We use soft-sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys on this trip. Compartments are clean, with padded berths (four to a room), sheets, pillow, blanket and boiling water available. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available three times a day, and there are snacks available on the train along the way. While we always try to have our groups staying together there may be times where due to ticket availability the group will be staying in different compartments and carriages. While railway services are rapidly being modernised in China, some train journeys in particular between less visited destinations may use older rolling stock and the carriages of a more basic standard.OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Transportation & Flights

Overnight sleeper train, Private Bus, Taxi, Plane, Train (bullet), Metro,

Transportation & flights

Overnight sleeper train, Private Bus, Taxi, Plane, Train (bullet), Metro
Guides
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. You can expect your Intrepid Food Adventures group leader to be passionate about the local food scene and keen to share their insider knowledge on the best authentic local food and drink experiences throughout your trip. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Requirements
Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey. ,Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SCAMS: We have become aware of passengers being approached outside of our starting point hotels by 'helpful' locals who want to show you where to go or claiming to be Intrepid employees selling Urban Adventures or Intrepid trips. These people are not employees of Intrepid nor registered guides and will try and get as much money from you as they can. A friendly 'no thank you' should suffice. If this does happen to you, please advise your leader or the reception of your hotel immediately so that the person can be reported to the appropriate authorities. LIFE JACKETS: Intrepid will provide life jackets for private boats, but cannot guarantee that all public ferries will have enough life jackets or life rings for all clients. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. www.intrepidtravel.com/safety
Meals Included

Meals introduction

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

Meals

21 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Style descriptions

Comfort is your style of travel if you want the whole grassroots experience with more inclusions, meals and creature comforts. While accommodation is predominantly tourist class (3-4 star), on some itineraries there is the opportunity to stay with a local family, spend the night on a train or camp out in exotic places (without putting up your own tent of course). Along the way, you'll really experience the destination up close. You'll mingle with locals, enjoy a taste of their way of life and gain special insights from your leader. This is not luxury travel, but real world experiences - just with a softer landing!

Finish point

  • Haikun Hotel 海昆大酒店
  • 620 Beijing Road 北京路620号
  • Panlong district 昆明市盘龙区
  • Kunming
  • CHINA
  • Phone: +86 871 6301 6666
Trip ID
peregrine-CBKI

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