Essential China

Day 1- Flight from London Heathrow to Shanghai with Virgin Atlantic.

Leave London Heathrow in the afternoon by Virgin Atlantic non-stop flight to Shanghai (11 hours 25 minutes).

Day 2- On arrival transfer to the Sunrise on the Bund for 2 nights. Afternoon tour of old Shanghai, including the Yu Yuan Garden.

On arrival this morning transfer to downtown Shanghai by the Maglev Train. From the Maglev station in Shanghai you will be transferred to the Sunrise on the Bund where you will be staying for 2 nights (deluxe room). In the afternoon visit old Shanghai, including the Yu Yuan Garden and experience a tea ceremony. Set in the beautiful Yu Yuan Gardens, the famous Mid Lake Pavilion teahouse dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Enjoy a tea ceremony where you can choose from a wide selection of tea with a demonstration of the process before sampling your choice. Finally there is the chance to stroll along the famous ‘Bund’, Shanghai’s renowned waterfront, before returning to your hotel.

Day 3- Option to explore Shanghai individually. Alternatively, take a pre-booked tour of the water towns of Suzhou and Tongli.

Today there is the option to explore Shanghai on your own accord or take a pre-bookable full day tour to the water towns of Suzhou and Tongli.

Day 4- Travel by bullet train to Beijing from Shanghai. On arrival visit the Temple of Heaven, before transfering to the Prime Hotel.

This morning travel by the high speed bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing (4 hours 48 minutes – 2nd class seat). On arrival in Beijing you will proceed to visit the glorious Temple of Heaven, a true masterpiece of 15th century design and for many the high point of Ming architecture, which for over half a millennia was the centre of the ceremonial and cultural workings of the court of the Chinese emperors. You will be staying 3 nights at the Prime Hotel (superior room).

Day 5- Visit Tiananmen Square before seeing the Forbidden City. In the afternoon take in the Imperial Summer Palace. Lastly, take a short boat ride on the waters of Kunming Lake.

In the morning, visit Tiananmen Square before taking in the incomparable grandeur of the Forbidden City, the once beating heart of the city whose expansive halls and pavilions were home to the all powerful Ming and Qing dynasties. Covering an area of some 720,000 square metres, in imperial days this fabulous enclave was strictly off-limits to the Emperor’s subjects under pain of death. Today it presents us with one of the most remarkable collections of Chinese imperial majesty anywhere, with some 800 buildings spread across the city, that are filled with a vast array of artefacts from the Ming and Manchu eras. In the afternoon sightseeing has been arranged to visit the Imperial Summer Palace, an UNESCO site where successive dynasties created a haven of Chinese gardens and ornate pavilions. Take a short boat ride across the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake.

Day 6- Take in the masterful Great Wall of China. Tonight enjoy a special Peking Duck dinner.

There are few structures on earth that can evoke the same sense of wonder and awe than the imposing presence of the Great Wall of China. Begun over 2,000 years ago it stretches for some 5,000 kilometres, across a timeless landscape. Today we travel to Mu Tian Yu, where the remarkable sight of the wall snakes across a landscape of lush blanketed mountains above a plunging ravine. Tonight enjoy a special Peking Duck dinner.

Day 7- Early morning flight to Xi'an. In teh afternoon tour the old part of the city. Accommodation is at the Golden Flower Hotel.

An early morning flight to Xi’an (1 hour 55 minutes) and in the afternoon take a tour of the old part of the city, the capital of 11 imperial dynasties and enclosed within its well-preserved Ming dynasty walls. You will take a short walk on the city walls and visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. Accommodation is at the Golden Flower Hotel (deluxe room – south wing).

Day 8- See the astonishing Army of Terracotta Warriors. In teh afternoon return to central Xi'an for sightseeing. Evening option to attend a traditional dance persformance and dinner.

The astonishing Army of Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi are considered to be the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World and a visit to the tombs today is one of the cultural high points of the holiday. Returning to central Xi’an this afternoon, visit the Bell Tower and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening there is the option to attend a traditional dance performance and dinner.

Day 9- Late morning flight to Guilin for 2 nights at the Bravo Hotel. Afternoon trip to the Reed Flute Caves and the summit of Fubo Hill.

Take a late morning flight to Guilin (1 hour 45 minutes). You will be staying 2 nights at the Bravo Hotel (deluxe room – grand wing). In the afternoon take a trip out to the extraordinary geological formations of the Reed Flute Caves and the summit of Fubo Hill, for a panoramic view across Guilin’s unique vistas.

Day 10- Morning cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. After visiting the town return to Guilin in the evening for a short drive around the city by night and a visit to Li River to see the cormorant fishermen at work.

A morning cruise along the picturesque Li River through some of Guilin’s most majestic scenery, passing an ever changing landscape of limestone outcrops and enchanting fishing villages as you journey to the bustling market town of Yangshuo. After visiting the town return to Guilin for the evening. In the evening there will be a short drive around to see Guilin by night followed by a visit to the Li River to observe the famed cormorant fishermen at work.

Day 11- Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to Guilin airport for the flight to Hong Kong to connect with Virgin Atlantic flight back to London.

The morning is at leisure until your afternoon transfer to Guilin airport for the flight to Hong Kong. You may wish to use the free time to do some last minute shopping or perhaps visit the Seven Stars Park where the playful pandas can usually be seen in their enclosure. Early risers may like to watch the locals practising tai chi and dancing on the street about 5 minutes walk from the hotel. In the afternoon fly to Hong Kong (1 hour 25 minutes) and connect with the evening Virgin Atlantic flight back to London (13 hours 20 minutes).

Day 12- Arrive London Heathrow in the early morning.

Arrive London Heathrow in the early morning.

Sunrise on the Bund

Located approximately 5 minutes from the Bund. The 151 guest rooms are decorated in a modern style, but with influences from 1920s Shanghai, and are well equipped with all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay, including king/twin size beds and broadband access (payable locally). Dining options are plentiful and include The Lobby Lounge and Crystal Café, serving western cuisine, the Tainan Tan-Tsu-Mian Seafood Restaurant, which offers a blend of Taiwanese and Cantonese cuisine using top grade live fish with their own unique sauces, Shou Tou Japanese Restaurant and Zan Teppanyaki, offering a fusion of Japanese Teppanyaki and French cuisine. There are several bars including the Old Captain Bar, Churchill Cigar Bar and La Riva Bar located on the 22nd floor where you can enjoy views of the lights of Shanghai. The leisure facilities on offer are impressive including ‘L Spa’ where you can enjoy both hot and cold Jacuzzis, an energy crystal steam room and a generous range of treatmen

Prime Hotel

The Prime Hotel is conveniently located on the famous Wangfujing Avenue, and near to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Beihai Park. Each of the 400 guest rooms are spacious and include tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, mini bar and refrigerator. The hotel has 3 restaurants serving Chinese, International and a la carte cuisine. Hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and Jacuzzi.

Shangri-La Golden Flower

A premier hotel in the heart of China's ancient capital, Xi'an, the Golden Flower Hotel is part of the elegant Shangri-La chain. The hotel's 416 rooms and suites are located in two wings and offer a full range of modern amenities amidst a relaxing blend of Asian and Western décor. Dining options include a tempting choice of Cantonese, Sichuan and International cuisine and the hotel boasts some of the finest fitness facilities in the city. Its sports and health club features top of the range equipment, relaxing sauna and steam rooms, a jacuzzi and indoor swimming pool. This superb hotel is ideally located to explore Xi'an's remarkable highlights including the renowned Army of Terracotta Warriors.

Guilin Bravo Hotel

The Guilin Bravo Hotel is conveniently located near the Banyan Lake Promenade in the historical part of the town and is within walking distance from most major sights. The 274 rooms all feature individually controlled air-conditioning, private bathroom, television with satellite channels, IDD telephone, coffee maker and a mini-bar. Facilities include a western style restaurant, two Chinese restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool and Health Centre.

Hong Kong Extension - Essential China

Extra Days:4Cost:from £ 440

A fusion of tradition and modern chic can be found in Hong Kong. From Kowloon’s bustling waterfront to the heights of Victoria Peak and the Giant Buddha of Lantau Island, Hong Kong is a city of surprising diversity, colour and a rich selection of culinary experiences. Your time in Hong Kong is free for you to explore this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Why not take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, visit some of the many outlying islands, take a trip on the famous Star ferry or practice your bargaining skills at the popular Stanley Market and dine in one of Hong Kong’s many excellent restaurants.

Tang Dynasty Show Xi’an (Evening performance with dinner) - £35

Extra Days:0Cost:from £ 0

Tongli & Suzhou - £80.00 per person (Full day including lunch)

Extra Days:0Cost:from £ 0

Travel to one of the least visited “water towns” in the vicinity of Shanghai. Tongli is divided into 7 islets by the various streams flowing through the town. With its network of lake and waterways, making it less accessible in olden times, Tongli has not suffered from war and therefore more ancient buildings have been preserved. A boat trip and a visit to the Garden of Quiet Meditation which embraces all the rockeries, ponds, trees and flowers that exist in the classical gardens south of the Yangtze River. Your tour then continues to the picturesque city of Suzhou, located on the Imperial Grand Canal, and also renowned for its classical Chinese gardens. Today it is also an important silk-producing centre. Your visit includes a visit to a silk factory and the Lingering Garden.

Virgin Atlantic - Upper Class (Business Class)

Cost: from £ 2595

Virgin Atlantic aims to spoil their passengers rotten with their Upper Class cabin which boasts some of the biggest Upper Class seats in the industry. The comfy 22 inch wide seats turn into 33 inch wide, 6.6 feet long totally flat beds at the click of a button. Each seat has its own 10.4 inch television with a massive list of entertainment plus an individual power point, table and laptop storage space. The elegant onboard dining experience allows passengers to choose from a wide menu of fine food and a drinks list including champagne, bucks fizz and cocktails. Prior to departure Upper Class benefits include a dedicated check-in area, a priority security lane at Heathrow and access to the exclusive Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses at Heathrow and Gatwick and those abroad where applicable ** ** In airports where Virgin Atlantic to not have a Clubhouse, Upper Class passenger’s will have access to an alternative Upper Class Lounge. These shared lounges are either owned by the airport authorities or another airline. Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.

Virgin Atlantic - Premium Economy

Cost: from £ 505

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy offers passengers extra space and comfort with luxurious leather seats offering 38 inches of pitch room and an increased seat width of 21 inches. Before departure clients have access to a separate check-in area and also priority boarding and where possible passengers and luggage will be prioritised off the plane. Onboard, Premium Economy passengers have a dedicated cabin crew who will provide complimentary newspapers, drinks, and amenity kit and serve upgraded three course meals which are served on stylish china plates with stainless steel cutlery. Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.