CHINA: 13 Day Yangtze and Beyond Tour for Two Including Flights (MEL)

From cruising the scenic Yangtze River, to the big city bustle of Shanghai, to enjoying traditional tea ceremonies and Tai Chi – this tour has it all! Return International Flights for Two 9 Nights of Accommodation with Daily Breakfast and Tours of China’s most Iconic Attractions 3 Night River Cruise Along the Beautiful Yangtze River on the Yangtze Gold 6 with All Meals Included INCLUSIONS Return International Flights from Melbourne Domestic Flight from Yichang to Shanghai 9 Nights of Accommodation 3 Night Yangtze River Cruise on the Yangtze Gold 6 with All Meals Included Daily Breakfast plus More Meals as Specified in the Itinerary Tours of Iconic Attractions including the Great Wall of China and The West Lake of Hangzhou All On-ground Touring Transportation by Private Coach All Sightseeing Entrance Fees as per the Itinerary Bullet Train from Chengdu to Chongqing Bullet Train from Suzhou to Beijing Knowledgeable and Experienced English-Speaking Guides All Tipping and Gratituities HOTELS 1 night in Chongqing – Eling 88 Hotel or similar 3 night Yangtze River Cruise on the Yangtze Gold 6 2 nights in Shanghai – Crowne Plaza Shanghai Fudan or similar 1 night in Hangzhou – Hangzhou Crowne Plaza Xanadu or similar 1 night in Suzhou – Suzhou Youlian Holiday Inn or similar 4 nights in Beijing – Loong Palace Hotel or Similar TRAVEL DATES Available for one of the following departure dates in 2017: 14, 21, 28 March 4, 11, 18, 25 April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May* 6, 13, 20, 27 June 4, 11, 18, 25 July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 August 5, 12, 26 September* 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 October* 7, 14 November A surcharge of $300 per person applies for travel in May, September or October Book early to secure your preferred dates! HOW TO BOOK Once you have selected your favourite option, click on Add to Cart and follow the payment prompts Once you complete your purchase, you will be emailed a confirmation and unique booking code Please follow the instructions on your email to redeem your voucher For any other assistance or enquiries please contact support@kogantravel.com or call us on 1300 517 210. HIGHLIGHTS Float down the longest river in China – the Yangtze River – soaking in the incredible scenery of the Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. During your epic cruise, you’ll also get the chance to view the eerie Hanging Coffins, visit the Fengdu Ghost City (optional) and hear intriguing stories about Chinese ghost culture and the afterlife. Sip soothing Chinese tea at a famous tea plantation in the lush and tranquil Hangzhou Tea Village. Board the high speed bullet train to Beijing, where you’ll visit the historic Tiananmen Square, walk the Great Wall of China and admire the adorable Giant Pandas at Beijing Zoo (optional). Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the hustle and bustle of China’s biggest city – Shanghai! Learn about the history and culture of this big city while winding through the streets, and shop to your heart’s content on the famous Nanjing Road. ITINERARY Day 1: Chengdu – Chongqing (I/F) Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and board a bullet train to Chongqing. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace, or relax and get a good night’s sleep for your big day of touring tomorrow. Day 2: Chongqing City Tour (B, D) Today you will explore the city of Chongqing and visit the Ciqikou Old Street – a small ancient town that was a busy commercial dock in both Min and Qing Dynasties. In the evening, board the Yangtze River Cruise ship and begin your memorable 3-night cruise down the Yangtze River. Day 3: Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D) Enjoy a day at leisure cruising down the Yangtze, or take an intriguing optional ghost tour. Optional Tour: Fengdu Ghost City and Shibaozhai Pagoda Join an optional excursion to visit the intriguing Fengdu Ghost City for an eerie insight into the way Chinese people view death and the afterlife. The temples built on Ming Mountain depict punish instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell. You may also want to visit the legendary Shibaozhai. This site has a history of over 400 years when it was built into the side of a 200-metre tall hill. The striking 9 story red pagoda was built in 1819 to make it easier for people to reach the Buddhist temple at the very top of the hill. Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D) Enjoy a day at leisure on board your Yangtze River Cruiser, or take an optional tour to the emerald green waters of the Lesser Three Gorges. Optional Tours: Lesser Three Gorges & White Emperor City Don’t be fooled by the name, this beautiful landscape is certainly not lacking stunning views. To get to the Lesser Three Gorges, leave your cruise ship behind and board smaller vessels to sail through the narrow and breathtaking Lesser Three Gorges region, lined by sheer cliffs and mountains. Continue sailing along the Yangtze River and admire the beauty of the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge and visit the Ancient Plank Road, Meng Liang Stairway and the Hanging Coffins. Take on the afternoon optional tour to visit the White Emperor City, an ancient temple located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River. Day 5: Yangtze River – Shanghai (B, L) Wake up with a relaxing Tai Chi lesson and spend the afternoon at leisure before disembarking in the afternoon to take your flight from Yichang to the largest city in China, Shanghai. Optional Tour: Three Gorges Dam Spend your morning discovering the incredible Three Gorges Dam Site – one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and the biggest hydropower project in the world. Day 6: Shanghai City Tour (B, L) Start your day with a Shanghai city tour, winding through the largest commercial and financial centres, visiting the Nanjing Walking District and discovering the history and culture of Shanghai at the Shanghai Museum. You will then continue to the Bund by the Huangpu River, and witness the old meeting the modern side of the city. Optional Tour: Huangpu River Cruise Board an exciting Huangpu River Cruise, taking in the famous sites of Shanghai including the People’s Hero Monument, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the dramatic skyline of the Pudong business district, the bustling International Passenger Station of Shanghai Harbour, the docks and the Wu Song ancient gun fort relics. Day 7: Shanghai – Hangzhou (B, L) After breakfast, head to Hangzhou for a tour of the city. Hangzhou is the political, economic and cultural centre of the Zhejiang province. The city is renowned for its beauty and abundance of cultural heritage. Visit the iconic West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, comprising of the West Lake and surrounding hills, which have inspired famous poets, scholars and artists since the 9th Century. It is also home to numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, causeways and artificial islands. Optional Tour: West Lake Show: In the evening, enjoy an incredible performance at the Impression West Lake Show. Day 8: Hangzhou – Suzhou (B, L) This morning, visit a tea plantation in the famous Tea Village of Hangzhou, where you will learn about tea picking and processing. The tea plantation is situated in a beautiful location nestled amongst lush green hills of the West Lake scenic area and has a history of over 600 years. After lunch, drive to Suzhou, which is known as the ‘Venice of the East’ thanks to its many beautiful waterways. The Grand Canal of Suzhou is the longest and oldest surviving man-made waterway in the world. Optional Tour: Canal Ride Join the optional Grand Canal boat ride for a closer look at this impressive waterway that dates back more than 2,000 years. Day 9: Suzhou – Beijing (B, L) Suzhou is famous for its gardens, which are renowned for their unique architectural and elaborate designs. After visiting the Master of Nets Garden, you will continue on to the most famous silk factory in China to learn about the manufacturing processes of silk products and its rich history here in China. In the afternoon, you will board a bullet train to Beijing. Upon arrival you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel to relax, or to do some more exploring before bed. Day 10: Beijing City Tour (B, D) Begin your day with a delicious buffet breakfast, then set out with your trip leader to discover Beijing’s imperial treasures. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. Enter the imposing walls of the Forbidden City, once the exclusive domain of the Ming Dynasty, for an extensive tour through this vast complex. Day 11: Beijing – Great Wall Tour (B, L) Travel into the rugged mountain landscapes north of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China. Once on top of this ancient defensive structure, you’ll find that the views are magnificent and the experience is truly unforgettable. Afterwards learn about Jade, China’s most precious and celebrated stone, and its manufacturing process at the largest Jade factory in Beijing. You’ll also get the chance to visit the 2008 Olympic Games Sites including the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Head back to the city to enjoy an oriental foot massage before returning to the hotel. Day 12: Beijing – Temple of Heaven Tour (B, L) Start your day the Chinese way by practicing Tai Chi in the historic Temple of Heaven. Tai Chi is an internal martial art system which places emphasis on the development and control of Chi (consciousness) energy within the body. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to experience a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony while sampling China’s locally-favoured brews at a Tea House. Day 13: Depart Beijing (I/F) Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. If time permits, you can explore the city of Beijing at your own pace or join a selection of optional tours with our experienced local guide. Optional Tours: Beijing Zoo – famous for its collection of rare and unique animals in China, including its resident Giant Pandas. Lama Temple – the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing. It was built in 1694 and was originally the home of Qing Emperor Yongzheng before he became emperor. Capital Museum – houses a large collection of ancient porcelain, bronze, calligraphy, painting, jade, sculpture, and Buddhist statues from imperial China as well as other Asian cultures. B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner I/F = In Flight FINE PRINT Buying and Booking: Buy now – limited time offer! Top Tip: Book early to secure your preferred dates! 14 day booking guarantee – if you can’t book your preferred dates within 14 days we will refund you in full. See T&Cs here Bookings are non refundable once your travel dates are confirmed Alternate Departure City Surcharges: Flights depart from Melbourne and Sydney only. Flights departing from other cities are available at an extra cost – contact Kogan Travel on 1300 517 210 for more information Surcharges: A single supplement surcharge of $700 applies to those wishing to travel alone – contact Kogan Travel on 1300 517 210 for more information A surcharge of $300 per person applies for departures in May, September and October General: Valid for two people, twin share Flights are with China Eastern, China Southern, or Sichuan Airlines, subject to availability Flight upgrades are available on request Scheduled activities are subject to change without prior notice based upon weather, traffic condition and other unforeseen occurrences Package Excludes: Travel insurance – strongly recommended Anything else not specified in the itinerary China Visa (mandatory for Australian passport holders) Travel Advice: For the latest travel advice for your holiday please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip overseas A visa may be required for your destination or any countries you are transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you obtain a valid visa. Please visit http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ to assist you with any requirements. For information about how we calculate the savings and values of our deals, click here Click here for Kogan Travel FAQs