CHINA: 8 Day Highlights Tour Including Flights for Two

Meet giant pandas, conquer the Great Wall, and immerse yourself in fascinating traditions and culture on this wonderful tour of China. Return International Flights for Two Choose from 8 and 11 Day Tour Packages with All Accommodation and Daily Breakfast Marvel at Breathtaking Antiquity, Stunning Scenery, Diverse Wildlife and World-Famous Cuisine INCLUSIONS Return International Flights Departing Melbourne or Sydney Choose from 8 and 11 Day Tour Packages Including All Accommodation Daily Breakfast and Plenty More Meals as Specified in the Itinerary Exciting Tours of China’s Finest Attractions Sightseeing Admission as per the Itinerary Experienced English-Speaking Guides All On-Ground Transportation HOTELS 4 Nights in Beijing – Ritan International Hotel or similar 2 Nights in Shanghai – Central International hotel or similar 2 Nights in Xi’an – Qujiang Yinzuo Hotel or similar (11 Day option only) TRAVEL DATES Available for departure one of the following dates in 2017: 6, 20 March 10* 24 April 15, 29 May 5 June 3* July 21 August 4, 11* September 23, 30 October 6 November *Peak season surcharge of $280 per person applies 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 Visit Beijing Zoo to meet the Giant Pandas that reside there. On average, these majestic creatures live off a diet of 99% bamboo, and can reach a weight of over 160kg! Marvel at the portrait of Chairman Mao at Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Journey to the Forbidden City for a real taste of China’s Imperial past – ringed by a moat in the very heart of Beijing, this Dynastic palace complex is shrouded in ancient mystery. Be awestruck by the size and might of the Great Wall – China’s iconic defensive structure that undulates majestically over the peaks and troughs of the gloriously picturesque Beijing hillside. Eat, shop and enjoy expert tours in the wonderful city of Shanghai, where the diverse culture and landscapes are sure to sweep you off your feet. ITINERARY Day 1: Depart for Beijing Board your scheduled flight to Beijing! Day 2: Arrive Beijing Welcome to China! You will be met one of our tour guides and transferred to your hotel on arrival. After checking in, enjoy a good rest for the remainder of the day in preparation for your full day of touring tomorrow. Day 3: Beijing – Tiananmen Square – Beijing Zoo (B, L) After a yummy breakfast this morning, your first stop will be Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. You will also enter the imposing walls of the Forbidden City, once the exclusive domain of the Ming Dynasty. Later, you will be invited to a Traditional Tea Ceremony to learn more about Chinese traditional tea culture. Afterwards, you will go on to visit Beijing Zoo, and get the chance to meet the adorable giant pandas that reside there. Later on, you could purchase tickets to the optional tour Hutong Rickshaw tour, and visit a traditional Siheyuan Folk House, or you could just relax and explore at your leisure. In the evening, an optional Hot Pot dinner is on offer, bursting with the flavours of vibrant Chinese cuisine. Optional Activities: Hutong Rickshaw tour and hot pot dinner. Day 4: Beijing – Great Wall – Silk Street Market (B, L) This morning you will head north of Beijing city to visit China’s most iconic attraction – the Great Wall. Seeing this amazing defense structure is truly an unforgettable experience, and the rugged mountain landscape that surrounds it is breathtaking. You will then continue on to the largest Jade Factory in Beijing, to learn about the history and manufacturing process of China’s most precious and celebrated stone. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to admire the exteriors of the 2008 Olympic Games Sites including the famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, and enjoy a traditional foot massage before returning to the city. Those in need of some retail therapy are in for a real treat, as you will be taken to the famous Silk Street Market to stock up on exquisite local crafts and souvenirs. Tonight’s optional entertainment is the Kung Fu Legend Show – not to be missed! Optional Activity: Kung-fu Legend Show. Day 5: Beijing – Temple of Heaven – Silk Factory (B, L) Layered with tales of emperors, uprisings, grandeur and hubris, Beijing is an extraordinary city. Today you will learn some more about its fascinating history at the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors used to worship the universe, and pray for a good harvest. Later, you will learn about the manufacturing of silk in a silk factory, and enjoy the shining the pearls at a local pearl merchant. This afternoon’s optional tour is to the Summer Palace to see its renowned gardens once prized by the emperors for their exquisite beauty. Tonight you could purchase tickets to the Acrobat Show and the Peking Duck Feast to round off your time in Beijing with some distinctly Chinese cultural activities. Optional Activities: Summer Palace tour and Acrobat Show with dinner. Day 6: Beijing – Shanghai (B, L) Say goodbye to wonderful Beijing and take your onward journey to Shanghai. You will be met by your Shanghai tour guide on arrival. This afternoon you will visit the City God Temple bazaar. This fascinating landmark used to be a central shrine for Taoist worship, but is now more of a tourist hotspot with yummy street food and local handcrafts. Stroll along the famous Bund, a 1500m waterfront consisting of various Romanesque, Baroque, Neo-Classical, Beaux-Arts, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Later, continue on to Nanjing Road, famed as a shopping district, and one of the busiest pedestrian streets in the world. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, and perhaps sample some of the culinary delights of this vibrant city. This evening you may choose to join the optional cruise on Huangpu River. During the cruise you will take in the enchanting bright lights of the Pudong New District by night, a symbolic site of where the old Shanghai meets the new. Optional Activity: Huangpu River cruise. Day 7: Shanghai Free Day (B) Today is a leisure day. You can explore Shanghai at your own pace, or you may choose to purchase the optional tour of a beautiful Ancient Water Town, located just an hour out of the city. Soak up the town’s romantic charm by wandering through the covered corridors along the river, and learn about its profound cultural background and well-preserved ancient residences. Optional Activity: Ancient Water Town tour. Day 8: Shanghai Departure (B) For those that purchased the 8 Day tour, today is your final day in China. This morning you will have some free time to get in any last minute shopping or sightseeing before your return flight home. If you purchased the 11 Day tour, your journey continues! Keep reading to see where your journey takes takes you next. Day 8: Xi’an Extension – Muslim Street (B) Take the high-speed train or flight to Xi’an (subject to availability) and check-in to your hotel on arrival. This evening, you will take a guided tour of Muslim Street. Muslim Street is now the hub of the Muslim community in Xi’an and a hot spot for local mouth-watering food and unique souvenirs. Day 9: Xi’an Extension – Terracotta Warriors (B, L) The Terracotta Army is deemed the eighth wonder of the world. Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in three pits which are protected inside huge hangars. Also this morning you will visit a terracotta sculpture factory to learn about terracotta crafts before heading back to the city to visit Xi’an City Wall, one of the most magnificent ancient military defense systems. Its grandeur and excellent design impress all who visit. Optional Activity: Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show with dumpling banquet. Day 10: Xi’an Extension – Depart for Australia Transfer to the airport for your flight back home to Australia. Day 11: Xi’an Extension – Arrive Home Arrive home with magical memories of your incredible adventure. B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner 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 General: Valid for two people, twin share not valid with any other offer Subject to availability Flight Information: Flights are with China Southern, China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines or Air China subject to availability Surcharges: Peak season surcharge applies to departures on certain dates – see TRAVEL DATES for more information A single supplement surcharge applies to those wishing to travel alone – $500 for 8 Day Tour or $620 for 11 Day Tour Departures from Brisbane or Adelaide incur a surcharge of $350 per person Departures from Perth incur a surcharge of $650 per person Delayed return flights available from $200 per person subject to fare availability Tour tipping is compulsory and payable directly to your tour guide – $80 per person for 8 Day Tour or $105 per person for 11 Day Tour For information on any of the above surcharges please contact Kogan Travel on 1300 517 210 Optional Extras Beijing: Trishaw ride along Beijing Hutongs ($56pp) Acrobatic show ($49pp) Kung Fu Show ($56pp) Summer Palace ($49pp) Peking Roast Duck ($21pp) Hot pot dinner ($35pp) Shanghai: Huangpu River Cruise ($45pp) Half-day trip to Zhujiajiao ancient water town ($110pp) Xi’an: Dumpling Banquet & Tang Dynasty Performance: ($65pp) Those who do not wish to join the optional programs will be free to organise their own activities. Package Excludes: Visas (mandatory for Australian passport holders) Travel insurance (highly recommended) Tour tipping – $80 per person for 8 Day Tour or $105 per person for 11 Day Tour Optional activities Anything not included in the itinerary 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