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China Discovery Tour

China Discovery Tour

Escorted Tour

10 Days From £1095

This 10 day, 8 night tour is the perfect way to explore the highlights of China. Incorporating the three major cities of Shanghai, Xi'an and Beijing - it gives you the chance to visit some of the most iconic sights including the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, the Forbidden City and beautiful metropolis that is Shanghai.

Including...

10 Day Itinerary:

Day 1: UK to Shanghai

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Shanghai International Airport.

Day 2: Shanghai

On arrival in Shanghai you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel and taken out for dinner followed by an overnight stay.

  • Dinner

Day 3: Shanghai

With a population surpassing 25 million, Shanghai is an incredible metropolis not to be missed with architecture like no other Chinese city. Our full day tour commences after breakfast and includes visits to the scenic Yu Gardens, the traditional Old Town, Shanghai Museum and shopping in a silk factory with a break for lunch. After dinner in the city, take a night cruise along the Huangpu River, giving you the chance to enjoy beautiful views whilst meandering through the streams of water traffic.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shanghai to Wuzhen

Following breakfast you will travel by coach to the water village of Wuzhen where lush gardens, calming waterways and authentic buildings will transport you back in time to a traditional China from centuries ago. Your boat trip will journey through the stone bridges and winding canals before you retire to your hotel for dinner and your evening's stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Wuzhen to Shanghai

After returning to Shanghai you will explore the former French Concession area as well as the nearby Tianzifang, a labyrinth of art studios and shops. Before enjoying an afternoon at your leisure your guide will take you to Xintiandi, a district known for arts, crafts and restaurants.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Shanghai to Xi'an

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. On arrival in this ancient Sichuan city, lunch will be followed by a fascinating orientation tour showing you the highlights of Xi'an, including a visit to the ancient City Wall. Built in around 582 AD and stretching around a perimeter of 13.7km, it is China's most complete city fortification. In the evening enjoy an East meets West banquet dinner in a grand theatre followed by the colourful Tang Dynasty Show.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Xi'an to Beijing

Test your bargaining skills in the morning in the market stalls that zigzag through the Muslim Quarter along with a visit to the Xi'an Great Mosque. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Taking nearly four decades to complete and over 700,000 workers, this incredible tomb was built to protect China's first emperor in his afterlife. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Beijing

Beijing is one of the world's truly ancient capitals and an extraordinary city. One of the tour highlights is a trip to the iconic Great Wall, built over 2,000 years ago to protect the Chinese Empire against marauding Mongol invaders from the North. We've included a cable car ride to the top to explore the wall's ancient battlements. After lunch take a stroll around the magnificent Summer Palace, followed by a traditional Peking Duck dinner in the evening.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Beijing

Your final day includes a comprehensive city tour, first stopping at Tiananmen Square. This monumental landmark is not only the world's largest city centre square but also the gateway to the Forbidden City, which houses the wondrous Imperial Palace where dynasties ruled China for hundreds of years. After visiting the famous Temple of Heaven unwind and marvel at the talents of the accomplished performers in the Chinese Acrobatic Show.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Beijing to the UK

Transfer to Beijing airport for your

  • Breakfast
Your Meals

China Discovery Tour

10 days from

£1095 per person

Prices subject to availability & change

Important Information

Visas

A visa is required for entry into China. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa for you on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote "Mercury Holidays". The cost of the visa is approximately £186.00, when calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of the most up to date fees. The visas take around 10 working days to issue and are only valid for 3 months from the date of issue. We therefore recommend that you apply for your visa 8 weeks before travel, however please be aware that your passport will be required for the application so make sure that you will not need it during this time.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

All flights are operated by China Eastern Airlines. Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage and hand luggage of 5kg not exceeding 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm in size. A return Business Class upgrade for international legs of the tour is available from £899pp, please speak to our reservations department for further details.

Health and Vaccinations

We recommend that you consult your local GP for advice on vaccinations and travel health before your departure.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 40. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in China is the Renminbi, known as RMB or CNY. It is often referred to as the Yuan. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you depart. US Dollars are widely accepted in China should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £100 - £200 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are!