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Small Group Programs to China 2004-2005
This is not for everyone.
You will only do this if you want to be totally exhausted at the end of your
trip - by fun, lots of walking, lugging your back packs all over, overnight trains, small hotels with
basic amenities, and with a group of 11 other international travelers usually between ages of 20 to 50.
These programs offer great value.
If you prefer to move at your own pace, or want more upscale accommodations or private guides, please
contact us for independent programs.
Tiger Leaping Gorge - Yunnan Explorer
19 days Hong Kong to Kunming from $1029.00
Yangshuo cycling, Dali, Zhongdian, Tibetan culture, Tiger Leaping Gorge trek, Lijiang.
Be challenged by an active trip through the enchanting Yunnan province. Abundant cultural diversity, colourful local markets, dramatic scenery and picturesque villages form the setting for this wonderful
adventure. Allow US$200 for meals not included and US$90 for flights to be purchased enroute.
| Itinerary |
| Days 1-2 | Hong Kong |
Hong Kong hums with vitality as an exciting combination of old world China and modern, hip city. Excellent markets, a beautiful harbour, great food and a flotilla of islands all waiting to be explored. |
| Days 3-4 | Yangshuo |
Experience the awesome scenery of Yangshuo, nestled amongst towering limestone karsts and surrounded by a lush rural landscape. Discover the area by bike or simply relax by the river. |
| Day 5 | Kunming |
Seek out the fast disappearing old world character of Kunming, exploring its back streets and sampling Kunming's famous food. |
| Days 6-8 | Dali |
Charming lakeside Dali is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The old town has cobblestone lanes and cute wooden houses. Take a stroll through the colourful early morning markets of ethnic minorities. |
| Days 9-10 | Zhongdian |
Prayer flags, monasteries and Tibetan script provide a spiritual magnetism to the peaceful town of Zhongdian. Cycle the surrounding countryside and wander the picturesque old quarter. |
| Days 11-15 | Tiger Leaping Gorge |
Relish the magnificence of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Our arduous but ultimately rewarding trek is set in this spectacular terrain of one of the world's deepest gorges. |
| Days 16-17 | Lijiang |
Serene Lijiang, home of the Naxi people, is a distinctly different culture. Explore the maze of cobbled streets in the old town, hire a bike and head into the gorgeous countryside or see a local dance performance. |
| Days 18-19 | Kunming |
Returning to Kunming, we have time to discover ancient temples and mosques before having our final dinner in one of Kunming's fantastic restaurants. |
Best of China!
15 days Shanghai to Beijing from $1249.00
Shanghai, Nanjing, Yangzi River, Three Gorges, Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall
Discover a land of contrasts in the Middle Kingdom. Vibrant sophisticated cities, masses of history, ancient treasures, the controversial Yangzi dam project, a culture that will keep you guessing and friendly locals all blend to make this a fabulous journey through China. Allow US$220 for meals not included and US$85 for flight to be purchased enroute.
| Itinerary |
| Days 1-2 | Shanghai |
With fantastic shopping, a world class museum and the famous Bund, Shanghai bubbles with life. |
| Days 3-5 | Nanjing |
A crumbling city wall, palace ruins and the historic drum and bell pavilions in Nanjing, are reminders of the glorious Ming Dynasty. While the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre is a reminder of a more recent macabre past. |
| Days 6-8 | Xian |
Xian, ancient capital and once a starting point for the famed Silk Road is also home to one of the greatest archeological discoveries of our time - the Terracotta Warriors. |
| Days 9-11 | Yangzi River |
Take this opportunity to play a part in the evolving mystical scenery of the Yangzi River. Get a glimpse of a true working river that is the lifeblood for millions of people. Glide through the controversial massive Three Gorges Dam. |
| Days 12-15 | Forbidden City |
Enter a bygone era visiting the spectacular Forbidden City, stroll through the bustling yet eerie vastness of Tiananmen Square, walk along the massive Great Wall and feast on succulent roast duck in majestic Beijing. |
Essence of China - Northbound (or vice versa)
21 days Hong Kong to Beijing from $1766.00
Guilin region, Three Gorges, Emei Mountain, giant pandas, Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall
Discover the Middle Kingdom. Cosmopolitan cities, natural wonders, masses of history and famous icons. Travelling here is like experiencing a work of art in progress. Allow US$300 for meals not included.
| Itinerary |
| Days 1- | 2 Hong Kong |
Energetic, exciting Hong Kong has markets characteristic of Asia, that merge into flashy, international business areas. Don't miss a ferry ride across Victoria Harbour or the fantastic views from the Peak. |
| Days 3-5 | Yangshuo |
Spectacular scenery of towering limestone karsts emerging from emerald green rice fields envelopes the small town of Yangshuo. Take a cycle ride into the countryside to experience the best of this rural scene. |
| Days 6-8 | Three Gorges |
As construction of the world's largest dam progresses, we take a journey along this truly magnificent working waterway and become a part of the evolving landscape of the Three Gorges and Yangzi River . |
| Days 9-10 | Chengdu |
Chengdu is home of the wonderfully spicy Sichuan cuisine. Spend time relaxing in a teahouse or feasting on a fiery hot pot. We visit the Giant Panda centre for a close encounter with these impressive creatures. |
| Days 11-14 | Leshan |
We explore the big Buddha at Leshan, before the journey on to the holy mountain of Emei Shan. We visit the peak for spectacular views and hike to an isolated monastery through the stunning lush foliage. A rejuvenating treat for the soul as we breathe in the sweet clean air. |
| Days 15-17 | Terracotta Warriors |
Home to the amazing Terracotta Warriors, ancient Xi'an is a wonderful place to explore. The intact city walls offer excellent views and the old city with its markets and narrow streets are fun and easy to get lost in. |
| Days 18-21 | Beijing |
There is ample time to take in the best of imperial Beijing. After breathtaking Tiananmen Square and the impressive Forbidden City, we climb the mighty Great Wall and relax in the peace of the Summer Palace. |
China in Depth
28 days Hong Kong to Beijing from 2354.00
Guilin, Yangzi River, Three Gorges, Putuoshan Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, Terracotta Warriors, Pingyao, Hanging Monastery, Great Wall
Stimulate all your senses and discover the depth of diversity, beauty and culture of China. Amazing landscape, fabulous people, great food, a culture that keeps us on our toes and extraordinary archaeology, all combine in this quintessential journey of China. Allow US$420 for meals not included and US$156 for flights to be purchased enroute.
| Itinerary |
| Days 1-2 | Hong Kong |
Hong Kong is a dynamic mix of 21st century and traditional Chinese culture. Take in the views from Victoria Peak, a ferry ride on Victoria Harbour or comb the many markets and shops. |
| Days 3-6 | Yangshuo |
Emerald green rice paddies carpet a landscape of spectacular limestone karsts around Yangshuo. Hike a stunning track along the Li River or cycle the countryside enjoying a sumptuous local lunch on the way. |
| Days 7-8 | Yangzi River |
Aboard our basic Yangzi River boat, we journey down the river, learning of the local life along the river banks. We also cruise through the famous Three Gorges with a stop to explore one of the tributaries. |
| Days 9-11 | Putuoshan |
The beautiful pagodas, temples, alleyways and arched bridges of Putuoshan that are dotted throughout this island have for centuries been the inspiration of Chinese artists. |
| Days 12-13 | Hangzhou |
Soak up the relaxing atmosphere on the shores of Hangzhou's West Lake. Explore famous temples, sample a local brew in one of the many teahouses or indulge in the superb local cuisine. |
| Days 14-16 | Shanghai |
A couple of days in cosmopolitan Shanghai is visually stimulating. A fantastic museum to explore while the stunning and diverse architecture of the Bund is a must see. |
| Day 17 | Zhouzhuang |
Cobblestone streets, charming stone bridges and tiny canals lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture is the village of Zhouzhuang. |
| Days 18-19 | Suzhou |
The famous gardens of Suzhou are a fusion of the arts. Cycle along the canals, investigate the history of silk or catch an atmospheric cultural performance of local opera and music. |
| Days 20-21 | Xian |
Xi'an is a city of countless ancient treasures. Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors, explore the Muslim Quarter and the distinct Islamic mosque. An excellent place for souvenir shopping. |
| Days 22-23 | Pingyao |
The World Heritage Site of Pingyao, with its gorgeous traditional courtyard houses and Ming dynasty city wall is a wonderful example of old world China. |
| Days 24-25 | Datong |
En route to Datong we check out the amazing Hanging Monastery, suspended precariously under an overhanging precipice. From Datong we visit the striking Yungang Grottoes which house 51,000 Buddha statues. |
| Days 26-28 | Beijing |
Majestic Beijing, from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace to the sight of the Great Wall snaking across the rugged mountains, is impressive in all its splendour. |
Taste of China
9 days Beijing to Shanghai from $732.00
Beijing, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Suzhou, Shanghai
Experience the diversity of China's more popular attractions. Combine the imperial grandeur of palaces and temples with vibrant cities and famous waterways to give the perfect taste of China. Allow US$130 for meals not included.
| Itinerary |
| Days 1-3 | Beijing |
We journey back through time on a guided visit to Beijing's Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. We wander along the impressive Great Wall of China. |
| Days 4-5 | Terracotta Warriors |
Once a starting point for the famed Silk Road, Xi'an, with its exotic Muslim Quarter and intact city wall, is where we visit the incredible 2000 year old Terracotta Warriors. |
| Days 6-7 | Suzhou |
Spend the day absorbing the charm of Suzhou's gardens and canals. We have a magical evening of traditional music, opera and theatre. |
| Days 8-9 | Shanghai |
In exciting and cosmopolitan Shanghai we visit the world class Shanghai Museum and see the skills of the famous Shanghai acrobatics. |
Grand China Traverse
22 days Beijing to Hong Kong from $1546.00
Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Tibetan villages, giant pandas, Yangshuo cycling, trek
An adventurous journey across China. Discover sheer natural beauty, amazing cultural diversity and famous ancient icons on an adventure that will take us through some of the most remote areas of the Middle Kingdom. Allow US$200 for meals not included and US$90 for flights to be purchased enroute.
| Itinerary |
| Days 1-3 | Forbidden City |
The grand magnificence of history has given Beijing a rich array of cultural treasures. Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall to name just a few. |
| Days 4-5 | Xian |
Xi'an is home to one of the greatest archeological discoveries of our time, the Terracotta Warriors. We have time in this ancient Silk Road starting point to explore the bustling Muslim Quarter and grand city wall. |
| Days 6-8 | Xiahe |
We journey through the Yellow River valley up to the edge of the Tibetan plateau and the monastic town of Xiahe. Explore the eminent Labrang Monastery and soak up the ambience. |
| Days 9-10 | Langmusi |
The remote magical Tibetan monastery town of Langmusi beckons. The surrounding rugged mountains are still used for traditional Tibetan sky burial ceremonies. |
| Days 11-14 | Songpan |
Passing through vast grasslands and across beautiful mountain passes we arrive in Songpan, a bustling town reminiscent of the wild west. We trek and camp in awesome scenery of steep gorges, gushing mountain streams, verdant forests and picturesque Tibetan villages . |
| Days 15-16 | Chengdu |
Markets, traditional teahouses and spicy Sichuan cuisine characterise Chengdu. A visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is a must for a close up view of these endangered animals. |
| Days 17-20 | Yangshuo |
Cycle off the beaten track amongst Yangshuo's backdrop of imposing limestone karsts rising dramatically from a lush rural landscape. Spend time chilling out, mastering tai chi, learning calligraphy, climbing a karst or taking a hike along the stunning Li River. |
| Days 21-22 | Hong Kong |
Hong Kong bubbles with vitality. Take a Star ferry ride across Victoria Harbour, don't miss out on the view from the Peak and bargain up a storm at Temple Street night market. |
The Silk Road
22 days Beijing to Kashgar from $1837.00
Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Dunhuang, Turpan, Heavenly Lake, Taklamakan Desert, Kashgar market
Stir your imagination on the legendary Silk Road. The timeless treasures of an ancient land combine with captivating landscapes on this odyssey stretching 4000 km across the expanse of China. Allow US$300 for meals not included and US$440 for flight Kashgar to Beijing at the end of the trip.
| Itinerary |
| Days 1-3 | Great Wall |
Majestic Beijing, steeped in history with treats such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. Wander alleyways and lanes to glimpse old China and the Great Wall. |
| Days 4-5 | Xian |
Xi'an, the historical launching point for the Silk Road, is a treasure trove of priceless antiquities with the Terracotta Warriors the jewel in the crown. |
| Days 6-8 | Jiayuguan |
We travel across the vast desert fringes to the Ming Dynasty fortress town of Jiayuguan, where the massive Great Wall once completed its snaking westward journey. |
| Days 9-11 | Dunhuang |
Dramatic Dunhuang has many contrasts. Climb the mystical sand dunes for a sunrise of stark beauty across a haunting landscape. Witness the superlative Buddhist art of the World Heritage listed Mogao Caves. |
| Day 12 | Turpan |
Flanked by the legendary Flaming Mountains, the oasis of Turpan sits below sea level amidst barren landscape. See the amazing Karez irrigation system, the ancient ruins of Jiaohe or stunning Emin Minaret. |
| Days 13-14 | Heavenly lake |
Alpine wilderness surrounds beautiful Heavenly Lake. Spend time hiking through verdant forests and fields on the shores of stunning aqua waters, whilst living simply in traditional Kazak yurts. |
| Days 15-16 | Taklamakan Desert |
Roll in the dunes and scribble in the sands of the world's second largest desert, the formidable Taklamakan. Fascinating remote towns endure in the seemingly endless arid expanse. |
| Days 17-19 | Hotan |
Explore Hotan's ancient local silk and carpet cottage industries. Camels are an integral part of our overnight desert adventure and so are the millions of stars which dazzle in the night sky. |
| Days 20-22 | Kashgar |
Traders spill into the far west town of Kashgar every weekend for one of Asia's most exotic markets. Dodge the donkey carts and enjoy this incredibly photogenic, enchanting event. |
Cycle China
14 days Hong Kong to Yangshuo from $1320.00
Hong Kong, cycling, southern rural villages, Yangshuo
A sublime adventure through southern China. An exciting handlebar height experience riding along backroads through a lush rural landscape and quaint villages in this beautiful part of China. Allow US$180 for meals not included. Suitable bikes can be hired for this trip, however you do have the option of bringing your own bike with you.
| Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Hong Kong |
Discover the essence of Hong Kong, crowded back street markets and busy main streets lined with neon signs. |
| Days 2-4 | New Territories |
Trek the challenging MacLehose Trail in Hong Kong's New Territories district. Take in the pretty beaches, forested hills and rural villages. |
| Days 5-9 | Southern China |
Crossing the border to the mainland, we begin our cycle through the sleepy villages and bustling towns of rural southern China. Absorb the life and fascinating sights that grassroots China has to offer as we cycle through picturesque villages and interract with friendly locals. |
| Days 10-14 | Yangshuo |
Visit the Longji rice terraces which have some of the most extensive rice terracing in the world. We pedal our way through lush landscape and arrive in the countryside town of Yangshuo where towering limestone karsts rise majestically from luxuriant rice paddies. |
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