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ORIENTAL ASIA - STA Travel Hub

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HIGHLIGHTS<br />

OF CHINA<br />

BEST OF<br />

FR<br />

$2,799 YUNNAN<br />

FR<br />

$1,349<br />

Shanghai Beijing 14 DAYS Kunming Kunming<br />

10 DAYS<br />

<strong>ORIENTAL</strong> <strong>ASIA</strong><br />

Highlights<br />

• Cycle through Yangshuo’s rice fields and dramatic limestone scenery<br />

• Relax on a Three Gorges cruise along the mighty Yangtze River<br />

• Customise Your Trip: see page 126 for our optional add-on packs<br />

Highlights<br />

• Slow the pace down as you wander the scenic highlands of Yunnan<br />

• Hike through the huge (and hugely spectacular) Tiger Leaping Gorge<br />

• Explore the Ming Dynasty-era streets in the ancient city of Dali<br />

DAY<br />

ITINERARY<br />

DAY<br />

ITINERARY<br />

01-02<br />

Shanghai<br />

Arrive in Shanghai and meet your group over an optional dinner. Day<br />

2 starts with a guided orientation walk before a free afternoon to<br />

explore both the historic and ultra-modern sides of this city.<br />

01<br />

Kunming<br />

Arrive into Kunming at any time and, if time permits, explore the bird<br />

and flower markets or watch the locals practicing tai chi in Green<br />

Lake Park, before meeting your group this evening.<br />

03<br />

04-06<br />

07-09<br />

10-11<br />

12-14<br />

Hangzhou<br />

One of China’s most historic and dynamic cities, enjoy an optional<br />

boat ride on Hangzhou’s West Lake before an afternoon visit to a tea<br />

plantation (with time to enjoy a brew) in nearby Longjing Village.<br />

Guilin / Yangshuo<br />

Take an evening flight to Guilin and travel through stunning limestone<br />

karst scenery to the riverside town of Yangshuo. Cycle through the<br />

surreal landscape past farmers and water buffalo or enjoy optional<br />

activities such as a cooking class, tai chi or Chinese calligraphy. (L)<br />

Yangtze River<br />

Fly to Chongqing and travel by private bus to board a typical Yangtze<br />

cruise boat, which is comfortable but not luxurious. Spend two days<br />

exploring this powerful river passing the stunning Three Gorges and<br />

taking side trips to villages and riverside temples. (2B, L, D)<br />

Xi’an<br />

Visit the enormous Three Gorges Dam before travelling by overnight<br />

train to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China. Explore the Muslim<br />

Quarter and Terracotta Warriors before an overnight train to Beijing.<br />

Beijing<br />

Arrive in the morning of Day 12 and throw yourself into the Chinese<br />

capital with included tours of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City<br />

and the Great Wall. Shop for souvenirs either in world-class malls or<br />

timeless traditional markets before the tour concludes on Day 14.<br />

02-03<br />

04-05<br />

06-08<br />

09-10<br />

Dali<br />

The ancient walled town of Dali nestles between Erhai Lake and the<br />

Cang Shan Mountains and is perhaps most famous for the beautiful<br />

Three Pagodas. It’s small enough to explore on foot or you could<br />

travel by bus or bike out to traditional countryside villages. (2B)<br />

Lijiang<br />

Home to China’s Naxi minority people, the World Heritage Site of<br />

Lijiang is packed with picturesque old buildings, fast-flowing canals<br />

and women in typical Naxi costume. Spend an afternoon resting in a<br />

pavilion in Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of Jade<br />

Dragon Snow Mountain and listening to traditional Naxi music. (2B)<br />

Tiger Leaping Gorge / Zhongdian (Shangri-La)<br />

Less well-known than the Three Gorges, but absolutely no less<br />

impressive, the narrow and dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge takes its<br />

name from the legend that a tiger once escaped capture by jumping<br />

across. It’s a relatively strenuous hike on local tracks and, weather<br />

conditions permitting, you’ll ascend the ‘28 Bends’ to be rewarded<br />

with incredible views. <strong>Travel</strong> by bus to the unique town of Zhongdian<br />

on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Visit the Songzanlin Monastery<br />

to admire its gilded roofs, frescos and Buddhist sculptures. (3B)<br />

Kunming<br />

Enjoy a free morning in Zhongdian before catching a flight back to<br />

Kunming. Your tour comes to an end after breakfast on Day 10. (2B)<br />

Inclusions<br />

Trip Style: Classic Service Level: Standard<br />

Physical Grading: 2 Age Group: Any age<br />

Accommodation: Hotels (9 nts), sleeper<br />

train (2 nts), Yangtze boat (2 nts) Transport:<br />

Train, plane, local bus, air-conditioned bus,<br />

boat Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner<br />

Budget: Allow USD $260-320 for meals not<br />

included Group Leader: Chief Experience<br />

Officer (CEO), local guides Group Size: Max 16,<br />

Avg 12 Tour Code: GAACHC<br />

My Own Room Available: Fr $549<br />

Departures 2014<br />

Mar - Oct<br />

Sundays, typically<br />

2-3 departures per month<br />

LAOS<br />

Beijing<br />

2<br />

Three<br />

Gorges<br />

Guilin<br />

Xi'an<br />

CHINA<br />

Shanghai<br />

Hangzhou<br />

Chongqing<br />

Yangshuo<br />

Inclusions<br />

Trip Style: Classic Service Level: Standard<br />

Physical Grading: 3 Age Group: Any age<br />

Accommodation: Hotels/guesthouses (9 nts)<br />

Transport: Train, private van, plane, public bus<br />

Meals: 9 breakfasts Budget: Allow USD $115-<br />

150 for meals not included Group Leader: Chief<br />

Experience Officer (CEO), local guides Group<br />

Size: Max 16, Avg 12 Tour Code: GAACBY<br />

My Own Room Available: Fr $229<br />

Departures 2014<br />

<strong>STA</strong>RT<br />

FINISH<br />

Jan 19 Jan 28<br />

Feb 16 Feb 25<br />

Mar 23 Apr 01<br />

Apr 13 Apr 22<br />

May 18 May 27<br />

<strong>STA</strong>RT<br />

FINISH<br />

Jun 08 Jun 17<br />

Jun 29 Jul 08<br />

Jul 13 Jul 22<br />

Jul 27 Aug 05<br />

Aug 10 Aug 19<br />

<strong>STA</strong>RT<br />

FINISH<br />

Aug 24 Sep 02<br />

Sep 07 Sep 16<br />

Sep 21 Sep 30<br />

Oct 12 Oct 21<br />

Nov 03 Nov 12<br />

Tiger<br />

Leaping<br />

Gorge<br />

Dali<br />

BURMA<br />

Zhongdian<br />

Lijiang<br />

CHINA<br />

Kunming<br />

LAOS<br />

CALL 1300 676 561 TO BOOK<br />

127

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