CHINA & TIBET
TOUR
Traditional tea tibet
Yumbulakang Palace
Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre
ancient town of Gyantse, pausing en route to view the impressive Karola Glacier. GYANTSE HOTEL, GYANTSE (3-STAR)
DAY 7 Shigatse The Palkhor Chöde Monastery, in the Nyangchu river valley, is a fascinating complex, and we’ll visit this morning. Featuring Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture, it is also home to the famous Kumbum Stupa, believed to be the largest structure of its kind in Tibet.
Our journey continues to the modern sprawling city of Shigatse, and en route we’ll pay a visit to a local family for a fascinating insight into traditional daily life. TASHI CHOTEN HOTEL, SHIGATSE (3-STAR)
DAY 8 Lhasa Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is one of the most important in Central Tibet, and the seat of the Panchen Lama – the highest ranking Tibetan spiritual leader after the Dalai Lama. Admire its gleaming golden roof, before our tour continues to Lhasa. This ancient and remote city lies at an altitude of 3,650 metres in a mountainous valley, making it inaccessible to most travellers. We’ll explore the historic Barkhor Street, which appears just as it would have centuries ago, and visit Potala Square, to view the monument to the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet. KYICHU HOTEL, LHASA (4-STAR)
DAY 9 Lhasa Today we’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, which symbolises Tibetan Buddhism. We’ll also head to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Norbulingka Summer Palace, set in beautiful parkland.
Later, there will be plenty of free time for a spot of souvenir shopping in Lhasa’s old town and we include a visit to a tea house, to indulge in the Tibetans’ favourite drink. KYICHU HOTEL, LHASA (4-STAR)
Samye Monastery
DAY 10 Lhasa The Johkang Temple is the ultimate destination for Tibetan pilgrims, and it’s where we head this morning. We also call at the Sera Monastery, a magnificent building which covers an area of 28 acres. The red-robed lamas (Buddhist monks) who reside here must participate in debates on Buddhist doctrines to further their studies and we’ll be lucky enough to see such an event while we are here. This evening we’ll enjoy a special Tibetan dinner. KYICHU HOTEL, LHASA (4-STAR)
DAY 11 Guilin After a morning at leisure we’ll take an early-afternoon flight to Guilin via Chengdu, arriving this evening. BRAVO HOTEL, GUILIN (4-STAR)
DAY 12 Guilin
Guilin is said to be China’s most picturesque region, and today you can discover its beauty on a full-day optional excursion. We’ll head to the Longshen Rice Terraces, where huge numbers of verdant terraced fields create incredible vistas, and visit a traditional village where we’re invited into a family home.
Alternatively, why not join a walking tour around Banyan Lake. This is a great way to enjoy the scenery and see the locals going about their everyday business, including their daily Tai Chi exercises. BRAVO HOTEL, GUILIN (4-STAR)
DAY 13 Yangshuo We’ll begin our day with an included boat trip on the Li River, to soak up wonderful views of the surrounding Karst Mountains and thick bamboo forests which line the banks. We’ll then continue to Yangshuo, one of the prettiest towns in Guilin. Explore West Street, an ancient road completely paved with marble, where you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops and cafés.
After dinner this evening, perhaps join our optional excursion to see a performance of Impression Liu Sanjie – a spectacular show staged on the
Longshen Rice Terraces
waters of the Li River with a stunning backdrop of mist-shrouded hills. GREEN LOTUS, YANGSHUO (4-STAR)
DAY 14 Yangshuo We’ve a busy morning, which begins early with a visit to a vegetable market. After perusing the colourful stalls we’ll head to a farmer’s house to sample the rural way of life. Our final stop is at a cookery school, where we will learn how to cook some local dishes using fresh produce.
In the afternoon you might choose to join our optional bicycle ride into the surrounding countryside. This evening we’ll gather once more to enjoy a farewell dinner. GREEN LOTUS, YANGSHUO (4-STAR)
DAY 15 Chengdu Today we’ll visit the remarkable Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone cavern filled with stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillars in weird and wonderful shapes and colours. The cave got its name from the type of reed growing outside, which can be made into flutes. We’ll also visit a tea farm where we’ll sample some local tea before flying back to Chengdu for an overnight stay. If you choose to take the Hong Kong city add-on you will fly directly from Guilin to Hong Kong today. TIANFU SUNSHINE, CHENGDU (4-STAR)
DAY 16 Chengdu to UK We’ll fly back home to the UK today.
Altitude: During this tour you will travel to altitudes of over 12,000ft where altitude sickness can occur. This should not be a problem, although everyone should take it easy at first. Our tour has been designed to allow a more gradual increase in altitude, giving you more time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Other simple measures, such as eating light meals and drinking lots of fluids can also help to alleviate the symptoms. If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have any other concerns please consult your doctor.
Please note: We want you to get the most from your holiday with us please be advised this tour requires a good degree of physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
ADD-ON
Hong Kong City 3 nights from £999
You can choose to extend your tour with a three-night stay in Hong Kong, starting on day 15 of your holiday. You will stay in the 4-star Kowloon Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis, plus two included dinners. The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Tsimshatsui’s shopping, dining and entertainment area and also within walking distance of Victoria Harbour.
On arrival in Hong Kong, get to know your fellow travellers as you enjoy the ex-pat favourite cocktail known as a ‘gunner’ and dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant overlooking Victoria Harbour. After dinner you’ll be able to watch the dazzling Symphony of Lights show that illuminates Hong Kong’s skyline – a real must-see. During your stay you’ll also visit Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, which we’ll ascend on The Peak Tram. An optional excursion to Lantau Island is also off ered, and we include dinner in a restaurant followed by a harbour cruise with drinks on your fi nal evening.
You will be accompanied by a Tour Manager Holiday ref: SLCTHK
DEPARTURE DATES
For all dates, prices and regional fl ight options, see latest price guide. Holiday ref: SLCT
2017 Heathrow 14 May 3 Sep 8 Oct 2018 Heathrow 13 May
Flights with KLM via Amsterdam or similar scheduled airline. Transfer time is approx. 1 hour. Visa from £195 - see page 209. Flight timings and hotels are subject to change and will be confi rmed in your fi nal documents.
Please have passport details ready when booking 159
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