Small Group Tours and Tailor-Made Journeys January 2019 - June 2020CHINA | JAPAN | VIETNAM | CAMBODIA | LAOS | SRI LANKA
Welcome to Links Travel & Tours! You will have noticed the new name on the front of the brochure and probably asked ‘Why?’. The company has expanded, increasing the number of destinations we offer, and I thought now was the right time to change our name to encompass all the countries we serve, and am delighted to introduce Links Travel & Tours! Born and raised in China, my passion has always been to share the beauty of not only my home country, but also the neighbouring countries, with travellers across the UK, and I’ve now been doing just that for the last 10 years! Over time, we have built up a team of experts who have travelled extensively across Asia; passing on their extensive knowledge and unrivalled understanding of the many unique cultures, dramatic landscapes and delicious cuisines the area has to offer. We are proud to ensure that holidaymakers are catered for at the very highest level through providing honest travel advice, creating small group tours, and tailor-made journeys focussed around your interests. To celebrate our new name, and our 10th birthday, we are excited to add a new country to our portfolio – Sri Lanka (pages 132-141). So, if you have always dreamt of spotting leopards in the wild, or sipping a refreshing cup of Ceylon Tea at the plantation where it was grown, then captivating Sri Lanka is the place for you! We have also added new itineraries to our existing destinations of China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and South Korea. There is a Japan Family Tour (page 76-77) with included excursions to Disneyland and Universal Studios, a chance to Explore Yunnan Province (page 37), one of China’s more dramatic regions, and an opportunity to cruise the mighty Mekong River from Laos to China (page 123). Finally, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated team of Personal Travel Advisors who are on hand to listen, understand and help you arrange your holiday of a lifetime! Thank you for sharing this with us over the last 10 years. Xiexie Helen Li - (Owner, Links Travel & Tours)2
CONTENTSCHINA page Japan Rail Pass 89 89Your China Destinations 4-5 Ninja Wifi 90-91China Travel Guide 6-8 92-95China Small Group Tours Japan Rugby Tours 96-97 9 Japan Cultural Experiences Japan Accommodation CHINA TOURS INDOCHINA pageChina Essential 10 days 10-11 12 days 12-13Essential Plus Panda 12 days 14-15 Your Indochina Destinations 98-99 13 days 16-17 Indochina Travel Guide 100-101China Scenic 13 days 18-19 15 days 20-21China Dreams 15 days 22-23 15 days 24-25Essential Plus Cruise 15 days 26-27 INDOCHINA TOURS 18 days 28-29 Grand Indochina China Highlights 20 days 30-31 Essential Vietnam and Cambodia 19 days 102-103 09 days 32-33 Classic Vietnam 16 days 104-105Cruise and Panda 12 days 106-107Memories of China China Rail Discovery INDOCHINA TAILOR-MADEGreat China Indochina Tailor-Made Introduction 108 109Beauty of China Vietnam Explorer 12 days 110 111Discover Taiwan Vietnam Highlights 14 days 112 113CHINA TAILOR-MADE A Taste of Vietnam 12 days 114 115China Tailor-Made Introduction 34-35 Vietnam Family Tour 13 days 116 36 117Luxury China in Style 15 days 37 Luxury Vietnam & Cambodia Tour 18 days 118 38 119Explore Yunnan Province 15 days 39 Authentic Cambodia 12 days 124 40 125China Family Tour 12 days 44 Discover Cambodia 10 days 45Cities of East Asia 14 days Discover Laos 11 daysRainbow Mountains & Dunhuang 06 days Laos & Cambodia 13 daysSanya, Chengdu, Shaolin Vietnam & Thailand 17 daysGuizhou, Yellow Mountain, Zhangjiajie Thailand Explorer 16 daysTrain Journeys in China 41 Sapa, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc Historic China by Rail 42Train to Tibet 13 days 43 Nha Trang, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang 15 days Indochina Cruises Yangtze River Cruises 46 47 Halong Bay Cruises 120Hong Kong 48-49 121 50-51 Mekong River Cruises 122China Cultural Experiences 123 Pandaw Mekong Cruise 13 daysChina Accommodation Pandaw Laos & China Cruise 17 daysJAPAN page Indochina Cultural Experiences 126-128 Indochina Accommodation 129-131Your Japan Destinations 52-53 SRI LANKA page 54-55Japan Travel Guide 56-57Japan Group Tours Your Sri Lanka Destinations 132-133 Sri Lanka Travel Guide 134-135JAPAN TOURSEssential Japan 10 days 58-59 SRI LANKA TOURS 14 days 60-61Amazing Japan 13 days 62-63 Sri Lanka Highlights 12 days 136-137 10 days 64-65Cherry Blossom Tour 13 days 66-67 Sri Lanka Tour & Beach 16 days 138-139 15 days 68-69Japan Golden Route Explore Sri Lanka 16 days 140Essential Japan & South Korea Sri Lanka & Maldives Beach Stays 141Japan and China Tour JAPAN SEMI-ESCORTED GENERAL pageSemi-Escorted Tours Introduction 70-71 STOPOVERS & BEACH EXTENSIONS 72-73 Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, Koh SamuiClassic Japan 09 days 74-75 Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang 142 15 days 76-77 Dubai, Singapore and Bali 143Self-Drive Holidays 15 days 78-79 144 15 days 80-81Japan Family Tour 17 daysJapan Heritage Great Trail of Japan JAPAN TAILOR-MADE Holiday Extras & Lounge Pass 145 146Tokyo 82 Useful Information 147 83Kyoto 84 Sport Links Travel 85Osaka, Hiroshima, Mt Koya 86 87Hokkaido, Snow Monkeys, Hakuba Ski 88Japanese Alps, Nakasendo Way Mount Fuji Climb, Kumano Kodo AABBTTAANNoo. .Y858289858Okinawa 3
YOUR CHINA DESTINATIONSKashgar SHANXI - Being one of the birth places of Chinese civilisation, Shanxi has much to discover. Among the many sights are the Ancient city of Pingyao a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site; the incredible Hanging Monastery near Datong and the amazing Yungang Grottoes. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest ancient wooden pagoda in China, the grand Qiao Family Courtyard and inspiring Jinci Temple are all must-see sites. The surrounding countryside has many beaUurtiufuml qspi ots including impressive Mount Wutai and the glistening Hukou Waterfalls. Dunhuang TIBET - Regarded as the roof of the world, this is an TIBET Xining Lanzhou enthralling land of mountains, monasteries and monks Lhasa with one of the most extraordinary cultures in the world. SICHUAN With 1,300 years of history, Lhasa is the centre of CHENGDU Tibet’s culture, economy, politics and religion. The imposing Potala Palace, the main residence of the Lijiang Dalai Lama until 1959, now welcomes visitors as a museum. Beyond Lhasa drive along the Friendship YUNNAN Highway to the stunning Yamdrok Lake and through the mountain passes to Shigatse and Gyantse. Dali Kunming SICHUAN - Known for its breathtaking forests, SANYA - A resort famed as the ‘Hawaii of the Orient’due mountain scenery and mouth-watering cuisine, it is also the natural habitat of the Giant Panda. Buddhist to the climate on the southern island of Hainan. Relax in the sites and natural wonders including Mount Emei, tropical climate, on white sandy beaches, enjoying an array the Le Shan Buddha carved into a cliff face, and the of water sports and the opportunity to go hiking in the ancient rock carvings in Dazu, can be visited from rainforests. At 25º Celsius, even in the ‘winter’, it is warm Chengdu. Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong enough to swim in the sea and is the perfect place to unwind Valley are home to Tibetan villages, are an area of after a tour of China. natural scenic beauty, and are World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites. YUNNAN - Located in the south west bordering Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, Yunnan’s highlights include trekking along the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Here the indigenous peoples have retained many of their distinct and traditional customs, languages and culture. The Stone Forest near Kunming is a big draw as are the ancient towns of Dali and Lijiang, where you can explore the willow-lined canals, cobbled streets, markets and cafes.4
BEIJING - The capital of China is brimming with world class CHINA - Information historical palaces and monuments, including the incredible Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex where 24 Emperors reigned for nearly 500 years. Other attractions include the serene Temple of Heaven, The Summer Palace and the unmissable Great Wall of China. A Hutong Tour is a unique experience that will give you a glance of traditional local life. XIAN - One of China’s ancient Capital Cities for several Beijing is a city with great splendour and is a key destination for any trip. dynasties, is famed for one of the 20th century’s most important archaeological discoveries. The Terracotta Warriors form part of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin, guarding his journey into the afterlife. The Ancient City Wall can be explored by foot or more popularly on a bicycle and the Shaanxi Museum, probably China’s finest collection of over 400,000 artefacts spanning several dynasties. The Ancient City Wall can be explored by foot or more popularly on a bicycle and the Shaanxi Museum, houses Hohhot Datong BEIJING China’s finest collection of over 400,000 artefacts spanning several dynasties.HUANG HE Yungang Hanging TIANJIN (YELLOW Grottoes Monastery SHANGHAI - A vibrant economic centre, offers a great RIVER) Wooden Pagoda selection of modern shopping and dining. Highlights include the Shijiazhuang Yu Yuan Gardens, renowned for their traditional style, are oneYinchuSanHANJXinIci Temple Taiyuan of the best classical gardens in China; the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882 and today serves as a Buddhist Monastery; the Pingyao Jinan architecture of The Bund area reflecting the heritage of European banks, trading houses and consulates. An evening cruise along the Huang Pu River is a must. XIAN Zhengzhou Shennong Nanjing Suzhou YANGTZE RIVER - The Yangtze River is the longest river in Hefei Stream The Three Asia, and the third longest in the world. It is historically, economically and culturally important to China. A relaxing andShibaozhai Gorge Dam Wuhan SHANGHAI informative way to enjoy the Yangtze river is on a 5* river cruise, RIVER Nanchang Hangzhou where you can witness the spectacular scenery and explore the Fuzhou ancient cultural sites along the way. One of the highlights is theFengdu YANGTZE Yichang impressive Three Gorges Dam, the largest dam project and hydro-electric power station in the world.CHONGQING Changsha TAIWAN - In Taiwan, the complete range of Chinese cuisinesRIVERYANGTZE including stir fries, beef noodles, dumplings and barbecued wild Guiyang GUILIN Yangshuo TAIWAN boar, are on offer, perfect washed down with local fresh juices. Guangzhou With its all-around adventure landscape, diverse folk traditions LI RIVER and vibrant night market scene, Taiwan has something for everyone. Nanning HONG KONG HONG KONG - The classic ‘East meets West’ former British Colony, is a shopping and dining paradise. Top attractions include a tram ride to the best vantage point on the island, Victoria Peak, giving splendid views of the Haikou skyscrapers and harbour; a cable car ride on Lantau Island to the Tian Tan Buddha; ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour and experience the best SANYA views from Tsim Sha Tsui - the southern tip of the Kowloon peninsula, rising towards the glittering skyscrapers of Central. GUILIN - LI RIVER - YANGSHOU - Guilin City is your starting point to visit the surrounding attractions. These include the impressive Reed Flute Cave, the beautiful Longshen rice fields, and the enchanting Li River. The Li river cruise will take you through breathtaking landscapes of stunning limestone peaks and picturesque villages to the town of Yangshuo, where you can witness traditional Cormorant fishing. 5
CHINA TRAVEL GUIDEWhere your journey begins...FLIGHTS Check-in BaggageYour flights are an important part of your China Links Travel experience. Most international flights allow 23kgWe only work with reputable airlines for both international and domestic for economy class, 30kg for businessroutes and all of our group tours to China include direct flights with British class and 40kg for first class. PleaseAirways from London Heathrow. British Airways fly direct to Beijing, note that internal flights in ChinaShanghai and Hong Kong, the flight time is between 11-12 hours and have a strict allowance of 20kg andupgrades to World Traveller Plus and Business Class are available on excess baggage charges will apply.request. Other airlines include: Cathay Pacific direct to Hong Kong,Hainan Airlines direct from Manchester to Beijing, Virgin Atlantic toShanghai and Hong Kong, plus Air China flies to Beijing 7 days a weekand has an extensive internal network. We are also able to arrangeregional departures from most UK airports. For regional departuresEmirates offer a comprehensive service via Dubai, where you are allowed afree stopover.You are welcome to contact us for further details on your preferred flightsoptions and, if required, upgrades. Please note that all flights are offeredsubject to availability. If you have purchased your own international flights,for the scheduled group tours, you will still be met at the airport uponarrival and transferred to your hotel. Likewise, upon departure we willtransfer you to the airport from your hotel. For private tours or tailor-madejourneys, we are able to build your flight schedule into a land only tour foryou.6 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
GETTING AROUND the 5* Victoria Cruises, Century River Holiday Extras who can advise you CHINA - InformationDue to the sheer size of the Cruises and Sanctuary Explorer, to the on the best policy to suit your needs,country, flying is the quickest and traditional fishing vessels of the farmers please refer to page 145. If you alreadymost convenient way of covering large on the Li River near Guilin and have your own travel insurance pleasedistances domestically. We also offer Yangshuo. You can also explore the forward a copy of the documents fortransport in the form of trains, private ancient canals of the Water Villages our reference.cars, coaches and cruise ships. near Shanghai. SMART TRAVELTRAINS BICYCLE Overall, China is a safe place, but asDomestic train travel in China is a No trip to China would be complete always when travelling abroad, pleasewonderful way to see more of the without a bicycle ride. After all they exercise common sense especially at thecountryside and scenery away from the have more than anywhere in the world, major tourist sites.big cities. Meet local Chinese travellers and it is used as the main form ofand experience the ever-changing transport. It is a fantastic way to get Certain travel and living conditionscountryside. Traditionally journeys such closer to the real China and a chance differ to the UK so please travel withas Beijing to Xian, or Xian to Shanghai to meet some local people. Suggested an open mind. We provide additionalare made by overnight sleeper trains, cycle rides include Xian’s Ancient City information for getting the most fromwhere private berths with four beds are Wall, which is a car-free zone, giving your holiday via “China Travel Guide”available, saving on the cost of a flight you a perfect view of the city. (see page 8).or hotel. However, China’s rail network Yangshuo’s rice paddies and tranquilhas expanded dramatically over the villages provide a fascinating insight MOBILITYpast decade with the construction of a into rural life. Many sites across China require a fairwidespread high-speed rail network. level of physical activity. The sheer scaleExtensive investment into the rail system VISA of some attractions means walking ishas produced an efficient, reliable, Most foreign visitors require a valid visa involved. Our local representatives willhigh-tech service with safe, comfortable to enter China. We can take care of this do their utmost to accommodate anytrains covering vast distances in shorter process for you via our in-house visa requests, and where possible, suggestjourney times. There are now many service. Just send your passport and alternative routes. Please advise us ofbullet trains in operation in China, application to us, and we will manage any mobility issues in advance and weoffering a speedier way of travelling the process and return the passports in will do our utmost to provide supportbetween cities. Shanghai has the the Special Delivery envelope that you including wheelchair assistance.Maglev train that whisks you from provide. Visa fees are included in all ofPudong Airport to the city centre in our small group tours. A two year WEATHERabout 8 minutes, reaching a top speed multiple entry visa will be issued China’s climate is very diverse. You canof over 400 km per hour. The Qinghai allowing for the possibility of return trips experience subtropical conditions in the- Tibet railway takes you to the stunning to China within the two year time frame. south, through to chilly winters in theplateaus of the Himalayas at an altitude British Citizen visitors can enter Hong north. Spring and autumn areof over 5000m above sea level and is Kong and Macau visa free for up to considered the best seasons to visit,the world’s highest train track. 180 days. when the climate is most comfortable for the popular destinations. In theTAXIS TRAVEL INSURANCE summer, sunshine and warmth make forTaking a taxi is a comfortable, easy and Each passenger booked on a China good holiday weather.secure way of getting around in cities, Links Travel holiday must havebig and small. Prices vary from city to adequate insurance. We work withcity but overall they offer good value.A great tip is to have your hotel write The Average Temperaturesdown your destination in Chinese forthe driver to read. Temp °C Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov DecCRUISE Beijing -4 -2 5 14 20 24 26 25 20 13 4 -2Our small group tours and tailor-madejourneys give you the chance to Chengdu 6 7 12 17 20 24 26 26 22 18 11 8experience some truly wonderful vistas,from the Yangtze River, where we use Guilin 8 10 13 19 23 27 28 28 26 21 15 10 Hangzhou 4 5 10 16 20 24 29 29 23 18 12 6 Hong Kong 16 16 20 22 26 28 29 29 28 25 21 18 Kunming 8 10 13 18 19 20 20 20 19 15 11 8 Lhasa -2 2 5 8 12 16 18 15 13 9 3 -1 Sanya 20 21 21 25 27 28 29 28 27 25 22 22 Shanghai 5 6 9 15 20 24 29 29 24 19 13 7 Xian -1 3 8 15 20 25 27 25 19 15 7 1Visit your local travel agent or call 020 8543 8133 7
CHINA TRAVEL GUIDEMONEY WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWChina’s currency is the Renminbi Prior to your departure we will send(RMB), the basic unit of which is the you a detailed “Your Travel GuideYuan. It comes in paper notes in to China”, offering helpful advicedenominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and cultural information that willand 100. There is a customs limit enable you to get the very most fromof taking 20,000 RMB in cash per your holiday. You will even be ableperson per day into the country. The to practice some useful phrases!Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is used inHong Kong and the Macau Pataca Links Travel & Tours have a good(MOP) in Macau. level of English.TIPPING HEALTH FOOD AND DININGTipping is a way of life in China and The NHS travel advice for China, China is a well known gourmetwe would like to honour that at the time of going to print, is that paradise, with ingredients includingtradition by offering the tour guides health risks while travelling vary fresh vegetables, meat, noodles,and drivers a token of appreciation. between individuals. You should bread, rice, dumplings, soups andFor your convenience the amount of consult your GP or Practice Nurse regional specialities, with antips due will be stated on your travel 6-8 weeks before departure. They amazing number of ways todocuments. If you have a National will assess your particular health prepare, cook and serve them.Guide on arrival in Beijing, simply needs before suggesting vaccines Eating is a communal affair, dishespay the guide your tip money (RMB). and or malaria tablets. are shared round the table andThey will follow you through the tour Immunisations: you normally use chopsticks andand tip the Local Guides in each city • Confirm primary courses and bowls. Prepare to be amazed by theon your behalf. If you have a Local boosters are up to date as sheer variety of dishes and cookingGuide only, then pay the guide in recommended for life in Britain. styles on offer. Chinese chefs areBeijing and he/she will pay your • Vaccines to consider - Tetanus, highly skilled in creating incrediblemoney to our Beijing head office Typhoid, Rabies, Hepatitis A and mouth-watering dishes. With manyand at the end of the tour all your B, Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis, practising Buddhists who follow aguides will be paid. The Yangtze Tick-borne Encephalitis. meat free diet as religious practice,River cruise and all the cruise vegetarians are also catered for.companies who work on the river LANGUAGEstipulate a mandatory 150 RMB per Mandarin is the national language TEAperson tip. This amount should be and is spoken / understood by most Drinking tea has been an importantpaid in cash (RMB) upon boarding of the population. Many service staff part of traditional and culturalthe ship. Unfortunately this amount in hotels and tourist areas can customs over many centuries. Enjoycannot be included on the total cost communicate in English. If you plan the fragrance, aroma, colour andof your invoice, as it must be paid to go out and explore by yourself, texture of the tea as the flavourdirectly to the cruise company. take a copy of the hotel’s business grows stronger. Sample a delicious card to assist a driver with brew in a traditional tea house“Everything went like clockwork - directions. In Hong Kong, where you will be entertained by thenothing - not even the little things Cantonese and English are the unique serving methods.that happen on every trip - went official languages. English signagewrong. It was perfect. Of particular is very common and service staff innote were the guides in Beijing the tourist areas can speak(Galen) and Xiang (Amber) who English. All guides employed bywere excellent. We would reallyappreciate it if you are able to passon our appreciation to them.It was a ‘holiday of a lifetime’.”Rosemary and Norman8 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
SMALL GROUP TOURS offer that can be included in your restaurant recommendations, CHINA - InformationAll our small group tours provide tour, like getting close to a Giant shopping tips, etc. All small groupguaranteed departures and Panda or the Terracotta Warriors! tours and tailor-made journeysnamed 4* accommodation. The size include guides. These include ourof the group will be up to a SOLO TRAVELLERS local guides who cover one regionmaximum of 20 people unless We look forward to welcoming you where they have expert localotherwise specified, sharing on our tours to join like-minded knowledge, so at each destinationtransport, local guides and meals travellers on your journey through you will have a new guide to greetwith fellow passengers. These tours China. All our named hotels offer you. Groups of 10 or more will haveare recommended for those who great value when looking for single a National Escort who will alsolike a fixed schedule, pre-ordered occupancy rates. Please see our accompany you throughout themeals and enjoy meeting and tour pages for further details on the China tour along with the Localsocialising with like-minded named hotels and prices. Guides in each city / province.travellers. There is a reasonableamount of walking involved on our MEALS TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYStours, as well as sometimes a Breakfast will normally be taken at If you are seeking more flexibility,number of steps, you should the hotel, and it is usually a a wider choice of hotels and moretherefore have good fitness levels buffet style with Chinese and destinations, then we can tailor ato undertake a group tour. Due to Western cuisine. Lunches and holiday to suit you. Please contact usthe small group concept, there may dinners will be at local Chinese for further details.be times when the group numbers restaurants. Vegetarians andreduce during a tour as the group travellers with special dietary needs “We would especially like toseparates to follow different will also be catered for. mention some of the guides.itineraries. Small group tours have William in Beijing and Connieset departure dates with the option QUALIFIED TOUR GUIDES in Xian are amazing!!! We felt theyto extend your stay (see China All of our guides are licensed, went far beyond being just guides,Tailor-Made on pages 44-45). qualified and speak English. They they were superb and should be are committed to showing you the acknowledged. We would highly best of the country that they are recommend China Links to other proud to represent. They will also be people and friends and thank you on hand to assist you with things like very much for a trip of a lifetime.” Dawn and MartinPRIVATE TOURS NAMED HOTELSPrivate Tours are based on grouptour itineraries but you have your Our small group tours come with named 4* hotels at the time ofown guides in each location, who quotation and booking. Additional options include upgrades to 5* andwill look after you and you alone. small boutique properties in more remote areas. Our office in ChinaThese are ideal tours for passengers chooses the right hotels based on your travel requirements and personallooking for more personal service budget. Due to the longstanding relationship we have with the hotels, alland would appeal to couples, of our customers are very well looked after in resort.families and small groups of friends. See pages 50-51 for detailsFAMILIESOur group tours and private toursaccommodate those looking for thatfamily holiday of a lifetime. Thereare many additional activities onVisit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 9
CHINA ESSENTIAL 10 DAY TOURForbidden City, BeijingVisit the illustrious capital, Beijing, vibrant HUANG HE 3 NIGHTSShanghai and historic Xian, for a wonderful (YELLOWintroduction to China’s most well known RIVER) BEIJINGattractions. There is also an opportunity to explorethe charming canal town of Zhujiajiao, offering an Inboundinsight into traditional China, ensuring your trip is ightcompleted with picturesque views of China’sscenic countryside. This tour is ideal for those to Beijinglooking for a taste of China. XIAN “We wanted to let you know that our trip was an 2 NIGHTS unqualified success. The arrangements ran like clockwork and the schedule included so much that we 3 NIGHTS Outbound are full of memories of wonder and enjoyment. The SHANGHAI ight to UK guides who accompanied us were outstanding. Galen, Julie and Caroline all spoke excellent English and were RIVER full of interesting and relevant information which they YANGTZE shared with humour and enthusiasm. Thank you for providing us with an outstanding holiday that will live RIVER long in the memory!” YANGTZE Roger and Helen LI RIVER Flight Your 4★ Accommodation Drive ........ Train Beijing: Guangxi Cruise Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel Day 1 UK to Beijing Take your scheduled flight from London to Beijing. Alternatively, we Accommodation will be as named above or similar can arrange departures from your local airport. See pages 50 - 51 for details Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon you will have time to relax, or explore the surrounding area. Your guide will be pleased to advise you on what to do. In the early evening your guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet your fellow group members. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Your tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Temple of10 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
Heaven – where the Ming and Qing emperors Day 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) flight to Shanghai. On arrival check into your CHINA - Small Group Toursworshipped the god of heaven and prayedfor good harvests for the year. Here you can This morning visit the Summer Palace, which hotel for a three night stay.witness the tradition of Tai Chi being practicedin the courtyard, which is followed by a stroll includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens,through Tiananmen Square, and continues tothe Forbidden City which served as the grand palaces and scenic views, followed by a Day 8 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)imperial palace for centuries. Your final stopof the day will be at the Hutongs. Here, you relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming The first attraction of the day, after breakfast,will gain a personal insight into the everydaylife of traditional Beijing citizens. Lake, before catching your bullet train to Xian will be the Yu Yuan Gardens, first constructedDay 4 Great Wall (BLD) (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes) and checking in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by PanEnjoy a good breakfast at the hotel beforeyour visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a into your hotel. Yunduan. The gardens occupy an area of 5post on the wall with breathtaking views in aless crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built acres and are home to beautiful pavilions,in the mid-6th century and its rich history canbe observed in its unique construction. Back Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) walkways, rockeries, streams, ponds,to the city and an opportunity for photographsat the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, Today your guide will take you to visit the courtyards and flowers. A horticulturist’svenues for the memorable 2008 Olympicsand 2015 World Championships. In the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of heaven. Next stop, the Jade Buddha Temple,evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking DuckDinner, in the place that gave it its name! 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese army, where you can marvel at impressive temples, made over 2,000 years ago, yet preserved both ancient and modern, housing large, almost perfectly. This will be followed, in the intricate sculptures of Buddha. Afterwards you afternoon, with a visit to Xian’s ancient city will spend time at the Shanghai Museum, wall, best enjoyed as a peaceful stroll or followed by the opportunity to visit the leisurely bike ride. This evening you will impressive waterfront attraction of the Bund sample a delicious dumpling dinner while to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis. enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial performance of traditional music and dance. centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city. Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Shanghai (BL) Following breakfast, visit the Shaanxi Day 9 Zhujiajiao (BL) Museum, home to over a quarter of a Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, an million artefacts, including treasures from ancient water town dating back over 1,700 many periods of China’s history. The next years, known as the Pearl Stream. You can stop, offers you the opportunity to discover expect to see Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, China’s unique architectural style at the Small two ancient and historic buildings and the Wild Goose Pagoda, before your last stop in Ma Family Garden before heading back to Xian in the Muslim Quarter, and your chance Shanghai for an afternoon at leisure. to witness local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your Day 10 Shanghai to UK (B) Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 5 days in Sanya from £585 Includes: transfers, 4★accommodation and daily breakfast See pages 44-47 for detailsDepartures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20Depart Return Depart Return from £2,348 Price includes: Prices are per person based on21/03 30/03/19 from £2,098 19/09 28/09/19 from £2,398 International and domestic flights in twin share departing from London04/04 13/04/19 from £2,198 10/10 19/10/19 from £2,398 economy class, bullet train in first class, 4★ Heathrow with British Airways.11/04 20/04/19 from £2,198 17/10 26/10/19 from £2,398 accommodation, transfers, English speaking Regional departures and flight09/05 18/05/19 from £2,198 24/10 02/11/19 from £2,148 guides, meals as specified (B= Breakfast, L= upgrades available on request.16/05 25/05/19 from £2,198 19/03 28/03/20 from £2,248 Lunch, D= Dinner), entrance fees to the sites Single supplement from £268.06/06 15/06/19 from £2,198 02/04 11/04/20 from £2,248 listed, airport taxes and visa fees. Land only from £1,398 (no25/07 03/08/19 from £2,548 09/04 18/04/20 from £2,198 international flights or visa fees).08/08 17/08/19 from £2,548 07/05 16/05/20 from £2,198 Price excludes:05/09 14/09/19 from £2,348 14/05 23/05/20 from £2,198 Local tips: RMB380 (approx. £44) per person,12/09 21/09/19 from £2,348 04/06 13/06/20 personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 11
ESSENTIAL PLUS PANDA 12 DAY TOURGiant Panda, ChengduThe perfect 12 day tour for the first time traveller HUANG HE 3 NIGHTSto China, wanting to observe and spend time with (YELLOWChina’s most recognised and adorable animal, RIVER) BEIJINGthe Giant Panda, as well as travelling to China’smost significant cities. These include the illustrious Inbound ightcapital, Beijing, the modern and vibrant city of to BeijingShanghai and the historic city of Xian. There isalso an opportunity to visit the ancient canal town XIANof Zhujiajiao. 2 NIGHTS “We had a very enjoyable and satisfying holiday 3 NIGHTS Outbound in China. All the hotels were good and some were SHANGHAI ight to UK exceptionally luxurious. We ate at a different restaurant every day. The coaches were clean and air CHENGDU RIVER conditioned. The drivers were all polite and helpful. 2 NIGHTS YANGTZE The guides were exceptional, ready to help with any matter. I cannot praise them enough.” LI RIVER Flight Dr Mukherjee Drive ........ Train Your 4★ Accommodation Cruise Beijing: Guangxi Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture Day 1 UK to Beijing Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel Take your scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. If Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel you prefer, we can arrange departures from your local airport. Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Accommodation will be as named above or similar Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by your guide and See pages 50- 51 for details transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The afternoon is at your leisure, to relax or explore the area. Your guide will be pleased to advise you on what to do. In the early evening you will meet your fellow travellers for dinner. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Your day starts with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year. This is followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and continues on to the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries. Your12 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) been created to provide the best possible CHINA - Small Group Toursfor a personal insight into the everyday life of Today your guide will take you to visit the environment for rearing and breeding thetraditional Beijing citizens. Terracotta Warriors, a mesmerising once endangered pandas. Afterwards you collection of 10,000, almost perfectly will be transferred to the airport for a flight to preserved, life size statues of Chinese the buzzing metropolis of Shanghai, whereDay 4 Great Wall (BLD) warriors, made over 2,000 years ago. This you will check into your hotel for a threeToday visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a night stay.post along the wall offering breathtaking will be followed, in the afternoon, by a visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, which is bestviews in a less crowded atmosphere. explored on foot or by bike. It is the mostMutianyu was built in the mid-6th centuryand its rich history can be observed in its complete city wall surviving in China today,unique construction. This will be followed by and is one of the largest military defensivean opportunity for photographs at the Birds systems in the world. For this evening’s meal,Nest Stadium and Water Cube, venues for you will be offered an array of deliciousthe memorable 2008 Olympics. This evening dumplings to eat whilst being entertained byis your opportunity to sample a tasty Peking the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourfulDuck Dinner. performance of traditional music and dance.Day 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) Day 7 Bullet Train to Chengdu (BL) Day 10 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)This morning visit the Summer Palace, which The Shaanxi Museum is today’s first stop, The first attraction of the day will be the Yuencompasses a marvellous collection of with over a quarter of a million artefacts Yuan Gardens, a century’s old area filledlakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views, on display. This will be followed by a trip to with beautiful pavilions, walkways, streams,followed by a relaxing boat ride on the the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, to discover courtyards and flowers. This will be followedbeautiful Kunming Lake. You will be China’s unique architectural style, and a visit by the Jade Buddha Temple, and thetransferred to the station for your bullet train to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the Shanghai Museum. There will be anto Xian, which will take approx. 5 hours 30 community. Finally, you will be transferred to opportunity to visit the Bund, Shanghai’sminutes. On arrival check into your hotel for the station to take a bullet train to Chengdu. modern waterfront area, and you can enjoya two night stay. On arrival, you will be transferred to your a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole hotel for a two night stay. city from the top of the Shanghai world Day 8 Chengdu (B) financial centre. Day at leisure to explore Chengdu Day 11 Zhujiajiao (BL) independently. Perhaps explore the old town, Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, or relax in the People’s Park watching the known as the Pearl Stream, an ancient water locals play mahjong or practising Tai Chi. town dating back over 1,700 years. Here Day 9 Giant Pandas and to you can expect to see the Ming and Qing Shanghai (BL) Dynasty bridges, two ancient and historic After breakfast, the first stop will be the buildings and the Ma Family Garden before renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding and heading back to Shanghai for an afternoon Research Centre. Here natural habitats have at leisure and a chance to pick up those last minute souvenirs. Day 12 Shanghai to UK (B) Following breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK. EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 5 days in Sanya from £585 Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and daily breakfast See pages 44-47 for detailsDepartures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: Prices are per person based International and domestic flights in on twin share departing fromDepart Return from £2,448 Depart Return from £2,598 economy class, bullet train in first London Heathrow with British21/03 01/04/19 from £2,548 19/09 30/09/19 from £2,748 class, 4★accommodation, transfers, Airways. Regional departures04/04 15/04/19 from £2,548 10/10 21/10/19 from £2,748 English speaking guides, meals as and flight upgrades available on11/04 22/04/19 from £2,498 17/10 28/10/19 from £2,698 specified (B=Breakfast,L=Lunch, request.09/05 20/05/19 from £2,498 24/10 04/11/19 from £2,498 D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites Single supplement from £348.16/05 27/05/19 from £2,448 19/03 30/03/20 from £2,598 listed, airport taxes and visa fees.06/06 17/06/19 from £2,848 02/04 13/04/20 from £2,59825/07 05/08/19 from £2,848 09/04 20/04/20 from £2,498 Price excludes: Land only from £1,698 (no08/08 19/08/19 from £2,598 07/05 18/05/20 from £2,498 Local tips: RMB450 (approx. £52) per international flights or visa fees).05/09 16/09/19 from £2,598 14/05 25/05/20 from £2,49812/09 23/09/19 04/06 15/06/20 person, personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 13
CHINA SCENIC 12 DAY TOURLi River, YangshuoDiscover China’s contrasting areas of the north, 3 NIGHTSsouth and west. This tour will take you on amemorable journey starting in the illustrious BEIJINGcapital, Beijing, taking in all the must-do sightsincluding the Great Wall. See the Terracotta HUANG HE InboundWarriors in Xian then explore the magnificent (YELLOW ightlandscape and natural beauty of the southern RIVER)province of Guangxi, and in Chengdu enjoy to Beijingspending time with China’s most adorable animal,the Giant Panda. 2 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTS XIAN “We were extremely impressed with the holiday. CHENGDU The organisation was superb. The tour guide who RIVER accompanied us throughout the tour – Annie, was RIVER YANGTZE wonderful”. YANGTZE Denise and Malcolm 2 NIGHTS Outbound Flight ight to UK GUILIN Drive 1 NIGHT Train Yangshuo ........ Cruise CRUISE TO YANGSHUO Day 1 UK to Beijing Take your scheduled flight from the UK to Beijing. Regional departures are available on request.Your 4★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D)Beijing: Guangxi Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to yourXian: Grand Dynasty Culture hotel for a three night stay. With the afternoon at leisure, you canGuilin: Bravo relax at the hotel, or take a stroll around the surrounding area. YourYangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel guide will be pleased to advise you on what best to do. This eveningChengdu: Sichuan Hotel is your opportunity to meet your fellow travellers, over dinner.Accommodation will be as named above or similar Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD)See pages 50- 51 for details This morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven - this was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped, and where you14 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
can witness Tai Chi being practiced in the Day 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) Day 8 Li River Cruise (BLD) CHINA – Small Group Tourscourtyard. This will be followed by a stroll Following breakfast in the hotel, visit the Morning transfer to Zhujiang quay for a fourthrough Tiananmen Square, the biggest square Summer Palace, a magnificent complex of hour boat cruise on the breathtaking Li Riverin the world, and a trip to the Forbidden City lakes, gardens, palaces and wonderful vistas. towards Yangshuo. On the Li River, there arewhich served as the grand imperial palace for Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the opportunities to enjoy the tranquil rural scenescenturies. Your final stop of the day will be at beautiful Kunming Lake. You will then catch a of buffalo farming on the rice terraces and thethe Hutongs, for a personal insight into the bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 towering karst mountain peaks. Arrival will beeveryday life of Beijing’s traditional citizens. minutes), where you will check into your hotel at around 14:00 in Yangshuo. This evening for a two night stay. there will be an optional ‘Impressions of LiuDay 4 Great Wall (BLD) Sanjie’ show, staged on the river.Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD)offering breathtaking views in a less crowded Today your guide will take you to visit the Day 9 Yangshuo, Guilin (BD)atmosphere. Mutianyu, one of the Terracotta Warriors, an enthralling collection of This morning is free at leisure. Explore thisbest-preserved sections of the wall, with 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese military, beautiful area independently, or perhaps joinaccessible watchtowers, was built in the dating back over 2,000 years. This will be an optional cookery class or enjoy a leisurelymid-6th century. This will be followed by an followed by an afternoon visit to Xian’s ancient stroll or cycle ride to explore the countryside.opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest city wall. It is the most complete city wall in Return to Guilin, and visit the Reed FluteStadium and Water Cube, two of the venues China, and is best explored on foot or by bike. Caves, a collection of colourfully illuminatedfor the memorable 2008 Olympics. In the This evening you will be entertained by a Tang stalactites and stalagmites, and in the evening,evening, you will be treated to a sumptuous Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of be amazed by a cormorant fishing show.Peking Duck Dinner. traditional music and dance, accompanied by a delicious selection of tasty dumplings. Day 10 Chengdu (B) Fly to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel upon Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) arrival, remainder of the day at leisure to Today, you will visit to the Shaanxi Museum discover Chengdu independently. Perhaps which houses over a quarter of a million explore the old town, or relax in the People’s artefacts, including treasures from many Park watching the locals play mahjong or periods of China’s history. The next stop, the practising Tai Chi. Small Wild Goose Pagoda, where you will discover China’s unique architecture style, is Day 11 Giant Pandas and City Tour (BLD) followed by a visit to the Muslim Quarter to see After breakfast, the first stop will be at the local life in the community. Finally, you will be Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been and a one night stay. created to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding the lovable pandas. In the afternoon, your city tour will take you to Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Lane, uncovering the life of the local people. Day 12 Chengdu to UK (B) Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 5 days in Sanya from £585 Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and daily breakfast See pages 44-47 for detailsDepartures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: Prices are per person based on International and domestic flights in twin share departing from LondonDepart Return from £2,548 Depart Return from £2,698 economy class, bullet train in first class, Heathrow with Cathay Pacific.21/03 01/04/19 from £2,648 19/09 30/09/19 from £2,798 4★accommodation, transfers, English Regional departures and flight04/04 15/04/19 from £2,648 10/10 21/10/19 from £2,798 speaking guides, meals as specified upgrades available on request.11/04 22/04/19 from £2,648 17/10 28/10/19 from £2,798 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), Single supplement from £338.09/05 20/05/19 from £2,648 24/10 04/11/19 from £2,548 entrance fees to the sites listed, airport Land only from £1,798 (no16/05 27/05/19 from £2,548 19/03 30/03/20 from £2,698 taxes and visa fees.06/06 17/06/19 from £2,898 02/04 13/04/20 from £2,69825/07 05/08/19 from £2,898 09/04 20/04/20 from £2,698 Price excludes: international flights or visa fees).08/08 19/08/19 from £2,698 07/05 18/05/20 from £2,69805/09 16/09/19 from £2,698 14/05 25/05/20 from £2,598 Local tips: RMB450 (approx £52) per12/09 23/09/19 04/06 15/06/20 person, personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 15
CHINA DREAMS 13 DAY TOURPudong’s skyline, ShanghaiThis 13 day tour strikes the perfect balance HUANG HE 3 NIGHTSbetween China’s breathtaking countryside, (YELLOWstriking history and bustling cities. Spend time in RIVER) BEIJINGthe illustrious capital of Beijing, followed by theancient city of Xian. Guilin, Yangshuo and Inbound ightZhujiajiao provide a glimpse of China’s to Beijingremarkable and dramatic landscapes such as thepicturesque Li River in Guilin. Finally, the bustling XIANand vibrant city of Shanghai will bring you to 2 NIGHTSChina’s present. 3 NIGHTS Outbbound “Thanks for arranging our excellent China SHANGHAI ight to UK Dreams tour. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute. All of the guides you provided were of RIVER a very high standard. Informative and helpful YANGTZE beyond any reasonable expectation”. Helen and Michelle RIVER YANGTZE Your 4★ Accommodation Beijing: Guangxi GUILIN Y1aNnIgGsHhTuo Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture 2 NIGHTS Guilin: Bravo Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel CRIUISE TO LI RIVER ........ Flight Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel YANGSHUO Drive Train Accommodation will be as named above or similar Cruise See pages 50- 51 for details Day 1 UK to Beijing Catch your scheduled flight from the UK to Beijing. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport. Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area. Your guide will be pleased to advise you on what is best to do. In the early evening you will be taken to dinner where you will meet your fellow group members. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) In the morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the16 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) take you to Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill CHINA – Small Group Toursgod of heaven and prayed for good harvests Following breakfast at the hotel, you will for uninterrupted panoramic views, beforefor the year to come. This will be followed by visit to the Shaanxi Museum which has over transferring you to the airport for a flight toa stroll through Tiananmen Square, the a quarter of a million artefacts on display, the bustling city of Shanghai, and a threebiggest square in the world, before including treasures from many periods of night stay.continuing on to the Forbidden City, which China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wildserved as the grand imperial palace for Goose Pagoda, will uncover China’s unique Day 11 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)centuries. Your final stop of the day will be architectural style and will be followed by a Today’s itinerary starts at the Yu Yuanthe Hutongs, for a personal insight into the visit to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in Gardens followed by the Jade Buddhaeveryday life of Beijing’s traditional citizens. the community. Finally, you will be Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens transferred to the airport for your flight to are home to beautiful pavilions, walkways,Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Guilin for an overnight stay. streams, courtyards and flowering plants.Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a The Jade Buddha Temple is home to twopost along the wall offering breathtaking Day 8 Li River Cruise (BLD) exquisite white jade, porcelain sculpturesviews in a less crowded atmosphere. A morning transfer takes you to Zhujiang of Buddha. After a trip to the ShanghaiMutianyu was constructed in the mid-6th quay for a four hour boat cruise on the Museum, there will be an opportunity to visitcentury and its rich history can be observed stunning Li River towards Yangshuo, where the modern waterfront buildings of the Bund.in its uniquely preserved building. This will be you can see tranquil rural scenes of buffalo Later, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’sfollowed by an opportunity for photographs farming the rice terraces and the towering eye view of the whole city from the top of theat the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, karst mountain peaks. Arrival will be at Shanghai world financial centre.venues for the memorable 2008 Olympics around 14:00 in Yangshuo. In the eveningand 2015 World Championships. In the there is an optional spectacular ‘Impressions Day 12 Zhujiajiao (BL)evening, enjoy a tasty Peking Duck feast, a of Liu Sanjie’ show, staged on the river. The ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, ismust for all visitors to the city. today’s first stop. Known as the Pearl Stream, Day 9 Yangshuo, Guilin (BD) and with a history dating back over 1,700Day 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) With a morning free at leisure to explore this years, you can expect to see Ming and QingThis morning visit the Summer Palace, a beautiful area independently, maybe walk or Dynasty bridges, and the Ma Family Gardenmagnificent complex of lakes, gardens, cycle through the surrounding countryside, before heading back to Shanghai for anpalaces and remarkable views, followed by a or perhaps join an optional cookery class. afternoon at leisure.relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Return to Guilin, for an overnight stay andLake. You will then catch a bullet train to in the evening, be amazed by a cormorant Day 13 Shanghai to UK (B)Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes), where fishing show. Transfer to the airport for your flight back toyou will check into your hotel for a two night the UK.stay. Day 10 Reed Flute Caves and to Shanghai (BL) EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAYDay 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) Your day starts with breakfast, followed by aThe Terracotta Warriors are today’s first visit to the Reed Flute Caves, a remarkable 3 days in Hong Kong from £299stop. A breathtaking collection of 10,000 life collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites 5 days in Sanya from £585size statues of the Chinese army made over and stalagmites. Afterwards your guide will2,000 years ago. This will be followed, in the Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation andafternoon, by a visit to the ancient city wall daily breakfastin Xian, which is best explored on foot or bybike. It is the most complete city wall that has See pages 44-47 for detailssurvived in China, and is one of the largestmilitary defensive systems in the world. In theevening you will try a dumpling dinner whilebeing entertained by the Tang Dynasty Show,a colourful performance of traditional musicand dance.Departures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: Prices are per person based on International and domestic flights in twin share departing from LondonDepart Return Depart Return economy class, bullet train in first class, Heathrow with British Airways. 4★accommodation, transfers, English Regional departures and flight21/03 02/04/19 from £2,598 19/09 01/10/19 from £2,798 speaking guides, meals as specified upgrades available on request.04/04 16/04/19 from £2,698 10/10 22/10/19 from £2,898 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), Single supplement from £368.11/04 23/04/19 from £2,698 17/10 29/10/19 from £2,898 entrance fees to the sites listed, airport Land only from £1,748 (no09/05 21/05/19 from £2,698 24/10 05/11/19 from £2,848 taxes and visa fees. international flights or visa fees).16/05 28/05/19 from £2,698 19/03 31/03/20 from £2,59806/06 18/06/19 from £2,598 02/04 14/04/20 from £2,698 Price excludes:25/07 06/08/19 from £2,998 09/04 21/04/20 from £2,698 Local tips: RMB480 (approx £56) per08/08 20/08/19 from £2,998 07/05 19/05/20 from £2,698 person, personal spending and travel05/09 17/09/19 from £2,798 14/05 26/05/20 from £2,698 insurance.12/09 24/09/19 from £2,798 04/06 16/06/20 from £2,598 ALSO AVAILABLE AS PRIVATE A TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 17
ESSENTIAL PLUS CRUISE 13 DAY TOURYangtze RiverEnjoy a relaxing cruise along the Yangtze River, HUANG HE 3 NIGHTSthe longest river in Asia, and arguably the most (YELLOWpicturesque. See the sights in the illustrious capital RIVER) BEIJINGof Beijing, followed by the historical city of Xian,the ancient capital, and the spell-binding Inbound ightTerracotta Warriors. Finally, the vibrant city of to BeijingShanghai will bring you to China’s present. XIAN 2 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTS Outbbound SHANGHAI ight to UK 3 NIGHTS Yichang YANTZE RIVER 1 NIGHT CRUISE CHONGQING TO YICHANG LI RIVER Flight“Thank you for all your help in the organisation of our ........ Drivetrip to China. It was a fabulous holiday and Chinais ‘awesome’ the places we visited and the sites we Trainsaw will stay in my memory for a long time. I will mostcertainly be recommending your company to my friends Cruiseand family who are thinking about a trip to China”.Gail and Party Day 1 UK to Beijing Catch your scheduled flight from the UK to Beijing. We can also arrange departures from your local airport.Your 4★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D)Beijing: Guangxi Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred toXian: Grand Dynasty Culture your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon you will haveChongqing: 88 Eling Park Hotel time to relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. Your guideYangtze River Cruise: Victoria will be pleased to advise you on what you can do. In the eveningShanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel you will meet your fellow group members for dinner.Accommodation will be as named above or similar Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD)See pages 46, 50- 51 for details This morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven - where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed18 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
for good harvests for the coming year. Here Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) Days 9-10 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) CHINA – Small Group Toursyou can witness the tradition of Tai Chi being Your first stop today is the Terracotta On the first day of the cruise, you can relaxpracticed in the courtyard. This will be Warriors, an awe-inspiring collection of while the ship meanders along the Yangtze,followed by a stroll through Tiananmen 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese army and enjoy the scenic views. There will be anSquare, the biggest square in the world, and made over 2,000 years ago, and almost excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressivecontinue on to the Forbidden City which perfectly preserved. This will be followed by wooden pagoda, appropriately named “Theserved as the grand imperial palace for an afternoon visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, Pearl of the Yangtze”. The final excursion ofcenturies. Your final stop of the day will be at which is best discovered on foot or by bike. the last day will be an enjoyable journey on athe Hutongs, for an insight into the everyday This city wall is the most complete one to small motorboat through the tranquillife of traditional Beijing people. have survived in China, and is one of the Goddess Stream while marvelling at the largest military defense systems in the world. soaring limestone cliffs rising from the water.Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) In the evening you will be treated to a tastyToday visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Day 11 To Shanghai (BL)post along the wall with breathtaking views Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of On your way to Yichang, you will visit Thein a less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu traditional music and dance. Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largestwas built in the mid-6th century and its rich power station. Disembark at Yichang and behistory can be observed in its well-preserved Day 7 To Chongqing (BL) escorted to the airport for a flight toconstruction. This will be followed by an A visit to the Shaanxi Museum which houses Shanghai, and a two night stay.opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest over a quarter of a million artefacts,Stadium and Water Cube, venues for the including treasures from many periods of Day 12 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 World China’s history, gets your day off to a good The first stops on today’s itinerary are the YuChampionships. In the evening, enjoy a start. The next stop, the Small Wild Goose Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddhadelicious Peking Duck Dinner, in the city that Pagoda, where you will discover China’s Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardensgave it its name. unique architectural style, followed by a visit is home to beautiful pavilions, walkways, to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the streams, courtyards and flowers. The JadeDay 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) community. Finally, you will be transferred to Buddha Temple is home to large, intricateIn the morning visit the Summer Palace, a the airport for your flight to Chongqing for sculptures of Buddha. After a visit to themagnificent complex of lakes, gardens, an overnight stay. Shanghai Museum, there will be anpalaces and scenic views. Afterwards, you opportunity to admire Shanghai as a modernwill enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Day 8 Transfer to Yangtze River metropolis at the Bund. Later, from the top ofbeautiful Kunming Lake, before catching Cruise (BLD) the Shanghai world financial centre, you cana bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 In the morning see the pandas at the local enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of theminutes), for a two night stay. zoo and in the afternoon visit the ancient whole city. market town, Ciqikou. In the evening you will board your 5* ship for the start of your cruise Day 13 Shanghai to UK (B) along the majestic Yangtze River. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 5 days in Sanya from £585 Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and daily breakfast See pages 44-47 for detailsDepartures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: Prices are per person based on International and domestic flights in twin share departing from London economy class, bullet train in first class, Heathrow with British Airways.Depart Return from £2,698 Depart Return from £2,898 4★accommodation, transfers, English21/03 02/04/19 from £2,798 19/09 01/10/19 from £2,948 speaking guides, meals as specified Regional departures and flight04/04 16/04/19 from £2,798 10/10 22/10/19 from £2,94811/04 23/04/19 from £2,798 17/10 29/10/19 from £2,948 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), upgrades available on request.09/05 21/05/19 from £2,798 24/10 05/11/19 from £2,698 entrance fees to the sites listed, airport Single supplement from £478.16/05 28/05/19 from £2,698 19/03 31/03/20 from £2,79806/06 18/06/19 from £3,098 02/04 14/04/20 from £2,798 taxes and visa fees. Land only from £1,998 (no25/07 06/08/19 from £3,098 09/04 21/04/20 from £2,79808/08 20/08/19 from £2,898 07/05 19/05/20 from £2,798 Price excludes: international flights or visa fees).05/09 17/09/19 from £2,898 14/05 26/05/20 from £2,69812/09 24/09/19 04/06 16/06/20 Local tips: RMB400 (approx £47) per person, RMB150 (approx £18) per person tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 19
CHINA HIGHLIGHTS 15 DAY TOURThe Great WallSee the country’s most scenic and spectacular 3 NIGHTSlocations, from the illustrious capital, Beijing, tothe historic city of Xian, showing you China’sKashgar rich BEIJINGand unique culture. The Yangtze River cruise willtake you along Asia’s longest river, and Guilin, HUANG HE Inbound ightlocated in southern China, offers a glimpse of (YELLOW to BeijingChina’s remarkable landscapes, whilst the vibrant RIVER)city of Shanghai will bring you to China’s present. 2 NIGHTS Outbound XIAN ight to UK 3 NIGHTS Yichang 2 NIGHTS YANTZE RIVER SHANGHAI CRUISE TO YICHANG RIVER YANGTZE CHONGQING RIVER YANGTZE“The fact that you guaranteed the tour, regardless of numbers 2 NIGHTSwas a major factor. We liked the wide variety of attractions,not just the essential must-see item. Guides were excellent, GUILIN 1 NIGHTvery accommodating and, as the groups were small, able to Yangshuoadapt and add things on. Well worth upgrading and Flighttaking out the VIP package on the Yangtze Cruise, the upstairs LI RIVER ........ Driverestaurant was fantastic!”. CRIUISE TO TrainThe Aston family YANGSHUO Cruise Day 1 UK to Beijing You will take a scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport.Your 4★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D)Beijing: Guangxi Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to yourXian: Grand Dynasty Culture hotel for a three night stay. The afternoon is at leisure to relax orGuilin: Bravo explore the surrounding area. Your guide will be pleased to adviseYangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel you on what you can do. In the early evening you will have your firstYangtze River Cruise: Victoria dinner with your fellow group members.Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD)Accommodation will be as named above or similar In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven - where the Ming andSee pages 46, 50- 51 for details Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good20 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
harvests, here you can observe the tradition systems in the world. This evening you will be enjoying the scenic views. There will be an CHINA – Small Group Toursof practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard. This will treated to a Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressivebe followed by a stroll through Tiananmen performance of traditional music and dance wooden pagoda, appropriately named “TheSquare, the biggest square in the world, and a delicious dumpling dinner. Pearl of the Yangtze”. The final excursion ofcontinuing to the Forbidden City which served the last day will be an enthralling journey on aas the grand imperial palace for centuries. Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) small motorboat through the tranquilYour final stop of the day will be at the You will visit to the Shaanxi Museum, home to Goddess Stream while marvelling at theHutongs, to see the everyday life of traditional over a quarter of a million artefacts, soaring limestone cliffs rising from the water.Beijing citizens. including treasures from many periods of China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wild Day 13 To Shanghai (BL)Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Goose Pagoda, offers an insight into China’s Before arriving at Yichang you will visit TheToday visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post unique architecture style, followed by a trip to Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest poweralong the wall with breathtaking views in a the Muslim Quarter to see local community station. Disembark at Yichang, where ourless crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built life. Finally, transfer to the airport for your guide will escort you to the airport for a flightin the mid-6th century and its rich history can flight to Guilin and an overnight stay. to Shanghai, and a two night stay.be observed in its well-preserved construction.This will be followed by an opportunity for Day 8 Li River Cruise (BLD) Day 14 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Morning transfer to Zhujiang quay for a four Your itinerary starts at the Yu Yuan GardensWater Cube, venues for the memorable 2008 hour boat cruise on the breathtaking Li River followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. TheOlympics and 2015 World Championships. In towards Yangshuo. On the Li River, there are centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens is homethe evening, enjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck opportunities to enjoy the tranquil rural scenes to beautiful pavilions, walkways, streams,Dinner, a local delicacy and a culinary must. of buffalo farming on the rice terraces and courtyards and flowers, and the Jade Buddha the towering karst mountain peaks. Arrival in Temple is dedicated to two impressiveDay 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) Yangshuo will be at around 14:00. This sculptures of Buddha. After a trip to theIn the morning visit the Summer Palace, an evening there is an optional spectacular Shanghai Museum, there will be animpressive complex of lakes, gardens, palaces ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show, staged on opportunity to visit the waterfront attraction ofand scenic views. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing the river. the Bund to admire Shanghai as a modernboat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake, metropolis. Later, you can enjoy abefore catching a bullet train to Xian (approx. Day 9 Yangshuo, Guilin (BD) breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city from5 hours 30 minutes) for a two night stay. This morning is free at leisure to explore this the top of the Shanghai world financial centre. beautiful area independently, by taking aDay 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) walk or cycle ride through the countryside, or Day 15 Shanghai to UK (B)Your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta perhaps join an optional cookery class. Return Transfer to the airport for your flight back toWarriors, a magnificent collection of 10,000 to Guilin for a visit to the Reed Flute Caves, a the UK.life size statues of the Chinese army made remarkable collection of colourfullyover 2,000 years ago, and almost perfectly illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, and in EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAYpreserved. This will be followed by a visit to the evening, enjoy a cormorant fishing show. 3 days in Hong Kong from £299the ancient city wall in Xian, which is bestenjoyed on foot or by bike. It is the most Day 10 Chongqing, Yangtze River 5 days in Sanya from £585complete city wall that has survived in China, Cruise (BLD) Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation andand is one of the largest military defensive Fly to Chongqing and on arrival take a city tour which will include the ancient market daily breakfast town of Ciqikou. In the evening you will board your 5* ship for the start of your cruise on the See pages 44-47 for details majestic Yangtze River. Days 11-12 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) On the first day of the cruise, you can relax while the ship meanders along the Yangtze,Departures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: Prices are per person based International and domestic flights in on twin share departing fromDepart Return from £3,098 Depart Return from £3,298 economy class, bullet train in first class, London Heathrow with British21/03 04/04/19 from £3,198 19/09 03/10/19 from £3,298 4★★accommodation, transfers, English Airways. Regional departures04/04 18/04/19 from £3,198 10/10 24/10/19 from £3,298 speaking guides, meals as specified and flight upgrades available11/04 25/04/19 from £3,198 17/10 31/10/19 from £3,298 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), on request.09/05 23/05/19 from £3,198 24/10 07/11/19 from £3,198 entrance fees to the sites listed, airport Single supplement from £558.16/05 30/05/19 from £3,098 19/03 02/04/20 from £3,298 taxes and visa fees.06/06 20/06/19 from £3,398 02/04 16/04/20 from £3,29825/07 08/08/19 from £3,398 09/04 23/04/20 from £3,298 Price excludes: Land only from £2,248 (no08/08 22/08/19 from £3,298 07/05 21/05/20 from £3,29805/09 19/09/19 from £3,298 14/05 28/05/20 from £3,198 Local tips: RMB480 (approx £56) per international flights or visa12/09 26/09/19 04/06 18/06/20 person, RMB150 (approx £18) per person fees). tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 21
CRUISE AND PANDA 15 DAY TOURThe scenic waterways of ChinaUnforgettable experiences with China’s most HUANG HE 3 NIGHTSrenowned and adorable animal, the Giant Panda, (YELLOWas well as a relaxing cruise meandering along the RIVER) BEIJINGYangtze River, stopping at traditional settlementsand landmarks for day excursions. The illustrious Inbound ightcapital, Beijing and the historic city of Xian, give to Beijingyou a glimpse of China’s rich and unique history.Finally, the vibrant city of Shanghai will bring you XIANto China’s present. 2 NIGHTS “Thank you for a memorable holiday on the Cruise and CHENGDU 3 NIGHTS Outbbound Panda itinerary. Throughout the holiday all transfers were SHANGHAI ight to UK no problem at all as we were met and welcomed at each 2 NIGHTS stage of the journey by efficient and informative people”. 3 NIGHTS Yichang Rev. Peter and Alice YANTZE RIVER CRUISE CHONGQING TO YICHANG LI RIVER Flight ........ Drive Train Cruise Day 1 UK to Beijing Take a scheduled flight from the UK to Beijing. We can arrange departures from your local airport.Your 4★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D)Beijing: Guangxi Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to yourXian: Grand Dynasty Culture hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon you will have time toChengdu: Sichuan Hotel relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. Your guide will beYangtze River Cruise: Victoria pleased to advise you on what you can do. In the early eveningShanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel your guide will escort you to dinner to meet your fellow travellers.Accommodation will be as named above or similar Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD)See pages 46, 50- 51 for details In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good22 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
harvests, and you can see the tradition of Tai Day 7 Bullet Train To Chengdu (BL) marvelling at the soaring limestone cliffs CHINA – Small Group ToursChi practiced in the courtyard. This will be Visit the Shaanxi Museum which houses over a rising sheer from the water.followed by a stroll through Tiananmen quarter of a million artefacts, includingSquare, the biggest square in the world, and treasures from many periods of China’s Day 12 To Shanghai (BL)continues to the Forbidden City which served history. The next stop, the Small Wild Goose Before arriving at Yichang you will visit Theas the grand imperial palace for centuries. Pagoda, where you can discover China’s Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largestYour final stop of the day will be at the unique architectural style, and visit the Muslim power station site. Disembark at Yichang atHutongs, for a personal insight into the Quarter to see local life in the community. noon, where our guide will escort you to theeveryday life of traditional Beijing citizens. Finally, you will be transferred to the station airport for a flight to Shanghai, and a three to take a bullet train to Chengdu and a two night stay.Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) night stay.Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post Day 13 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)along the wall offering breathtaking views in Day 8 Chengdu (B) First stop Yu Yuan Gardens followed bya less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was Day at leisure to explore Chengdu the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuriesbuilt in the mid-6th century and its rich history independently. Perhaps explore the old town, old Yu Yuan Gardens is home to beautifulcan be observed in its unique construction. or relax in the People’s Park watching the pavilions, walkways, streams, courtyards andThis will be followed by an opportunity for locals play mahjong or practising Tai Chi. flowers. At the Jade Buddha Temple you canphotographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and expect both historic and modern, with large,Water Cube, venues for the memorable 2008 Day 9 Giant Pandas and Transfer to intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewingOlympics and 2015 World Championships. Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) the Shanghai Museum, next is a visit to theIn the evening, enjoy a sumptuous Peking After breakfast, the first stop will be at the waterfront attraction of the Bund to admireDuck Dinner, a traditional delicacy and a Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Shanghai as a modern metropolis. Later, onculinary must. Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been top of the Shanghai world financial centre, created to provide the best possible you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye viewDay 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) environment for rearing and breeding pandas. of the whole city.This morning visit the Summer Palace, which Afterwards transfer to the train station for yourincludes an impressive collection of lakes, bullet train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, you Day 14 Zhujiajiao (BL)gardens, palaces and scenic views. will be met and transferred to the 5* Victoria Visit Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town withAfterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Cruise. a history of over 1,700 years known as thebeautiful Kunming Lake, before catching a “Pearl Stream.” You will see Ming and Qingbullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 Days 10 - 11 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) Dynasty bridges, ancient buildings and theminutes), for a two night stay. On the first day of the cruise, you can relax Ma Family Garden before heading back to while the ship meanders along the Yangtze, Shanghai.Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) and enjoy the scenic views. There’s anYour guide will take you to visit the Terracotta excursion to the Shibaozhai, with its impressive Day 15 Shanghai to UK (B)Warriors, a stunning collection of 10,000 wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Transfer to the airport for your flight backlife size statues of the Chinese army made Pearl of the Yangtze”. On the last day will be to UK.over 2,000 years ago. This will be followed an enthralling journey on a small motorboatby a visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, in the through the tranquil Goddess Stream, EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAYafternoon, which is best enjoyed by bike or onfoot. It is the most complete city wall that has 3 days in Hong Kong from £299survived in China, and is one of the largest 5 days in Sanya from £585military defensive systems in the world. Thisevening you will try a tasty dumpling dinner Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation andwhile enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a daily breakfastcolourful performance of traditional musicand dance. See pages 44-47 for detailsDepartures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: International and domestic flights in Prices are per person basedDepart Return Depart Return economy class, bullet train in first class, on twin share departing from 4★accommodation, transfers, English London Heathrow with British21/03 04/04/19 from £2,898 19/09 03/10/19 from £3,098 speaking guides, meals as specified Airways.04/04 18/04/19 from £2,998 10/10 24/10/19 from £3,198 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), Regional departures and flight11/04 25/04/19 from £2,998 17/10 31/10/19 from £3,198 entrance fees to the sites listed, airport upgrades available on request.09/05 23/05/19 from £2,998 24/10 07/11/19 from £3,198 taxes and visa fees.16/05 30/05/19 from £2,998 19/03 02/04/20 from £2,89806/06 20/06/19 from £2,898 02/04 16/04/20 from £2,998 Price excludes: Single supplement from £558.25/07 08/08/19 from £3,298 09/04 23/04/20 from £2,998 Local tips: RMB480 (approx £56) per Land only from £2,198 (no08/08 22/08/19 from £3,298 07/05 21/05/20 from £2,998 person, RMB150 (approx £18) per person international flights or visa fees).05/09 19/09/19 from £3,098 14/05 28/05/20 from £2,99812/09 26/09/19 from £3,098 04/06 18/06/20 from £2,898 tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 23
MEMORIES OF CHINA 15 DAY TOURWest Lake, HangzhouExplore The Ling Yin Temple, spend time with 3 NIGHTSChina’s famous Giant Pandas, takeKashgar a cruise downthe Li River and watch the fascinating cormorant BEIJINGfishing. This comprehensive tour takes you to theexciting illustrious capital, Beijing, the vibrant city GUILIN Yangshuo HUANG HE Inbound ightof Shanghai and the anciant city of Xian, giving (YELLOW to Beijingyou a taste of China’s most essential and historic LI RIVER RIVER)attractions. 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS Outbound XIAN SHANGHAI ight to UK 1 NIGHT RIVER Hangzhou CHENGDU YANGTZE 1 NIGHT GUILIN 2 NIGHT Yangshuo “Thank you so much for a truly remarkable holiday, the memories of which will stay with us for a long time. It was Cruise to 1 NIGHT Flight an inspirational and well-managed itinerary, stunning Yangshuo Drive locations, knowledgeable and helpful local guides and an ........ Train excellent introduction to a very friendly people, their history Cruise and local cuisine.” Bruce and Lynda Day 1 UK to Beijing Take a scheduled flight from the UK to Beijing. We can arrangeYour 4★ Accommodation departures from your local airport.Beijing: GuangxiXian: Grand Dynasty Culture Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D)Guilin: Bravo Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred toYangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon you will haveChengdu: Sichuan Hotel time to relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. Your guideHangzhou: Wuyang will be pleased to advise you on what you can do. In the earlyShanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel evening your guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet your fellow travellers.Accommodation will be as named above or similarSee pages 50- 51 for details Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for24 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
good harvests. Here you can observe the Quarter to see the local life. Finally, you will to Shanghai in the evening, for a three night CHINA – Small Group Tourstradition of Tai Chi practiced in the be transferred to the airport for your flight to stay.courtyard. This will be followed by a stroll Guilin and an overnight stay.through Tiananmen Square, the biggest Day 13 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)square in the world, and continues to the Day 8 Li River Cruise (BLD) First stop Yu Yuan Gardens followed by theForbidden City which served as the grand Take a four hour boat cruise on the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yuimperial palace for centuries. Your final stop breathtaking Li River towards Yangshuo Yuan Gardens is home to beautiful pavilions,will be at the Hutongs, for an insight into the with opportunities to enjoy the tranquil rural walkways, streams, courtyards and flowers.everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens. scenes of buffalo farming, children playing At the Jade Buddha Temple you can expect in the river and the towering Karst mountain both historic and modern, with large,Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) peaks, before arriving in Yangshuo. This intricate sculptures of Buddha. After exploringToday visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a evening there is an optional spectacular the Shanghai Museum, next is the waterfrontpost along the wall offering breathtaking ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show, staged on attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai asviews in a less crowded atmosphere. the river. a modern metropolis. Later, you can enjoy aMutianyu was built in the mid-6th century breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city fromand has a rich, well-preserved, history. Day 9 Yangshuo, Guilin (BD) top of the Shanghai world financial centre.This will be followed by an opportunity for A morning free at leisure to explore thisphotographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and beautiful area independently, or perhaps join Day 14 Zhujiajiao (BL)Water Cube, and in the evening, enjoy a an optional cookery class. Return to Guilin, Today, visit Zhujiajiao, an ancient water townsumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional and visit the Reed Flute Caves, a remarkable with a 1,700 year history, known as the Pearldelicacy and a culinary must. collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites Stream. You can expect to see the Ming and stalagmites. In the evening, you will see and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient andDay 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) the fascinating cormorant fishing show. historic buildings and the Ma Family GardenA morning visit to the Summer Palace, before heading back to Shanghai for anwhich includes a grand collection of lakes, Day 10 Chengdu (B) afternoon at leisure.gardens, palaces and scenic views, starts the Fly to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel uponday. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride arrival, remainder of the day at leisure to Day 15 Shanghai to UK (B)on the beautiful Kunming Lake, before explore Chengdu independently. Perhaps Transfer to the airport for your flight back tocatching a bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 discover the old town, or relax in the the UK.hours 30 minutes), for a two night stay. People’s Park watching the locals play mahjong or practicing Tai Chi.Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD)Your guide will take you to visit the Day 11 Giant Pandas and toTerracotta Warriors, a stunning collection Hangzhou (BL)of 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese After breakfast, the first stop will be at thearmy made over 2,000 years ago. This will Chengdu Panda Breeding and Researchbe followed by a visit to the ancient city wall Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have beenin Xian, which is best explored by bike or on created to provide the best possiblefoot. This evening you will try a tasty environment for rearing and breedingdumpling dinner while being entertained by pandas. Afterwards transfer to the airport forthe Tang Dynasty Show. a flight to Hangzhou and an overnight stay.Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) Day 12 West Lake (BLD) EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAYStart with a visit to the Shaanxi Museum Today will begin with a fascinating trip to thehome to over a quarter of a million artefacts, Ling Yin Temple Buddhist Monastery. This will 3 days in Hong Kong from £299including treasures from many periods of be followed by a visit to the famous Longjing 5 days in Sanya from £585China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wild Tea Plantations where you can sample someGoose Pagoda, for a glimpse of China’s traditional brews in a local Tea House. In the Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation andunique architecture style, and the Muslim afternoon, you will enjoy a leisurely cruise daily breakfast on the West Lake before being transferred See pages 44-47 for detailsDepartures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: Prices are per person based on International and domestic flights in twin share departing from LondonDepart Return from £2,998 Depart Return from £3,198 economy class, bullet train in first Heathrow with British Airways.21/03 04/04/19 from £3,098 19/09 03/10/19 from £3,298 class, 4★accommodation, transfers, Regional departures and flight04/04 18/04/19 from £3,098 10/10 24/10/19 from £3,298 English speaking guides, meals as upgrades available on request.11/04 25/04/19 from £3,098 17/10 31/10/19 from £3,298 specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, Single supplement from £498.09/05 23/05/19 from £3,098 24/10 07/11/19 from £2,998 D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites Land only from £2,198 (no16/05 30/05/19 from £2,998 19/03 02/04/20 from £3,098 listed, airport taxes and visa fees.06/06 20/06/19 from £3,398 02/04 16/04/20 from £3,09825/07 08/08/19 from £3,398 09/04 23/04/20 from £3,098 Price excludes: international flights or visa fees).08/08 22/08/19 from £3,198 07/05 21/05/20 from £3,09805/09 19/09/19 from £3,198 14/05 28/05/20 from £2,998 Local tips: RMB590 (approx £69) per12/09 26/09/19 04/06 18/06/20 person, personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 25
CHINA RAIL DISCOVERY 15 DAY TOURHigh-Speed RailwayChina’s train system has expanded dramatically over 3 NIGHTSthe past decade with the construction of an extensivehigh-speed rail network. Widespread investment into BEIJINGthe rail system has produced an efficient, reliable,high-tech service with safe, comfortable trains HUANG HE Inbound ightcovering vast distances in shorter journey times. There (YELLOW to Beijingare now many bullet trains in operation in China, RIVER)which provide an interesting way to see more of the Outboundcountryside and scenery away from the big cities. This 2 NIGHTS ight to UKtour takes you to the well-known cities of Beijing and XIANShanghai, to Xian to see the incredible Terracotta SHANGHAIWarriors, Chengdu to see pandas, and all this is 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTScombined with a relaxing Yangtze cruise. You are sure CHENGDU YANTZE RIVERto enjoy exploring China using its vast and efficient railnetwork. CRUISE TO YICHANG Your 4★ Accommodation Beijing: Guangxi RIVER Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture YANGTZE Yichang Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel Yangtze River Cruise: Victoria CHONGQING Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel LI RIVER Flight Accommodation will be as named above or similar Drive See pages 46, 50- 51 for details ........ Train Cruise Day 1 UK to Beijing Take a scheduled flight from the UK to Beijing with British Airways. Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. You will have a chance to relax before your guide will escort you for dinner to meet your fellow group members. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests, and where you can observe the tradition of Tai Chi practiced in the courtyard. This will be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, the biggest square in the world, and26 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
continues to the Forbidden City which China’s history. The next stop, the Small Day 12 Bullet Train to Shanghai (BL) CHINA – Small Group Toursserved as the grand imperial palace for Wild Goose Pagoda, to discover China’s Before arriving at Yichang you will visit Thecenturies. Your final stop of the day will unique architectural style, ending with a visit Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largestbe at the Hutongs. Here, you can have a to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the power station. Disembark at Yichang atpersonal insight into the everyday life of community. Finally, you will be transferred noon and our guide will escort you to thetraditional Beijing citizens. to the station to take a bullet train to station for a train to Shanghai (approx 8 Chengdu for a two night stay. hours), and a three night stay.Day 4 Great Wall (BLD)Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a Day 8 Chengdu (B) Day 13 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)post along the wall offering breathtaking Day at leisure to explore Chengdu The first attraction of the day will be the Yuviews in a less crowded atmosphere. independently. Perhaps explore the old Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade BuddhaMutianyu was built in the mid-6th century town, or relax in the People’s Park watching Temple. The century’s old Yu Yuan Gardensand its rich history can be observed in its the locals play mahjong or practising Tai is home to beautiful pavilions, walkways,unique construction. This will be followed by Chi. streams, courtyards and flowers, perfectan opportunity for photographs at the Birds for the horticulturist. At the Jade BuddhaNest Stadium and Water Cube, venues for Day 9 Giant Pandas and Transfer to Temple, one can expect impressive temples,the memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 Cruise (BLD) both historic and modern, housing large,World Championships. In the evening, In the morning arrive at the Chengdu Panda intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewingenjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a Breeding and Research Centre, where the Shanghai Museum, there will be antraditional delicacy and a culinary must. naturalistic habitats have been created to opportunity to visit the waterfront attraction provide the best possible environment for of the Bund to admire Shanghai as aDay 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) rearing and breeding pandas. Afterwards modern metropolis. Later, from the top ofIn the morning visit the Summer Palace, transfer to the train station for a bullet train the Shanghai world financial centre, youhome to an impressive collection of lakes, to Chongqing (approx 2 hours). Upon can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view ofgardens, palaces and scenic views. arrival, you will be met and transferred to the whole city.Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the 5* Victoria Cruise.the beautiful Kunming Lake, before catching Day 14 Zhujiajiao (BL)a bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 Days 10-11 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, anminutes), for a two night stay. On the first day of the cruise, you can relax ancient water town with a 1,700 year while the ship meanders along the Yangtze, history, known as the Pearl Stream. After,Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) allowing you to enjoy the scenic views. you will see the Ming and Qing DynastyToday, your guide will take you to visit the There’s an excursion to Shibaozhai, with its bridges, two ancient and historic buildings,Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately and the Ma Family Garden beforeof 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”, and on heading back to Shanghai for an afternoonarmy made over 2,000 years ago. This will the last day, enjoy a journey on a small at leisure.be followed by a visit to the ancient city wall motorboat through the tranquil Goddessin Xian, best experienced on foot or by bike. Stream while marvelling at the soaring Day 15 Shanghai to UK (B)It is the most complete city wall surviving limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water. Transfer to the airport for your flight back toin China, and is one of the largest military the UK.defensive systems in the world. This eveningyou will have a delicious dumpling dinner EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAYwhile being entertained by the Tang DynastyShow, a colourful performance of traditional 3 days in Hong Kong from £299music and dance. 5 days in Sanya from £585Day 7 Bullet Train to Chengdu (BL) Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation andVisit the Shaanxi Museum which has over daily breakfasta quarter of a million artefacts on display,including treasures from many periods of See pages 44-47 for detailsDepartures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: per person tips aboard the Yangtze International and domestic flights in Cruise, personal spending and travelDepart Return Depart Return economy class, bullet train in insurance.21/03 04/04/19 19/09 03/10/1904/04 18/04/19 from £2,898 10/10 24/10/19 from £3,098 first class, 4★ accommodation,11/04 25/04/19 from £2,998 17/10 31/10/19 from £3,19809/05 23/05/19 from £2,998 24/10 07/11/19 from £3,198 transfers, English speaking guides, Prices are per person based on16/05 30/05/19 from £2,998 19/03 02/04/20 from £3,198 meals as specified (B=Breakfast, twin share departing from London06/06 20/06/19 from £2,998 02/04 16/04/20 from £2,898 L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees25/07 08/08/19 from £2,898 09/04 23/04/20 from £2,998 to the sites listed, airport taxes and Heathrow with British Airways.08/08 22/08/19 from £3,298 07/05 21/05/20 from £2,99805/09 19/09/19 from £3,298 14/05 28/05/20 from £2,998 visa fees Regional departures and flight12/09 26/09/19 from £3,098 04/06 18/06/20 from £2,998 from £3,098 from £2,898 upgrades available on request. Price excludes: Single supplement from £558. Local tips: RMB480 (approx £56) Land only from £2,198 (no per person, RMB150 (approx £18) international flights or visa fees) ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 27
GREAT CHINA 18 DAY TOURTemple of Heaven, BeijingThis tour offers unforgettable experiences of 3 NIGHTSChina, from the incredible landscapes andbeautiful countryside, including YangshuoKashgar and BEIJINGGuilin to the modern and vibrant cities. Enjoy a5* cruise along the Yangtze River, Asia’s longest GUILIN Yangshuo HUANG HE Inbound ightand arguably most scenic river. Spend time with (YELLOW to BeijingChina’s most famous and adorable animal, the LI RIVER RIVER)Giant Panda, in Chengdu. In addition to this,you will visit the classic sights Beijing, Xian and 2 NIGHTS 4 NIGHTS OutboundShanghai have to offer. XIAN ight to UK 3 NIGHTS SHANGHAI YANTZE RIVER RIVER 1 NIGHT YANGTZE Yichang CHENGDU CRUISE TO YICHANG CHONGQING GUILIN Yangshuo 2 NIGHTS Flight CRUISE TO 1 NIGHT Drive Train YANGGSHUO ........ CruiseYour 4★ Accommodation Day 1 UK to Beijing Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD)Beijing: Guangxi Take a scheduled flight from the UK to In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven,Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture Beijing. We can also arrange departures where the Ming and Qing emperorsGuilin: Bravo from your local airport. worshipped the god of heaven and prayedYangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel for good harvests for the year, and you canChengdu: Sichuan Hotel Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) observe the tradition of Tai Chi practicedYangtze River Cruise: Victoria Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide in the courtyard. This will be followed by aShanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel and transferred to your hotel for a three stroll through Tiananmen Square, the largest night stay. In the afternoon you will have square in the world, and continues to theAccommodation will be as named above or similar time to relax or take a walk in the Forbidden City which served as the grandSee pages 46, 50- 51 for details surrounding area. Your guide will be imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop pleased to advise you on what’s best to do. of the day will be at the Hutongs, for a In the early evening your guide will escort personal insight into the everyday life of you for dinner where you will meet your traditional Beijing citizens. fellow travellers.28 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) your flight to Guilin, for an overnight stay. largest power station. Disembark at Yichang CHINA – Small Group ToursToday visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post and our guide will escort you to the airport foralong the wall with breathtaking views, in a Day 8 Li River Cruise (BLD) a flight to Shanghai, and a four night stay.less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built Following breakfast, you will be transferred toin the mid-6th century and its rich history can Zhujiang Quay for a four hour boat cruise on Day 15 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)be observed in the well-preserved structure. the breathtaking Li River towards Yangshuo. The first attractions of the day will be the YuThis will be followed by an opportunity for On the Li River, there are opportunities to Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddhaphotographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and enjoy the tranquil rural scenes of buffalo Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan GardensWater Cube, venues for the memorable 2008 farming the rice terraces and the towering is home to beautiful pavilions, walkways,Olympics. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous karst mountain peaks. This evening there is streams, courtyards and flowers. At the JadePeking Duck Dinner, a traditional delicacy an optional spectacular ‘Impressions of Liu Buddha Temple, one can expect impressiveand a culinary must. Sanjie’ show, staged on the river. temples, housing large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After the Shanghai museum, thereDay 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) Day 9 Yangshuo, Guilin (BD) will be an opportunity to visit the waterfrontIn the morning visit the Summer Palace, This morning is free at leisure to explore this attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai asan impressive collection of lakes, gardens, beautiful area independently, or perhaps join a modern metropolis. Later, from the top ofpalaces and scenic views. Afterwards, enjoy a an optional cookery class. Return to Guilin the Shanghai world financial centre, you canrelaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming and visit the Reed Flute Caves, a remarkable enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of theLake, before catching a bullet train to Xian collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites whole city.(approx. 5 hours 30 minutes), for a two night and stalagmites, and in the evening, you willstay. see the fascinating Cormorant Fishing Show. Day 16 Zhujiajiao (BL) Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, anDay 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) Day 10 Chengdu (B) ancient water town with a history of overYour guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Fly to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel upon 1,700 years, known as the Pearl Stream. YouWarriors, a stunning collection of 10,000 life arrival, remainder of the day at leisure to can expect to see Ming and Qing Dynastysize statues of the Chinese army made over discover Chengdu independently. Perhaps bridges, two ancient and historic buildings and2,000 years ago. This will be followed by a explore the old town, or relax in the People’s the Ma Family Garden before heading backvisit to the ancient city wall in Xian, where you Park watching the locals play mahjong or to Shanghai for an afternoon at leisure.can explore on foot or, if you prefer, by bike. practicing Tai Chi.It is the most complete city wall surviving Day 17 Shanghai (B)in China, and is one of the largest military Day 11 Giant Pandas and Cruise (BLD) Day at leisure or join an optional tour todefensive systems in the world. This evening After breakfast, the first stop will be at the Hangzhou. The tour will explore the West Lakeyou will be treated to a delicious dumpling Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research with a cruise, as well as visiting the Buddhistdinner and a Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been Monastery of Ling Yin Temple. Visit a teaperformance of traditional music and dance. created for the best possible environments for plantation and explore some local markets. rearing and breeding pandas. Afterwards take Tour cost £185 per person (based on 2Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) a two hour bullet train to Chongqing to board people). Bookable in advance, request at timeVisit the Shaanxi Museum which has over your Yangtze cruise. of booking.250,000 artefacts on display. The next stop,the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, will explore Days 12 - 13 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) Day 18 Shanghai to UK (B)China’s unique architecture style. Visit the Relax as the ship meanders along the Transfer to the airport for your flight back toMuslim Quarter to see local life in the Yangtze, allowing you to enjoy the scenic the UK.community. Finally, transfer to the airport for views. There’s an excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”, and an enjoyable journey on a 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 small motorboat through the tranquil Goddess 5 days in Sanya from £585 Stream while marvelling at the soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water. Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and daily breakfast Day 14 To Shanghai (BL) Before arriving at your destination, you will See pages 44-47 for details visit The Three Gorges Dam, the world’sDepartures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: Prices are per person based on International and domestic flights in twin share departing from London economy class, bullet train in first class, Heathrow with British Airways.Depart Return Depart Return 4★accommodation, transfers, English21/03 07/04/19 from £3,298 19/09 06/10/19 from £3,498 speaking guides, meals as specified Regional departures and flight04/04 21/04/19 from £3,398 10/10 27/10/19 from £3,59811/04 28/04/19 from £3,398 17/10 03/11/19 from £3,598 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), upgrades available on request.09/05 26/05/19 from £3,398 24/10 10/11/19 from £3,598 entrance fees to the sites listed, airport Single supplement from £648.16/05 02/06/19 from £3,398 19/03 05/04/20 from £3,29806/06 23/06/19 from £3,298 02/04 19/04/20 from £3,398 taxes and visa fees. Land only from £2,598 (no25/07 11/08/19 from £3,698 09/04 26/04/20 from £3,39808/08 25/08/19 from £3,698 07/05 24/05/20 from £3,398 Price excludes: international flights or visa fees).05/09 22/09/19 from £3,498 14/05 31/05/20 from £3,398 Local tips: RMB600 (approx £70) per12/09 29/09/19 from £3,498 04/06 21/06/20 from £3,298 person, RMB150 (approx £18 ) per person tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 29
BEAUTY OF CHINA 20 DAY TOURJade Dragon Snow Mountain, YunnanDiscover the charm and elegance of the country, 3 NIGHTSfrom the scenic Yangtze River, to the spectacularJade Dragon Snow Mountain in Yunnan BEIJINGprovince. Time is spent with the country’s mostfamous and adorable animal, the Giant Panda. GUILIN HUANG HE Inbound ightAlso visit the illustrious capital, Beijing, the vibrant Yangshuo (YELLOW to Beijingcity of Shanghai and the historic city of Xian. RIVER) LI RIVER “We had a great holiday on the Beauty of China tour and were so pleased that we picked China Links. We saw 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS Outbound some amazing places.” XIAN ight to UK Mike and Ruth 3 NIGHTS SHANGHAI YANTZE RIVER 1 NIGHT CRUISE CHENGDU TO YICHANG RIVER CHONGQING YANGTZE Yichang Lijiang GUILIN 3 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTs Yangshuo Flight Drive 1 NIGHT ........ Train CRUISE TO Cruise YANGSHUOYour 4★ Accommodation Day 1 UK to Beijing and Qing emperors worshipped the god of Take a scheduled flight from the UK to heaven, and where you can observe theBeijing: Guangxi Beijing. We can also arrange departures tradition of Tai Chi practiced in theXian: Grand Dynasty CultureGuilin: Bravo from your local airport. courtyard. This will be followed by a strollYangshuo: Green Lotus HotelChengdu: Sichuan Hotel through Tiananmen Square, the biggestLijiang: WangfuYangtze River Cruise: Victoria Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) square in the world, and continues to the Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide Forbidden City which served as the grand and transferred to your hotel for a three night imperial palace for centuries. Your final stay. In the afternoon you will have time to stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, for relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. a personal insight into the everyday life of Your guide will be pleased to advise you on traditional Beijing citizens.Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel what you can do. In the early evening yourAccommodation will be as named above or similar guide will escort you for dinner where you Day 4 Great Wall (BLD)See pages 46, 50 - 51 for details will meet your fellow group members. Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall offering breathtaking Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) views in a less crowded atmosphere. Visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming Mutianyu was built in the mid-6th30 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
century and has a rich, well-preserved Day 9 Yangshuo, Guilin (BD) Day 14 To Chongqing (BD) CHINA – Small Group Tourshistory. This will be followed by an This morning is free at leisure to explore this Depart Lijiang this afternoon, catch youropportunity for photographs at the Birds beautiful area independently, or perhaps join flight to Chongqing and on arrival, boardNest Stadium and Water Cube, venues of an optional cookery class. Return to Guilin your 5* ship to start your cruise along thethe memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 and visit the Reed Flute Caves, a remarkable majestic Yangtze River.World Championships. In the evening, enjoy collection of colourfully illuminated stalactitesa sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a local and stalagmites. In the evening, you will see Days 15 - 16 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD)delicacy and a culinary must. the fascinating Cormorant Fishing Show. The first day of the cruise can be spent relaxing while the ship meanders along theDay 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) Day 10 Chengdu (B) Yangtze, as you enjoy the scenic vistas. ThereIn the morning visit the Summer Palace, Fly to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel upon will be an excursion to Shibaozhai, with itshome to a grand collection of lakes, arrival, remainder of the day at leisure to impressive wooden pagoda, appropriatelygardens, palaces and scenic views. discover Chengdu independently. Perhaps named “The Pearl of the Yangtze” followedAfterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on explore the old town, or relax in the People’s by an enjoyable journey on a smallthe beautiful Kunming Lake, before catching Park watching the locals play mahjong or motorboat through the tranquil Goddessa bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 practising Tai Chi. Stream, marvelling at the soaring limestoneminutes) for a two night stay. cliffs rising sheer from the water. Day 11 Giant Pandas, to Lijiang (BL)Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) After breakfast, the first stop will be at the Day 17 To Shanghai (BL)Your guide will take you to visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Before reaching your destination, you willTerracotta Warriors, an amazing collection of Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been visit The Three Gorges Dam, the world’s10,000 life size statues of the Chinese army created for the best possible environments largest power station. Disembark at Yichangmade over 2,000 years ago. This will be for rearing and breeding pandas. Afterwards at noon and our guide will escort you to thefollowed, in the afternoon, by a visit to Xian’s transfer to the airport for a flight to Lijiang airport for a flight to Shanghai and a threeancient city wall, which is best explored on and a three night stay. night stay.foot or a bike ride. It is the most completecity wall surviving in China, and is one of Day 12 Tiger Leaping Gorge (BLD) Day 18 Shanghai City Tour (BLD)the largest military defensive systems in the Visit the picturesque Black Dragon Pool, a First stop is the centuries old Yu Yuanworld. This evening you will be treated to short walk from the Old Town of Lijiang, and Gardens, home to beautiful pavilions,a delicious dumpling dinner and the Tang drive to the dramatic scenery of the Tiger streams, courtyards and flowers, followed byDynasty Show. Leaping Gorge - one of the deepest gorges the Jade Buddha Temple, where you will see in the world. intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewingDay 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) the Shanghai Museum, next up is theVisit the Shaanxi Museum which has over Day 13 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (BL) waterfront attraction of the Bund. Later, on250,000 artefacts on display, including Today you will visit Jade Dragon Snow top of the Shanghai world financial centre,treasures from many periods of China’s Mountain, taking a cable car half way up, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye viewhistory. The next stop is the Small Wild followed by a visit to the Baisha Naxi of the whole city.Goose Pagoda, to discover China’s unique minority village to learn about its ancient wallarchitectural style, and a visit the Muslim paintings. The rest of the afternoon is free for Day 19 Zhujiajiao (BL)Quarter to see local life in the community. you to explore Lijiang Old Town. Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, anFinally, you will be transferred to the airport ancient water town with a history of overfor your flight to Guilin for an overnight stay. 1,700 years, known as the Pearl Stream. After, you will see the Ming and QingDay 8 Li River Cruise (BLD) Dynasty bridges, two ancient and historicFollowing breakfast, you will be transferred buildings, and the Ma Family Garden beforeto Zhujiang Quay for a four hour boat cruise heading back to Shanghai for an afternoonon the breathtaking Li River towards at leisure.Yangshuo. On the Li River, there areopportunities to enjoy the tranquil rural Day 20 Shanghai to UK (B)scenes of buffalo farming the rice terraces Transfer to the airport for your flight back toand the towering karst mountain peaks. This the UK.evening there is an optional spectacular‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show, staged onthe river.Departures and Prices 21/03/19 – 04/06/20 Price includes: Prices are per person based International and domestic flights in on twin share departing fromDepart Return Depart Return economy class, bullet train in first class, London Heathrow with British21/03 09/04/19 19/09 08/10/1904/04 23/04/19 from £3,698 10/10 29/10/19 from £3,998 4★accommodation, transfers, English Airways. Regional departures11/04 30/04/19 from £3,898 17/10 05/11/19 from £3,99809/05 28/05/19 from £3,898 24/10 12/11/19 from £3,998 speaking guides, meals as specified and flight upgrades available on16/05 04/06/19 from £3,898 19/03 07/04/20 from £3,99806/06 25/06/19 from £3,898 02/04 21/04/20 from £3,698 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), request.25/07 13/08/19 from £3,798 09/04 28/04/20 from £3,89808/08 27/08/19 from £4,098 07/05 26/05/20 from £3,898 entrance fees to the sites listed, airport Single supplement from £698.05/09 24/09/19 from £4,098 14/05 02/06/20 from £3,89812/09 01/10/19 from £3,998 04/06 23/06/20 from £3,898 taxes and visa fees. Land only from £2,848 (no from £3,998 from £3,798 Price excludes: international flights or visa fees). Local tips: RMB680 (approx £79) per person, RMB150 (approx £18) per person tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal spending and travel insurance. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 31
DISCOVER TAIWAN 9 DAY TOURCi En Pagoda, Sun Moon LakeTaiwan remains one of Asia’s largely Inbound flight ........................................................Taipei Outboundundiscovered destinations. The island is an to Taipei flight to UKeclectic mix of Chinese, Western, Japanese and 2 NIGHTSindigenous influences, while retaining many of its + 1 NIGHTtraditions. It has a dramatic mountainous terrainand a picturesque coastline. Explore the capital Sun Moon Lake Hualiencity of Taipei before driving to the remarkable SunMoon Lake, in the centre of the island. Visit the 1 NIGHT 1 NIGHTfamous Foguangshan Buddhist Monastery, for ..................... ....................the opportunity to converse with the monks, and ................................................ ........ Flightdiscover the scenic Kenting National Park and the Drivebeautiful Taroko Gorge, the famous landmark ............................ Taitung Traincarved by the Liwu River. Kaohsiung Cruise 1 NIGHT 1 NIGHT Day 1 Fly to Taipei Take a scheduled flight from the UK to Taipei.Your Sample 4★ and 5★ Accommodation Day 2 To Taipei Upon arrival in Taipei, you will be met and transferred to yourTaipei: Howard Plaza hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore yourSun Moon Lake: Fleur de Chine surroundings and relax after your flight.Kaohsiung: Grand Hi LaiTaitung: Royal Chihpen Day 3 Taipei City Tour (B)Taroko: Silks Place Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before your half day city tour. Pass by the Presidential Office and visit the Chiang Kai-ShekAccommodation will be as named above or similar Memorial Hall, followed by a visit to the National Palace Museum and a trip to a traditional Taiwanese Temple and a Handicraft Centre.32 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
Day 6 Kaohsiung to Taitung (B) Day 9 Taipei to UK (B) CHINA – Small Group Tours Following breakfast, discover the Kenting Transfer to the airport for your flight to the National Park, located at Taiwan’s southern UK. tip, where the 37 miles of coral-rimmed shoreline along three sides of the park Note: This tour operates on a shared provide its main attractions. Stops will be basis with minimum two passengers and made at the Eluanbi Lighthouse, the is not exclusive to Links Travel & Tours Maobitou Coastal Scenic Area and Longpan customers. Park, on your way to Taitung via theDay 4 Taipei to Sun Moon Lake (B) Southern Link Highway, for a night in Zhiben.After breakfast, your tour continues to SunMoon Lake, situated 762 metres above sea Day 7 Taitung to Taroko (B)level in the lofty mountains of Central After breakfast, embark upon an exciting EastTaiwan. The tour will stop at the famous Coast Tour. The East Coast National ScenicWenwu Temple, also known as Area, known as “Taiwan’s last unspoiledLiterature-Warrior Temple, dedicated to land”, stretches 170 km down the east coastConfucius as Master of Pen and to Kuan Ti of the island. Weathering, erosion, andas Master of Sword, and continues to the accumulation have produced a wide rangeHoly Monk Shrine and the Ci En Pagoda. of landforms here. You will make stops atAfter touring round Sun Moon Lake, check in Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai, Shitiping (Stone Steps)to your hotel where you may wish to relax in and a marble factory. Then in the latethe natural hot springs. afternoon, continue to Hualien, for an overnight stay at the Taroko National Park.Day 5 Sun Moon Lake to Kaohsiung (B) Day 8 Hualien to Taipei (B) EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAYYour holiday continues after breakfast to the Following breakfast, visit the Taroko National 3 days on Hong Kong from £299Foguangshan Buddhist Monastery, the Park. Taroko Gorge is an exceptionally Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation andlargest in Taiwan and the most famous beautiful, narrow ravine created by thesacred Buddhist place in southern Taiwan, Liwu River, which has cut deep into the daily breakfastpassing the quaint, Jiji Railway Station, en solid marble mountains. The road, carvedroute. Upon arrival at Foguangshan, a into sheer walls of rock, winds its way past See pages 44-47 for detailsmonastery walking tour will include the forested peaks and cliffs towering thousands“Buddha Memorial Centre” and the chance of feet above, while hundreds of feet below Departures and Pricesto interact with some of the monks and nuns. a river rushes past gigantic marble boulders.Maybe treat yourself to a tasty Buddhist Stops will be made at Ci Mu Bridge, Swallow Price from £1,995vegetarian lunch, before continuing to Grotto, and Changchun Temple (the EternalKaohsiung, the second largest city in Taiwan. Spring Shrine). Drive back to Taipei with a Single supplement from £495The tour continues to the Love River, the stop at Cingshui Cliff, navigating through the Land Only from £1,195Liuhe Night Market and an overnight at Syue-Shan Long Tunnel (12.9 km) to arrive Departures from the UK on FridaysKaohsiung. Taipei in the early evening for the night. Price includes: International flights in economy class, 4★ and 5★accommodation, transfers, English speaking guides, meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites listed and airport taxes. Price excludes: Local tips, personal spending and travel insurance Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with Cathay Pacific. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request.Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 33
CHINA TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS Tailor-Made Journeys and Private Tours For those who prefer a more independent travel experience rather than travelling as part of a group, or if you cannot find an itinerary that fits your requirements, let us tailor-make your entire holiday designed specifically around your needs. Equipped with our specialist knowledge and first-hand experience of China, we will create a personal and independent itinerary just for you. Simply let us know the places you would like to visit, standard of accommodation and budget requirements and we will carefully design your holiday in line with your specifications. When travelling with Links Travel & Tours, your individual preferences and interests always come first when arranging your tailor-made journey. Our offices in London and Beijing are equipped with specialist travel advisors who have broad expertise in designing trips built around individual aspirations. The more detailed information you provide, the better we can customise the tour for you. The tailor-made itineraries are carefully made to suit your needs. You will benefit from our specialist knowledge throughout the journey. Our tailor-made tours offer extra flexibility, enabling you to travel at your own pace. We are able to put together detailed itineraries to most regions within China, just ask us for details and we will be happy to make suggestions and recommendations for you. We can advise when is the best time to travel, the best routes to take and hotels to stay in. Simply call to speak with one of our expert travel advisors who will be delighted to help.34 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
On the following pages you will find some recommended itineraries for travelling on an independent China – Tailor-Madebasis and for exploring different parts of China. These itineraries can be used as a starting point forcreating your ideal tour and can be amended to perfectly suit your requirements. There also are manyexperiences that we can include in your tailor-made journey, some ideas are featured below as well ason the following pages.Cookery Classes Shanghai Disney ResortThe Yangshuo Cookery School offers lessons in The Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disneytheir traditional farmhouse just outside theme park on mainland China, opened in JuneYangshuo, or sometimes on the banks of the 2016. The Resort is located in the Pudong Newbeautiful Li River itself. A tour of the local market District of Shanghai and can be reached by buscan be included to learn more about the typical or taxi in around 40 minutes from downtowningredients used in this area. Cookery classes Shanghai, or by Shanghai Metro via Line 11.can also be arranged in Beijing. During a two The Disneyland Park offers all of the magicand a half hour class you will explore Chinese and excitement associated with a Disney themecooking techniques and regional cuisine, park. Perfect for families, we are able to arrangepreparing three dishes including recipes to take transfers and admission tickets for the park,home, followed by a meal to enjoy your efforts. speak to us for further details.Tibet China VisaFor those seeking to venture off the beaten track, It is worth noting that a 2-year multiple entry visaa journey through Tibet’s stunning landscapes and for China is issued for all applications, allowingremote Himalayan towns may appeal. Perhaps for the possibility of return trips to China withintravel by train from Beijing, across the the 2-year time frame. If you have travelled on aQinghai-Tibet Plateau, an epic journey of group tour with an individual multiple entry visa,3,757km to Lhasa, crossing eight provinces and why not consider returning to China to exploretaking around 40 hours. It is possible to continue this fascinating country further? Speak to us aboutoverland through Tibet towards Nepal, finishing creating a bespoke tailor-made itinerary perhapsyour journey in the colourful city of Kathmandu. visiting some off the beaten track places and toSee page 43 for further details. undertake some unique experiences in China.Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 35
TAILOR-MADELUXURY CHINA IN STYLE 15 DAY TOUR Day 8 Li River Cruise (BL) Following breakfast, enjoy a four hour boat cruise on the breathtaking Li River towards Yangshuo. Arrival in Yangshuo will be at around 14:00. This evening there is an optional spectacular ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show staged on the Li River. Day 9 Yangshuo, Guilin (B) Morning free for leisure and relaxation. Take the opportunity to explore this beautiful area independently, or perhaps join an optional cookery class. Later in the afternoon return to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Caves and in the evening you will see the fascinating Cormorant Fishing Show. Day 10 Fly to Chongqing (B) Today you will fly to Chongqing. Transfer to the quay to board your 5* ship for the start of your cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.This itinerary of China explores all of the country’s main sights Day 11-12 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD)and highlights, whilst staying in the comfort of deluxe 5* Relax while the ship meanders along theaccommodation. Experience China at its best, starting in Beijing Yangtze, allowing you to enjoy the scenicand visiting iconic sights such as the Great Wall of China and views. Take an excursion to Shibaozhai, withthe Forbidden City. Travel to Xian by high speed bullet train for its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriatelythe impressive Terracotta Warriors. In Guilin, enjoy a cruise on named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”, and enjoythe scenic Li River and explore Yangshuo’s stunning limestone a journey on a small motorboat through thekarst scenery, and relax on a luxurious cruise along the tranquil Shennong Stream.longest river in Asia, the Yangtze, before admiring the Day 13 Fly to Shanghai (B)magnificence of the Three Gorges. The tour ends in Shanghai You will visit The Three Gorges Dam,where ancient and modern China meet, making for a fitting the world’s largest power station and sailfinale to your tour. through the Xiling Gorge. Disembark at Yichang and transfer to the airport for a flightDay 1 Depart UK Day 5 Bullet train to Xian (B) to Shanghai.Fly from Heathrow or your regional airport to There will be an opportunity for photographs Day 14 Shanghai City Tour (B)Beijing. at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, The first attraction of the day will be the Yu venues for the memorable 2008 Olympics Yuan Gardens, home to beautiful pavilions,Day 2 Arrive Beijing and 2015 World Championships. Continue streams and courtyards, followed by theUpon arrival, you will be met by your guide to the Hutongs for a personal insight into the Jade Buddha Temple, with its large, intricateand transferred to your hotel for a three night everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens, sculptures of Buddha. After the Shanghaistay. Remainder of the day is at leisure. before taking a first class bullet train to Xian. Museum, you will visit the waterfront attraction of the Bund. Later, you can enjoy aDay 3 Beijing City Tour (B) Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (B) breathtaking view of the whole city from theVisit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming The Terracotta Warriors is today’s first stop, top of the Shanghai world financial centre.and Qing emperors worshipped the god of an amazing collection of 10,000 life size Day 15 Depart Shanghai (B)heaven and prayed for good harvests for the statues of the Chinese army made over Transfer to the airport for your flight back toyear. This will be followed by a stroll through 2,000 years ago. This will be followed by the UK.Tiananmen Square, the largest square in a visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, the mostthe world, and a visit to the Forbidden City complete city wall surviving in China, and Priceswhich served as the grand imperial palace one of the largest military defensive systems Price from £3,995for centuries. in the world.Day 4 Great Wall (B) Day 7 Fly to Guilin (B) Single supplement from £1,380Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one The Shaanxi Museum which has over aof the best preserved parts of the Great Wall quarter of a million artefacts on display, Prices are for minimum 2 passengers,and an area with fewer tourists, offering including treasures from many periods of including international and domestic flightsstunning views. Continue to the Summer China’s history, will be followed by the SmallPalace, which includes a grand collection of Wild Goose Pagoda, with the day ending on in economy class, China visa, 5★lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic vistas. a visit to the Muslim Quarter to see local life accommodation based on twin share,Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the in the community. You will then be transfers, transportation, tours and mealsbeautiful Kunming Lake. transferred to the airport for your flight to as stated. Guilin. Land only from £3,199 (excluding international flights and visa fees)36 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
TAILOR-MADE China – Tailor-MadeEXPLORE YUNNAN PROVINCE 15 DAY TOUR the mountain. Afterwards visit Baisha Naxi minority village to learn about its ancient wall paintings. The afternoon is free for you to explore Lijiang Old Town. Day 11 Shangri La (B) One of China’s most dramatic road journeys awaits you today, as you ascend the formidable mountain ranges of the Three Parallel Gorges region to reach Shangri-La, pausing at Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way.Blue Moon Valley, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Day 12 Shangri La (B) After breakfast, climb the great flight of stone steps leading to the Songzanlin Monastery, then complete a circuit of the adjacent lake, before heading out of town to explore some of the wonderful mountain scenery that dominates this enclave in the far north of Yunnan.Discover China’s Yunnan Province, located in the south-westof the country, it is home to a varied landscape encompassingsnow-capped mountains, rice terraces, lakes and deep gorges.The province borders Tibet, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar andcomprises a diverse mix of cultures and customs. There aremany ethnic minority groups in Yunnan, still adhering toancient traditions and ways of life. This itinerary explores all Day 13 Fly to Chengdu (B)the highlights that Yunnan has to offer, including breath-taking Rise early to visit the Buddhist templescenery, local people and a visit to the renowned Songzanlin overlooking Shangri-La’s old town, where local people go en masse to leave offeringsMonastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. of juniper incense. Transfer to the airport, for your flight to Chengdu.Day 1 UK to Kunming Day 6 Xihou (B)You will take a scheduled flight from the UK Spend the morning on a half-day excursion Day 14 Giant Pandas (B) to Xihou, a lively market town half an hour’s In the morning arrive at the Chengdu Pandato Kunming. drive north of Dali on Lake Erhai. Remainder Breeding and Research Centre, located just 6Day 2 Arrive Kunming of the day is at leisure. miles from downtown Chengdu. HereUpon arrival you will be met and transferred naturalistic habitats have been created toto your accommodation. Day 7 Shaxi (B) provide the best possible environment for Visit the region’s most picturesque and rearing and breeding pandas. Also visitDay 3 Stone Forest (B) interesting fresh produce market at Shaping Kuangzhai, Wide Alley. One of the threeVisit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Village in the morning. Later, drive north with ancient city alleys, the Wide Alley (andForest with its limestone formations covering your guide to the beautiful Shaxi Valley, an Narrow alley) is now a popular entertainment important way stage on the old Tea-Horse and nightlife area, brimming with restaurants,an area of around 500sq km. Enjoy an Road that served as a strategically important teahouses, pubs and souvenir shops.afternoon visit to Green Lake Park. source of salt. Day 15 Fly to UK (B)Day 4 Fly to Dali (B) Transfer to the airport for your flight to theTransfer to the airport for your flight to Dali. Day 8 Shaxi (B) A full day to explore the valley at your leisure UK.On arrival you will be met and transferredto your accommodation. Dali has played an today, with the help of your local guide. Pricesimportant role in the history of south China Perhaps hire a bike for a cycle along the Price from £3,279and was once a post on the old Burma Road. Heihui River and out across the surroundingStart your tour by exploring the old quarter, rice fields to discover Shaxi’s satellite villages. Single supplement from £499followed by the Three Pagodas. In theevening discover Foreigners’ Street. Day 9 Lijiang (B) Including International and domestic flights Travel to the ancient town of Lijiang, at the in economy class, 4★ accommodationDay 5 Erhai Lake (B) foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Rest of based on twin share, China visa, transfers, transportation, tours and meals as stated.This morning will include a visit to Erhai Lake the day at leisure.to enjoy a cruise on its crystal clear waters Land only from £2,399 (Excludingwith the spectacular Cangshan Mountains in Day 10 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (B) international flights and visa fees)the background. The afternoon is at leisure Today you will visit Jade Dragon Snowwith the option to take the cable car up the Mountain and take a cable car half way up Prices are for minimum 2 passengers, soleCangshan Mountains. passenger prices on request. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 37
TAILOR-MADECHINA FAMILY 12 DAY TOUR Day 9 Fly to Shanghai (B) Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, and upon arrival to your accommodation. Tonight you will enjoy an Acrobatic show performance. Panda, Chengdu Day 10 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) The first attraction of the day will be the YuChina has so much to offer and makes for a fantastic Yuan Gardens, home to beautiful pavilions,destination for a family holiday. We have specially created a walkways, streams, courtyards and flowers.family focused itinerary, with some free time and with included Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River tofamily-focused activities, allowing you the flexibility to travel at admire the sights of Shanghai from thea pace to suit you. Accommodation has been specially selected water. Visit the waterfront attraction of thefor convenience and facilities, offering you the best selection of Bund to experience Shanghai as a modernroom options. metropolis. Later, on top of the Shanghai World Financial Centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city. Day 11 Shanghai Disneyland (B) You will be transferred to Shanghai Disneyland to enjoy an action-packed and magical day at this exciting theme park, before returning to your accommodation later in the day. Day 12 Depart Shanghai (B) Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.Day 1 Depart UK sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditionalTake your flight from the UK to Beijing. delicacy and a culinary must.Flights from regional airports are availableon request. Day 5 Train to Xian (B) Morning at leisure. Transfer to the station toDay 2 Arrive Beijing (D) take the bullet train to Xian. Transfer uponUpon arrival, you will be met by your guide arrival to your hotel.and transferred to your hotel for a three nightstay. Opportunity to relax before your guide Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BL)will escort you for dinner. Today your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection ofDay 3 Beijing City Tour (BL) 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese armyIn the morning you will visit the Temple of made over 2,000 years ago. In the afternoonHeaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors spend time at the Ancient City Wall in Xian,worshipped the god of heaven and prayed and enjoy a bike ride along the wall. Eveningfor good harvests for the year. This will be at leisure. Pricesfollowed by a stroll through Tiananmen Price from £3,990 (per Adult), £3,579 (per child)Square, the biggest square in the world. Day 7 Fly to Chengdu (B) Including international and domesticFinally, there will be a visit to the Forbidden In the morning, learn how to do the Chinese flights in economy class, China visa, bullet train Beijing/ Xian, accommodation at 5★City which served as the grand imperial art of calligraphy. Later you will be hotels, transfers, transportation, entrance to Shanghai Disneyland, tours and mealspalace for centuries. In the evening enjoy an transferred to the airport for your flight to as stated. Land only from Adult £2,999, Childexciting Kung Fu show. Chengdu. Upon arrival, transfer to your £2,599 (excluding international flights and visa fees) hotel. Prices are for minimum 2 adults and 1 child sharing, other prices on request.Day 4 Great Wall (BLD)Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a Day 8 Chengdu (BL)post along the wall offering breathtaking In the morning arrive at the Chengdu Pandaviews in a less crowded atmosphere. This will Breeding and Research Centre. Herebe followed by an opportunity for naturalistic habitats have been created tophotographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and provide the best possible environment forWater Cube, venues for the memorable rearing and breeding pandas. Afternoon free2008 Olympics and 2015 World at leisure.Championships. In the evening enjoy a38 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
TAILOR-MADE China – Tailor-MadeCITIES OF EAST ASIA 14 DAY TOUR Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Day 9 Tokyo City Tour (B) This morning, after breakfast, you will join a Tokyo Morning Tour. Enjoy a panorama of Tokyo from the main observation platform at the Tokyo Tower, a communications and Observation tower which stands at a height of 332.9 metres. Visit the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya and drive past Akasaka Guest House and the National Diet Building. Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden (or Imperial Palace Plaza and Double Bridge, Monday, Friday and when the garden is closed) and drive through the Ginza shopping district. Tour ends in Ginza, and the rest of the day is at leisure. Day 10 Tokyo (B) Day at leisure.Great Wall of China Traditional Korean dance Day 11 Fly to Shanghai (B) Fly to Shanghai where you will be transferred to your accommodation.This unique itinerary takes you to some of the Orient’s Day 12 Shanghai City Tour (B) The first attraction will be the Yu Yuanmagnificent and iconic cities, combining three fascinating Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardenscountries in one outstanding journey. Explore the illustrious is home to beautiful pavilions, walkways, streams, courtyards and flowers. The Jadecapital of China, Beijing, visiting the iconic Great Wall and Buddha Temple, is where large, intricate sculptures of Buddha reside. After viewingthe Forbidden City. Flying onwards to Seoul, the capital of the Shanghai Museum, visit the waterfront attraction of the Bund to admire ShanghaiSouth Korea, where ancient meets modern, glittering as a modern metropolis. Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you canskyscrapers jostle for position amongst traditional temples, enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city.markets and palaces. In Tokyo discover the energetic and Day 13 Zhujiajiao (B) Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, anfuturistic capital of Japan, before ending your tour in the ancient water town with a history of over 1,700 years, known as the Pearl Stream.vibrant city of Shanghai, China’s largest city. After, you can expect to see the Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient andDay 1 UK to Beijing Day 5 Fly to Seoul (B) historic buildings, and the Ma Family GardenYou will take a scheduled flight from the UK In the morning visit the Summer Palace, before heading back to Shanghai. Afternoonto Beijing. which includes a magnificent collection of at leisure.Day 2 Arrive Beijing lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views.Upon arrival you will be met and transferred Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on theto your accommodation. beautiful Kunming Lake, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Seoul.Day 3 Beijing City Tour (B) Day 6 Seoul City Tour (B) Day 14 Fly to UK (B)In the morning you will visit the Temple of Enjoy a morning tour of this bustling city. Transfer to the airport for your flight to theHeaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors Pass by the Blue House, explore the UK.worshipped the god of heaven and prayed Gyeongbokgung Palace and see the Royalfor good harvests for the year, and you can Guard changing ceremony. Visit the Nationalobserve the tradition of Tai Chi practiced Folk Museum and the Insadong shopping Pricesin the courtyard. Continue to Tiananmen district. Afternoon is at leisure.Square, the largest square in the world, and Price from £4,099visit the Forbidden City which served as the Day 7 DMZ Tour (B)grand imperial palace for centuries. Your Enjoy a fascinating morning tour to the Single supplement from £895final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, DMZ. This is one of the most unusual tourist Including international and domesticfor a personal insight into the everyday life of destinations in the world. This visit is a real flights in economy class, 3★ and 4★traditional Beijing citizens. eye-opening experience and it will leave you accommodation based on twin share,Day 4 Great Wall (B) with a dramatic sense of the tremendous transfers, China visa, tours and meals asToday visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a tragedy of separated families, the division of stated. the peninsula and the hopes for reunification.post along the wall offering breathtaking The rest of the day is at leisure. Land only from £3,299 (excludingviews in a less crowded atmosphere. international flights and visa fees.) PricesMutianyu was built in the mid-6th century Day 8 Fly to Tokyo (B)and its rich history can be seen in its unique Transfer to the airport for your flight to are for minimum 2 passengers, solestructure. This will be followed by an Tokyo. Take a shuttle transfer upon arrival, passenger prices on request.opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest the rest of the day is at leisure. Note: a visa for China is not requiredStadium and Water Cube, venues for the when staying for less than 72 hours.memorable 2008 Olympics Games. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 39
TAILOR-MADERAINBOW MOUNTAINS AND DUNHUANG 6 DAY Day 3 Bullet train from Zhangye to Jiayuguan (B) Transfer to the train station for the bullet train to Jiayuguan. In the afternoon visit Jiayuguan Fort, the Great Wall Museum and the Overhanging Great Wall. Day 4 Drive to Dunhuang (B) Visit the Weijin Tomb Murals. Drive to Dunhuang, upon arrival check into your hotel, and in the late afternoon visit the Mingsha Sand Dunes and the Crescent Moon Lake. Day 5 Dunhuang (B) Morning visit to the impressive Mogao Grottoes. In the afternoon, visit the West Thousand Buddha Cave. Continue to see theZhangye Danxia Mountain Rainbow Mountains Yumen Pass, which was originally built more than 2,000 years ago. You will also have theThis tour takes you into the relatively undiscovered region of opportunity to see the ruined Great Wall of the Han Dynasty. In the evening, visit theGansu Province, which lies on the ancient Silk Road. The fascinating night market.extraordinary landscape of Zhangye National Geopark, withits colourful rock formations, is not to be missed. Within easyreach of the city of Dunhuang are the Mingsha Sand Dunesand the unusual Cresent Moon Lake, an oasis in the desert. Thenearby Mogao Grottoes, displaying a rich array of Buddhist artare considered to be the best of their kind within China. This isa fascinating region, and a real opportunity to explore off thebeaten track!Day 1 Bullet Train from Xian to Zhangye square kilometres, it is composed of lots ofTake a bullet train from Xian to Zhangye smooth and sharp cliffs, most of which are(approx 7 hours). Upon arrival you will be met several hundred meters high. In the afternoon,and transferred to your hotel. you will visit the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, which is the largest architectural relic Day 6 Dunhuang and Onward Journey (B)Day 2 Zhangye – Rainbow Mountains (B) in Gansu Province from the Western Xia (1038- Transfer to the train station or the airport forVisit Zhangye Danxia Mountains, also known 1227) period. China’s largest reclining Buddha your onward journey.as China Rainbow Mountains. The mountains is well preserved in this temple.are magnificent comprising a variety of richcolours, which developed around 200 millionyears ago. Covering an area of over 400 Prices Price from £1,275 (land only) Single supplement from £225 Including 4* accommodation based on twin share, transfers, transportation, tours and meals as stated. Prices are for minimum 2 passengers, sole passenger prices on request.40 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
TAILOR-MADE China – Tailor-MadeTRAIN JOURNEYS IN CHINATrain travel in ChinaChina’s rail network has expanded dramatically over the past decade with theconstruction of an extensive high-speed train service. Journeys that were traditionallytaken on overnight sleeper trains can now be completed in just a few hours. Massiveinvestment into the rail system has produced an efficient, reliable, high-tech service withsafe, comfortable bullet trains covering vast distances in shorter journey times. Domestictrain travel in China is a wonderful way to see more of the countryside and scenery awayfrom the big cities. Many high speed rail journeys have now become quicker than flying.Facilities on boardDaytime high-speed trains have first and second-class seats; some havebusiness class. Second-class seats are the most economical but are stillspacious and comfortable. The high-speed trains have western toilets,luggage racks for general luggage as well as luggage closets for largeritems. Free WiFi is available aboard some trains. Free drinkable hot wateris available on board and there is a dining car serving a selection of foodand drink. An on-board attendant will also serve snacks and drinks froma trolley. Passengers in business class will be served with complimentarymeals and beverages.On the following pages we have created a collection of unique itineraries based on travelling inChina by train.Page 42 – Historic China by Rail Page 43 – Train to TibetTravel mostly by train through the historic Experience a thrilling journey aboard theheartlands of Eastern China, visiting ancient highest train in the world, travelling 2,500cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. miles from Beijing to Lhasa.With such an extensive high-speed rail network there is so much potential for creating exciting itineraries exploringChina by train. Whatever itinerary you have in mind please contact us and we will be pleased to prepare aproposal that suits your requirements.Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 41
TAILOR–MADEHISTORIC CHINA BY RAIL 13 DAY TOUR for an impressive Kung Fu Performance. There will be an overnight stay in Dengfeng. Day 9 Train to Taiyuan (B) This morning you will take a three hour bullet train from Zhengzhou to Taiyuan. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Pingyao. Remainder of the day at leisure.Yunang Caves, Datong Day 10 Explore Pingyao (B) Pingyao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering great insight into the architectural styles of Imperial China. Highlights include the Ancient City Wall and Ancient Ming and Qing Street, the Rishengchang Financial House Museum, Zhengguo Temple and Shuang Lin Temple.Journey through China by train and discover its ancient and Day 11 Train to Datong (B)remarkable history. Magnificent locations including UNESCO Transfer to the train station for the train toWorld Heritage Sites, ancient towns and cities, the incredible Datong. Upon arrival, you will be met and1,500 year old Hanging Monastery and the fascinating ancient transferred to the hotel.streets of Pingyao. A tour highlight is an impressive Kung Fuperformance at the Shaolin Temple at Songshan Mountain. Day 12 Yungang Caves and HangingYou will experience travelling on China’s extensive rail network Monastery, Fly Back to Beijing (B)and enjoy fascinating train journeys through the country’s Morning visit to the UNESCO-listed Yungangincredible historic heartlands. Caves, followed by a visit to the 1,500 year old Hanging Monastery. Afterwards, you will board a flight to Beijing. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.Day 1 UK to Beijing Day 5 Bullet Train to Xian (BL) Day 13 Fly to UK (B)Take a scheduled flight from the UK to In the morning visit the Summer Palace, with Take the hotel shuttle bus to the airport forBeijing. its grand collection of lakes, gardens, your flight back to the UK. palaces and scenic views. Afterwards, enjoy aDay 2 Arrive Beijing (D) relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming PricesUpon arrival, you will be met and transferred Lake, before catching a bullet train to Xian.to your hotel for a three night stay. Price from £3,355 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) Single supplement from £495Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Your guide will take you to visit theIn the morning you will visit the Temple of Terracotta Warriors, followed by a visit to Including international and domesticHeaven, where the Ming and Qing the ancient city wall in Xian in the afternoon. flights in economy class, China visa, hotelemperors worshipped the god of heaven and Optional evening dumpling dinner and Tang accommodation based on twin share at 4*prayed for good harvests for the year. This Dynasty Show. hotels, transfers, transportation, tours andwill be followed by a stroll through meals as stated.Tiananmen Square, and a trip to the Day 7 Bullet Train to Luoyang (BL) Land only from £2,499 (excludingForbidden City. Your final stop of the day will Visit the Shaanxi Museum which has over international flights and visa fees)be at the Hutongs, for a personal insight into 250,000 artefacts on display. Then it’s on Prices are for minimum 2 passengers, solethe everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens. to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and a visit passenger prices on request. to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in theDay 4 Great Wall (BLD) community. Finally, you will be transferred toToday visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a the train station for the bullet train topost along the wall offering breathtaking Luoyang (travel time approximately 2 hours).views in a less crowded atmosphere. This willbe followed by an opportunity for Day 8 Shaolin Temple (B)photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Your day will start with a short drive to theWater Cube, venues for the memorable UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes, one of2008 Olympics. the three finest existing examples of Chinese Buddhist art. You will visit the Shaolin Temple42 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
TAILOR–MADE China – Tailor-MadeTRAIN TO TIBET 15 DAY TOURYungang Grottoes, Datong Day 10 Lhasa to Gyantse and Shigatse (BLD) Morning drive to Palcho Monastery in Gyantse. Continue towards Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet and visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, an extremely important monastery historically and culturally, it was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. Continue to your accommodation for an overnight stay.Potala Palace, Lhasa Day 11 Everest Base camp (BLD) Drive from Shigatse to Everest Base camp where you will enjoy an excursion to the base of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain at 29,035 ft. (Travel time approx 8 hours). Transfer to your accommodation for an overnight stay. Day 12 Kye Rong (BLD)On this exciting overland journey you will discover some of Drive towards the Kye Rong border point for overnight. (Travel time approx 7 hours).Tibet’s remote landscapes and experience a thrilling journey Day 13 Border crossing,aboard the highest train in the world. The rail route from Beijing Kathmandu (BLD)to Lhasa, at 2,500 miles in length, is an epic journey, traversing Drive to the border crossing with Nepal where you will be met and transferredthe astonishing landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. After visiting overland to your accommodation inLhasa, continue overland towards Gyantse, Shigatse and on to Kathmandu. (Travel time approx 6-8 hours).Everest Base camp, before crossing the border into Nepal and Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.finishing this remarkable journey in Kathmandu. Day 14 Kathmandu (BLD)Day 1 UK to Beijing board the train for the pioneering and Today you will enjoy a tour of this intriguingCatch your scheduled flight from London, or exciting rail journey to Lhasa. city, visiting the temple of Changu Narayana regional airport to Beijing. and Bhaktapur. Continue to Pashupatinath Day 6 Aboard the Train and Boudhanath.Day 2 Arrive Beijing Enjoy a day aboard the train, travelling along Day 15 Depart Kathmandu (B)Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred the highest railway line in the world, admiring Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.to your hotel for a three night stay. magnificent landscapes of mountain peaks, ice rivers, glaciers and desert.Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Accommodation on board is based onIn the morning visit the Temple of Heaven, sharing 4-berth soft sleeper compartments,followed by a stroll through Tiananmen no meals are included on board.Square, the biggest square in the world.Finally, there will be a visit to the Day 7 Arrive LhasaForbidden City which served as the grand Arrive into Lhasa at midday where you will beimperial palace for centuries. met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder Prices of the day at leisure.Day 4 The Great Wall (BLD) Day 8 Potala Palace (BLD) Price from £4,199Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a Visit the 13-story Potala Palace, winter home Single supplement from £485post along the wall offering breathtakingviews in a less crowded atmosphere. of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century. This Including international flights in economyMutianyu was built in the mid-6th century and will be followed by a visit to the 1,300 year class, China visa, Beijing/Lhasa train inits rich history can be observed in its unique old Jokhang Temple and the maze-like soft sleeper 4 berth compartment, hotelstructure. Barkhor Market in the heart of the city. accommodation based on twin share,Day 5 Train from Beijing to Lhasa (B) Day 9 Norbulingka Palace (BLD) transfers, transportation, tours and mealsVisit the Summer Palace, with a relaxing boat Visit the Norbulingka Palace, built in 1755. as stated.ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. Stop for It served as the traditional summer residence Land only from £3,299 (excluding international flights and visa fees)photos at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water for the Dalai Lamas. This afternoon, enjoy Prices are for minimum 2 passengers, soleCube. Visit the Hutongs, for a personal a visit to the Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s passenger prices on request.insight into the everyday life of traditional ‘great three’Gelukpa university monasteries.Beijing citizens. Transfer to the station to Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 43
CHINA TAILOR–MADESANYA (5 Days) CHENGDU (4 Days) SHAOLIN (7 Days)A perfect way to relax and unwind on the This panda add on leads you into the heart The sacred Shaolin Monastery is widelybeach after your tour of China. Hainan of Sichuan - the largest province in China. regarded as the birthplace of one of the mostisland’s greenery, beautiful beaches, azure Located in the south west, it is known for popular branches of Chinese Kung Fu.seas, blue skies and bright sunshine make it breathtaking forests, mountain scenery,a popular destination, ideal for honeymoons. mouth-watering cuisines and is the natural Day 1 To DatongThis five day add-on allows you a leisurely habitat of the Giant Pandas. Sichuan is also Take a morning train from Beijing to Datong.time to see and do as much or little as you blessed with several UNESCO World Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.like. Sanya is Hainan Islands’ main resort and Heritage Sites. Based in Chengdu you canhome to most of the 5* hotels - a tropical visit the Leshan Buddha and Giant Pandas. Day 2 Datong (BLD)paradise for sun seekers. Visit the Yungang Caves and the 1,400 year Day 1 To Chengdu (D) old Hanging Monastery.Day 1 To Sanya Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be metTake your flight to Sanya. Upon arrival you and transferred to your hotel. In the evening Day 3 Datong to Pingyao (BLD)will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest enjoy a traditional Sichuan Welcome Meal. Take the train to Taiyuan. Upon arrival youof the day at your leisure. will be met and transferred to Pingyao. Day 2 Chengdu (B)Days 2 - 4 Sanya (B) A full day excursion to the magnificent Day 4 Pingyao (BLD)A wonderful place to relax and soak up the Leshan Buddha, standing at 71 metres tall, A World Heritage Site. This town offers asun by the beach or take an excursion away it’s one of the world’s largest statues of great insight into the architectural stylesfrom the resort to see more of the island, Buddha. of Imperial China. Highlights include thesuch as the Guan Yin Statue, Wuzhizhou Ancient City Wall, Ancient Ming and QingIsland or Nanshan Dongtian Park. Day 3 Chengdu (B) Street, the Rishengchang Financial HousePopular attractions include : After breakfast, an early start to visit the Museum, Zhengguo Temple and the ShuangYalong Bay National Resort – The crystal Giant Pandas at the Breeding Centre. This is Lin Temple.blue sea has visibility down to 10 metres a wonderful opportunity to see thesemaking it an ideal location for swimmers and beautiful animals in their home environment. Day 5 Taiyuan to Zhengzhou (BLD)scuba divers. The rest of the day is free for leisure. You Drive from Taiyuan to visit the Twin PagodaDadonghai Bay – This resort comprises of may take a stroll down to Jinli Street, famed Temple then take the train to Zhengzhou.bars, restaurants and shopping with a for its Qing Dynasty architecture. It is a greatgorgeous 2km crescent shaped beach. place to pick up souvenirs such as snacks, Day 6 Zhengzhou to Luoyang (BLD)Guan Yin Statue – The statue is 108m tall, embroidery, folk handicrafts and Visit the Shaolin Temple in the Songshansituated on the south coast of Hainan. calligraphy. You might even catch a Mountains and watch a Kung Fu performance of Sichuan Opera. performance. Afterwards we will drive toDay 5 Sanya and Onward Journey (B) Luoyang and stay overnight.After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your Day 4 Chengdu and Onward Journey (B)flight to your onward destination. The morning is at leisure. Afternoon transfer Day 7 Luoyang to Beijing (BL) to the airport for the flight to your onward Visit the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes, destination. before taking the bullet train to Beijing.Prices Prices PricesPrices from £585 per person Prices from £498 per person Prices from £1,240 per personIncluding domestic arrival flight to Sanya, Including airport transfers, day tours, 3 Including train transfers, day tours, 6return airport transfers, 4 nights’ nights’ accommodation at a 4★ hotel nights’ accommodation at 4★ hotels andaccommodation at the 5★ Resort Intime and meals as stated. meals as stated.and meals as stated.44 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
CHINA TAILOR–MADE China – Tailor-MadeGUIZHOU (5 Days) YELLOW MOUNTAIN (3 Days) ZHANGJIAJIE (5 Days)Guizhou is located in south west China. It is Situated in AN HUI province and regarded Wulingyuan Scenic Area is comprised ofa mountainous province that has many as the number one mountain in China, at several national parks, the most famous ofinteresting rural villages which are home to Yellow Mountain you can experience four which is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, aseveral different ethnic minority groups such seasons in one day, stunning scenery and 243 square mile park filled with 3,000as the Dong and the Miao. Discover the climb the heights to feel like you are walking stunning karst pillars of sandstone, coveredarea of Anshun where the impressive Dragon amongst the clouds. The backdrop has been with sub-tropical rainforest.Palace caves can be seen, as well as the an inspiration to many famous Chinese scrollstunning Huangguoshu Waterfalls. paintings, literature and poetry. Day 1 To Zhangjiajie Upon arrival at Zhangjiajie, you will be metDay 1 Guiyang, Huangguoshu (LD) Day 1 Huangshan City and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day atUpon arrival at Guiyang Airport, you will be Upon arrival at the airport be met by the your leisure.met and transferred to Huangguoshu, visiting guide and transferred to the Yangguangthe Dragon Palace Cave on the way. hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to Day 2 Zhangjiajie (BLD) explore the town and relax after your journey. Morning visit to the Zhanjiajie Grand CanyonDay 2 Huangguoshu Waterfalls, for a daring glass bridge walk. In the afternoonGuiyang (BLD) Day 2 Huangshan (BD) you will go to Jinbian Brook, at 5,700 metresAfter breakfast, travel to Anshun. Visit the This morning you will be driven to Yellow long, it is famous for the Jinbian Cave. You willHuangguoshu Waterfalls, the largest in Asia. Mountain. Take the Cable Car from Yungu have the best view of Wulingyuan along theReturn to Guiyang, stopping en-route at Station to the top of the mountain. Check brook. Wear comfortable walking shoes.Tianlong Village where the locals have into the Beihai Hotel then visit Brush Pen Peakpreserved the customs of the Ming Dynasty. followed by a tour to Begin to Believe Peak. Day 3 Zhangjiajie (BLD) See the ancient twisted pine trees, Lion Peak In the morning you will take the cable car toDay 3 Guiyang, Kaili (BLD) and Xihai Grand Canyon. In the evening enjoy the views and relax at Mt. Tianzishan. InThis morning take a pleasant 3-hour drive to enjoy the sunset from the Cloud Dispelling the afternoon, go to Bailong, the sightseeingKaili. Visit the fascinating Langde Long Skirt Pavillion. Stay overnight at the summit. elevator is the highest and fastest in the worldMiao Village. and provides a spectacular view of the Day 3 Huangshan and Onward Sandstone Peak Forest.Day 4 Kaili, Guiyang (BLD) Journey (B)Today you will visit Matang Village. You will Wake up early to catch the magnificent Day 4 Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang (BLD)admire the village’s traditional Gejia Batik, sunrise. After breakfast descend the Head to the ancient city of Fenghuang.and enjoy a lesson in the art of batik making. mountain by foot down the western side, Located at the western border of Hunan besideContinue driving towards Shiqiao Miao along the way you will see Flying Rock, climb the beautiful Tuo River. It is ancient, quiet,Village, before returning to Guiyang. over the Brightness Apex - the 2nd highest secluded and home to historical legends. peak on Yellow Mountain - and Turtle Peak.Day 5 Guiyang and Onward Journey (B) After all the walking over the last two days, Day 5 Fenghuang and Onward Journey (B)In the morning after breakfast, transfer to take a cable car from Yuping Station down In the morning after breakfast, you willGuiyang Airport to catch your onward flight. to the foot of the mountain. Transfer to the transfer to the airport at Zhangjiajie to catch airport for your onward connection. your onward flight.Prices Prices PricesPrices from £998 per person Prices from £455 per person Prices from £995 per personIncluding airport transfers, day tours, 4 Including return airport transfers, daily Including return airport transfers, daynights’ accommodation at 4★ hotels and tours, 2 nights’ accommodation at 4★ tours, 4 nights’ accommodation at 4★meals as stated. hotels and meals as stated. hotels and meals as stated. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 45
YANGTZE RIVER CRUISESA holiday to China is not complete without a 5* cruise along the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia,flowing through China’s spectacular and diverse scenery. The cruises mainly operate betweenChongqing and Yichang in either direction taking three nights downstream and four nights upstream. Oneof the highlights of a Yangtze cruise is witnessing the Three Gorges Hydroelectric River Dam, the largestand most dramatic dam in the world. Other excursions can include the Daning River Small Gorges,Shennong Stream, Ghost City of Fengdu and Tribe of Three Gorges. Excursions vary per your ship’sitinerary so please call for further details. The staff on all our preferred ships deliver an attentive andprofessional service.Victoria Cruise 5★ Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer 5★Used on all our group tours, boasting the largest 5* fleet Carrying just 124 passengers, the Yangzi Explorer offerson the Yangtze River. All cabins have modern amenities an intimate cruising experience. International standardsfeaturing private bathrooms and balconies. You also of service, delivered by the highest ratio of staff to guests,have the option to upgrade to Executive Deck for only ensure that every level of comfort is catered for during£120 (three night cruise). Restaurants serve delicious the cruise. Facilities include fitness centre, luxury spa,onboard meals. Spectacular views of the scenery can be two-tiered theatre, coffee lounge, viewing lounge, Cigargained from every stateroom and public area. Bar, sun deck, and multi-language library.46 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
HONG KONG China – Tailor-MadeHong Kong is a recommended 3 or 4 day add-on to your small group tour or tailor-made journey.Located on the southern coast of China, Hong Kong (“Fragrant Harbour”) is where “East meets West”.With a deep natural port, the waterfront in Hong Kong is remarkable and full of possibilities. The StarFerry and its seven-minute crossing is a popular and enjoyable form of transport, providing you with theopportunity to experience the wonderful sights of the skyline from sea level.Whilst in Hong Kong, take a trip up to the Peak. A 120-year-old funicular tram takes you up the almost400 metres where you can then view the dramatic display of Victoria Harbour and the skyscrapers in thedistance. There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon being oneof the most popular. The surrounding islands of Lamma (amazing seafood restaurants at Sok Kwu Wan)and Lantau (home to the Giant Buddha and Ngong Ping Cable Car) can be reached by a short ferry ride.A selection of day tours: Macau From £118 Highlight of the Night Tour From £128 Highlights - St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Highlights - Temple Street, Hong KongVictoria Harbour Dinner Cruise with Church, Section of the Old City Walls, observation wheel, Harbour Cruise BauhiniaA Symphony of Lights From £90 Na Tcha Temple (World Heritage), Mount with sumptuous buffet and live band, AHarbour Cruise Bauhinia with sumptuous Fortress (World Heritage),Temple of A-Ma Symphony of Lights Show.buffet and live band, with A Symphony of (World Heritage), Macau Tower (AdmissionLights Show. at own expense), Casino.Deluxe Island Tour From £61 360 Lantau Explorer Tour From £118 3 Day City BreakHighlights - Peak Tram, Victoria Peak, Highlights - The Ngong Ping Cable Car, OldAberdeen Fishing Village, Stanley Market, Clock Tower, Po Lin Monastery, Museum Prices from £299 per personand THE SKY TERRACE 428. Beneath the Buddha, Vegetarian Lunch at Including return airport transfers, city tour, 2 Po Lin Monastery, Tai O Fishing Village, The nights accommodation at the 4* MetroparkHong Kong Disneyland Magic Tour Stilts House and Ngong Ping Village. Kowloon Hotel with breakfast.From £109Experience the magic of Disneyland inbeautiful Hong Kong including round triptransportation and admission fees.A selection of hotels in Hong KongContact us for the latest room upgrades, free night offers and complimentary excursionsMetropark Causeway Bay 4★ Harbour Grand Kowloon 5★ Mandarin Oriental 5★This superior mid-range hotel offers amazing Discover Harbour side luxury, just steps away Located on the island, and over lookingvalue for money. The large rooms, friendly from Victoria Harbour in a stunning waterside Victoria Harbour. Steeped in timeless traditionstaff and roof top swimming pool make for location in the Hung Hom district of Kowloon. and legendary service, this iconic hotela memorable stay on Hong Kong Island. Experience the spectacular swimming pool on provides elegant rooms and 10 diningLocated only a 2-minute walk from Tin Hau floor 21. Provides free half-hourly shuttle to options. Features include an indoor pool andMTR. Provides free city shuttles. Tsim Sha Tsui. spa offering traditional Chinese treatments.Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 47
CHINA CULTURAL EXPERIENCESThere are a multitude of cultural experiences and unique activities that can beincluded on your dream itinerary to China. On these pages we showcase a fewideas and suggestions to help you uncover the true essence of this wonderfulcountry. Whatever your interests, we can design a tour that is perfect for you.Please contact us for further details on any of the experiences and activities listedbelow.Kung Fu Show in Beijing Impressions of Liu Sanjie in YangshuoA thrilling modern day theatrical production, a A spectacular show staged on the river, featuring anfast-paced and vibrant show showcasing traditional incredible light display, showcasing the rugged karstChinese martial arts and amazing technical ability. formations of the striking local landscapes, and a cast of 600!Cookery Classes in Yangshuo Acrobatic Show in ShanghaiThe Yangshuo Cookery School offers lessons in theirtraditional farmhouse just outside Yangshuo, or on Fabulously entertaining, the show highlights thethe banks of the Li River itself. A tour of the local incredible skills and dexterity of one of the mostmarket may be included to learn more about the talented acrobatic troupes in Shanghai, as theytypical ingredients used in this area. skilfully perform captivating and magical routines.48 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
CHINA CULTURAL EXPERIENCES CHINA – Tailor-MadeNight Cruise on the Huangpu River Volunteering at the Dujiangyanin Shanghai Panda Base in ChengduEnjoy a unique night cruise on the largest river Spend a morning volunteering at the Dujiangyanin Shanghai, admiring some of the city’s famous Panda Base, helping to prepare the bamboo, cleanlandmarks, such as the Bund and the Oriental Pearl the enclosures and assist with feeding the pandas.Tower. The views at night are particularly dazzling.Calligraphy Lesson Cycling in YangshuoDiscover the traditional Chinese art of calligraphy Hire a bicycle and explore some of Yangshuo’swith brush and ink and join a calligraphy lesson to dramatic landscapes and perhaps visit a localcreate your own artwork. farmer’s house.Chinese Tea Tasting Tai Chi LessonLearn an appreciation for Chinese tea, the different Learn the art of Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art,types of tea, how the teas should be made, how to practiced for health benefits and defence training,brew them and the best ways to taste them. focusing on flowing movements and deep breathing and relaxation.Beijing Opera Ride the bullet trainEnjoy a performance of traditional Beijing Opera No trip to China would be complete without awhich originated in the 18th century. Comprising of journey aboard one of China’s high speed bulletmusic, vocal performance, acrobatics, mime and trains. The journey from Beijing to Xian takesdance, with elaborate and brightly coloured around 5 ½ hours.costumes and masks.Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 49
CHINA ACCOMMODATIONBeijing: Guangxi Hotel 4★ Tour hotel Beijing: Hilton Wangfujing 5★ Beijing: Red Wall Garden BoutiqueConveniently located near the Panjiayuan Located in Wangfujing, Beijing’s shopping This Boutique hotel is in one of thecity’sAntique Market and 5 km from Hongqiao district. Tiananmen Square and Forbidden historic neighbourhoods, ShijiaHutong. TheMarket and Temple of Heaven. Facilities City are within walking distance. An award Courtyard Bistro hosts Cultural Nightsinclude an indoor swimming pool. winning hotel with a rooftop swimming pool. during the summer.Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture 4★Tour hotel Xian: Sofitel on Renmin Square 5★ Xian: Bell Tower Hotel 4★Located near Great Mosque, Drum Tower Combining modern living and historic Located in the centre of Xian, neighbouringand the Bell Tower. Recreational amenities culture, with stylish rooms, an elegant the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Squareinclude an indoor pool and a health club. restaurant, bar, spa and gym are available where the historical and modern attractionsThere is also a restaurant and a nightclub. to guests. Historic sites are just a short stroll can be explored. away.Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel 4★ Tour hotel Chengdu: Buddha Zen Hotel Boutique Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong 4★Tour hotelThe hotel features comfortable guestrooms Combines the beauty of traditional Chinese The hotel offers comfortable guestroomswith free WiFi, minibar and kettle. There is cultures with modern facilties. Located next with modern amenities and there is aan indoor swimming pool, restaurant and to Tianfu Plaza and Chunxi Road. It has 35 restaurant serving a variety of cuisine.fitness centre. rooms, Chinese restaurant and tea room.Shanghai: Astor House Hotel 3.5★ Shanghai: The Yangtze Boutique 5★ Guilin: Bravo Hotel 4★ Tour hotelThe most famous and architecturally Located in Shanghai’s city centre, blendingsignificant hotel in Shanghai. Spacious 1930’s Shanghai charm with luxuries of the Only a 10 minute walk from the cityrooms are decorated in a Victorian baroque modern world. Rooms combine oldstyle, representing the city’s Golden Age. Shanghai culture and Art Deco. Located centre and night market. The rooms have aLocated close to The Bund and the shops. close to The Bund and the shops. European feel and the Skylight Lobby Bar is the perfect spot to relax. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool.50 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details
Search
Read the Text Version
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
- 136
- 137
- 138
- 139
- 140
- 141
- 142
- 143
- 144
- 145
- 146
- 147
- 148
