Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

East Asia Departures & from prices 11 May 22 £1,849 10 May 23 £1,869 7 Sep 22 £2,099 7 Jun 23 £1,989 5 Oct 22 £1,999 9 Aug 23 £2,129 9 Nov 22 £1,559 6 Sep 23 £2,129 7 Dec 22 £1,749 4 Oct 23 £1,999 8 Feb 23 £1,699 8 Nov 23 £1,579 1 Mar 23 £1,769 6 Dec 23 £1,769 Giant Pandas, Chengdu Day 1: UK to Chengdu Depart the UK on your overnight flight, via Shanghai. Day 2: Chengdu On arrival in Chengdu, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel. Day 3: Chengdu B/L/D Enjoy a memorable encounter with Chengdu’s giant pandas on one of the highlights of this tour – a trip to the Panda Conservation Centre, where you’ll be rewarded with a close-up viewing of baby and adult pandas lounging in enclosures built to imitate their natural habitat. Continue to the Shu Brocade Museum where you can marvel at this intricate method of embroidery. See parents playing Cupid at Matchmaker’s Corner in the People’s Park then sample fragrant, local teas at a traditional tea house before returning to your hotel. Day 4: Chengdu B/L/D Your second panda experience takes you to the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Watch these lovable animals playing, napping and eating as you stroll around multiple enclosures. Look out for the overseas returnees’ – all pandas born abroad have to be returned to China by the age of two. Next, take in centuries-old pagodas and buildings on a visit to picturesque Jiezi Ancient Town. Return to Chengdu for a flavourful Sichuan dinner. Day 5: Chengdu to Xi’an B/L/D Experience China’s high-speed rail network as a bullet train carries you to Xi’an. After check-in and lunch at your hotel, delve into the sights of Xi’an as you stroll along the ancient city walls, built as fortifications in the 14th century. This evening, enjoy a taste of tradition as you feast on shui jiao dumplings and watch a riveting Tang Dynasty dance performance. Day 6: Xi’an to Beijing B/L/D After breakfast, uncover the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Terracotta Warriors, an 8,000-strong army created so that no two warriors look alike. Explore these vaults then witness how replicas of these figures are skilfully crafted at the Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Centre. This afternoon, fly to Beijing, with the remainder of the day to relax after checking into your hotel. Day 7: Beijing B/L/D Marvel at one of mankind’s greatest feats as you stroll the Great Wall of China, taking in a mere portion of this formidable structure which took over 1,800 years to construct. Access the wall at the Juyongguan Pass, which also boasts beautiful waterside temples and towers. After lunch, explore the intricate pieces on display at the Jade Museum then take in the ancient royal residence of the Summer Palace. This evening, an entertaining Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day. Day 8: Beijing B/L/D Discover Beijing’s long, imperial history on today’s full-day city tour. Explore Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, under the watchful eye of Chairman Mao’s large, central portrait. From here, enter the vast Forbidden Palace and wander it’s 9,999 rooms and chambers before travelling onward to the tranquil Temple of Heaven. Later this evening, dine on fragrant Peking duck and enjoy an outdoor dance performance. Day 9: Beijing to the UK Transfer for your return flight, via Shanghai or continue on to your chosen extension. In Pursuit of Pandas Tour highlights ✔ Enjoy two memorable encounters with the giant pandas of Chengdu ✔ Visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden Palace and the Temple of Heaven ✔ Experience the grandeur of the Great Wall of China ✔ Marvel at over 8,000 ancient Terracotta Warriors, buried beneath the city of Xi’an ✔ Sample China’s fragrant, local teas on a visit to a traditional tea house Tour includes • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners • 4 H accommodation: Chengdu-Holiday Inn Express, Xi’an- Jianguo Hotel, Beijing-The Landmark Hotel • Flights from London Heathrow with China Eastern (via Shanghai) Tour pace: Intermediate Enjoy unforgettable panda encounters and then take in China’s iconic sights as you visit the 8,000-strong Terracotta Army, stroll along the Great Wall and wander the sprawling Forbidden Palace complex. Beijing < < Xi’an Chengdu Dujiangyan Panda Base   Air Rail Extend your tour Hong Kong city stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £469 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £319 77 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk