Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

a stroll through the ancient streets of the Wide and Narrow Alleys which have been renovated to their former architectural glory. Day 9: Chengdu B/L/D Today takes you to Leshan, famous for its magnificent riverside cliff carving of a giant Buddha which is the largest stone-carved Buddhist statue in the world and is viewed from a boat on the river. Continue in the afternoon to the old town of Huanglongxi, a 1700-year-old settlement restored to retain its old-world charm. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Sichuan hot pot meal. Day 10: Chengdu to Xi’an B/L/D Perhaps a highlight of the tour, today takes you to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, home to one of China’s largest habitats of pandas. In the afternoon, board the bullet train to Xi’an. Day 11: Xi’an B/L/D Known to many as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, a visit to the spectacular Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience. Taking nearly four decades to complete and over 700,000 workers, this incredible tomb was built to protect China’s first emperor in his afterlife. Continue to the Muslim Quarter, a labyrinth of market stalls and shops, then in the evening travel back in time whilst you watch a colourful Tang Dynasty dancing show. Day 12: Xi’an to Beijing B/L/D A morning tour of Xi’an incorporates a visit to the historic City Wall, then the Wild Goose Pagoda, built-in 652 A.D. to hold sacred Buddhist figurines. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing where you will arrive in the early evening and spend the night at your hotel. Day 13: Beijing B/L/D Begin your day with a visit to the unique Temple of Heaven, China’s largest existing masterpiece of ancient sacrificial buildings. The afternoon is left at leisure to relax and explore the city. Day 14: Beijing B/L/D Following a stroll around the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved royal park, the tour will continue to the iconic Great Wall. Winding across deserts, grasslands and mountains and stretching over 5,500 miles, it was constructed over 2,000 years ago to guard the Chinese Empire against the Mongol invaders from the North. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerising Chinese acrobatics performance. Day 15: Beijing B/L/D Following breakfast on your last full day, you will visit one of China’s most important political landmarks —Tiananmen Square. It is the world’s largest city centre square and gateway to the Forbidden City, which houses the wondrous Imperial Palace. Conclude your trip with a traditional Peking duck dinner. Day 16: Beijing to the UK B Transfer to the airport for your return flight, via Shanghai or continue on to your chosen extension. Red Panda Temple of Heaven Shanghai Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Shanghai, 4 H Ocean Hotel Yangtze River, 4 H Yangtze Cruise 2 Chengdu, 4 H Tibet Hotel Xi’an, 4 H Titan Times Hotel Beijing, 4 H The Landmark Hotel Flights: London Heathrow to China with China Eastern Tour pace: Intermediate Extend your tour Hong Kong city stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £499 Towering skyscrapers form the backdrop to Hong Kong’s harbour whilst the street markets that fill the teeming alleys remain untouched by western influences. No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £589 • Yangtze River Cruise: Executive cabin upgrade from £199 • Bullet Train connection: First class upgrade from £89 or business class upgrade from £189 Departures & from prices 7 Sep 23 £2,749 23 May 24 £2,569 14 Sep 23 £2,749 30 May 24 £2,499 21 Sep 23 £2,649 6 Jun 24 £2,599 28 Sep 23 £2,649 20 Jun 24 £2,599 5 Oct 23 £2,649 4 Jul 24 £2,799 12 Oct 23 £2,499 25 Jul 24 £2,799 19 Oct 23 £2,499 1 Aug 24 £2,799 26 Oct 23 £2,399 8 Aug 24 £2,799 2 & 9 Nov 23 £2,399 15 Aug 24 £2,799 16 Nov 23 £2,349 29 Aug 24 £2,799 30 Nov 23 £1,999 5 Sep 24 £2,799 15 Feb 24 £2,299 12 Sep 24 £2,799 29 Feb 24 £2,399 19 Sep 24 £2,699 7 Mar 24 £2,449 26 Sep 24 £2,599 14 Mar 24 £2,449 3 Oct 24 £2,599 21 & 28 Mar 24 £2,549 10 Oct 24 £2,549 4 Apr 24 £2,549 17 Oct 24 £2,549 11 Apr 24 £2,599 24 Oct 24 £2,449 18 Apr 24 £2,549 31 Oct 24 £2,449 25 Apr 24 £2,549 7 Nov 24 £2,449 2 May 24 £2,549 14 Nov 24 £2,399 9 & 16 May 24 £2,549 28 Nov 24 £2,049 • Tipping paid locally CNY700 pp per tour 55 East Asia Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk