China suggested Tailor made holidays

THE MIDDLE KINGDOM

The vastness of China means that the possibilities for visitors are endless, so we have put together an itinerary for first-time visitors which takes in some of the major sights. In Beijing you will have time to visit the fabulous 15th century Forbidden City, once closed to ordinary Chinese citizens, the largest square in the world, Tian’anmen Square, the magnificent Great Wall and the tranquil imperial gardens and lake of the Summer Palace. Experience the excellent overnight train service to Xian where you will visit some of the finest museums in China including the incredible spectacle of the Terracotta Army, protecting the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

From here you continue to the riverine city of Chong Qing, where you board the Yangtze ship to cruise down one of the longest rivers in the world. The cruise and shore excursions will give you an insight into the heartland of China, passing small towns and villages scrambling up the banks of the river. Sail through the spectacular Three Gorges and marvel at the enormity of the dam.

The last stop on the tour is Shanghai, once linked with colonial decadence and revolutionary fervour and now the economic powerhouse of new China. The dramatic skyline and energy of the city is breathtaking but old China can still be found in the exquisite gardens, bazaar and the grand old colonial buildings on the Bund.

Cost per person from £1,145.00 (based on two people travelling in a twin/double room)

KINGDOM BEYOND THE CLOUDS

Here you are taken on a journey in south west China, home to minority hill tribes who have successfully kept their traditional dress and customs alive. Start the journey in dynamic Beijing where you can see the glittering Forbidden City, the remarkable Great Wall and the tranquil gardens and lake of the imperial Summer Palace before flying to Kunming, the ‘city of eternal spring’. 

You will have time to see the charming collection of wooden buildings, which are tightly squeezed together along small alleys, before continuing to Dali, located on the edge of Erhai Lake with a stunning backdrop of mountains. Dali is home to the minority Bao people and retains much of its old cobbled streets and traditional architecture. 

The next stop is enchanting Lijiang, a World Heritage Site and home to the Naxi minority, with its maze-like streets and narrow wooden buildings. Continue by road to the mighty Tiger Leaping Gorge before reaching Zhongdian, high in the mountains. With a predominantly Tibetan population, Zhongdian is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding remote villages and hamlets close to the Tibetan border. Take a domestic flight back to Kunming.

Cost per person from £1,470.00 (based on two people travelling in a twin/double room)

A Silk Steps inclusive holiday price includes:
• Private return transfers between airports and hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• The services of English speaking guides and representatives at each stage of the tour. Between most places you will travel unescorted
• Accommodation in a standard room (shared twin) with private facilities (unless otherwise specified) with breakfast
• Government taxes and compulsory service charges
• All tours and sightseeing as specified, inclusive of entrance fees
• Economy class air travel within all countries on the scheduled services of the national or domestic carrier as specified in each tour
• The services of our local representative
Extras:
• International flights - please contact us for up-to-date prices
• Travel insurance
• Meals - unless otherwise stated
• Optional sightseeing other than specified
• International airport departure tax payable overseas
• Visa fees
• Single supplement (on request)

Spread over such a vast area the country has a great range of climates, but the following can be used as a guide.  In Beijing, from December to March the average temperature is minus 2°C and further north it is much colder. In July and August the tempera  

For up to date weather details try BBC weather   www.bbc.co.uk/weather/