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SOUTH OF THE CLOUDS
Day 1 London Heathrow to Hong Kong
Depart London on the British Airways non-stop flight to Hong Kong.
Day 2 Arrive Hong Kong
Arrive into Hong Kong and proceed by car to the Marco Polo Hong Kong
Hotel or upgrade to the Peninsula Hotel, both of which are in Kowloon.
(N)
Day 3 Hong Kong to Kunming – by air
Today fly from Hong Kong to Kunming the capital of Yunnan Province.
In the afternoon visit the Bamboo Temple and later in the evening
you may wish to taste Kunming’s speciality – noodles.
Stay for two nights at the Empark Grand Hotel or the Green Lake Hotel.
(B)
Day 4 Kunming
Leave the city for a scenic drive to the Stone Forest – 120kms
south east of Kunming. This exotic collection of limestone rock formations
dates back over 200 millions years with the tallest over 30 metres
in height. (B)
Day 5 Kunming to Dali – by air
This morning leave Kunming and fly to Dali, a town situated between
the Cangshan Mountains and beautiful Lake Erhai, where you will stay
for two nights at the Asia Star Hotel. Later visit the attractive
Three Pagodas and spend the rest of the day enjoying a cruise the
waters of Lake Erhai and visiting the local markets. (B)
Day 6 Dali
This region is home to the minority Bai people and this morning visit
the ancient town of Xi Zhou, north of Dali, which is noted for its
Bai architecture. Later return to Dali and take time to explore the
old town. (B)
Day 7 Dali to Lijiang – 200kms
Drive to Lijiang, considered by many to be China’s oldest city
and one which is certainly one of its most beautiful, situated in
a valley surrounded by 5,000m snow-capped mountains. Home to the minority
Naxi people, later wander through the old town, now a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and explore the delightful maze of cobbled streets
and old wooden buildings. Stay for two nights at the Jiannanchun Hotel
or upgrade to the Banyan Tree Lijiang. (B)
Day 8 Lijiang
A full day sightseeing around Lijiang which includes the village of
Baisha noted for its temple frescoes, the delightful old town and
the Moon-Embracing Pavilion with its white marble bridge. (B)
Day 9 Lijiang to Zhongdian – 220kms
Today it is a beautiful drive full of impressive scenery to the dramatic
Tiger Leaping Gorge and from there onto Zhongdian – the edge
of Tibet – and 3,300m above sea level. Stay for three nights
at the Gyalthang Dzong Hotel or upgrade to the Banyan Tree Ringha.
(B)
Day 10 Zhongdian
&
Day 11 Zhongdian
With snow-capped peaks and immense forests of spruce and pine that
surround the town, the next two days are spent visiting the Sumtseling
Monastery and this remote, but beautiful, area. (B/L)
Day 12 Zhongdian to Beijing – by air
Today fly, via Kunming, from Zhongdian to Beijing and stay for three
nights at the Peninsula Hotel or the Raffles Beijing. (B)
Day 13 Beijing
This morning visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven before continuing
onto Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Walk
through the square to enter the Forbidden City, the seat of supreme
power for the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, where you can
spend the remainder of the day exploring the courtyards and buildings
of this extensive complex. (B)
Day 14 Beijing
Travel through the countryside to Mutianyu from where you can take
a cable car up to the Great Wall. As you stand on the Wall and look
at it snaking its way across the top of the mountains, it is easy
to imagine ancient armies locked in battle on the misty slopes. Continue
across the mountains, after lunch to visit the fascinating tombs of
the Ming Emperors before returning to Beijing later in the afternoon.
(B/L)
Day 15 Beijing to London Heathrow
Fly non-stop to London with British Airways.
STAYING ON
Adventure is close at hand for those wishing to walk the Great Wall. Covering three different sections of the Great Wall, this rewarding this three day trek requires energy and determination to counter the challenging uneven paths and steep steps.
Pandas at Chengdu can easily be incorporated with flights via Kunming from Zhongdian Lanzhou and Urumqi. Other highlights include Leshan’s famous Grand Buddha as well as Mount Emei, one of the most sacred mountains in China.
Enchanting Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 700kms from Beijing, is a treasure trove of Chinese and Buddhist history and tradition. Reached by train from Beijing, Pingyao is town of public buildings, markets and temples – the essence of a bygone age.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – SOUTH OF THE CLOUDS
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,890. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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