Travel Dates
Departing 19th May 2020
Tour Provider: Wendy Wu
Region:
Duration: 20 Days
Tour Itinerary:
DAY 1: FLY TO BEIJING
Fly to China’s historical capital, Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 2: WALK ON THE GREAT WALL
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.
DAY 3: EXPLORE THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Begin the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the glorious Temple of Heaven where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Next, walk through the hutong neighbourhood and visit a family at home, to learn about life living in the hutongs. Later, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before entering the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to explore this complex full of imperial riches.
DAY 4: TRAVEL TO XIAN
Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.
DAY 5: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate them. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.
DAY 6: FLY TO GUILIN
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and then fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.
DAY 7: CRUISE THE LI RIVER
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks tower over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Here, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.
DAY 8: VISIT REED FLUTE CAVE
Return to Guilin. En route, see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory.
DAY 9: FLY TO SHANGHAI
Begin today with a stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture before flying to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.
DAY 10: EXPLORE SHANGHAI
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th century temples. Start with a visit to the peaceful Yu Garden, pass through the old town and visit a Silk Factory. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
DAY 11: GOODBYE CHINA, HELLO JAPAN
It’s time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.
DAY 12: OSAKA CASTLE
Explore Osaka Castle, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through vibrant Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
DAY 13: DISCOVER OKAYAMA & KURASHIKI
Transfer by bullet train to Okayama and visit Korakuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses).
DAY 14: EXPLORE HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA
Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. After lunch, return to Hiroshima and find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.
DAY 15: TRAVEL TO KYOTO
Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for 1,000 years. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’.
DAY 16: EXPLORE KYOTO
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii gates and then head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.
DAY 17: BULLET TRAIN TO HAKONE
Transfer by bullet train to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway where the views of the surrounding landscape and Mt Fuji are breathtaking, but weather dependent of course! Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.
DAY 18: CONTRASTS OF TOKYO
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to explore the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple and drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza. Later, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. End your tour with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
DAYS 19-20: FLY TOKYO TO AUSTRALIA
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Your Guided Holiday Includes:
Price is based on 19 May 2020 departure. Other dates available.
Tour Highlights:
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.