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Classic China

Operated by: Trafalgar

10 Days from $4,275 per person
JAN - DEC 2023
China Beijing Statue

Countries Visited

China ...more China

Locations Visited

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Xi'an, Shanghai ...more Beijing, Great Wall of China, Xi'an, Shanghai
  1. Day 1 Say Ni hao to China

    Launch your discovery of China in its cultural heart. Transfer to your Beijing hotel where you’ll meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers this evening.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Novotel Peace
  2. Day 2 Discover the Icons of Beijing

    Delve into Beijing’s rich imperial heritage, beginning your encounter with the remnants of centuries-old dynasties in the world’s largest public space, Tiananmen Square. Tread in the footsteps of emperors, passing through the south gate to the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, the imperial palace for emperors and their households for over five centuries. Immerse yourself in the ancient rituals, traditions and history of this palace complex before lunch. Continue to the tranquil Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO Heritage Site, once visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for good harvests and divine guidance. This evening, the salty, sweet flavours of succulent Peking Duck take centre stage during a Regional Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Regional Dinner
    hotel Novotel Peace
  3. Day 3 Journey to the Great Wall

    We leave the city behind, bound for the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan. Standing on its ramparts, we look down on the Chinese countryside which its walls successfully defended against marauding nomadic invaders. Watch it snake thousands of miles into the distance as you imagine how these man-made fortifications were built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century. Then, walk the Sacred Way past the imposing stone statues that guard the Ming Tombs and remains of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Novotel Peace
  4. Day 4 Explore Beijing Connect with Locals Dive Into Culture

    A leisurely start to our morning sees us embark on a rickshaw tour around the ancient narrow alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences. We Connect With Locals, joining a family for a delicious meal of traditional Chinese cuisine at a Be My Guest lunch, followed by a visit to a tea house, where a Local Specialist prepares and serves tea, explaining the historic tea-making ritual. This afternoon, we’ll indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre.

    meals Breakfast, Be My Guest
    hotel Novotel Peace
  5. Day 5 Travel to Xi'an

    We fly to Xi’an, which reveals its role as the ancient departure point of the Silk Road. Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved mosques in China. According to historical records it was built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty and is a combination of Islamic art and traditional Chinese architecture.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
  6. Day 6 Uncover Xi'an's Treasures Make Travel Matter

    Visit a local primary school (during school-term) to exchange a few Chinese and English words with the children and teachers. Trafalgar will donate some much-needed supplies as part of your school visit and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Next, descend into Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s subterranean tomb to see his terracotta army for the afterlife, another UNESCO-listed site. For lunch, enjoy a traditional meal of Chinese noodles, then continue with a visit to a Jade factory, the favoured stone of emperors and more precious to the Chinese people than gold.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
  7. Day 7 Onwards to Shanghai Dive Into Culture

    This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to mimic the graceful movements of a skilled T’ai Chi Local Specialist, or consider joining a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall of Xi'an. We Dive Into Culture at a local restaurant, watching a demonstration in the art of making dumplings, with an opportunity to sample these for lunch. Savour the juicy flavours of these boiled, steamed and fried treats, transporting you back to ancient China, before transferring to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that loom over the most populous city on earth.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel The Kunlun Jing'An
  8. Day 8 Experience Shanghai Dive Into Culture

    Stroll down Shanghai’s famous ‘Bund’ with a Local Specialist, admiring the neoclassical colonial buildings that have lined this city’s renowned waterfront since the early 1900s. Learn how this marshland was transformed into one of the world’s most important trading hubs. Then, continue to the winding streets and vibrant markets of Old Shanghai to discover the how the customs and traditional lifestyle of this area have remained relatively unaltered. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Old Town before we Dive Into Culture during a visit to a silk museum. This evening, indulge in a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel The Kunlun Jing'An
  9. Day 9 Shanghai Your Way

    Spend a day exploring the Paris of the East on your terms – shop for delicate Chinese ceramics, or consider joining an Optional Experience to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town founded more than 1,700 years ago. In its heyday, Zhujiajiao was a bustling market town. Today, old historical buildings such as rice shops, banks, spice stores and even a Qing Dynasty post office can still be found as you stroll down its ancient streets and wander across the many stone bridges that crisscross its canals. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time at leisure before joining your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
    hotel The Kunlun Jing'An
  10. Day 10 Farewell Shanghai

    Our mystical encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight.

    meals Breakfast
Classic China Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • Flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai.

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

  • Beijing: Visit and have lunch with a local family in their home in one of Beijing's hutongs and gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lifestyle.

Dive Into Culture

  • Beijing: Indulge in a foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre.
  • Xi'an: Discover the traditions and techniques of dumpling making, indulging in an opportunity to sample them.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Xi'an: In Xi'an, you'll get to know the students and teachers at a local primary school, where Trafalgar donates much-needed supplies. Find out how your visit helps support their education in the local community.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
  • : Visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China, the Sacred Way in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an and the 'Bund' waterfront and Jinmao Tower in Shanghai
  • : See local people practicing T'ai Chi in the morning and the Shanghai Acrobats

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Optional Experiences and free time
  • : Flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

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June 2023
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Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Collins Lewis
Monday, July 30, 2018
Service
It was a great trip. Rocky was tremendous as a tour guide.
Response from Grand European Travel:
That is fantastic to hear. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Vacation
It was worth the cost. I have not complaints.
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