Fabulous China Family Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Group Size: Max 20
Activities: Walking along the Great Wall, camel ride and bike ride
Accommodation: 9 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night under the stars in the desert, 3 nights soft sleeper train
Transport: Plane, private coach, sleeper train (soft class), taxi
Flights: Guilin to Chengdu, Chengdu to Yinchuan
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides on the camel safari, in Xi'an and at the panda sanctuary
Airport Transfer: Not included
Meals: Not included except on the camel safari and breakfast in Hong Kong. Allow US$8 per day
Entrance Fees: Not included. Allow US$50 for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Optional bike rides in Yangshuo and Xi'an
• Learn tai-chi, calligraphy and Chinese language
• See the adorable pandas in Chengdu
• Ride camels in the desert
• Visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1, HONG KONG: Arrival day.

Day 2, HONG KONG - GUILIN: A free morning in Hong Kong before a short afternoon train ride through the New Territories to Shenzhen. Overnight train to Guilin. (B)

Day 3, YANGSHUO: Morning arrival in Guilin and transfer to the enchanting small town of Yangshuo, in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of China. We have laid on a fun session of activities. There's tai-chi, painting / calligraphy and a Chinese language class to help you make local friends along the way.

Day 4, YANGSHUO: A bike ride through the amazing landscape and an opportunity for a swim to cool off. For those who want to be more energetic there's still time for other activities such as climbing and caving.

Day 5, YANGSHUO - CHENGDU: Return to Guilin and fly to Chengdu in the heart of Sichuan Province.

Day 6, CHENGDU: Excursion to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre, where we see these delightful animals, as well as their less well known cousin, the red panda. A free afternoon to explore the many parks and temples for which Chengdu is famous, or perhaps sample some of the delicious local food.

Day 7, CHENGDU - ZHONGWEI: Free time before we fly to Yinchuan and continue to Zhongwei.

Day 8, CAMEL SAFARI: A free morning. Perhaps visit the intriguing Gao Miao Buddhist Temple and markets in the gardens nearby. In the afternoon we ride camels out into the Tengger Desert for an overnight camp. (D)

Day 9, ZHONGWEI - XI'AN: Watch the sunrise in the desert and finish our camel safari after breakfast. We transfer to nearby Shapatou, on the banks of the Yellow River, where you can go rafting on inflatable sheepskins or try sand tobogganing. Return to Zhongwei to freshen up before we catch an overnight train to Xi'an. (B)

Day 10, XI'AN: A free day to explore this wonderful ancient city. Visit the Muslim quarter or perhaps ride a bike along the old city walls.

Day 11, XI'AN - BEIJING: Excursion to the Terracotta Warriors. In the evening we catch the overnight train to Beijing.

Day 12, BEIJING: Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and also have free time to explore Beijing's other sights - perhaps take a boat on the lake at the Summer Palace. In the evening there's the option to watch the incredible Beijing acrobats.

Day 13, BEIJING: A full day excursion to the Great Wall with the chance to hike along one of the most beautiful sections.

Day 14, BEIJING: Tour ends.

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

For parents with their children who have a positive outlook on life and are seeking an alternative to the more conventional family holiday.

Maximum Group Size - 16-20: If you've got children (minimum age 6) and you're looking for something more for your holidays, imagine the excitement of discovering unusual lands, learning about different cultures and sharing the experience with new friends on an escorted Imaginative Family tour.
Accommodation: Wherever possible we use tourist class hotels (2-3 star) on a twin share (or, if available, family room) basis with private facilities and often swimming pools. Some accommodation may be more representational of the destination (e.g. a luxurious mud hut or a Bedouin camp).
Transportation: We travel mainly in air-conditioned coaches and minibuses but also may use trains, sailboats, horse drawn carriages, camels and donkeys!
Meals: Breakfast is often included plus some lunches and dinners (see itineraries for full details).
Activities: Our itineraries combine just the right balance of rest and play to keep children occupied and entertained but not exhausted. Activities may include elephant and camel riding, swimming, snorkelling and walking around sites and bazaars.[Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]