I have been part of many team tours, but this is the best one. The itinerary is very reasonable, just like its name. The places we have visited are all essence and highlights of China. The hotels we stayed in were better than expected, and every meal we had in China was completely different from the Chinese food in our hometown, with a better taste. Our tour guide and driver are both warm and polite, making us feel like home. Thank you again for everything they have done for us!
Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise This trip was all that was described to a "T". For only one exception and that was the stairs at some of the rail stations that did not have elevators, my expectation was much lower than what actually existed, so my advice would be pack very lightly and ensure that you can carry your luggage up and down those many stairs. Yes they prepared us for stairs, .....but not how many !! I was a solo female over 60 so did struggle sometimes and I am reasonably fit. Nevertheless the trip overall was excellent, and the experience on the sleeper trains was lets say "different", but at the very least, you are seeing life as the Chinese people live it and after all, isn't that what we travel for.
Imperial China and Yangstse River Cruise Wow! This trip was an assault on the senses from day one! Started off stressfully we arrived in Bejing on time but our luggage was still in Dubai! Well done Emitates and our tour operator were reunited within 12 hours (note: always take spare pants in hand luggage) China was amazing redefining our preconceptions from day one! Bejing; old town, Forbidden Palace, Summer Palace etc. Jane our guide was Wonderwoman, fantastic knowledge, super organised and a sense of humour. We asked if we could fit in a visit to the Olympic stadium: no problem, we were walking round the 'Birdsnest' the following afternoon. The Great Wall was a highlight and tobogganing down was certainly different. This trip cannot be described as leisurely, if you want to see the best of this fantastic country we need to be prepared for a frantic itinerary. Thanks to our tour operator's advice, pack lightly and make sure you can carry your own luggage with ease. Loved the pandas and visiting the Terracotta Army. I must admit as a person who would never consider a cruising holiday and who considers the Isle of Wight ferry tiresome I was not looking forward to the Yangstse river cruise; I was pleasantly surprised the scenery of the 3 gorges was breathtaking, the relative rest of 3 days, was a chance to recharge batteries and the dam a marvel of engineering. Superlatives are far to many to mention, the tour finished in Shanghai where again Jane our guide was brilliant suggesting we visited the Tower on arrival since clouds were forecast the following day - wow! Awesome views across the city as the sunset fron 532m. I have no hesitation in recommending this trip to all if you want to see China warts and all. It was well organised, accommodation was as described, guide was fantastic. Try everything and go on every optional tour you will not regret it ( one visit to a Chinese Opera is enough for any sane person)
Ruby ZhaoTravel Expert in China
Cindy WangTravel Expert in China
