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Intrepid Travel Arrow China Arrow Essence of China - Northbound
Essence of China - Northbound
21 days Hong Kong to Beijing
Explore ancient and modern in Hong Kong, Discover the beauty of Yangshou, Cruise down the Yangzi River, See the Three Gorges, Take in the views from Emei Mountain, Make friends with giant pandas in Chengdu, Be amazed by Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, Stand atop the Great Wall of China, Experience vibrant Beijing

Discover the essence of the Middle Kingdom. Explore cosmopolitan cities, natural wonders and famous icons of the East. See the richness of the past and experience the vibrancy of today as China leaps into the 21st century.

Physical Rating: 3
Culture Shock Rating: 3
Accommodation: Hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), overnight trains (4 nts), overnight boat (3 nts), monasteries (3 nts)
Transportation: Overnight train, local bus, taxi, boat, cycling (optional), walking
Trip Style: Intrepid Original
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Departure: Departure is guaranteed
Budget: Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
Details
Tour OperatorIntrepid Travel
Duration
21 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
Itinerary
DayDestinationDescription
Days 1-2Hong KongIt's a clash of ancient and modern in Hong Kong - hit the streets, explore the markets or head up to Victoria Peak to experience this vibrant city. Take in the countryside on an overnight train, a fascinating local experience.
Days 3-5YangshuoImmerse yourself in the beautiful countryside surrounding Yangshuo by taking a bike ride through rustic villages and rice paddies. Enjoy an optional cruise down the Li River, past stunning limestone karsts.
Days 6-8Yangzi RiverStarting in Yichang take a journey along this truly magnificent waterway and become part of the evolving landscape of the Three Gorges and Yangzi River. Try some of the interesting snacks - buy from the locals at stops along the way.
Days 9-10ChengduHome to wonderfully spicy Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu also boasts traditional teahouses and markets. Visit the Giant Panda Reserve to witness conservation efforts being made to save this endangered species.
Days 11-14Leshan/Emei ShanSee the big Buddha at Leshan before journeying to the holy mountain of Emei Shan. Stay in a monastery and make a morning visit to the mountain summit.
Days 15-17Xi'anSee the ancient Terracotta Warriors and view the city from above on the Old City walls. Enjoy some quiet time at the Great Mosque or head to the park to watch locals practising tai chi and ballroom dancing.
Days 18-21BeijingTake in the best of imperial Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square and the impressive Forbidden City. For a final adventure, climb the mighty Great Wall for spectacular views.

CSL winter itinerary for trips that run between 1 Dec 2007 - 1 Mar 2008: CSL winter itinerary for trips that run between 1 Dec 2007 - 1 Mar 2008: Due to bad conditions along the Yangzi river during this time (it is cold, rainy, foggy and most of the boats are in dry dock getting a renovation) we have altered the itinerary. Please see the notes below for the day by day schedule.
Dates/Pricing
Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
December 07, 2008$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL201207; Local payment of USD $450Quote
December 14, 2008$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL201214; Local payment of USD $450Quote
December 21, 2008$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL201221; Local payment of USD $450Quote
January 25, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200125; Local payment of USD $450Quote
February 01, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200201; Local payment of USD $450Quote
February 08, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200208; Local payment of USD $450Quote
February 15, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200215; Local payment of USD $450Quote
February 22, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200222; Local payment of USD $450Quote
March 01, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200301; Local payment of USD $450Quote
March 08, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200308; Local payment of USD $450Quote
March 15, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200315; Local payment of USD $450Quote
March 22, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200322; Local payment of USD $450Quote
March 29, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200329; Local payment of USD $450Quote
April 05, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200405; Local payment of USD $450Quote
April 12, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200412; Local payment of USD $450Quote
April 19, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200419; Local payment of USD $450Quote
May 10, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200510; Local payment of USD $450Quote
May 17, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200517; Local payment of USD $450Quote
May 24, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200524; Local payment of USD $450Quote
May 31, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200531; Local payment of USD $450Quote
June 07, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200607; Local payment of USD $450Quote
June 14, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200614; Local payment of USD $450Quote
June 21, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200621; Local payment of USD $450Quote
June 28, 2009$1,645.00* (USD) / Tour Code: CSL200628; Local payment of USD $450Quote
Disclaimer
* The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of pricing. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2008 and 31 December 2008, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2008, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates are applicable from 01 January 2008 until 31 December 2008. Beyond 31 December 2008 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information in this brochure is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips.

Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid.

Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation Conditions.
  
 
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