Ancient Empires of China & Japan
Ancient Empires of China & Japan
$8205
Ancient Empires of China & Japan
20 Days Starting and ending in UK
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1678
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The ultimate tour for those wishing to combine the very best of two ancient nations. Join us on an incredible journey from Beijing to Tokyo by road, boat, rail and air on this epic three-week tour!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Beijing
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight 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 3: Walk On The Great Wall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 4: Explore The Forbidden City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, take a leisurely stroll in a traditional 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 5: Travel To Xi'an
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure at Xian’s Muslim Quarter, where you will find an array of food stalls selling a wealth of flavours. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Xi'an's old town.
Day 7: Fly To Guilin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Guilin, best known for its incredible natural landscapes.
Day 8: Visit Reed Flute Cave
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stroll around picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas. Go on to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory.
Day 9: Cruise The Li River
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 10: Fly To Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, where you will enjoy a day at leisure.
Day 11: Explore Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 and pass through the old town. Admire the colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and Nanjing Road, where you will also be able to enjoy some time at leisure before visiting a Silk Factory. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
Day 12: Goodbye China, Hello Japan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It's time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.
Day 13: Osaka Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 14: Discover Okayama & Kurashiki
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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). Continue to Hiroshima, a vibrant and forward-thinking city.
Day 15: Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. 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 bomb. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.
Day 16: Travel To Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto, 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 17: Explore Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 18: Bullet Train To Hakone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Mount Fuji will be breathtaking, but weather dependent of course! Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan's capital city.
Day 19: Contrasts Of Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 20: Fly Tokyo To Uk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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3-4* accommodation
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Domestic transportation
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Touring with guides and entrance fees
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All meals
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Drinks with Meals
Accommodation
Mercure Beijing Downtown
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guest rooms offer free internet access and satellite TV. Along with room service, other in room amenities such as a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities are provided.
Dajing Castle Hotel
Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Located in Guilin's city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
Elite Garden Hotel
In the centre of Yangshuo, the 4-star Elite Garden Hotel offers spacious guest rooms designed and decorated to make you feel at home, all equipped with free internet access, complimentary bottled water and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms include both bath and shower facilities.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Located in Guilin's city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Formerly known as the Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel, the 4-star Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel is located in the heart of Shanghai and welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.
Respire Osaka
Set in the heart of Osaka, the Respire Osaka features spacious ensuite guest rooms with air conditioning, a flat screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel was designed to help guests forget the hustle and bustle of the city around them and features the unique charm and character of Osaka.
Grand Prince Hotel
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
Rihga Gran Kyoto
Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
Sunshine City Prince Hotel
The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
Experiences
Take in the views from Orizuru Tower
Ascend to the observation deck of the new Orizuru Tower. Rising high above Hiroshima it offers beautiful views over the Peace Memorial Park, the A-Bomb Dome and the city as a whole.
Bikan Historical Quarter
Wander through the delightful Bikan Historical Quarter, stretched along Kurashiki’s Edo Period canals, taking in the picturesque scenes of weeping willows, old stone bridges and lovely, traditional architecture.
Hutong Family Visit
Venture into Beijing's atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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