China October 2016

For many, travelling to China is a lifelong dream. For some it’s exploring the Forbidden City, home to Chinese emperors, gazing in awe at the terracotta warriers, cruising the Yangtze or walking the historic Great Wall. Others wish to truly experience Chinese culture by wandering the local markets, sipping tea with the locals and even trying Tai Chi. Our solos journey to China includes all this and much more.

So if China is on your wish list, then come with us in 2016 to explore the highlights of this fascinating and inspirational country.

We start in Beijing and stay for 3 nights to savour the highlights of this ancient city. You’ll see Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the world famous Great Wall and step back in time with a rickshaw ride through the Hutong area. From Beijing we then head to Xi’an, home of the famous Terracotta Warriors and horses. Our journey then takes us to Chengdu where we’ll visit the National Park and see first hand the wonderful work being done to save the panda from extinction. After that we catch the high speed train and transfer to our home for the next 3 nights the Victoria Jenna where we’ll cruise the famous Yangtze. You’ll have your own cabin of course.

The Victoria Jenna is the Yangtze’s newest and largest river cruise ship. Inaugurated in 2009, the Victoria Jenna sets the standard for fine luxury river cruising not just in China but throughout the world.

Facilities include two restaurants (a single-seating main dining room, and an a la carte restaurant on the top deck), four elevators, a three-story atrium lobby, two lounges, three bars, a fitness center, two full-sized lecture rooms, library, the Oasis beauty salon, artist corners and gift shop.

All cabins have private balconies and the Jenna is equipped with wireless internet access. What a fantastic way to see China’s iconic three gorges. From the Yangtze cruise we head to Shanghai for our final three nights in China.

All up 13 days in this incredible country where you’ll be amazed by not only its amazing past but also it’s promising future.

Will you join us?

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AN ANCIENT & MAGICAL LAND

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13 DAY SOLO TOUR OCT 2016

DETAILED ITINERARYWELCOME TO CHINA

Day 1 [7 October 2016]:BEIJINGYou will be met at the airport and transfered to the hotel. The day is then yours at leisure, before this evening’s tour briefing and welcome dinner. § Accommodation: Beijing Penta Hotel (4 star) standard Penta room with ensuite.

Day 2 [8 October 2016]:BEIJING (B, L)After breakfast we start our exploring by visiting the iconic Tian’anmen Square, the biggest square in the world. Next we enter the Forbidden City, which was the imperial palace of the 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. After lunch we visit the Temple of Heaven, built From 1406 to 1420 where we can join the many locals and learn some basic movements of Tai Chi. Tonight we experience the many wonders of the Dong Hua Men Night Market, where the strangest foods are served (such as cockroaches and scorpions). Tasty! § Accommodation: Beijing Penta Hotel (4 star) standard Penta room with ensuite.

Day 3 [9 October 2016]:BEIJING (B, L)In the morning we visit the Lama Temple, a Tibetan style temple which Features a giant figure of Maitreye, the Future Budha. This wooden figure is the tallest in the world as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Then, we will set off to the Great Wall, considered one of the most impressive constructions in the world. We will visit the Mutianyu section and take a ride on the very scenic cable car. On our way back in to Beijing we will stop to take some pictures at the Olympic area. We will see the Famous Olympic stadiums; the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. § Accommodation: Beijing Penta Hotel (4 star) standard Penta room with ensuite.

Day 4 [10 October 2016]:BEIJING /XI’AN (B)In the morning we enjoy a rickshaw tour in the Hutong area, the old and traditional streets of Beijing where people still live. We stop and visit a local house and Food market. Each rickshaw has a driver and seats two people. Next we travel to Nanluoguxiang Road, a street where 16 original Hutongs dating From Yuan Dynasty still remain. We then visit the famous Silk Market where we’ll be able to test our bargaining skills.



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Later we transfer to the airport for our flight to Xi’an, a city in Shaanxi province which is very popular because of its collection of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. The figures depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Xi’ an is considered a part of the famous Silk Road as well. Meet and greet upon arrival at the airport and then transfer to your hotel. § Accommodation: Xi’an Ramada Bell Tower Hotel (4 star) superior room with ensuite.

Day 5 [11 October 2016]:XI’AN (B, L)In the morning we’ll visit the famous Terracotta Warriors Museum. Discovered by chance by a local peasant in 1974, the museum has an area of 20,000 square meters and holds over 8,000 figures. After enjoying lunch at the museum restaurant, we visit the Wall of Xi’ an, the best preserved in China as well as the largest and among the most ancient military defensive systems in the world. We then head to the Muslim Quarter and the Great Mosque, an impressive mixture of Arab and Chinese styles. You will have plenty of time to explore the area this afternoon. § Accommodation: Ramada Bell Hotel (4 star) superior room with ensuite.

Day 6 [12 October 2016]:XI’AN/ CHENGDU (B) After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our Right to Chengdu. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we visit the Qingyang Palace, the oldest and the largest in Chengdu, and one of the most famous Taoist places in China. We stop off at one of the hundreds of traditional tea houses in this city and have a cuppa with the locals. § Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (4 star) superior room with ensuite.

Day 7 [13 October 2016]:CHENGDU/ CHONGQING (B) This morning we’re off to the National Park Chengdu Panda Base, and see first hand the work underway to save the adorable panda from extinction. Following our visit to the National Park we transfer to the railway station and catch the high-speed train (first-class cabin) to Chongqing. Meet and greet at the railway station and transfer to the cruise terminal. This evening you will be on board our Yangtze River Cruise ship- the Victoria Jenna (5 star). The Victoria Jenna is the Yangtze’s newest and largest river cruise ship. Inaugurated in 2009, the Victoria Jenna sets the standard for the luxury river cruising not just in China but throughout the world.



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Depart Chogqing -9:00 p.m. Sail from picturesque Chongqing, the “Mountain city”

§ Accommodation: Sole use of cabin with ensuite — main deck room.

Day 8 [14 October 2016]:YANGTZE RIVER (B, L, D) Fengdu- Shore excursion to Fengdu, visiting either the “Ghost City”, known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill, or the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about the Three Gorges Dam. There may be also an additional Shore Excursion to Shibaozhai (river conditions permitting), with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”

§ Accommodation: Victoria Jenna (5 star) main deck room with ensuite.

Day 9 [15 October 2016]:YANGTZE RIVEREnter the Three Gorges, one of the nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Today you will pass through the first two - Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 Feet), and most dramatic. The 25- mile long Wu Gorge is known For its quiet beauty, Forest-covered mountains and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and the deepest of the Three Gorges. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. Additional Shore Excursion to White Emperor City (river conditions permitting), an eminent city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.

§ Accommodation: Victoria Jenna (5 star) main deck room with ensuite.

Day 10 [16 October 2016]:YICHANG/ SHANGHAI (B) Breakfast on board. Three Gorges Dam/Yichang- Morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest in the world. Arrive Yichang in late morning and disembark from the Victoria Jenna and transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai — the bustling business and financial capital of China. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of your day can be spent exploring Shanghai at leisure.

§ Accommodation: Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel (4 star) superior room with ensuite.



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TOUR PRICING $5,219 PER PERSON PLUS AIRFARES TOUR DATES: 7 - 19 OCTOBER 2016

Day 11 [17 October 2016]:SHANGHAI (B, L)In the morning, we visit the Longhua Temple, the oldest temple in the city and the best example of Buddhist architecture. The temple has a history of more than 1,000 years. We then travel to the Yuyuan Garden. This mandarin garden is located in the old part of Shanghai, with its many small shops carrying souvenirs and trinkets of all kinds. After lunch we visit the Bund and enjoy a wonderful view of the Huangpu River. Afterwards we travel to Xintiandi with its reconstituted traditional shikumen (“stone gate”) houses on narrow alleys, some adjoining houses which now serve as book stores, cafes, res tau ran ts and shopping malls. There we visit the small Walixiang museum showing how Shanghainese people used to live.


Day 12 [18 October 2016]:SHANGHAI (B, L)Today, you will enjoy free time to continue visiting this beautiful city. Your Two’s a Crowd tour host and guide will have plenty of suggestions for you.


Day 13 [19 October 2016]:SHANGHAI / DEPARTURE (B) After breakfast we transfer to the airport for your flight home or onto further adventures. Ask us if you need any travel suggestions.

TOUR INCLUSIONS: § Transport as described in the itinerary (full insured vehicle

with heating and air conditioning and professional driver). § 12 nights quality hotel accommodation in your own room —

always! § English speaking tour guides as per itinerary. § Entrance fees to the attractions as per itinerary. We include

general admission tickets (there might be some optional paying zones inside some of the attractions, not included).

§ All the transfers hotel/airport are with tour guide assistance.



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Participation in this tour requires a good level of fitness and you should be in general good health. The tours frequently include walking for extended periods often over uneven ground and/or uphill. Factors such as bumpy roads, dust, traffic, stairs, humidity, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures also add to the physical toll. Keep in mind you will sometimes need to carry your own bags.

Altitude sickness: You may also be affected by altitude sickness. Parts of our trip go above 2800 metres where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatising to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip: While our tour guides have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:

For more information please see www.twosacrowd.com.au/altitude

Diving in the Galapagos: Due to our guide’s internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

FITNESS AND HEALTH WHILE TRAVELLING IN SOUTH AMERICA

Terms & Conditions: • Prices are per person and based on sole use rooms throughout • Prices are correct as at 10 July 2015 and are subject to change until paid in full • Refer to our website www.twosacrowd.com.au for full terms and conditions. ©2015 Travel Passion Pty Ltd | ABN 32 140 754 856 trading as Two’s a Crowd.

Two’s a Crowd and the disk logo are registered trademarks of Travel Passion Pty Ltd.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE TEAM: Phone: 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) or 0800 895 145 (NZ) Email: [email protected]

ABOUT TWO’S A CROWD: Two’s a Crowd is owned and operated by Noonan’s Travel (Licence No. 32931) which has been providing travel services since 1978. Two’s a Crowd was born out of our recognition of the growing number of people travelling solo whose needs are not well served.

Our commitment is to make solo travel more enjoyable and affordable.

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T R A V E L S !

28 Jan 2016 &

China ground operator: Buffalo Tours

§ Air tickets, economy class: 3 tickets, Beijing - Xi’an/Xi’an - Chengdu/Yichang - Shanghai.

§ Train tickets - first-class: 1 ticket, Chengdu - Chongqing. § Maglev train: for airport transfers in or out of the city of

Shanghai, if the flight schedule permits, first-class seat. § Meals as per itinerary: breakfasts daily, 6 x lunches, 2 x dinners.

Dinners are held in hand-picked authentic restaurants. § Unlimited bottles of water in the coach. § Rental of a local cell phone (with Chinese SIM card and charger,

with a total amount of RMB50) that should be returned at the end of the trip.

§ Local insurance and all permits. § Two’s a Crowd tour host from Australia. § Standard CHI Travel Insurance Policy. Additional premium may

be payable if over 59 years, have an existing medial condition or wish to extend your travelling dates.

TOUR EXCLUSIONS: § Meals not specifed in the itinerary.

§ Items of a personal nature.

§ International airfares (we can arrange flights on your behalf).

§ Entry visa for China (we can advise and assist with obtaining a visa).

§ Tips for guides, drivers and porters (suggested tips are US$8 for guide and US$4 for driver per day). Tips can be offered to guides/drivers at your discretion but they are not compulsory.



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Documents

China October 2016