This tour takes you to six ancient cities in eastern and northern China. In Shanghai you will see the art deco glory of the Bund, and the spectacular skyscrapers of the new city area of Putong. In Hangzhou, Zhouzhuang, Suzhou and Wuxi you will visit ancient temples, exquisite gardens, working canals and beautiful lakes. You will learn much about the history and culture of Nanjing, southern capital of Ancient China. The last days of the tour will be spent taking in the sights of Beijing.
Tour includes:
¡¤ all international airfares
¡¤ all travel in China, including airfares
¡¤ all transfers in China
¡¤ luxury 4/5 star hotel accommodation
¡¤ 3 meals daily
¡¤ hot and cold beverages with meals
¡¤ fully guided sightseeing with English speaking guides
¡¤ all entrance fees
¡¤ entertainment (as specified)
¡¤ tour leader from Australia with groups of 20 or more
¡¤ complimentary travel bag and travel wallet

Itinerary
Day 1 Shanghai (D)
On arrival transfer to the 4 star Grand YouYou Hotel. D

Day 2 Shanghai (B/L/D)
Today's tour includes visits to the Bund, the Nanjing Road Shopping District, and the Yu Gardens. After dinner visit the Oriental Pearl Tower (third highest tower in the world) for spectacular views of the city by night.

Day 3 Shanghai - Hangzhou (B/L/D)
Morning drive to Hangzhou. After lunch visit the Linying Temple and Six Harmonies Pagoda. Overnight at the 4 star Novotel Hotel.

Day 4 Hangzhou - Zhouzhuang - Suzhou (B/L/D)
In the morning cruise on the famous West Lake, before visiting the Temple of Yuefei. After lunch, drive to the ancient river town of Zhouzhuang, with its arched stone bridges spanning small canals. Continue on to the canal city of Suzhou. Accommodation at the deluxe 4 star New City Garden Hotel.

Day 5 Suzhou (B/L/D)
In the morning, visit the Humble Administrator's Garden before visiting a silk factory. After lunch see skilled craftswomen at work on exquisite works of art in a silk embroidery centre. Evening music and dance performances, including Shanghai Opera and traditional folk singing, in the Fisherman's Garden.

Day 6 Suzhou - Wuxi - Nanjing (B/L/D)
In the morning travel to Wuxi by coach, to see the magnificent Taihu Lake. Then on to the former Chinese capital city of Nanjing. Transfer to the 5 star Hilton International Hotel.

Day 7 Nanjing (B/L/D)
Morning tour of the Yangtze River Bridge, Xuanwu Lake and the well preserved City Wall. In the afternoon visit the colourful Confucian Temple area and the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yatsen. Tonight you will enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner at Nanjing's revolving restaurant, located at the top of one of the city's tallest buildings.

Day 8 Nanjing - Beijing (B/L/D)
Morning flight to Beijing. Visit the Temple of Heaven, en-route to the 5 star King Wing Hotel.

Day 9 Beijing (B/L/D)
Morning tour to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace. For dinner, enjoy the world famous local speciality, Peking Duck.

Day 10 Beijing (B/L/D)
In the morning, travel to China's most famous icon, the Great Wall. After lunch visit the Ming Dynasty Tombs and a cloisonn¨¦ factory. After dinner enjoy an exciting Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Day 11 Beijing - Australia (B)
Morning free for exploration or shopping, until your return flight to home.

Day 12 Australia
Arrive back home.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner