TIBET & SHANGRI-LA

Departures

Southern China, long cut off from the outside world, is home to some of China’s most spectacular landscapes and historic sites. On this all new itinerary, we will explore the all time favourite Chinese destinations – Beijing and Shanghai, as well the magnificent centres of the south - the Stone Forest of Kunming, the antiquities of Dali, its old walled city and Three Pagodas, the history of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and legendary Shangri-La, a real life valley with all the charms and mystery of the one found in James Hilton’s 1933 novel, “Lost Horizon”.
This is as magnificent an itinerary for those returning to discover something different as it is for those looking for a truly unique travel experience. This will be a journey off the beaten track in a part of China seldom visited.
This new itinerary is sure to prove very popular and we do expect that the demand for China will be very strong in 2010.

If China is in your plans, we urge you to book early!

Itinerary

May 9, Sunday: CANADA / BEIJING
Tour members from across Canada gather for the overnight Air Canada flight to Beijing, the political, economic and cultural centre of the People’s Republic of China.

May 10, Monday: BEIJING
On arrival in Beijing, we will be met and transferred to the Metro Park Grand Hotel (2 nights), ideally located in the heart of the capital, and close to excellent shopping and Tian An Men Square.
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May 11, Tuesday: BEIJING
Today members can choose from two alternate programs, depending on their past experiences in China. We can take a full day excursion to explore the Great Wall and the Forbidden City or, for those who have visited China previously, join an excursion off the beaten track which will take us into the Hutong, the old residential areas of the city that have been restored, to the Beijing Urban Museum to learn of the city’s past, present and future and to the city’s newest developments including the Olympic site and the National Stadium (the Bird Nest & the Water Cube). Finally we shall spend some time in a thriving flea market. This evening we will gather for the famous Peking Duck Dinner at the Quailude Restaurant.
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May 12, Wednesday: BEIJING / XINING
This morning we fly to Xining – the capital city of the western province of Qinghai (altitude of 2275 m.). Following lunch, we will visit the Taer Monastery – one of the six great monasteries of the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with a local cultural performance. Hotel: Tian Nian Ge Hotel (1 night)
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May 13, Thursday: XINING / EXPRESS RAIL TO TIBET
Today we shall visit the Provincial Museum with a lecture about Tibetan culture, enjoy a guided visit of the Residence of General Ma Bufang and see the city’s Great Mosque. This evening, we are in for a very unique adventure as we embark on the overnight Express train for Lhasa. This brand new train climbs across the mighty Himalayas; lifting us to heights of over 16,000 feet above sea level (members have to be aware of altitude sickness). We shall spend the night in Soft Sleepers with 4 passengers per cabin in upper and lower berths.
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May 14, Friday: LHASA, Tibet
The Tibet Railway runs 1,956 km from Xining to Lhasa and is the world's longest railroad built atop a plateau, with the highest elevation at 5,072 m (16,640 feet) above sea level at the Tanggula Range, making it the highest railway in the world. Enjoy spectacular scenery as we cross the plateau known as “The Roof of the World” en route to Lhasa. Arriving in the early evening we transfer to the Lhasa Hotel . (3 nights)
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May 15, Saturday: LHASA, Tibet
Today’s highlight is the magnificent Potala Palace, once the seat of Tibetan government and winter palace of the Dalai Lama and today the centre piece of the mountain city. After lunch, we visit Norbulingka – the summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. Dinner this evening will be at the Crazy Yak Restaurant with Tibetan entertainment.
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May 16, Sunday: LHASA, Tibet
This morning we’ll tour the Jokhang Monastery - Tibet’s holiest shrine. Then we’ll walk around the pilgrim circuit - Barkhor Street. In the afternoon, we visit the Sera Monastery.
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May 17, Monday: ZHONGDIAN (Shangri-La)
This morning we fly to Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-la, believed by many to be the legendary hidden paradise ('Heaven on Earth') of James Hilton’s 'Lost Horizon'. The city retains its aura as an untainted natural paradise with a mysterious and bewitching quality. After settling at our hotel, we shall be taken on a tour of the Old Town, with its traditional Tibetan architecture. Gyalthang Dzong Hotel (2 nights)
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May 18, Tuesday: ZHONGDIAN (Shangri-La)
Our morning is devoted to exploring the historic town and the precincts of the restored Tibetan Monastery of the Yellow Hat Order - Songzanlin. Traditional houses with white walls and grey tile roofs dominate the city and temple. Our afternoon is devoted to the tranquil beauty of Napa Lake, surrounded by evergreen forests and snow capped peaks, and a visit to a Tibetan village.
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May 19, Wednesday: ZHONGDIAN (Shangri-La) / LIJIANG
This morning we drive to Lijiang. En route we will visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest and narrowest gorges, which is close to the source of the mighty Yangtze River. In the afternoon, after a walk to the Black Dragon Pool to see the renowned Moon Embracing Pavilion, we will explore the Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan Town), home of the Naxi people and an intimate mountain town noted for its stone carvings and homes and its water canals (it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site).This evening, if possible, we will be treated to a performance of Dongba religious music and dance. Treasure Harbor Hotel (2 nights)
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May 20, Thursday: LIJIANG
Our excursion today will take us, by cable car, to the Yak Meadow in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains to admire the surrounding mountain scenery. The main peak looks like a gigantic dragon, clad in glacial white at an altitude of over 18,000 feet. En route, we will visit Yuhu, a simple Naxi village where the botanist Dr James Rock once lived. We will have some free time this afternoon to enjoy the charms of Lijiang on our own.
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May 21, Friday: LIJIANG / DALI
During our morning drive we will visit the Bai village of Xizhou, where we will visit a traditional residence and enjoy a special Three Course Tea with traditional dances. Our destination today is Dali, home of the Bai minority and one of China’s best preserved historic cities. On arrival, we will explore the Old Town, surrounded by its 8 metre high city walls. Founded in 1683, the city retains the charms of a bygone era, with its carved stone houses and meandering canals.
Asian Hotel (2 nights)
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May 22, Saturday: DALI
Some of today’s highlights will include a cruise on Erhai Lake and a visit to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng, which date from 836AD, the highest of which is over 68 metres in height. The cable car tour to Cang Shan Mountain offers the best photo opportunity of Erhai Lake & the Old Town.
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May 23, Sunday: KUNMING
Our morning flight brings us to Kunming, the "City of Eternal Spring", a region noted for its year-round mild climate and lush green vegetation. The highlight of this region is to the Stone Forest, a karst formation covering some 400 square kilometres. As we wander though the forest, we will see pinnacles of rock taking on the shapes of animals and mystical beasts, magnificent shapes on which legends are based. During our excursion we shall visit a Sani village, a minority tribe known for their exquisite embroidery, melodious songs and graceful dances. This evening we shall be treated to a demonstration of local dances and music over a special dinner featuring rice noodles. Jin Jiang Hotel (1 night)
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May 24, Monday: KUNMING / SHANGHAI
Departing paradise this morning, we fly via Kunming to Shanghai. This afternoon we stroll on the Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with a mile-long of European buildings. Our evening dinner is at a local restaurant followed by a celebrated Chinese acrobatic show.
Pullman Hotel Shanghai (2 nights)
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May 25, Tuesday: SHANGHAI
Our Shanghai exploration continues today with a visit to Shanghai Museum. In the afternoon, we visit the Garden of the Mandarin Yu Yuan, built in 1577 and containing pools, a tea house and a ceremonial zigzag bridge, the Jade Buddha Temple and a Children’s Palace, one of the special schools developed for truly gifted children.
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May 26, Wednesday: SHANGHAI / CANADA
After a free morning, we board our direct Air Canada flight to Canada, arriving home the same day.
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Tour Cost (CDN$/person)

* Land Only price excludes cost of international flights from Canada to Beijing and from Shanghai to Canada plus related taxes, fees and transfers.

CT RATING FOUR – This journey involves travel to remote parts of China where travel conditions may be considered more difficult. The trip includes travel to very high altitudes where extremes in temperature may be experienced

Prices are based on airfares and exchange rates effective June 2009 and are subject to change. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and a minimum of fifteen passengers in the group. Single rooms are available at the supplement indicated and are very limited. Hotels used will be those listed or hotels of similar quality.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($195 - $285 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to February 8, 2010 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on March 10, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.