14D East China Total Solar Eclipse Tour!
Beijing to Shanghai, Jul 12-24, 2009
Beijing • Great Wall • Tiananmen Square • Forbidden City • Xian • Terracotta Warriors • Suzhou • Shanghai • Hangzhou • Total Solar Eclipse at Anji
On July 22, 2009, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible from a narrow corridor across the Earth. The eclipse will be the longest of the 21st century, lasting almost six minutes from our viewing point. Solar eclipses are only visible in a few select spots at one time and return to the same place only every two or three centuries, therefore this is a rare chance to view such a phenomenon.
On the July 22, 2009, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible from a narrow corridor across the Earth
This exciting 14-day tour combines the highlights of East China with the unique opportunity to view the eclipse at Anji. In Beijing we explore all the major places of interest, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. We also visit a remote section of the Great Wall, allowing you to absorb the immenseness of this incredible structure without jostling for a position with thousands of other tourists. Heading to Xian, home to a flourishing Muslim population, we visit the world renowned 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors. After viewing the Solar Eclipse in Anji we complete our tour in Shanghai, the ‘Paris of the East’.
The renowned Terracotta Warriors
Trip Dates
- Jul 12 - 24, 2009
Trip Prices
- US$2,160 Twin
- US$2,580 *Single
*A compulsory Single Supplement applies for this trip. Please contact us for further details.
Itinerary
Day 01 / Arrive in Beijing and transfer to hotel.
Day 02 / Half day visit to Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City.
Day 03 / Day trip to Great Wall at Simatai.
Day 04 / Free day in Beijing. Overnight train to Xian.
Day 05 / Half day tour of Muslim Quarter.
Day 06 / Half-day tour to the Terracotta Warriors. Night train to Suzhou.
Day 07 / Half day cycling tour of Suzhou.
Day 08 / Day trip to visit water township of Tongli. Afternoon train to Shanghai.
Day 09 / Free day in Shanghai.
Day 10 / Morning train to Hangzhou. Visit to Ling Yin Temple and China Tea Museum.
Day 11 / Solar eclipse viewing at Anji.
Day 12 / Free morning in Hangzhou, afternoon train to Shanghai.
Day 13 / Free day in Shanghai.
Day 14 / Trip ends after morning breakfast.
Tour Cost Includes
- Peregrine tour leader, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
- 11 nights comfortable hotel, 02 nights overnight train
- 11 Breakfasts, 01 Lunch
Tour Cost Excludes
- Visas
- All flights, airport departure taxes, departure transfer, insurance
- Other meals, drinks and any optional additional tours and activities during free time
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls/internet access, souvenirs, tips & gratuities
A section of the magnificent Great Wall of China
Overnight Trains
The overnight trains are a comfortable way to travel. We travel soft-sleeper and there are 4 people to a compartment. Your luggage is with you and can be stored overhead or under the bed. Pillows and blankets are supplied. There are both squat and western style toilets. Dinner can be purchased in the dining car or from trolley vendors. A meal will cost at least RMB20; alternatively you can bring your own food onboard. Drinks bought on the train will not be chilled. Hot water for drinking is available - you may wish to bring your own mug.
Local Leaders
By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as important, however, is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader’s friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
Tipping
Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend 10% in restaurants, and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags. At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing what is an appropriate amount to tip. It is customary to tip your tour leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
