China’s Cultural Delights

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China's Cultural Delights

The Great Wall ... the Forbidden City ... the Sacred Way. From the Ming Dynasty through the Communist era, China’s treasures have been largely hidden from outsiders. But now visitors stroll through the pavilions and lush gardens of the Summer Palace, shop for silk in Old Shanghai, search the faces of an Emperor’s terracotta minions, and stand upon the ­ramparts of the Great Wall, ­gazing across the hills into history.

Our 19-day adventure combines the highlights of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai with an epic 11-day Yangtze River Cruise featuring China’s spectacular Three Gorges region. We’ll also visit the birthplace of porcelain in Jingdezhen, see Mt. Jiu Hua’s remote Buddhist Temple complex, and tour elegant classical gardens in Suzhou. As always with a Furlongs tour, we’ve carefully chosen our suppliers to ­provide a top quality ­holiday experience. You’ll stay in superior hotels, cruise aboard the best ship on the Yangtze, and enjoy a comprehensive selection of interesting excursions. Exceptional value-for-money is assured with our ­inclusive ­itinerary covering everything you need, plus a few things you won’t expect. For instance we cover all tips including ship crew gratuities, and include wine with some of our dinner events. Our proprietors, Richard and Dawn Furlong, will accompany guests from the UK and host ­the tour throughout.

If you fancy a spectacular tour travelling in safe hands and in the ­company of other ­discerning folk, join our China 2012 tour. Take advantage of the attractive early booking discounts but please be prompt as we have limited capacity. 

Why choose Furlongs?

First and foremost because we really do look after you. Each of our tours is researched and planned meticulously. From first hand experience we select the best suppliers and our prices cover just about everything you need, including excursions, entry fees and gratuities. Having fun is important too, so there’s always a few nice surprises, good humour and good ­company. Uniquely, the proprietors, Richard and Dawn Furlong ­personally escort every tour. We are ABTA members since 1982 and our ATOL licence gives you 100% financial peace of mind.

Why we chose Viking River Cruises

Following our highly successful partnership with Viking River Cruises in Russia, we're pleased to select another Viking ship for the 10-night Yangtze River Cruise within our China Cultural Delights tour. Viking operates the world’s best fleet of deluxe vessels built specifically for river travel. With over 175 years of heritage in European river ­cruising, Viking is the most knowledgeable ­company in the business. 

Newly launched on the Yangtze River for the 2011 sailing season, the VIKING EMERALD is a state-of-the-art river cruise ­vessel with just 128 ­staterooms. Accommodation is spacious and each stateroom has a private ­balcony. Public rooms include an observation lounge, bar, sun deck and restaurant. The ship’s hotel operations are 100% ­managed by Viking’s Swiss-trained team, employing the best and most knowledgeable English-speaking staff.  

Tour Dates

Sunday 21st October to Thursday 8th November 2012

Itinerary, 19 days

Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart London Heathrow with British Airways on a direct, non-stop service to Beijing. With a mid-afternoon flight time, ­connections can be arranged from most regional airports. (D*)

Day 2 - Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s former Imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years. We transfer from the ­airport to our deluxe hotel for a 3-night stay. Enjoy a day at leisure. (B*,D)

Day 3 - The Forbidden City
This morning we visit Tiananmen Square then tour Beijing’s mysterious Forbidden City, off limits to visitors for 500 years. Explore its ­pavilions, courtyards and gardens. After lunch, we walk among the elegant buildings and ­landscaped gardens of the 700-acre Summer Palace. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - The Great Wall
After breakfast we travel to the Badaling Hills to walk the fabled Great Wall of China. Following lunch in a local restaurant we’ll stroll along the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue with amazing animal sculptures that guard the Ming Tombs. This evening you may relax and dine at the hotel or choose an optional evening featuring China’s famous Peking duck dinner and a recital by ­performers from the renowned Peking Opera. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Old Beijing / Xian
This morning we discover the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese life in Old Beijing’s narrow alleys via rickshaw! We’ll also visit a silk carpet workshop. After lunch we fly to Xian, China’s capital during several important ­dynasties. From 618 to 907 AD the Tang Dynasty presided over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods. This evening you may dine and relax at our hotel or choose an optional dinner show featuring song and dance of this colourful era. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Terracotta Warriors
We tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was buried over 2,000 years ago. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized ­terracotta warriors, archers, infantrymen and horses ­provided to accompany him into the afterlife. After lunch we fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze, to board our ship. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Fengdu
This afternoon we sail into Fengdu, a city dating back to the Han Dynasty. From here we visit the Snow Jade Cave, an underground labyrinth of caverns featuring ­dramatic limestone formations. Back on board we enjoy dinner and evening ­cruising. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Shibaozhai
After a morning of scenic cruising along the Yangtze, we tour the 12-storey Shibaozhai Temple, an impressive example of Qing Dynasty architecture set on the banks of the river. You may climb to the top for ­breathtaking views of the river. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Three Gorges
Today we begin cruising past the spectacular limestone cliffs known as the Three Gorges. During the 150-mile journey, we first pass Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest of the three larger gorges. We board smaller boats to cruise the Daning River into the exquisite Lesser Three Gorges. Some of the Yangtze’s most beautiful scenery lies in these gorges, a series of limestone ridges, ­inaccessible by larger ships. After lunch back on board we sail through Witches Gorge and this evening navigate the five-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Three Gorges Dam
After breakfast we disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Then cruise through Xiling Gorge, towards Jingzhou. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Jingzhou
This morning we visit Jingzhou, to be ­greeted by children from a local elementary school that has been sponsored by our ship, the Viking Emerald. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Dongting Lake
Today we cross Dongting Lake, China’s ­second largest freshwater lake. We stop for a visit to the 66 foot high Yueyang Tower and its nearby pavilions, originally built during the Qing Dynasty. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - Wuhan
After breakfast we stop in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. Here we visit the Provincial Museum to see its many ancient artifacts, and to enjoy a musical performance of the museum’s noted collection of chimes and bells. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - Jingdezhen
Jingdezhen is called “the Porcelain Capital” due to its 1,700-year history of making ­pottery. We’ll visit the Ceramic Historical Museum and learn how ceramics were ­produced in ancient times and their ­significance to each dynasty. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - Mt. Jiu Hua
Today we experience the tranquil beauty of Mt. Jiu Hua, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. Included is a visit to the 200 year old Zhan Chan Lin Temple. (B,L,D)

Day 16 - Nanjing / Suzhou
After breakfast in Nanjing we disembark the Viking Emerald and head for Suzhou, nicknamed “Venice of the East” for its ­intricate canals. We take a guided walk through the Old Town and along the city’s canals before touring a silk factory and the exquisite Fisherman’s Garden. After lunch we ­continue to Shanghai by coach and check in at our hotel for a 3-night stay. (B,L,D)

Day 17 - Old Shanghai
This morning we tour Old Shanghai, which retains its narrow lanes and sights and sounds of ancient times. Then visit Yuyuan Garden which features five acres of delicate pavilions and winding paths and a Grand Rockery. Dinner at a local restaurant is ­followed by a performance of Shanghai’s wonderfully ­talented acrobats. (B,D)

Day 18 - Shanghai
Today we enjoy a drive along the Bund, the city’s elegant riverside promenade, and visit the Shanghai Museum to see some of the extensive collection of ancient Chinese art. (B,D) 

Day 19 - Shanghai to UK
After breakfast we head for Shanghai Airport to check in for our direct, non-stop flight home to the UK. (B,L*,D*) 

NB: Due to demand we are offering this tour well in advance of the October 2012 departure date. The British Airways flights and our various tour arrangements will not be finalised until late in 2011 so we must reserve the right to amend the advertised itinerary for operational reasons. Any such adjustments will be advised by 31st December 2011.

The Viking Emerald

Following our successful partnership with ­Viking River Cruises in Russia, we’re pleased to select another Viking ship ­for our 10-night Yangtze River voyage. We’ve ­chosen the Viking Emerald, a beautiful, state-of-the-art river cruise vessel built new for the 2011 sailing season. Accommodating a maximum of just 256 guests, the Viking Emerald is one of the most ­sophisticated river ships in the world. Every spacious ­stateroom boasts hotel style beds, private facilities and a full balcony. The ship’s hotel ­operations are 100% managed by Viking’s Swiss-trained ­management team, employing the best and most ­knowledgeable English-speaking staff.

Staterooms

• All staterooms are outside with river view.
• All staterooms have sliding glass doors to a private balcony.
• Hotel style beds and furnishings.
• Private en-suite with shower, washbasin and WC.
• Hair dryer, telephone, room safe, TV.
• Individual climate control.

Ship Facilities

• Sun deck with sweeping views.
• Restaurant with panoramic views.
• Observation Lounge.
• Emerald Bar.
• Internet café and Reading room.
• Onboard boutique and tailor.
• Gym, sauna and massage services.
• Doctor and hairdresser on board.
• Attentive English-speaking staff.
• Two elevators with access to all decks.

Detailed Stateroom Information

Main Deck

Staterooms 201-209: Category F Deluxe, 269 sq ft.
Staterooms 211-230: Category E Deluxe, 269 sq ft.

Middle Deck

Staterooms 303-311, 344-351: Category D Deluxe, 269 sq ft.
Staterooms 312-327, 330-343: Category C Deluxe, 269 sq ft.
Suites 328-329: Category Junior Suite, 301 sq ft.
Suites 301-302: Category Presidential Suite, 840 sq ft.

Upper Deck

Staterooms 401-408, 437-444: Category B Deluxe, 269 sq ft.
Staterooms 409-420, 423-436: Category A Deluxe, 269 sq ft.
Suites 421-422: Category Junior Suite, 301 sq ft.

Observation Deck

Suites 501-516: Category Suite, 327 sq ft.

Tour Prices

Prices vary according to the ship cabin chosen. This table shows the 2012 tour costs with early booking discounts subject to availability.

What's Included ...

• International flights, round trip
• Domestic flight, Beijing to Xian
• Domestic flight, Xian to Chongqing
• 3-nights Beijing deluxe hotel
• 1-night Xian deluxe hotel
• 10-nights Yangtze river cruise
• 3-nights Shanghai deluxe hotel
• Half board on land tour + 4 lunches
• Full board on ship
• Beijing city tour
• Great Wall excursion
• Visit to the Sacred Way
• Rickshaw ride
• Silk Carpet Workshop tour
• Terracotta Army excursion
• Snow Jade Cave tour
• Three Small Gorges excursion
• Three Gorges Dam Visitor Centre
• Ceramics History tour
• Wuhan Provincial Museum visit
• Shibaozhai Temple tour
• Yueyang Tower tour
• Mt. Jiu Hua excursion
• Silk factory tour
• Visit to Suzhou’s Fisherman’s Garden
• Shanghai city tour
• Visit to Shanghai Museum
• Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe revue
• Bronze bell performance
• Jingzhou school visit
• On board lectures and presentations
• Port charges
• Transfers
• Airport and ­prepaid air taxes
• Gratuities (including ship crew)
• Personally escorted from the UK

Frequently Asked Questions

This A-to-Z section gives you useful travel information about our China's Cultural Delights tour including health advice, passport requirements and details about our airport services. If you have any questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact us. Richard and Dawn will be delighted to help you.

Airport parking and hotels

We offer discounted airport hotel reservations and airport parking. Please contact us for further information.

Departure service

For this tour you may join us at London Heathrow or at our office near Tenterden in Kent. We will operate complimentary private coach transfers from our office to Heathrow at the beginning of the holiday and back to our office at the end of the holiday. You may park your car at our office for the duration of the holiday (park at no cost but at your own risk). Coach transfer times will be confirmed once the flight schedule is finalised.

Flights

Included are economy class scheduled flights with British Airways from London Heathrow. Connections from most regional UK airports should also be possible. Please enquire for further details. Premium economy and business class upgrades may also be available. As a guide, the per person round-trip upgrade costs for the 2011 season are £550 for premium economy and £2,500 for business class. The flights within China will be on local scheduled services and available in economy class only.

The anticipated British Airways flight schedule, subject to confirmation, is:-

• Sunday 21st October 2012
  BA39, departing Heathrow Terminal One at 4.45pm, arriving Beijing 9.30am local time next day. Flight duration is 9 hrs 45 mins.
• Thursday 8th November 2012
  BA168, departing Shanghai at 10.55am, arriving Heathrow Terminal One at 3.40pm local time, same day. Flight duration is 12 hrs 45 mins.

Due to demand we are offering this tour well in advance of the October 2012 departure date. The British Airways flights will not be finalised until late in 2011 so we must reserve the right to amend the advertised itinerary for operational reasons. Any such adjustments will be advised by 31st December 2011.

Health

The risks to health whilst travelling will vary between individuals and many issues need to be taken into account, e.g. activities abroad, length of stay and general health of the traveller. It is recommended that you consult with your General Practitioner or Practice Nurse who will assess your particular health risks. This is also a good opportunity to discuss important travel health issues including safe food and water, accidents, sun exposure and insect bites. Many of the problems experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccinations and other preventive measures need to be taken.

Typical advice for visiting China confirms similar precautions as recommended for life in Britain, i.e. tetanus, hepatitis A, diphtheria. Our proposed itinerary does not visit areas currently identified as a malaria risk.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo publishes essential travel tips and up-to-date information about travelling abroad. You may also ring them on 0870 6060290. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC (The National Travel Network and Centre) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that all guests have adequate travel insurance for this tour. We recommend "Holiday Extras Travel Insurance" which is underwritten by Europ Assistance, but we are happy for you to arrange your own cover so long as it provides suitable cover. For details of the recommended insurance please call Holiday Extras direct on 0870 844 2742 and quote "Furlongs WZ679", or click here.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner is included each day on the land tour, plus 4 lunches during excursions. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included on board ship. Celebrity chef Martin Yan has created a delightful on board Chinese and Western menu, exclusive to the Viking Emerald. Meals in our hotels will mainly be Western-style with some lunches ­featuring regional specialities at carefully selected local ­restaurants.

Money

The local currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Furlongs Travel will offer a currency service free of commission and full details will be circulated to guests in due course. Major credit cards may be used on board ship but local shops, especially outside the main cities will only accept Yuan cash.

Passports and Visas

You need a full passport valid for at least one month beyond the holiday dates. You also need to obtain a China visitor visa in advance. Furlongs Travel will be organising visas for all guests on this tour. Full details will be circulated to all guests in due course.

Singles/Twin Shares

There is a limited number of ship staterooms and hotel bedrooms available for sole occupancy (single occupancy tour prices apply). If you are booking alone but may be happy to share we'll be pleased to help you find a sharer.

Terms and Conditions

Itineraries and prices are subject to change. Reservations are subject to our terms and conditions of booking, to review these please click here.