Beijing Extension

Great Wall Discovery

Day 9 of the itinerary - Day 11 of the itinerary

Day 9: City Tour

You will be met by your guide after breakfast and will start today’s sightseeing with a visit to the Summer Palace which includes a short lake cruise. Being one of China's largest and best preserved imperial gardens dating back over 300 years, the Summer Palace used to be the place where the imperial families spent their summers. From here, you will drive to the Bird’s Nest stadium where you will have the opportunity to take a look inside this incredible structure, so called due to its elliptical latticework which likens it to a gigantic bird’s nest. Taking 5 years to complete, it was the main venue for the 2008 Olympic Games. After lunch (included) you will continue to the Lama Temple built in the 17th century, which still acts today as a Tibetan Buddhist temple. Here you will be surprised by the 18-meter-high Maitreya Buddha statue sculptured out of a piece of 26-meter-long log of sandal wood. Dinner is not included today to offer you the chance to sample your own choice of local cuisine!) (B,L)

Day 10: City Tour

In the morning, you will be collected for a Hutong Tour in a rickshaw along old Beijing's small allies (known as hu-tong), up to Drum Tower. The Hutong Tour is the best way to see traditional life in Beijing. Here you will find many square courtyards, most of which were privately owned in the old times. The inhabitants of Old Beijing had their square courtyards built in the Hutongs as a symbol of wealth. Now most courtyards have been torn down however the area you are going to see has been very well-preserved, reminding you of the city's spacious culture. After lunch, you can be dropped off at the shopping area upon request, where the guide will be at your service. Once you’ve spent all you can, you will be treated to dinner at a fine restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 11: International Departure

After breakfast, you will have a last brief chance to explore or do a spot of shopping before being transferred to Beijing airport for the return flight to London Heathrow. (B)

Included:

• Accommodation at the 4* Radisson Blu Hotel (www.radissonblu.com/hotel-beijing)*
• All transfers
• All sightseeing and entrances as described in the above itinerary
• All meals as described above

Excluded:

• Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
• Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)

Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking.

*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.