Your challenge day by day
Day 1, Fri 14 May 2010
International Departure from London
The countdown is over as we meet at London Heathrow for the long-awaited adventure. A Charity Challenge representative will meet the group to assist with check-in.
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Day 2, Sat 15 May 2010
Transfer from Beijing airport to Changping
A local Charity Challenge agent will meet you at the airport and oversee the 2.5 hour transfer to the lodge in the Ming Tomb Reservoir area of northern Beijing. The afternoon is free to fit your bike and spend at your leisure. The first team dinner tonight will be followed by a challenge briefing. Overnight at lodge.
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Day 3, Sun 16 May 2010
Changping to Xiushui Village, Yanqing (approx 85kms)
Set off along the Ming Tomb Reservoir to the mausoleum area where 13 Ming emperors are buried. It’s a gentle start, but two tough hills follow, affording the first glimpse of the Great Wall. Later, the ride passes the ancient town of Yongning, before the final 33km. Overnight in lodge.
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Day 4, Mon 17 May 2010
Yanqing to Yunmeng Mountain (approx 85kms)
The day begins with a ride into the ‘landscape corridor’, between Yanqing and Tanghekou in Huairou County. The landscape changes over 50km. from a flat country road to Yunmeng Mountain. The rest of the day is spent on the National Road, climbing up the mountain through tunnels on the way. Ultimately we arrive at Yunmeng, China’s Grand Canyon, for a night in a nearby lodge.
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Day 5, Tue 18 May 2010
Yunmeng Mountain to Jinshanling Great Wall (approx 80kms)
Tiredness may be setting in by now, but the stunning surroundings will spur you on as you pass through the canyon. After about 15km, the route turns off onto a typical rural Chinese road. From here it’s a long and somewhat uphill ride on a main road, bringing you to your home for the night – a lodge alongside the Great Wall.
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Day 6, Wed 19 May 2010
Jinshanling Great Wall (approx 75kms)
This morning you’ll have the opportunity to walk on the wall. It’s then back in the saddle for 35km until you reach the Miyun Reservoir. From here you will the course of the water, passing by family-run fish restaurants and fields of fruit as you ride. The final leg will be faster on a newer and wider road, leading to your lodge for the night.
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Day 7, Thu 20 May 2010
Miyun to Huanghuacheng Great Wall through Mutianyu Great Wall (approx 80kms)
Starting on rural pathways, you join the National Road after two hours. Head for the lush Yanqi Lake, before approaching the Hongluo Temple and World Heritage Site at Mutianyu Great Wall. After a brief stop, it’s onwards to a rarely visited village at the foot of the wall in Huanghuacheng. Climb up to a watchtower for the spectacular views, before returning to a lodge for the night.
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Day 8, Fri 21 May 2010
Huanghuacheng Great Wall to Ming Tombs (approx 20kms)
The final 20kms of the ride are on an undulating path to the Ming Tombs, from where the ride began. After some victory selfies, we pack up the bikes and then have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Time permitting, we will stop at a jade factory en route back to Beijing. And then it’s time for a celebratory dinner before staying overnight in a centrally-located hotel.
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Day 9, Sat 22 May 2010
Full day city tour of Beijing
Now the adrenaline has stopped pumping, it’s time for a day touring China’s fascinating capital city. Led by a local guide, we will explore the Forgotten City, Tiananmen Square and The Temple of Heaven before navigating our way around the city’s market for some last minute souvenirs. The day ends with a sumptuous Chinese banquet – the perfect way to round off our unforgettable journey.
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Day 10, Sun 23 May 2010
Arrive Home
After breakfast, you will have a few hours to explore, before being transferred to Beijing Airport for the return journey to London.
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Day 10, Sun 23 May 2010
Free day in Beijing and Board the Overnight Train to Xian
The day is yours to explore Beijing. Take an optional tour to the splendid Summer Palace or visit one of the city’s markets for some last minute souvenirs. After an early dinner, catch the overnight train to Xian. Please note that the four-berth cabins are air-conditioned and for both men and women together. (B, D)
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Day 11, Mon 24 May 2010
Arrive Xian. Visit Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
Upon arrival in Xian, transfer to a nearby hotel. After breakfast, you visit the Grand Mosque in Xian city before your transfer to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Lunch and a dumpling dinner are included today and in the evening you will be taken to the famous Tang Dynasty cultural show. Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)
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Day 12, Tue 25 May 2010
Yangling Tomb & Afternoon in Beijing
After breakfast, visit the Yangling Tomb which dates back 2,000 years. Later in the day, you will fly back to Beijing and transfer to your. Please note that dinner is not included tonight, so you are free to dine wherever you choose and explore all that Beijing has to offer at night. (B)
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Day 13, Wed 26 May 2010
Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight to UK
Depart for international flight back to the UK arriving the same day. (B)
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Important information about the Xian Extension extension
Day 10: Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
Transfer from your hotel in Beijing to the airport for morning flight to Xian. Once the largest city in the world and capital for 11 dynasties, Xian is a favourite destination for travellers to China, due, in no small part, to the 1974 discovery of 6000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, warriors and horses which were created over 2200 years ago to guard the tomb of the first emperor in China’s history Qin Shihuang. Upon arrival, transfer to the Terracotta Museum. Lunch and dinner are included today and in the evening you get the chance to enjoy a Tang Dynasty cultural show. Overnight hotel. (B,L D)
Day 11: Yangling Tomb & Afternoon in Beijing
After breakfast visit to the Yangling Tomb of Han Dynasty dating back 2,000 years which is still an ongoing archaeological project. Later in the day, you will fly back to Beijing and transfer to your overnight hotel. (B, D)
Day 12: Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight to UK
Depart for international flight back to the UK arriving the same day. (B)
Included:
- Return flights to Xian
- All transfers
- Accommodation on twin share basis in Xian at the 4* Le Garden hotel (www.legardens.com) and in Bejing at the 4* Radisson Blu (www.radissonblu.com/hotel-beijing)*
- All sightseeing, entrances and meals as mentioned in the above itinerary
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.
Important information about the Beijing Extension extension
Day 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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.
