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25 Days
Hanoi to Beijing Overland
Explore the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, trek through spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, ride bikes past limestone karsts rising from lush paddy fields, cruise down the Yangtze, and walk along ancient trade routes.
n hanoi n KunMing n dali n lijiang n tiger leaping gorge treK n yangShuo n yangtze river CruiSe n Xian & terraCotta WarriorS n beijing & forbidden City n great Wall
Days -2/Hanoi Our trip begins in Hanoi arrive early if possible, as theres so much to see. We take a city tour visiting the ancient One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the infamous Hanoi Hilton (the Hoa Lo Prison). Take the time to explore Hanoi on foot the backstreets of the Old Quarter are like a living museum. Days 3-5/Kunming Leaving Vietnam at the town of Lao Cai, we cross into China and continue our journey to Kunming, witnessing some spectacular mountain scenery along the way. Kunming is a beautiful city with wide boulevards, picturesque lakes and tranquil gardens. Take a stroll around the city, exploring the flower markets and the vibrant shopping precinct. In the evening of Day 5 we board a sleeper train to Dali. Days 6-7/Dali There is so much to see around this travellers Mecca. Ride into the surrounding countryside on bicycles and visit a local Bai village, catch a ferry across Erhai Lake and explore the lakeside village of Wase, or maybe just relax in a sidewalk café and enjoy some jasmine tea. Day 8/Lijiang Lijiangs Old Town is criss-crossed by a maze of narrow streets and canals that are lined by rickety wooden buildings and bustling market squares. Staying in an authentic Naxi-style guesthouse, theres time to explore this beautiful part of town at your leisure. In the evening, we enjoy a recital from the local Naxi Orchestra. Days 9-/Tiger Leaping Gorge Over the next three days, we trek above the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, along the scenic trails of Tiger Leaping Gorge. There are some steep climbs, but youll enjoy mind-blowing views. There are small villages along the trail where we can stop for a rest and chat with the locals.
Day 2/Kunming Returning to Kunming, theres one last chance to look around this beautiful city before leaving Yunnan Province. Before you go, youve got to try out the local delicacy, Over the Bridge noodles. Days 3-5/Yangshuo A short flight and a bus trip bring us to Yangshuo. Here, we cruise up the Li River, with picture-perfect scenery, before hiring bikes to ride past the amazing limestone karsts that rise from the surrounding paddy fields. Days 6-20/Yangtze River Cruise - Chongqing Yichang, the starting point of our boat journey along the mighty Yangtze River, is a thriving river port city. An evening walk along the river offers insights into the lifestyle of the locals. Over the following two days well make our way along the Yangtze, cruising past sheer cliff faces, large cities and small, busy villages. We leave the riverboat on the third afternoon and head to the bustling city of Chongqing. Theres a free day here to explore or relax before we board an overnight train bound for Xian.
Days 2-22/Xian - Terracotta Warriors The army of Terracotta Warriors is one of Chinas greatest archaeological treasures. After seeing this amazing sight, theres time to wander through the laneways of Xians enchanting Muslim Quarter (try the fantastic dumplings!) or walk along the top of the ancient city wall. Days 23-25/Beijing - Great Wall During our stay in Chinas capital, we explore the majestic Forbidden City and visit Tiananmen Square. A visit to China wouldnt be complete without taking a walk along the Great Wall an amazing experience. Theres plenty of free time to wander through the hutongs (narrow alleyways) and explore the many other sights of Beijing. Our overland journey ends in Beijing on the morning of Day 25.
Group size: Maximum 15. Grade: Active. Transport: bicycle, bus, plane, riverboat, sleeper train, trek. Accommodation: 5 nights sleeper train, 6 nights guesthouse, 11 nights hotel, 2 nights boat. Meals: 1 breakfast. Local payment: Your tour leader will collect US$300 from each person on Day 4. Want more? Link this trip with another Geckos adventure: China Escape, Untamed China, Trans Mongolian Railway. Tour Code: GTHO. Prices: See inside cover. Further Info & Trip Notes: www.geckosadventures.co.uk/trips/gtho
Starts Thu 2007 11-Oct 25-Oct 08-Nov 2008 28-Feb Finishes 13-Mar 27-Mar Sun 10-Apr 08-May 04-Nov 22-May 18-Nov 05-Jun 02-Dec 19-Jun 26-Jun 23-Mar 06-Apr 20-Apr 04-May 01-Jun 15-Jun 29-Jun 13-Jul 20-Jul 03-Jul 14-Aug 28-Aug 11-Sep 25-Sep 09-Oct 23-Oct 06-Nov 27-Jul 07-Sep 21-Sep 05-Oct 19-Oct 02-Nov 16-Nov 30-Nov 2009 26-Feb 12-Mar 26-Mar 16-Apr 30-Apr
Trip info
22-Mar 05-Apr 19-Apr 10-May 24-May
Beijing Xian Chongqing Lijiang Dali Jinghong Kunming Longji Valley
CHINA
Yichang Wuhan
ý
Guilin Yangshuo
Guangzhou
Lao Cai
V VIETNAM LAOS 34 THAILAND
Hanoi Hanoi to Beijing Overland
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