NON-Timeshare trip - Looking at Tour Options to China.....2013

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Pat，

I am thinking of doing one of those trips next year, i.e. 2012. Here in Toronto, Canada, the competition is really cut throat that a two weeks Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, plus the river cruise will cost $1999 Canadian dollars. Tibet or Xinjiang or Guilin costs $2999. A lot cheaper than what you have found.

See this as an example: China Picturesque 14 Days Tour

Also, you can take a look at Tian Bao Travel at Tian Bao Travel.

This company leads in the competition and offers a very low price.

You can attach a one week time share in Beijing before or after your trip. RCI has lots of availability.

Thank you for all this information - and yes, there does sem to be a LOT of competition for this type trip.

[davhu1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close davhu1]

Here in Toronto, Canada, the competition is really cut throat that a two weeks Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, plus the river cruise will cost $1999 Canadian dollars. [/url]

That is a good price if from a reputable tour operator and if the tour will actually take place. I have found some cheaper tours and actual departure is still questionable. Here are some catches:

- Cannot guarantee departure. (They need a large group to take advantage of the discount.)
- Listed price are outdated.
- Lots of shopping excursions (tour guides are less paid and make commission from shop owners.
- Large add on fare for east coast departure.

[davhu1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close davhu1]

Thank you - the price quoted is with air?

Do you know what is it without air as many will have FF miles to use.

Price included air.
I do not know if the do land only. It was not listed but you can email them (they were very reponsive to my questions). My credit card was charged saparetly, one for air and one for the tour company. The charge for Cathay Pacific was ~$1,600 per person. Sometime tour company get rebate from the airline. The the land package could be more than $1,600.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Price included air.
I do not know if the do land only. It was not listed but you can email them (they were very responsive to my questions). My credit card was charged separately, one for air and one for the tour company. The charge for Cathay Pacific was ~$1,600 per person. Sometime tour company get rebate from the airline. The the land package could be more than $1,600.

Thank you, that is interesting about the separate charge - makes you think it could be booked with or without - but as u say, it would be extremely unlikely that the tour would only be $1600.....

This one also looks nice - here I am back on the river!!! Wonder if we could do a Hong Kong add on for those that want to stay a few more days.... Yangtze Essence 15 Days (Downstream)

Visit: Beijing(3 nights),Xian(2 nights),Guilin(2 nights),Yangshuo(1 night),Chongqing,Yangtze River Cruise(on Victoria Jenna executive deck 3 nights),Shanghai(2 nights)

I emailed them about tour without air....and they seem to be a Chinese Company???

[davhu1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close davhu1]

Thank you, that is interesting about the separate charge - makes you think it could be booked with or without - but as u say, it would be extremely unlikely that the tour would only be $1600.....

This one also looks nice - here I am back on the river!!! Wonder if we could do a Hong Kong add on for those that want to stay a few more days.... Yangtze Essence 15 Days (Downstream)

Visit: Beijing(3 nights),Xian(2 nights),Guilin(2 nights),Yangshuo(1 night),Chongqing,Yangtze River Cruise(on Victoria Jenna executive deck 3 nights),Shanghai(2 nights)

I emailed them about tour without air....and they seem to be a Chinese Company???

The air carrier for this tour is Air China. You would need to add airfare from Shaghai to Hong Kong and then back to Beijing to catch the flight back to US. That adds another $300-$400 to the tour cost.

It's a Chinese company with offices in NY, CA and China. Most American use Ritz Tour as the tour guide mainly uses English. Peony is part of Ritz but is use mainly by Chinese as the tour guide are bilingual. I find most Non-Chinese owned tour operators charge around $1,000 or more for a 14 day trip. It's a lot more when x 4 for us.

[LisaH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LisaH]

That's a reputeable tour company. They have been in business for a while. The itinerary sounds great, just the kind of tour that I would be interested.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

That's a reputeable tour company. They have been in business for a while. The itinerary sounds great, just the kind of tour that I would be interested.

China Essence 14 Day or "Pat is on the River" tour ???

I have been clicking around the website .... and it does seem very nice.
I emailed them about the airfare and requested a brochure as well.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

I am beginning to think that the lower priced/less inclusive type Gate 1 Travel Tour would work out better because of the flexibility of everything NOT being included - because if you pay for it you HAVE TO DO IT, don't cha!

Something to think about.

You know this has been my experience with organized tours.

I did a first class tour of Israel years ago and EVERYTHING was included and you had to keep a rigid schedule. I didn't really mind it cause I really wanted to maximize my time there and didn't feel too comfortable wandering around on my own anyway but I have found that in Europe I don't like everything included and have been much happier doing the COSMOS tours which are budget instead of the deluxe everything is included tours.

Mom and I did Ireland, Switzerland and Italy on COSMOS (not at the same time) and I gotta say that it was way better with lots of optional stuff that you could skip and we were able to eat local eateries.

It probably cost us a little more to do some things on our own but it was a much slower pace and I was more able to enjoy the places we stayed at. The only problem with some of the budget tours is that they overnight you outside of the downtown city areas, usually in a suburb or even a town over from the city they advertise. I kind of found this actually nicer than always staying in a downtown location. Don't know if this would work in China though.

[LisaH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LisaH]

China Essence 14 Day or "Pat is on the River" tour ???

I have been clicking around the website .... and it does seem very nice.
I emailed them about the airfare and requested a brochure as well.

Sorry I meant peonytours.com and its Yangtze Essence 15 Days...

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

You know this has been my experience with organized tours.

I did a first class tour of Israel years ago and EVERYTHING was included and you had to keep a rigid schedule. I didn't really mind it cause I really wanted to maximize my time there and didn't feel too comfortable wandering around on my own anyway but I have found that in Europe I don't like everything included and have been much happier doing the COSMOS tours which are budget instead of the deluxe everything is included tours.

Mom and I did Ireland, Switzerland and Italy on COSMOS (not at the same time) and I gotta say that it was way better with lots of optional stuff that you could skip and we were able to eat local eateries.

It probably cost us a little more to do some things on our own but it was a much slower pace and I was more able to enjoy the places we stayed at. The only problem with some of the budget tours is that they overnight you outside of the downtown city areas, usually in a suburb or even a town over from the city they advertise. I kind of found this actually nicer than always staying in a downtown location. Don't know if this would work in China though.

Chris, I truly like a mix of organized and time on my own.
China seems to be a place where it is recommended that you do tours - there is a LOT of moving around and being included in the tour is a big plus.
I also feel that having an explanation of what we are seeing - the history the purpose the insights - will be very valuable and interesting to me.

The hotels/cruise line this company uses are also more to my liking/level of comfort that I prefer.

I did two week in France last summer all on my own, toured all over Paris and the Riviera and I do not speak French - I felt comfortable and would do it again.

Next Year in Australia/NZ, I wil be doing many things "on my own" with friends - no problem.

The cultural differences are vast - this is an area where I feel a more organized tour is the way to go, but I do feel it is not for everyone.

That being said - the 3 day cruise/tour in the middle of this makes a nice break for those of us who do not want to get up and "go" every day but not miss the "highlights"

Sorry I meant peonytours.com and its Yangtze Essence 15 Days...

Yangtze Essence 15 Days (Downstream) (2011) Tour Code: PCD

Day 1 | USA~Beijing
Our vacation begins as we board an international flight for Beijing, the capital of China.

Day 2 | Arrive Beijing
Arrive at Beijing. We meet our guide and head to our five-star accommodations.

Day 3 | Beijing (AB, L, DS)
A full-day tour of Beijing keeps us busy today. Our tour starts with Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the site of many famous assemblies. Proceed to the Forbidden City. This “city-within-a-city” was the imperial court of Ming and Qing emperors. We next visit the Summer Palace, a place of rest and recreation for the emperor and his royal family. Return to the city and visit the Qianmen Street. For dinner tonight, we indulge our plates with the local specialty cuisines. After dinner, we enjoy the stage performance of the “Legend of Kungfu”.

Day 4 | Beijing (AB, L, DP)
The Great Wall is the destination for this morning’s excursion. After lunch, our sightseeing tour includes picture stops at the National Grand Theater, the “Water Cube” Aquatics Centre, and the “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium. In the evening, we taste traditionally prepared Peking Duck Banquet.

Day 5 | Beijing~Xian (AB, L, DP)
Visit the Temple of Heaven, the site where emperors prayed to the heaven for a bountiful harvest, then board a flight to Xian, the historic starting point of the famed Silk Road. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. On our way to the hotel, we drive by the massive 40-feet City Wall. A local hot pot cuisine will be served for dinner tonight.

Day 6 | Xian (AB, L, DS)
Full day tour of Xian shows us the Terra-Cotta Warriors of Qinshihuang and the Hua Qin Hot Spring. In the evening, we are treated to the Imperial Dumpling Banquet and then entertained by the Stage Show of Tang Dynasty.

Day 7 | Xian~Guilin (AB, L, DH)
Complete our Xian tour with a visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Guilin. Karst limestone formations imbue Guilin’s landscape with a mystical quality. Upon arrival, we explore the Reed Flute Cave where fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations impress us as magical and otherworldly. Elephant Trunk Hill is also visited. Dinner at hotel tonight.

Day 8 | Guilin~Yangshuo (AB, L, DS)
A meandering river cruise down the Li River is a delightful way to appreciate the serene, fairytale landscape of Southern China. Lunch is served aboard. The cruise ends as we arrive at Yangshou. In the evening, enjoy the fantastic Minority Musical Stage Performance on Li River - “Yingxiang Liusanjie”. The show is directed by Chinese famous director Yimou Zhang. (The admission will be fully refunded if the show is canceled due to any nature elements)

Day 9 | Yangshuo~Guilin (AB, L, DS)
Our city tour of Yangshuo includes visits to the Big Banyan, the Moon Hill, and the ancient “West Street”. Later today we head back to Guilin by bus. Tonight, we are treated to a local specialty rice noodle cuisine dinner.
Day 10 | Guilin~Chongqing~Yangtze River Cruise (AB, L, DP)
Take a morning flight to Chongqing, the famous “Mountain City”. After a tour of the zoo and a delicious local hot pot cuisine dinner, we board our five-star Victoria Cruises vessel and begin our exciting Yangtze River adventure.

Day 11 | Yangtze River Cruise (Shihbaozhai or Fengdu or Wanzhou) (B, L, D)
Our first shore excursion occurs at the legendary “Ghost City” of Fengdu where we see its statues of ghosts and devils, or the new relocation village. Depending on river conditions, Fengdu may be substituted with Wanzhou or Shihbaozhai. Return to the ship later and continue down the river.

Day 12 | Yangtze River Cruise (Qutang Gorge~Wu Gorge~Daning River or Shenong Stream ) (B, L, D)
Enter the portion of the Yangtze that contains the Three Gorges. Navigate the narrow waterway of Qutang Gorge to arrive at Wushan, where we board smaller vessels to access the Three Lesser Gorges. As we ply through the shallow waters of either Daning River or Shennong Stream, we enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Day 13 | Yangtze River Cruise (Xiling Gorge~Three Gorges Dam)~Yichang~Shanghai (B, L, D)
We sail through Xiling Gorge and visit the Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest of its type in the world. Our cruise adventure ends as we arrive at Yichang. Upon arrival, we go to the airport and board a short flight to Shanghai, the largest city in China. Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 14 | Shanghai (AB, L, DS)
Start our city tour at the Nanjing Road, ground zero for shoppers and entertainment seekers. Move on to the splendid Yu Garden, then continue on to the famous waterfront Bund, a mile long stretch along the Huangpu River. In the evening we are entertained by the exciting Chinese Acrobatics Show after a Shanghai cuisine dinner.

Day 15 | Shanghai~USA (AB)
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our homebound flight.

AB=American Breakfast | B=Breakfast | L=Lunch | D=Dinner
DP=Dinner Party| DH=Dinner at Hotel | DS=Dinner and Show

The 2011 dates are Friday Departures which also works for our group travel contraints....

Departure Tour Fare Fuel Surcharge Tax Total Single Suppl.
3/18 $2,599 $309 $116 $3,024 $950
4/15 $2,699 $309 $116 $3,124 $950
4/29 $2,799 $309 $116 $3,224 $1,000


Round trip transpacific air ticket
All five stars hotel accommodations
Fine meals as specified in itinerary including daily breakfast in hotel and local specialty cuisines
Special entertainments:
Beijing-“The Legend of Kungfu” Show
Xian-Tang Dynasty Stage Show
Yangshuo-“Yinxiang Liusanjie” Minority Show
Victoria Cruise-Cultural Lectures, Lessons & Shows
Shanghai-Chinese Acrobatics Show

Daily comprehensive sightseeing program as outlined in the itinerary
Knowledgeable tour guide throughout China
Travel Insurance is provided at no additional charge if full payment is received by . Peony Tours 60 days prior to the departure date
A bottle of mineral water is provided on the bus every day

http://www.peonytours.com/ChinaReservationInfo.aspx Info about airfare

Air Transportation:
•For passengers departing from either Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO), a round trip international economy class air ticket and China domestic air ticket(s) will be included with the tour (except city packages).
•Please consult your travel agent or Peony Tours regarding the US domestic add-on airfare if you are departing from cities other than Los Angeles(LAX) or San Francisco(SFO).
•Air routing is at the discretion of Peony Tours for all of our tour packages.
•Clients purchasing their own domestic USA air add-ons do so at their own risk; Peony Tours reserves the right to change international airline used.
•All taxes, fees and surcharges associated with airline tickets vary by airline and travel destinations, and are subject to change at any time during the year. Clients are responsible for any such extra charges should they occur prior to final payment. Amounts listed are as of November 1, 2010. Up-to-date tax rates and fuel surcharges are available at www.peonytours.com.

*Prices listed are for Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) departure, based on Air China (CA); for New York (JFK)departure, the additional tour fare is $100.*For the most up-to-date prices, please visit our website prior to booking
*For departure gateways other than Los Angeles(LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York(JFK), please add appropriate USA domestic add-on fare (certain exclusion may apply):
Eastern Standard Time Zone-$400
Central Standard Time Zone-$350
Mountain Standard Time Zone-$300
Pacific Standard Time Zone-$150

City：Yangshuo

Green Lotus Hotel
Address: 1 Guanlian Road, Yangshuo, Guilin Guangxi China 541900
Tel: 86 773 888 6666 Fax: 86 773 888 6777
E-mail: greenlotushotel@glysbljj.com
Guilin Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel

City：Beijing

Marriott City Wall Hotel
Address: 7 Jian Guo Men South Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100005 China
Tel: 86 10 58 11 8888 Fax: 86 010 5811 9999
E-mail:
Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall: Beijing hotel accommodations

City：Guilin

Sheraton Hotel(Guilin)
Address: 15 Bin Jiang Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541001 China
Tel: 86 773 282 5588 Fax: 86 773 282 5598
E-mail: sheraton.guilin@sheraton.com
Sheraton Guilin Hotels: Sheraton Guilin Hotel - Hotel Rooms at sheraton

City：Shanghai

Swissotel Grand Hotel
Address: 1 Yu Yuan Road, Jing An District, Shanghai 200040 China
Tel: 86 21 5355 9898 Fax: 86 21 6288 9638
E-mail: shanghai@swissotel.com
Luxury Hotels Shanghai - 5 Star Swissotel Grand Shanghai Hotel

City：Yangtze River

Victoria Cruise Lines - Victoria Jenna
Victoria Cruises
http://www.victoriacruises.com/new/jenna.html
The only American cruise line on the Yangtze River
International multi-lingual cruise directors
All cabins are outside
All cabins have private balconies and bathrooms with bathtub and shower
Luxurious suite accommodations feature a private sitting area
All ships are fully air conditioned
Fabulous breakfast and luncheon buffets
Chinese dinner banquets served in an elegant single seating, and alternate dining arrangements available in our a la carte dining room
Facilities include a business center, reading room, fitness area, gift shop, and beauty salon
Onboard activities feature lectures on Chinese history and culture, Tai Chi lessons, and calligraphy demonstrations
Narrative by knowledgeable river guides while sailing through the Three Gorges
Departures year round
Latest satellite communications, HBO, CNN, and internet access on every ship

City：Xian

Golden Flower Hotel by Shangri-La
Address: 8 Chang Le Road West, Xian 710032 China
Tel: 86 29 8323 2981 Fax: 86 29 8323 5477
E-mail: slx@shangri-la.com
Xian China Hotel | Official Site Golden Flower Hotel Xian

[IreneLF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close IreneLF]

I asked an Australian friend who recently did a tour to China for her thoughts , which are as follows:::

Re China. I went there with Helen Wong tours which is an Aust
> company run
> by Chinese people. There were only 7 people on my tour which
> was great, but
> they usually have more. I think it's better to go with a company
> run by
> Chinese instead of some of the English or American ones like
> Trafalgar. I think
> you get a more authentic experience. Helen Wong was excellent,
> the
> accomodation was good, the guides very knowledgable,and all
> round it was a great
> experience. There is another good Aust company run by Chinese
> called Wendy Wu
> tours, They're probably on par with Helen Wong.

Helen Wong's Tours | Helen Wong's Tours (small group tours)

Wendy Wu Tours - All Fully Inclusive Group Tours to China, Vietnam, India, Indochina, Cambodia, Laos, Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal | All fully Inclusive Small Group Tours and Holiday packages | China Tours from Australia | China Holidays | Vietnam

Have not researched these much but from first glance Helen's tours seem more expensive than what we see from peony. (Aus $$ is on par with US dollar right now).
>

[davhu1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close davhu1]

GrayFal,

If you decide on Peony or Ritz, look for the early booking discount towards the end of the year. We recieved a $150 credit per person booking before 2/28 this year.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

GrayFal,

If you decide on Peony or Ritz, look for the early booking discount towards the end of the year. We recieved a $150 credit per person booking before 2/28 this year.

Thank you, I wondered about that as well.

If you get the discount for booking by 2/28 - when do you have to travel by?
Is this for early 2012 travel???

[davhu1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close davhu1]

If you get the discount for booking by 2/28 - when do you have to travel by? Is this for early 2012 travel???

Is for 2011 travel. We are leaving this May but not specific date you need to travel by.

If you plan to travel 2013. Look for the discount in Nov/Dec 2012 to see when you need to book by to get the discount.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Is for 2011 travel. We are leaving this May but not specific date you need to travel by.

If you plan to travel 2013. Look for the discount in Nov/Dec 2012 to see when you need to book by to get the discount.

Thanks - looking for March/April 2013 but need to have plans firmed up one year out for FF tickets - would not be comfortable waiting until Nov/Dec 2012 for travel in 3 months!

I will get on their mailing list....