Day 1 - 2 Chengdu
Your Tibet Express Tour starts with arriving in Chengdu, a gateway to Tibet. You will be transferred to your hotel. The next day visit the world’s only Giant Panda breeding and Research Base and you will have the opportunity to get close to these amazing creatures when you visit there. During your time at the base, you can watch and learn more about these amazing endangered animals. Which one is your favourite? Watch them playing, eating, climbing and interacting with each other. In the afternoon, explore bustling teahouses, local markets and take a stroll in the lively People’s Park, sample a local speciality dinner. (1B/1D)
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Day 3 – 4 Lhasa
After a morning flight to Lhasa, visit the Jokhang Temple, which is known as the most sacred place in Tibet – thousands of Pilgrims from all over Tibet come here to pay homage, wander through a market at Barkor Circuit where you will be surrounded by prostrating pilgrims. It’s definitely something you won’t forget in a hurry! Enjoy a Tibetan specialty dinner. The next day Visit the world-famous architectural wonder – the Potala Palace. This spectacular Palace towers over the entire mountain and the lake below is simply gorgeous. This is where the Dalai Lama spent his winters. And then visit former Dalai Lamas’ Summer Palace - Norbulingka Park, explore the impressive Sera and Drepung Monasteries and observe interesting debating monks, take a back streets walking tour of Tibetan Quarter and overlook the Lhasa Valley from the hilltop at Pawang Ka. (2B/1D)
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Day 5 – 6 Gyantse / Shigatse
A scenic drive to one of Tibet’s holy lakes of Yamdrok Lake – a sparking turquoise lake flanked by snow-capped peaks, on the way you will see local nomad camps, herds of yak and sheep and beautiful mountainous scenery before arriving Gyantse. The next day, explore the Kumbum Pagoda housing ancient murals, Buddha images and beautiful paintings, continually drive to Shigatse, the seat of the Panchen Lama and 2nd largest city in Tibet, visit the Tashihunpo Monastery, explore the city’s thriving Old Quarter before return to Lhasa. (2B/2D)
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Day 7 Qinghai - Tibet Train
In the morning aboard an express train for your amazing journey on the World’s highest railway across the Tibetan Plateau, during the 36 hour trip you will enjoy spectacular views along the way and fantastic experiences of riding on a train to the top of the world.
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Day 8 – 9 Xian
Having arrived for your Xi’an tour, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The next day, visit the historically significant and the amazing Terracotta Warriors - where 7000 individually-crafted clay soldiers stand on guard, learn how to make these warriors at a workshop. Then continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda which was built to house Buddhist scriptures collected by a Chinese Monk. You will see a variety of Buddha statues. Tonight enjoy the local speciality ‘dumpling dinner’ before the fabulous Tang Dynasty culture show. (1B/1D)
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Day 10 Xian
Morning take a stroll (or even cycle!) on the original City Wall, and then explore the Old Muslim Quarter and Old Mosque, before flying to China’s capital city of Beijing. (2B/1D)
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Day 11 - 14 Beijing
Your Beijing tour starts with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where you will see local people practising Tai Chi, singing and doing calligraphy. Then take a leisurely walk through Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City and enjoy the panoramic view of the Forbidden City from Jing-shan Hill. In the evening, you ll sample one of China s most famous dishes of all - a Peking Duck Dinner before you will marvel at a fantastic Kung Fu show, featuring a fusion of modern musical with Chinese traditional martial arts simply mesmerising! Step back in time to ancient China with a walk on the Great Wall at Mutianyu section, one way cable car up to the Wall. En route visit a Cloisonné workshop to learn how the Chinese ancient technique of Cloisonné is used to make beautiful fine handcrafts. The next morning, enjoy the ride on a traditional rickshaw through the zigzag alleyways called Hutong to catch a glimpse into local Chinese life before heading off to the Summer Palace, where you will relax on a dragon boat ride across the Kunming Lake, this evening enjoy a farewell dinner. Your Tibet adventure tour finishes with an airport transfer on day 14. (4B/2D)
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