• 15 May 11 to 10 June 11

Featuring the Yangtze Gorge, the Terracotta Warriors & the Great Wall of China

China Odyssey traverses the country by train and cruises through the Yangtze Gorges in a program that comes in contact with many cultures of China. This exciting journey presents participants with evidence of a diverse history from the 2,000 year old Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors and The Great Wall, to the early Buddhist worshipping places of the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907) and the more modern influences of Mao Ze Dong.

Alongside this material evidence we experience first hand the life of 21^st Century China. Today the predominant majority of Han Chinese comprises some 93% of China's population and there are over 50 ethnic minority groups. We visit villages and homes to sample their food and drink, enjoy their musical entertainment, and observe and learn about their way of life. Many activities and sites on the program have been included because they are off the tourist routes, so presenting our travellers with special cultural experiences in a more natural setting.

Train travel is the main form of transport without any overnight trips. Coach travel will be used locally. We are accommodated in a good standard of hotels with private bathrooms. Meals will be taken in a variety of settings and styles ranging from banquets of Peking Duck and multiple kinds of dumpling to meals taken with villagers. Other meals will be in restaurants and in the hotels where we are residing.On some evenings in Beijing, Xi"an and Shanghai you will be free to choose your own venue for your evening meal.

Informal and practical Chinese conversation practices and discussions about China will take place after dinner with local guides (all are university graduates trained by and working in the Foreign Service Centre of the Foreign Affairs Office). Morning Tai Ji will be offered where possible.

Itinerary at a Glance/Site & # Nights
Ex Australia/New Zealand - 1, Beijing - 4, Train & Coach to Luoyang - 3, Train to Xi'an - 3, Flight to Chongqing - 1, Yangtze River Cruise - 3, Coach to Wuhan - 1, Train to Changsha - 2, Coach to Xiangtan - 1, Train to Kaili - 2, Coach to Guiyang - 2, Flight to Shanghai - 3, Program ends in Shanghai prior to boarding our return flight to Australia/New Zealand.

Program Includes

• Return economy class international airfares
• Economy class domestic airfares applicable to the standard itinerary.
• Visa fees applicable to Australian, New Zealand, and British passport holders.
• Rail travel applicable to the standard itinerary.
• Departure taxes applicable to the standard itinerary.
• 22 nights hotel accommodation offering en-suite share twin rooms.
• 3 nights accommodation onboard cruise vessel in en-suite share twin outside cabins.
• 22 Breakfasts, 23 lunches & 18 dinners are included.
• Transport, lectures and field trips as indicated.
• Comprehensive travel insurance (Additional premiums will be imposed by the insurer for those participants who are over 60 years and/or with pre-existing medical conditions).
• Services of a program leader.
• Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
• Gratuities and necessary tips.
• Detailed Program Information Booklet.
• Route maps and background information provided for each train journey.

Program Notes

• Prices quoted are ex Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland & Christchurch.
• Optional 2 night extension in Shanghai including one day Expo entry, 2 nights accommodation at the Equatorial Hotel on a Bed and Breakfast Basis. Transport to the Expo will be by public metro rail, cost is US$1.00 each way. One way transfer to the airport is included at the end of your stay. Extension cost in a twin room per person is AUD290.00 NZD350.00. Single participants pay AUD530, NZD645.

No obligation registrations of interest are invited for next years departures. When further details and prices are available, registrants will be notified.

Program Leader:

Program Summary: China Odyssey