Small Group Tours 10 to 18 passengers FULLY INCLUSIVE 

Yunnan & Beyond - 27 Days From AUD$5880

Day 1-2: Australia/Bangkok/Kunming
Fly with Thai Airways to Kunming via Bangkok. On arrival the following day, we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 2 nights. Tonight we feast on "across-the-bridge" noodles.

Day 3: Kunming
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, has been inhabited for 2000 years and contains fascinating alleyways and wooden buildings. Full day tour of Kunming, including visit to Stone Forest (Shilin). After lunch, we visit the Qiqing Yi Minority village. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Kunming/Xishuangbanna
After breakfast we visit the scenic Dragon Gate Grotto Complex in the Western Hills and Daguan Pavilion. After lunch, it's on to the Yuantong Buddhist temple. This afternoon we transfer to the airport to fly to Xishuangbanna which borders Myanmar and Laos. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Xishuangbanna
After breakfast, we wander through the Menglun Tropical Plant Gardens. After lunch, we look for bargains at the folk market at Galanba. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Xishuangbanna/Dali
This morning after breakfast, we visit the Xishuangbanna Wild Elephants & Nature Reserve where we can view wildlife from a cable car. After lunch transfer to airport to fly to Dali, one of the most scenic cities in China with its backdrop of Jade Green Mountains. Transfer to hotel to check in for 2 nights.

Day 7: Dali
This morning after breakfast we visit Erhai Hu (Ear-shaped Lake) and the Three Pagodas. After lunch, we visit the old town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Dali/Lijiang
This morning we visit Xizhou, a typical Bai Minority town and a Bai tie-dye workshop. After lunch we travel by coach to Lijiang on the border of Tibet. On arrival, check into hotel for 1 night.

Day 9-11: Lijiang/Zhongdian
After breakfast we drive to the Tibetan town of Zhongdian (Shangri-La). En route, we visit Tiger Leaping Gorge on the Yangtze River (one of the deepest gorges in the world). After lunch we visit the Jidamu Grassland, home of the Zhongdian yak. Upon arrival in Zhongdian, we check into our hotel for 3 nights.

On Day 10,
We head off to the 4470 m high Shika Snow Mountain. After lunch we can view yaks grazing on Yalaqingbo Grassland. Next day after breakfast, we wander through the old town of Shangri-La. After lunch we visit a Tibetan family. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Zhongdian/Lijiang
Today after breakfast we travel back to Lijiang by coach. After lunch, we continue on to the Dongba Culture Research Institute. Overnight at hotel in Lijiang.

Day 13: Lijiang/Kunming

This morning we visit Jade Lake Village and the Baisha frescoes. After lunch, we explore Baisha village, home to the infamous Dr. Ho. Afterwards, transfer to airport to board flight to Kunming. On arrival transfer to hotel and check in for 1 night.

Day 14: Kunming/Guilin
Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport to board flight to Guilin. On arrival transfer to your hotel for 2 nights. After lunch we visit Reed Flute Cave followed by the Chinese Institute of Medicine. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15-16: Guilin/Yangshuo (Li River Cruise)
This morning board the Li River Cruise to Yangshuo. Lunch on board. On arrival transfer to hotel in Yangshuo for 1 night. Afternoon at leisure to explore the town. Next day after breakfast, visit Yangshuo with its surrounding limestone pinnacles and relaxing ambience. After lunch we transfer back to Guilin, where we visit a local village. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17-18: Guilin/Xi'an
Morning at leisure. After lunch, transfer to the airport to board flight to Xi'an. On arrival transfer to your hotel for 3 nights. This afternoon we tour the ancient City Wall and visit the Big Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi Provincial Museum. Your dinner tonight is "Jiaozi", the specialty meat and vegetable dumplings of Xi'an. After dinner we enjoy Tang Dynasty dancing. Overnight at hotel. Tomorrow we visit the World Heritage-listed Terracotta Warriors. After lunch we tour Bell & Drum Tower Square and the Great Mosque. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Xi'an/Wuhan/Yichang/Yangtze Cruise
Morning at leisure. After lunch, transfer to airport to board flight to Wuhan. On arrival, transfer to Yichang to board Yangtze River Cruise for 4 nights.

Day 20-22: Yangtze River Cruise
Over the next three days cruise the mighty Yangtze River. Relax & enjoy the breathtaking scenery, crossing through the Three Gorges: Qutang, Xiling and Wu. You will have the opportunity to visit small villages along the way.

Day 23: Chongqing/Dazu
Disembark cruise at Chongqing. Travel by coach to Dazu, where the attraction is Buddhist cliff carvings. After lunch transfer to your hotel for 1 night.

Day 24: Dazu/Leshan/Chengdu

After breakfast we transfer to Leshan where we board our boat to visit the 71-metre high Grand Buddha (world's largest Buddha). After lunch, we transfer to your hotel in Chengdu for 2 nights. Overnight at hotel.

Day 25: Chengdu
After breakfast this morning we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. After lunch, it's on to the Wuhou Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 26-27: Chengdu/Bangkok/Australia
Morning at leisure. Afternoon departure transfer to board Thai Airways flight to Australia. Arrive home in Australia the following day filled with happy memories of Yunnan.