China and Japan, two giant dragons of Asia, are just waiting to be discovered. Our tour takes in Shanghai, Yichang, Yangtze River cruise, Chongqing Xian and Beijing of China and Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka of Japan. For the first time, we make it possible for you to visit two important countries in Asia at such an affordable price. Join us in enjoying and experiencing a real taste of China and Japan.
        
Day 01: AUSTRALIA – SHANGHAI   
Depart Sydney or Melbourne to Shanghai on Air China in the morning and arrive in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel for two nights in Shanghai.
 
Day 02: SHANGHAI (B.L.D)
After breakfast, you will start your sightseeing in Shanghai. Enjoy your wonderful tour to beautiful Yu Garden in the old Shanghai City and walk along the famous Bund area. Then continue to visit the former French Concession area and enjoy your shopping in Nanjing Road, known as the No. 1 Shopping Paradise in China. In this evening, you will attend an unbelievable Acrobatic Performance. (B.L.D)

Day 03: SHANGHAI – YICHANG – YANGTZE CRUISE (B.L.D)
Visit Xingtiandi, an urban tourist attraction created by converting residential blocks into multifunctional dining, retail and entertainment centre flowing with restaurants, boutiques, cafes and bars of an international standard. Followed by a visit to Pudong area including the Oriental Pearl Tower. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for a flight to Yichang from where you will board the five star cruise ship for your Yangtze River cruise. With a rich Chinese cultural heritage of thousands of years, the Three Gorges is not only a picturesque natural gallery, but also a spectacular treasure house.

Day 04: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B.L.D)
The cruise will depart Yichang Pier at 08:00am, Then arrive Yangjiawan Pier at 11:00am. Next we will see the Three Gorges Dam Project-Shore Excursion from 2:00 to 5:00pm. The Three Gorges comprise of the arresting Qutang Gorge (8km), the idyllic Wu Gorge (44km) and the treacherous Xiling Gorge (66km). Between the Three Gorges laid the wide valleys of Daning River and Fragrant Stream.
 
Day 05: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B.L.D)
Today we will pass Xiling Gorge-West Part, which is renowned for being extremely perilous and is the longest one of the Three Gorges. The water is full of turbulent currents and whirlpools and dangerous shoals. Transfer to smaller boats to see the Shennongxi Stream. In the afternoon, we will pass Wu Gorge, The Wu Gorge boasts the most immediately beautiful and spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Then we will pass Qutang Gorge around 5:00pm. Although Qutang Gorge is the smallest among the Three Gorges, it is actually the most powerful one and the water here flows most rapidly at this spot.
 
Day 06: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B.L.D)
Fengdu is traditionally known as the town of ghosts. Upon the Mingshan Hill above the river is a temple with a number of halls and statues of ghosts and devils. There is also a park with displays of the imagined lives in hell. It is considered that all people's ghosts, of whatever nationality, will come to Fengdu after death. Today you will visit the Fengdu Ghost City.
 
Day 07: CHONGQING – XIAN (B.L.D)
The cruiser arrives the destination – Chongqing. Visit Panda House to see the Pandas. After lunch, you are transferred to airport to take flight to Xian. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel.
 
Day 08: XIAN (B.L.SD.)
Today's tour will visit the incredible Terra-Cotta Warriors. Visit 6000-year-old and Neolithic village remain in Banpo Museum. Tonight enjoy a beautiful Tang Dynasty Show and Dinner.
 
Day 09: XIAN – BEIJING (B.L.D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing, the capital city of China. Upon arrival, our tour guide will meet you in the airport and transfer you to the hotel. In the afternoon, you are taken to visit the Heaven of Temple and Silk Market.
 
Day 10:  BEIJING (B.L.D.)
Beijing served as the capital of 5 dynasties over a period of 800 years with each emperor identified as a dragon sent from the heaven. Start your city tour to Tiananmen Square, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City. This complex, the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient structures of the imperial palace ever built in the world, features more than 800 buildings with 9999 rooms, resplendent golden-glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. Enjoy the famous Kungfu (Martial Art) show in the evening.
 
Day 11:  BEIJING (B.L.D.)
The highlight today is a trip to the astonishing Great Wall at Juyongguan Path. The Great Wall is the most famous image of China throughout the world. It is the only man made object visible from the moon, and as one of the Eight Wonders of the world. It is a symbol of Chinese traditional culture and the pride of the Chinese nation. Later visit the Sacred Path of Ming Tombs, 13 of the 16 Ming emperors have their tombs here. This is an attractive destination as much for the natural scenery of the area as for the tombs themselves. Visit the Cloisonne Factory and enjoy the famous Peking Duck dinner in the evening.
 
Day 12: BEIJING – NARITA (B.L)
After breakfast, you will visit Summer Palace. After lunch, you are transferred to airport for your flight to Tokyo, capital of Japan for your Japan tour. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to hotel in Narita. 
 
Day 13: TOKYO SIGHTSEEING (B.L.D.)
Today’s tour includes Observatory of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Asakusa Temple, a Very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century, the Edo Museum, Imperial Palace, home of Imperial family, which only opens to public on 23^rd December and 02^nd January each year, Ginza, Tokyo brand name shopping area, same as New York 5th Avenue and Shinjuku area. After dinner, check into your Tokyo hotel for the night.

Day 14: TOKYO – HAKONE – KAWAGUCHIKO (B L D)
After breakfast visit Hakone, Peace Park and Owakutani Hot Spring. Take a pleasure cruise around Lake Ashi Cruise, which offers marvelous views of Mt. Fuji. Stay overnight in Kawaguchiko.
 
Day 15: HAKONE – TOYOHASHI (B.L.D.)
After breakfast, drive half way to Mt Fuji. Visit Visitor Centre and Green tea farm. Take a Bullet Train to Toyohashi from Hamamatsu. Stay overnight in Toyohashi.

Day 16: TOYOHASHI – KYOTO – OSAKA (B.L.D.)
After breakfast, drive to Kyoto, the Japan’s ancient capital. Upon arrival, visit Arashiyama, Heian Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple and Golden Pavilion. Also enjoy a Nishijin Kimono Show. Stay overnight in Osaka.

Day 17: OSAKA – NARA – OSAKA (B.L.D.)
After breakfast, drive to Nara, Japan’s first ancient capital. Upon arrival, visit Deer park and Todaiji Temple with a great image of Buddha. After lunch, drive back to Osaka. Start your city sightseeing in Osaka including the Osaka Castle and visit Shinzaibashi Shopping Area. Stay overnight in Osaka.

Day 18: OSAKA – SHANGHAI - AUSTRALIA (B)
Free in the morning, Tour guide will transfer you to airport and take flight to Australia via Shanghai.
 
Day 19: AUSTRALIA
Arrive in Australia in the morning. You unforgettable China and Japan tour ends.
 

19-Day A Real Taste of China and Japan (Tour Cod: JCT)                                      Departure Dates and Tour Prices
Leaving Australia	Returning to Australia	Air China ex Sydney & Melbourne.
09 Sep. 13	27 Sep. 13	$5,390 (Start China tour first)
14 Oct. 13	01 Nov. 13	$5,390 (Start China tour first)
24 Mar. 14	11 Apr. 14	$5,490 (Start China tour first)
03 Apr. 14	22 Apr. 14	$5,590 (Start Japan tour first)*
19 Sep. 14	07 Oct. 14	$5,490 (Start China tour first)
29 Sep. 14	18 Oct. 14	$5,590 (Start Japan tour first)*

The prices are in Australian dollar, per person twin or double share.
Single supplement: $1,380

Inclusions:
1. Air China international air-tickets.
2. Airport tax and fuel surcharge (currently $580, subject to change).
3. Twin-share accommodation mainly at 4 star hotels.
4. Meals as stated in the itinerary (Buffet breakfasts at hotels, Chinese & Japanese lunches and dinners).
5. All admission fees included in the itinerary.
6. Transport throughout the trip at A/C vehicle.
7. Service of professional English-speaking local guides.
8. Domestic flights within China.
9. Five star cruise ship (American Victoria Series) for Yangtze River cruise.
 
Exclusions:
1. China visa fee ($98.50).
2. Travel insurance.
3. Tip to guide and driver (China: $5 per person per day, Japan: $10 per person per day).
4. Personal expenses.                                                    
                                           
*Itinerary starting from Japan first will be as follows (please refer to itinerary for detailed day by day program):
Day 01: Australia – Shanghai (Shanghai arrival and overnight in Shanghai).
Day 02: Fly from Shanghai to Narita, Tokyo. Stay overnight in Narita.
Day 03: Tokyo sightseeing.
Day 04: Tokyo – Hakone – Kawaguchiko
Day 05: Hakone – Toyohashi
Day 06: Toyohashi – Kyoto – Osaka
Day 07: Osaka – Nara – Osaka
Day 08: Osaka – Shanghai
Day 09: Shanghai sightseeing
Day 10: Shanghai – Yichang – Yangtze cruise
Days 11 – 13: Yangtze cruise
Day 14: Chongqing – Xian
Day 15: Xian sightseeing
Day 16: Xian – Beijing
Day 17: Beijing sightseeing
Day 18: Beijing sightseeing
Day 19: Beijing sightseeing – Beijing departure  
Day 20: Back to Australia