This is the UK and European website
Our system has detected that you may be browsing from United Kingdom. So that we can give you the correct information please choose from the following:
Click here to view the United Kingdom website (www.explore.co.uk)
If we guessed wrong please select your location from the list below:
* By setting your location you will see prices in an appropriate currency, and may see content customised to your location.
 |
0845 291 4541 | ||
 |
Speak to us online | ||
 |
E-mail us |
Your short list is empty 
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to top
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Back to top
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Please note it may not be possible to fit in all of the optional activities.
Back to top
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Back to top
Local Currency: Renminbi/Yuan.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Take EUR, USD$ or GBP cash.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival. Passengers flying via Beijing can change money easily at Beijing airport while connecting flights.
ATM Availability: Most towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
Credit Card Acceptance: Most major restaurants and stores.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged in most major towns but only during bank hours. Please note that this is very time consuming and is not recommended.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
Back to top
| UK | China | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.30 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.30 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £7.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £14.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to top
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
China: Single entry visas are required by all visitors and can be obtained through Explore’s recommended Visa Service, Visa Swift, or for overseas clients by their Explore agent.
Registering with the Chinese authorities: You are required to register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival in China: Chinese authorities are now actively enforcing this requirement. If you are staying in a hotel, registration is done on your behalf as part of the check-in process, and you will be registered for the duration of your tour. Please note that if you intend to arrive more than 24 hours before your tour starts or to stay in China after your tour has finished and you are not staying in a hotel, you will need to register with the local Public Security Bureau.
Additional documents needed: in order to finalise the purchase of train tickets the Chinese rail companies require a photocopy of the details page in your passport. In order for our local agent to book the train tickets for your tour please forward us a copy of your passport as soon as possible (before travelling).
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against infectious hepatitis, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis.
Back to top
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topChina has primarily a temperate climate, with the four seasons encompassing a wide spectrum of extremes due to its huge area. During the winter Beijing and Xian are generally cold and dry, a factor caused by the cold Siberian air masses moving southwards across the Mongolian Plateau. The weather in China can be unpredictable but normally cold in march then gradually warming. The north can be hot and dry in the summer months whilst being humid and hot as we travel further south.
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topPlease note that luggage space on the sleeper trains is limited. Bags are stored either under the bottom bunk or in an overhead section at the end of each berth. Soft bags are more suitable for train travel in China. You will need to carry your own luggage at train stations so please bear this in mind when packing.
Back to topYou will need a good insect repellent, suncream, sunglasses, sun hat a small torch and a personal water bottle.
Back to topPassengers wishing to extend their stay in China should be aware that current visa regulations only allow foreigners to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Please bear this in mind when planning your trip.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
