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While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed, a degree of flexibility is built into the route. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested and opening times of museums may change without notice.
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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 topPlease note that due to the extremely high demand for cabin space aboard the Yangtse cruise boats we are unable to offer the option of a single cabin. Also, depending on the gender make-up of the Explore group and tour leader it is possible that you may be required to share with a non-Explore passengers travelling on the cruise.
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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.
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Shanghai - Acrobats £28.00.
Beijing - Opera £15.00; Acrobats £19.00; Hutong Tour £13.00; Kung fu show £19.00.
Xian - Tang Dynasty banquet (Show and Dumpling Banquet) £25.00
Local Staff: Accordingly, you should allow approximately £30.00 for tipping. Your tour leader will account to you for any organised tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Renminbi/Yuan.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Bring USD or GBP cash and Travellers Cheques.
Where to Exchange: In major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival. When changing money ask for a receipt so you can change Yuan back into your own currency when leaving China.
ATM Availability: In all major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants and shops.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged at the Bank of China during bank opening hours
Up-to-date information re: global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
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| 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.
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China: Entry visas are required by all nationalities and can be obtained through Explore’s recommended visa service, Visa Swift, or for overseas clients by their Explore agent.
A single entry visa is required for this tour and must be obtained before departure.
Please note that if your flights are via any other city in China you must not proceed through customs. Instead you must remain in the transit area and directly proceed to your connecting flight.
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.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate or consular office.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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NB: Passengers travelling via Beijing on their return home should make sure they have a double entry visa for China. The airport authorities sometimes decide to cancel a Chinese visa on your first entry at the start of the tour and may also then require a visa for your transit in Beijing on the way back.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against infectious hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese encephalitis.
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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 topChina has primarily a temperate climate, with the four seasons encompassing a wide spectrum of extremes due to its huge area. The summer is hot and rainy, though further south the climate is tropical and it can rain at any time of the year, often falling in sharp tropical rain-storms which are heavy but short lived. Colder, drier temperatures in autumn and winter.
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 topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topIt is essential that your baggage is lockable to comply with local aviation regulations. Please be aware, before boarding a flight in China that the Chinese authorities will only allow bottles onto aircraft if they have been checked in as main luggage. Any bottles in the hand luggage may be confiscated.
Back to topOne main piece of baggage. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage. It is essential that your baggage is lockable to comply with local aviation regulations. Please be aware, before boarding a flight in China that the Chinese authorities will only allow bottles onto aircraft if they have been checked in as main luggage. Any bottles in the hand luggage may be confiscated.
Back to topPack as for ‘All Tours’ and ‘Hot Conditions’. Light rainwear is advisable at all times.
Back to topComfortable shoes or trainers and sandals.
Back to topBring a sunhat, insect repellent, torch and water bottle.
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/
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