Explore the wonders of China and the Philippines with Johanne and Don

Welcome to Shanghai!
Upon arrival, a guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport into the city and to the hotel.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy your welcome dinner at Hakassan Restaurant.

Estimate distance and journey time:
Shanghai Pudong airport - Shanghai city (approx. 45 km): 1h

Tour Start: 09:00am
Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
End of tour: 6:00pm

Begin the day by heading towards the French Concession: a symbol of a time when Western powers were granted many privileges. Particularly of note is Fuxing Park, where Chinese practice their daily morning exercise rituals.
After exploring the park, wander along the surrounding roads, admiring colonial homes which have now been transformed into restaurants, bars, and various boutiques.
Wander towards Xintiandi, an entirely renovated area that is considered one of the liveliest parts of the city. Conclude the walk at Tianzifang, a maze of animated alleyways full of restaurants, boutiques, and small, authentic art galleries.
Conclude the walk in the Old Town with its few remaining lively lilongs (which are similar to hutongs found in Beijing). The Old Town also houses the famous Yu Yuan Gardens, a superb example of the art of Chinese garden landscaping, particularly common in this region.
Before heading back, pay a visit to the local bazaar, where visitors and locals come to haggle. It’s a perfect chance to buy some souvenirs before departure the following day. Alternatively, rest at the Huxinting tea house, located at the centre of the lake opposite the Yuyuan Park; one of the most famous tea houses in China.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy the ERA Show. Enjoying the evening shows “ERA” in Shanghai has become one of the most popular evening entertainments in the city. It has been staged for over 6 years already. As a stunning acrobatic show, the first of its kind in China, ERA is an odyssey that has drawn inspiration from the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. You will not only be amazed by the acrobats’ control and precision but also enchanted by the world that is created through the use of multimedia, technology, lighting and sound effects, elaborate costumes, original live music and much more.

Note: The show starts around 7:00pm

Tour Start: 09:00am
Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
End of tour: 9:00pm

This morning you’ll visit the Jade Buddha Temple.
Then you’ll drive to the neighborhood of Lujiazui, some of the icons of Shanghai stand surrounding: the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower. Shanghai Tower is 632 meters tall with 121 floors above ground and 5 floors underground, it becomes the tallest and largest building in China. Can take its super high-speed elevator to its 118th floor observation terrace and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Discover the Bund, the city’s famous walkway, along some of Puxi’s historical buildings. The area dates to the 1930s, reflecting Shanghai’s rich culture and European influence.
Continue on to explore the famous Nanjing Road with its colorful signs and crowds of locals and tourists alike, the perfect image of a modern Asian capital. For those interested, feel free to explore the neighboring streets animated by restaurants, food stalls, and countless other attractions.
After completing the Nanjing Road visits, we arrive at People’s Square, where transportation will be provided back to the hotel.
The rest of the day is on your own arrangement.

Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
End of tour: 9:00pm

Today you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Xi’an.
PVGXIY MU6152 (10:35/13:25) - Economy class

Welcome to Shaanxi Province, often considered the birthplace of Chinese civilization. The capital of the Empire three times, Xi’an played an integral role in the history of the country.
In the evening you will be transferred to attend the evening food tour by tuktuk transport.
Enjoy over 10 popular local dishes plus a pint of craft beer at a local brewery while getting whisked around Xian’s bustling streets and quaint alleys by private tuktuk. Explore hidden corners of the Muslim quarter and beyond while your local guide gives insight into each dish and restaurant we visit.

1. Muslim BBQ: Sit grill side while you try meat seasoned unlike anything else in China.
2. Soup Dumplings: This local hotspot serves the best dumplings in the city, hands down.
3. Gourd Chicken: Desperately tender interior and crispy outside
4. Noodles: You haven’t had noodles in Xian until you’ve had these.

Start Time: Daily at 6PM
Meeting Location: Xihuamen Fire Station, north end of Muslim Street
Ending Location: South Gate of the City Wall
Duration: Approx 3 hours
Private Tour

Note: The foodie tour will be divided into a few private groups based on the exact number of people travelling between 5:00pm - 6:00pm.

Tour Start: 09:00am
Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
End of tour: 5:00pm

This morning you’ll start your visit with a discovery to Xi’an City Wall... experience the impressive Xi’an ramparts built during the Ming Dynasty by a bike tour there.
Then you’ll be transferred to have a tour to the undoubtedly highlight of any Xi’an tour, this day is dedicated to the Terracotta Warriors!
In 1974, a few farmers stumbled upon the Warriors by accident… a mistaken discovery that ended up being one of the greatest archeological finds in history!
Inspired into creation thanks to Qin Shi Huangdi’s fear of malevolent spirits, this grand mausoleum houses the emperor’s immense army of infantrymen, archers, and cavalry riders to protect him in the Afterlife. Each of the Terracotta Warriors has a different face from a soldier during the emperor’s life.
The statues are viewable in three separate pits. Begin with pits number 2 (that is still being excavated) and 3 (that shelters most items), ending with pit number 1, the most impressive, with about 2,000 warriors.
Otherwise, there is a small museum on site that houses two splendid bronze chariots found in 1980 west of the mausoleum. You can now see them on display along with other artifacts.

Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
End of tour: 8:00pm

Today you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Guilin.
When you arrive in Guilin, you’ll be transferred to visit the Reed Flute Cave, it is a cave-based scenic spot located in the northwest suburb of Guilin, Guangxi, China, 5 km from the Guilin city center. It is about 240 meters (787ft) deep and 500 meters (1640ft) long. The cave has a great number of various exquisite stalagmites, stalactites, stone pillars and stone curtains, which have been forming since 180 million years ago. So, it is also known as “the Palace of Natural Art”.
Then you’ll be directly transferred to Yangshuo.
In the evening, enjoy the show ‘Impressions Liu Sanjie (B1 seats).’ Directed by Zhang Yimou and located in the karst countryside, hundreds of local actors imitate scenes from rural life by dressing up in traditional costumes of the minorities of the region.

Estimate distance and journey time:
Guilin – Yangshuo Hotel (approx 78 km): approx. 1 h 10 min
*Depends on local situation (the weather/construction/traffic, etc…), may take longer

Tour Start: 09:00am
Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
End of tour: 8:00pm

In the morning, there will be a picturesque Bamboo Rafting (about 1.5 hour) excursion along the Yulong River, where guests can admire silently the spectacular landscapes, gently pulled by the current. After the tranquil raft, enjoy a leisurely cycle through the magnificent karst countryside: the environment is comprised of the iconic Guangxi rice terraces, water buffalos, and “sugar loafs” mountains.
In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy the easy biking tour along the Li River.
If the weather permits, you’ll enjoy the Afternoon tea in Yangshuo.
Walk up for about 10 mins to reach the half point of the mountain, which offers the absolute stunning view of Li River as well as the karst landscape in Yangshuo. Take your time soaking in panoramic views of idyllic villages and winding rivers, all laid out across a patchwork of rice paddies, and enjoy a cup of Chinese Tea toasting to the beautiful sunset.

Tour Start: TBA
Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
End of tour: TBA

Today you’ll be transferred to the train station in Guilin to catch your high speed train to Guangzhou.

Suggested train information:
Train station: Guilin West/North - Guangzhou South
Train number: D1875
Estimated departure time: 13:38
Estimated arrival time: 17:00
Class: First class seat

When you arrive in Guangzhou, you’ll be welcomed by your local guide and be transferred to your hotel.

Estimate distance and journey time:
Yangshuo Hotel - Guilin Railway Station (approx 78 km): approx. 1 h 10 min
Guangzhou South - Guangzhou hotel (approx 25 km): approx. 30 min
*Depends on local situation (the weather/construction/traffic, etc…), may take longer

Tour Start: 09:00am
Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
End of tour: 5:00pm

Start off the Guangzhou visit to the French British influenced Shamian Island. Situated along the Pearl River, this verdant park is an excellent spot to ease into the Guangzhou experience, surrounded by locals practicing gymnastics, Qigong, and Tai Chi under century-old banyan trees. Cycle out of the park along well-preserved colonial structures, passing the striking Lady of Lourdes Church along the way.
Then you’ll visit the 19th century Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family. Built by inhabitants of the 72 villages in the region. This temple demonstrates the region’s clan system as well as traditional ancestral worship that is still practiced to this day. Boasting a large array of typical southern Chinese architecture, sculptures and paintings give homage to the Chen clan, a merchant clan very influential in the region.
Then you’ll visit the Guangzhou Tower. The Canton Tower is also noted for its unique design. Mark Hemel, the designer, was inspired by the bones of the female hip joint, and then he created a slim waist in the middle of the tower just as a fair lady twisted her waist while looking behind her. At the thinnest part, the diameter is about 30 meters (32 yards). The tower has become a new city landmark and one of the Eight New Sights of Guangzhou.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy the Pearl River (Zhujiang) Night Cruise tour. The Pearl River Night Cruise of Chenggang Tourism covers the golden waters from Canton Tower to Pearl River. When tourists get onboard the boat, they can view the scenery when recalling Guangzhou’s history as well as its rapid development in current years, as if Guangzhou’s thousand-year history slowly unfolds in front of their eyes, as the breeze seems to be telling anecdotes of the golden age. Clients may appreciate the courage and charm of Guangzhou as a national central city and commercial capital with a history of thousands of years.

Check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home or your onward flight to the Philippines.
Estimate distance and journey time:
Guangzhou city – Guangzhou Baiyuan International airport (approx. 45 km): 50 mins

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Beginning of the Philippines package (for Philippines package only- Air out of YVR on November 18th)

Mabuhay - welcome to Manila! The metropolis of Manila, widely known as Metro Manila, is the center of business and finance, entertainment, culture, politics, and transportation in the Philippines. Some of the country’s historical tourist spots, dating back all the way from the Spanish era from more than 400 years ago, may also be found in the city. Intramuros, also known as the ‘Walled City,’ is the oldest district and historic center of Manila. This was the original seat of the Spanish government during the time that the Philippines was under the Spanish rule. Fort Santiago, is just a few steps from Intramuros, where the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was held captive before he was executed at Luneta Park. Metro Manila’s social scene is second to none, with shopping malls, dining and entertainment that continue to thrive in and around the city. SM Mall of Asia is considered as Southeast Asia’s third largest mall and Greenhills is famous for a mid- to-upscale bargain center. The gourmand side of Filipinos is evident in the growing number of restaurants that cater to different types of cuisines. Some popular dining venues and nightclubs in the metro include Greenbelt in Makati, Serendra and Bonifacio High Street at The Fort with its many skyscrapers that light up the sky at night. Upon arrival at Manila airport, meet & greet assistance by our airport representative. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.

The tour starts with a visit to Rizal Park, named in honor of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. After a brief photo stop, proceed to the Walled City of Intramuros to visit the remnants of Spain’s conquistadores.
Stop at Fort Santiago, an old Spanish fortress located at the mouth of Pasig River, where great moments in Philippine history occurred. Travel through the cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the country’s oldest stone church, and view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments and other religious articles. Cross the street to Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century house equipped with oriental and European décor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. Then board a horse drawn carriage called ‘calesa’ and trot off to Chinatown in Binondo, crossing the Pasig River, and onto an alley that leads you to Binondo Church, another historical landmark built by the Spaniards in 1596. Alight at the church’s entrance for a brief stop, and walk towards Ongpin, a street visit Chinese style ? arches at its entrance. This narrow street leads to a network of alleys and side streets crammed with small shops, Chinese drugstores, restaurants and residential houses. Binondo’s commercial activity ranges from banks to retail and wholesale shops selling a variety of items, from Chinese curios and delicacies to textiles, jewelries and construction materials. A leisurely walk brings you to numerous gold jewelry shops at the other end of Ongpin, whereupon sits an old Spanish fountain near the entrance to Sta. Cruz Church. Stop briefly at Sta. Cruz Church that was built in 1608 by the Jesuit priests, then move on to Escolta, located a few blocks away. Steep in history, it was once used as a convoy route by the British Navy from 1762 to 1764, and the shopping center of the elite during the Spanish and American regimes. Today, what is left of what was once known as the “Queen of Streets’ are two notable pre-World War II buildings, the Regina Building and the Perez-Samanillo Building. The former is made of neo-Classical architecture while the latter is of Philippine art deco architecture. Spend some time exploring the area before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast take a flight to Coron. Upon arrival at Busuanga, transfer to your resort and rest of day at leisure.

Places to visit: Lualhati park, Mt. Tapyas, St. Agustine Church, Town Plaza, Maquinit Hotspring. Discover the charm of Coron with a scenic town tour showcasing its top attractions. Stroll through Lualhati Park, offering picturesque coastal views, and take in the breathtaking panorama from the Mt. Tapyas View Deck after a rewarding climb. Visit the historic St. Augustine Church, a serene place of worship, and experience the local vibe at Town Plaza. End your tour with a relaxing dip in the therapeutic Maquinit Hot Springs, one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world. A perfect way to explore Coron’s culture, nature, and stunning landscapes!

Join an unforgettable guided snorkeling adventure in Coron. Led by expert guides, you’ll explore pristine waters and visit the best spots to encounter the elusive dugong in its natural habitat.

Day at leisure or book our optional Coron Super Ultimate Tour (+ $139pp)
Places to visit: Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Coral Garden, Reef Garden.
Experience the ultimate adventure in Coron with this tour, unparalleled and unique, where every stop offers a fresh slice of natural wonders. Delight yourself with stunning sceneries of majestic Coron Island and its towering limestone formations. Discover hidden lakes and enchanting lagoons. Snorkel through vibrant coral gardens, witness the aged sunken ship and swim with the colorful fishes.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cebu. Upon arrival in Cebu, transfer to your resort and rest of day at leisure.

Cebu City’s reputation as one of the country’s top tourist destinations is due to its all-year-round warm climate and accessibility. Named as the country’s second international gateway, Cebu is rich in history and is the oldest city (1565) in the Philippines.
The city tour starts with a visit to the majestic Taoist Temple. Situated 6 km from the city centre is this impressive and highly ornate temple of the Taoist religious community. Its size and architecture are evidence that a considerable part of Cebu’s population is ethnically Chinese. On the way to the Basilica, pass by Cebu’s Provincial Capital and Carbon Market. Stop by the Basilica de San Agustin, which houses the statue of the Infant Jesus.
A short walk away is Magellan’s Cross, the place where Christianity was first planted in Cebu. Not far away is Fort San Pedro, the first military stronghold in the country. Proceed to Casa Gorordo, the last stop of the tour. The Parian district in today’s downtown area was the residential home of Cebu’s wealthy at the turn of the century. Of the remaining four houses, the Gorordo residence was restored and furnished in the style of the period. Apart from its furniture, there are porcelain, liturgical pieces, clothes and old photographs of Cebu. Lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Wake up to a new adventure! After your breakfast at the resort, proceed to the port and then board a ferry going to Bohol. Upon arrival in Bohol, proceed for a day trip that will introduce you to the wonders of Bohol. First stop is the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in the town of Corella, which serves as a refuge for the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Observe these rare, nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat and be amazed by their agility as they move about, leaping from one tree to the other, and swivel their heads nearly 360 degrees.
Then proceed to Baclayon, make a short stop at the historical Blood Compact site, where Spain’s Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, sealed their friendship with a symbolic drink. In Baclayon, visit a century-old stone church that houses a museum containing a collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, as well as librettos of church music inscribed in Latin on animal skins.
Proceed with the tour, passing by Bilar man-made forest, a thick undergrowth of towering mahogany trees grown on the fringes of the highway leading to the Chocolate Hills, the country’s geological wonder. From a distance, these hills look like huge candy drops that change in color with the season and are aptly named ‘chocolate’ when the hill grasses turn deep brown in summer.
Hike up to the viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area before moving on to Loboc River where a cruise downstream on a floating restaurant is made more enjoyable with a delectable lunch served on board. Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

The day start at 6:30AM for a duration of around 5-6 hours. Proceed to the waters of Pamilacan, serving as pathways for migrating dolphins and whales. Get a chance to catch a glimpse of these sea mammals at the rear of the island. Proceed to Balicasag island for swimming and snorkeling. Lunch on board.

Day at leisure to relax or explore the island on your own.

Continue your journey to the stunning island of Boracay. Depart from the resort and transfer to Tagbilaran Port, where you’ll board a ferry to Cebu. Upon arrival at Cebu Port, proceed to Mactan-Cebu Airport for your flight to Caticlan. Once in Boracay, transfer to your resort and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Days at leisure to explore the island and relax on its pristine beaches on your own.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure until you transfer from your accommodation to the Caticlan Airport to take the flight back to Manila.

Breakfast at your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.