2009 Itinerary
• Indicates cruise day
Day 1: Welcome to Hong Kong
Tauck's China travel adventure begins at Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok Airport to Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. Set on the Tsimshatsui East waterfront in Kowloon overlooking Hong Kong Harbour, your rooms are Deluxe Harbor View.
Lodging: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Day 2: City sightseeing, past and present
In Tauck's China travel means more than just seeing each destination. Experience Hong Kong from different perspectives today, first on a funicular tram ride up Victoria Peak, then aboard a traditional
sampan on a cruise through one of the city's oldest floating villages, Aberdeen. A shopper's paradise, Hong Kong abounds with street stalls selling everything from sneakers to silk, tropical birds to exotic fish; see a mecca of shops in Stanley Market, before spending the remainder of the day on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Day 3: Fish markets of Kowloon
Discover the sights and sounds of Kowloon today and visit local fish markets to see an amazing variety of freshly caught seafood. Enjoy time at leisure, perhaps taking the opportunity to experience dining at a local seafood restaurant – a real treat on these Hong Kong, China travel days.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Day 4: Fly to Beijing
Today, experience an authentic glimpse of life in northern China. Travel by air to Beijing where you will spend three nights in luxury at The Peninsula Beijing, one of the world's favorite hotels - it's a perennial favorite on the "world's best" lists; enjoy Deluxe Room accommodations. You'll be walking distance from world-famous sights, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Join us tonight for a cocktail reception followed by dinner at your choice of hotel restaurant.
13-day tour begins 6:00 PM at The Peninsula, Beijing. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Beijing Capital International Airport to The Peninsula Beijing; the 13-day tour tour begins at tonight's cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Peninsula Beijing, China
Day 5: Tiananmen Square, a trishaw ride and a Peking Duck
A walking tour today takes you to Tiananmen Square, where you will view Mao Tse-Tung's portrait hanging above the "Gate of Heavenly Peace," and go inside the emperor's palace to see how the emperors lived. Then it's a very different look at daily life when you hop aboard a
trishaw for a ride through
hutongs of Old Beijing, stopping for tea at a private home. You'll be treated to a special culinary experience tonight at a dinner featuring Peking Duck.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Peninsula Beijing, China
Day 6: Walk atop the Great Wall and tour the Summer Palace
Tauck’s guests in China travel today to the Great Wall, finished in 210 BC and running for thousands of miles. Ride a cable car to the highest point, and walk along the ancient ramparts that wind over the hilltops. Tour the Summer Palace, once a retreat for the Forbidden City emperors. The grounds cover over 700 acres with temples, shrines, ceremonial halls, bridges, and extensive gardens bordering Kunming Lake. Climb aboard a dragon boat for a lake cruise and palace views from across the water.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Peninsula Beijing, China
Day 7: Temple of Heaven and a flight to Xi'an
Visit the 15th-century Temple of Heaven, a round, three-tiered wood structure that is intricately decorated with gold leaf and colorful designs. It’s considered one of China’s best examples of traditional architecture. Fly to Xi’an, the ancient seat of power for thousands of years and the eastern end of the Silk Road. Accommodations at the Golden Flower Hotel by Shangri-La are Horizon Club Rooms.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Golden Flower Hotel by Shangri-La, Xi’an, China
Day 8: Meet those Terra Cotta Warriors
Sightseeing today includes the 7th-century Little Wild Goose Pagoda in Jianfu Temple and the ancient walls of Xi'an, one of the best-preserved Chinese city walls. A memorable highlight of China travel will be when you view the Terra Cotta Warriors, an army of more than 8,000 life-sized terra cotta statues from the 3rd century BC, each with distinctive physical features. These soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in battle formation guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, China’s first emperor. They were discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, and are now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Golden Flower Hotel by Shangri-La, Xi’an, China
Day 9: Scenic gems of Guilin and a river cruise
Fly to Guilin, among China's most picturesque places, whose landscapes have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Observe fishermen on bamboo rafts and view traditional village life on a private cruise along the Li River that seems lifted from a Chinese scroll painting. Stay in Deluxe Rooms this evening at the Sheraton Guilin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Guilin Hotel, Guilin, China
• Day 10: Have a foot massage before your Yangtze River Cruise
Visit one of the region's most impressive caves, and experience a relaxing therapeutic foot massage, a special treat showcasing one of China's ancient healing techniques! Fly to Chongqing where you will embark the luxurious new riverboat, the
Victoria Jenna, for your memorable cruise on China's mighty Yangtze River. From spacious junor suite accommodations to three à la carte meals daily, this is definitely the créme de la créme China travel cruise on the Yangtze.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Victoria Jenna, Yangtze River, China
• Day 11: Yangtze River cruise
Visions of knobby, mist-shrouded mountains steeped in the mystique of old China travel with you, as you experience the Yangtze from dawn to dusk aboard one of the finest ships on the river. Start your day with Tai Chi exercises, and attend on-board lectures about the river and China's healing arts as you cruise. Shore excursions include a visit to a "relocation village" newly built for local farmers and villagers whose traditional homes and land were affected by the Three Gorges Dam project.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Victoria Jenna,
Yangtze River, China
• Day 12: Antiquities along the gorge
While cruising the Yangtze, view centuries-old pagodas and temples built against steep-sided cliffs, ancient roads and terraced fields along the river’s edge. Explore Daning River on a Tauck shore excursion and enjoy the views as you pass through all three gorges of the Yangtze today, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. On-board activities include Chinese 101 and a freshwater pearl lecture, or you might join a kite master for a kite-flying lesson. Have fun with the ship's crew tonight during a farewell banquet and an entertaining cabaret.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Victoria Jenna, Yangtze River, China
Day 13: The Three Gorges Dam
Disembark from the ship in Yichang, site of the Three Gorges Dam; one of the world’s largest construction projects, it's scheduled for completion in 2009. Fly to Shanghai, one of the country’s most cosmopolitan cities, where your accomodations at the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai include Deluxe Rooms.
Note: Limited flight schedules will allow some groups to fly to Shanghai from Wuhan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, China
Day 14: Shanghai sights, acrobat nights
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shanghai, dynamic home to more than 16 million people; explore classical Yu Gardens. See a spellbinding performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobat Troupe after dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, China
Day 15: Ancient Zhu Jia Jiao
Tauck's China travel experience explores Zhu Jia Jiao today. The best-preserved of Shanghai's four ancient towns, it dates back over 1,700 years – stroll along its lovely willow-lined streets and centuries-old bridges. Return to Shanghai to enjoy the city as you wish. This enriching and enlightening China travel experience concludes with a farewell cocktail party and dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, China
Day 16: Bound for home
Tauck's China travel days end in Shanghai. Your extraordinary China travel adventure ends in Shanghai, where you'll catch your return flight home. A transfer is included from the Four Seasons Shanghai to Shanghai Pudong International Airport; you should allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Cruise Aboard Victoria Cruises
Our three-night cruise takes you through the scenic heart of the fabled Yangtze River, the Three Gorges, dramatically etched with the history of China. A spectacular visual feast of ancient whitewashed villages, steep gorges and terraced mountains combines with included shore excursions and a sightseeing tour of China’s newest engineering marvel, the amazing Three Gorges Dam, to make this a memorable cruise experience and a highlight of the tour.
Cruise in comfort and style aboard Victoria Cruises, the only American cruise line on the Yangtze River. Enjoy the outstanding personal services and expertise of our Tauck Directors, along with the ship’s multilingual cruise directors and knowledgeable river guides who share learned insights of Chinese history and culture during your cruise. Experience breathtaking river views from the comfort of your well-appointed outside stateroom; each cabin features a private balcony, internet access, HBO and BBC programming on your color television, central air, mini-bar and a private bath. Sumptuous western and American buffets are offered at breakfast and lunch; elegant dinners include family-style dining. On-board amenities include a business center, beauty salon, fitness area, health clinic, and a shopping boutique; nightly entertainment, lectures, fashion shows and Tai Chi lessons provide “insider” opportunities to discover the thrilling ebb and flow of Chinese life in the 21st century.
Small Group Departures cruise aboard Victoria Jenna – NEW for 2009
Scheduled to launch in April of 2009,
Victoria Jenna will lead the premier category of this American-owned fleet as the largest and most luxurious ship on the Yangtze River. All
China, The Yangtze River & Hong Kong small group departures (May 1, June 5 and 26, July 17, September 11, October 2 and 16), with no more than 26 Tauck guests, enjoy spacious Junior Suite accommodations along with other special amenities such as three included à la carte dinners aboard this luxurious new ship.
Book this China travel adventure through a world of pagodas, palaces, and gardens – featuring a luxurious Yangtze River cruise on a new-for-2009 ship – NOW!
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All land and riverboat accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach, sightseeing, luggage handling, admissions, the services of Tauck Directors, ship crew and drivers are included. Airport transfers are also included for all guests who provide Tauck with their flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Guests who book additional nights through Tauck will have transfers included in the quoted room price.
Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations – Tauck’s price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, Tauck's commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort. There is very limited availability of triples on the riverboat.
Tauck Director – Each tour is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck World Discovery. A bilingual local guide assists in each city.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, housekeepers, cruise staff, local guides and drivers are included.
No Options Sold – Tauck’s price includes special dinners, entertainment, sightseeing and most activities. Tauck Directors sometimes assist with information on free-time activities, based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
On-Tour Flights
Airfare While on Tour – Four on-tour flights must be purchased through Tauck as part of your tour package.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability). On-tour air does not include the Hong Kong – Beijing flight day 4 which must be purchased with your international airfare.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, many quests prefer to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following their tour. Guests choosing flights with morning arrivals in Beijing may wish to book an additional night at the start of their tour to ensure that their room is ready for occupancy upon arrival. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the
Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. Therefore, it is important for your own protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to
Tauck Travel Protection for more information.
Personal Expenses – Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees (if applicable), and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities – The customary gratuity to the Tauck Director is not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures – Travelers must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Cruise Regulations – Travelers must provide their passport number and date of birth to Tauck at time of booking. Tauck must provide this information to the cruise line before departure or you may be denied boarding.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed. China celebrates The Labor Day festival on May-1 for one week and The National Day festival on October 1 for one week. During these extended holidays, travelers to China will encounter large crowds and some inconvenience.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to passengers. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of printing.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at time of booking and are subject to change due to airline schedule changes. All booking agents and guests will be advised of such changes. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Air Conditioning - All of the hotels and riverboats on this tour provide air-conditioning. The motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort.
Clothing and Packing – The climate in China is similar to the United States as it is generally temperate and seasonal. During the cooler spring months of March through April wearing a sweater and a warm, water-proof jacket is recommended. During the warmer summer months, June through September, we still recommend a sweater for cool nights as well as a water-proof jacket. Layering is essential throughout the cooler months, as temperatures will vary. Comfortable, well broken-in walking shoes are a must. For dining in the evening, your accommodations include several fine hotels. You may enjoy dressing up a bit at these locations. For the welcome and farewell receptions and dinners we recommend a casually elegant outfit for ladies and a jacket for men.
When visiting temples in China, women must cover their shoulders, knees and heels. Both men and women should not wear shorts.
Valet laundry service is available throughout the entire tour. Irons and ironing boards are either located in your hotel room or are immediately available upon request.
Prescription drugs are not available in China. If you require prescription drugs, you should bring an adequate supply with you, along with a list of their generic names. We also suggest that you pack these along with your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage to avoid any inconvenience, such as a delay in your flight or the loss of your luggage.
When packing, the following items are essential:
- Casual clothing; cotton recommended
- Shoes that are easy to slip on and off when visiting Chinese temples
- Comfortable, well broken-in walking shoes
- Swimming attire
- Sunglasses
- Camera/film/accessories
- Light jacket/waterproof jacket
- Umbrella
- Toiletries
- Pre-moistened towelettes
- Handkerchiefs
- Antibacterial lotion
- Medication for allergies/aspirin/upset stomach/diarrhea
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Travel alarm
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this itinerary is 1,900 ft.
Health - Travelers to China should be in good health and able to walk significant distances over varied terrain and stand for extended periods of time. This is a rigorous journey that covers 1,065 m (1,714 km), and includes five on-tour flights and a riverboat cruise. The benefits are many and require the effort to match. Various modes of transportation will be used to highlight different aspects of China’s culture and geography, including airplane, riverboat, sampan, trishaw, aerial lift and funicular.
Much of the sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot and it is strongly suggested that you pack sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in in order to fully appreciate what China has to offer.
Although there is no significant altitude change from location to location, the air quality is poor in Beijing and most of the cities visited, and it is hot and humid throughout China and Asia in the summer months.
There are no restrooms on the motor coaches in China and there are no laws regarding disabilities similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws in the U.S.
The local water is not potable and Tauck will supply bottled water or water in thermoses throughout the tour.
Tauck strongly advises that guests who require assistance walking or who travel with oxygen tanks may not fully enjoy this active journey. If guests need to bring oxygen, they need to:
- Apply 48 hours before flight departure.
- Fill in the forms from each airline regarding the status of illness by a local hospital doctor.
- Have local hospital doctor's certificate of illness.
Oxygen cannot be brought on the on-tour flight from Yichang to Shanghai on Shanghai Airline because they do not have a local office to arrange it. If it is an EMERGENCY CASE, the airline will allow ONE oxygen bag on the flight if they have a certificate from local hospital's doctor 48 hours prior.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to guests for walking, dining or other personal needs. Guests needing such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them.
There is a physician onboard the riverboat who is qualified in both western and Chinese medicine. None of the riverboats carries a defibrillator. Customary charges are in effect for medical care.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
Guests bringing a quantity of medication with them are advised to carry a doctor’s certificate to avoid possible problems with customs officials.
For vaccination and inoculation information, guests should contact their personal physician, the public health service in their area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, pre-recorded “Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website at
www.cdc.gov.
Luggage Restrictions:
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour:
Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions on intra-China flights, luggage weight per person must not exceed 44 pounds and guests are permitted only one piece of checked luggage. Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges which can result in a considerable additional expense. The charge for overweight baggage can range from $1 to $5 USD per pound, per flight sector. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to pay for any excess baggage charges.
Regulations within most airports require that customers handle their own luggage through customs. On these occasions, luggage carts will be available. Further regulations in China require that all checked baggage be locked, including outside packets and separate compartments. Sturdy hard-sided luggage is recommended.
The Chinese government has strict regulations regarding carry-on luggage as well. The maximum allowable weight is 11 pounds or 5 kilograms, and the maximum allowable dimensions are 22” by 16” by 8”, or 55 cm 40 cm by 20 cm. THESE DIMENSIONS INCLUDE ALL WHEELS, HANDLES, ETC. If these dimensions are exceeded, the carry-on will be checked. This requirement is enforced by the airport, not the airline, and is done before travelers go through to passport control or the gate.
On on-tour flights, the following additional items are allowed:
- One small size handbag / purse
- One coat or blanket
- One umbrella or one walking stick
- One pair of crutches
- One small camera \ binoculars
Checked Luggage - General
While it is common that airlines allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
As of June 2006, many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs, or 22.7 kilograms, per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversized bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
The new ICAO security measures for cabin baggage of air passengers include:
- All liquids, gels, aerosols in cabin baggage have to be carried in containers with a capacity not greater than 100ml. Liquids, gels, aerosols carried in containers larger than 100ml are not to be accepted, even if the container is only part-filled;
- Containers have to be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic bag, which should be completely closed;
- The plastic bag has to be presented separately from other cabin baggage for visual examination at the screening point. Only one transparent plastic bag per passenger is permitted; and
- Exemptions would be made for medications, baby milk/ food and special dietary requirements subject to verification.
For more informations, visit
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/sa/1155262291437.html
Travel Document Requirements – U.S. citizens will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the tour and current visas for China. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong.
For U.S. citizens:
Tauck has partnered with Zierer Visa Service for processing visas to destinations in which U.S. citizens are required to have an entry visa. Over the past several years, Zierer Visa Service has effectively processed hundreds of visas for Tauck travelers. Tauck will automatically send a visa application once a reservation is made and the deposit received. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and shipping fees are not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed with the completed application directly to the Zierer Visa Service. The amount of the visa fee varies by destination and will be stated on the application.
For more information, or to download a Zierer Visa Service application, please log on to the Internet website,
www.zvs.com. To speak directly with ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and that the process will take several weeks.
Citizens of other countries should contact the consulates or embassies of China and Hong Kong to determine if visas are required.
Tauck strongly recommends that guests’ passports be valid for six months beyond the completion of their tour. It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of the first page of your passport and two extra passport photos with you, as well as to leave photocopies of your travel documents and identification papers with someone at home.
Travel with Children – Many countries have specific entry requirements for children less than 21 years of age who are traveling with or without both parents. Usually a notarized letter, signed by the parent or parents not traveling with the child and stating the name of the child, the adult guardian, the itinerary and dates of travel, and the flight number, is required. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all travelers to comply with the regulations for the country you are visiting. This information is available from each country’s consulate. Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standards for these letters, Tauck does offer guidance for writing this letter.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests refrain from cell phone usage during motor coach travel, group functions, sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually ample opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not impact others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist for the destinations to which you are traveling.
Currency and Exchange Rates – The currency used in mainland China is called the Yuan and this currency cannot be purchased outside of China. You will have an opportunity to purchase this currency at the airport upon arrival or at the hotel in Beijing. There are ATM and cash exchange machines located throughout China that accept most major bankcards, but they may be difficult to locate in some instances. Most guests find it easiest to exchange money at the hotel cashier’s desk. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Asia and can be used for major purchases. Most hotels will convert U.S. dollars to local currency. Travelers’ checks are also widely accepted. It's a good idea to carry U.S. dollars in small denominations (1's or 5's) for small purchases. It will make bargaining and paying for local handicrafts much easier.
The island of Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar as its currency. You will have plenty of opportunities to purchase this currency at the Beijing and Hong Kong Airports. ATM and cash machines are everywhere on Hong Kong, and you will not have any challenges using a credit card.
Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM or credit card at locations abroad. Travelers’ checks are also widely accepted.
As of August, 2006, the exchange rate for one U.S. dollar was 7.97224 Chinese Yuan (Ren Min Bi) (CNY) and 7.77808 Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). To obtain the latest currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website
www.oanda.com.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – For U.S residents returning to the United States, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the alcohol and tobacco that can be a part of this exemption - one-liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs website for further details and up-to-date limits at
www.cbp.com.
Citizens of other countries should refer to their own countries’ rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in the hotels in Asia is 200/240v, AC. If you plan on bringing electrical devices with you, it is suggested that you bring an electrical converter with an adapter plug set, although it may not be necessary as all hotels have pre-adapted outlets for razors, as well as hairdryers.
The electrical current on the riverboat is 220v; however, it is 110v in the bathrooms.
Time Zones – All cities on this journey are located in the same time zone. They are 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). In June, Beijing is 12 hours ahead of New York City. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website,
www.timeanddate.com.
Weather - The climate of China is temperate, similar to the United States. Expect cool, sometimes cold, weather in Beijing in spring and fall with temperatures ranging from 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4 to 18 degrees Celsius. During the summer months, the temperatures are warm, and generally range from 75 to 85 F, or 24 to 29 C.
The average temperature in Hong Kong rarely dips below 60 F, or 16 C. From April through October you can expect temperatures to vary between 65 and 85 F, or 18 and 29 C.
Temperatures in the Three Gorges region (Yangtze) and Guilin average 65 F, or 18 C, in April and May and 80 F, or 27 C, in June, July and August. Temperatures return to about 65 F, or 18 C, in October.
Please note that although it does appear to be quite rainy in some areas of the tour at different times of the year, the rain is often intermittent, and does not occur throughout the entire month. It is entirely appropriate to encourage travel during these months.
|
Average Temperature |
| |
Beijing, China |
Hong Kong, China
|
| Month |
Hi/Lo ºF |
Hi/Lo ºC |
Hi/Lo ºF |
Hi/Lo ºC |
| January |
34 / 15 |
1 / -9 |
67 / 58 |
19 / 14 |
| February |
39 / 19 |
4 / -7 |
67 / 59 |
19 / 15 |
| March |
52 /30 |
11 / -1 |
71 / 63 |
22 / 17 |
| April |
67 / 45 |
19 / 7 |
77 / 69 |
25 / 21 |
| May |
79 / 55 |
26 / 13 |
83 / 75 |
28 / 24 |
| June |
86 / 64 |
30 / 18 |
86 / 79 |
30 / 26 |
| July |
87 / 70 |
31 / 21 |
89 / 81 |
32 / 27 |
| August |
85 / 68 |
29 / 20 |
89 / 81 |
32 / 27 |
| September |
78 / 57 |
26 / 14 |
87 / 79 |
31 / 26 |
| October |
66 / 45 |
19 / 7 |
83 / 75 |
28 / 24 |
| November |
50 / 31 |
10 / -1 |
76 / 67 |
24 / 19 |
| December |
37 / 19 |
3 / -7 |
70 / 60 |
21 / 16 |
|
Average Rainfall |
| |
Beijing, China
|
Hong Kong, China
|
| Month |
Inches |
Millimeters |
Inches |
Millimeters |
| January |
0.1 |
3 |
1.1 |
28 |
| February |
0.2 |
5 |
1.7 |
43 |
| March |
0.4 |
10 |
2.9 |
74 |
| April |
1.0 |
25 |
5.5 |
140 |
| May |
1.1 |
28 |
11.2 |
284 |
| June |
2.8 |
71 |
15.7 |
399 |
| July |
6.9 |
175 |
14.3 |
363 |
| August |
7.2 |
183 |
14.8 |
376 |
| September |
1.9 |
48 |
11.7 |
297 |
| October |
0.7 |
18 |
4.7 |
119 |
| November |
0.2 |
5 |
1.5 |
38 |
| December |
0.1 |
3 |
1.0 |
25 |
To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website,
www.weather.com.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, Tauck will charge guests who cancel confirmed bookings a cancellation fee according to the when the cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit guests’ liability, Tauck offers its guests
Tauck Travel Protection.
Guests choosing to purchase the non-refundable
Tauck Travel Protection will have cancellation penalties waived.
Guests choosing
not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person
59-8 days before departure
$1,250 per person
7-1 days before departure
$2,000 per person
