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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.
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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 this dossier was originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Beijing - Opera £15.00; Acrobatic performance £18.00; Summer Palace £10.00. Temple of Heaven £3.50. Hutong Tour £13.00; Kung Fu show £18.00 Birds Nest tour £10.00.
Xian - Tang Dynasty Show and dumpling banquet £25.00. City Wall by bike - £10.00.
Please note that it may not be possible to do all of the optionals.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Local staff: Accordingly you should allow approx £20 for tipping of local staff in the first part of your tour. Please note, for the Xian add-on section of the tour we reccommend tipping local staff at your discretion individually, due to the small group size that often participates in the Xian add-on.
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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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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Renminbi/Yuan.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Bring EUR, USD or GBP cash.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: In all major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants and shops. When changing money ask for a receipt so you can change Yuan back into your own currency when leaving China.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged at the Bank of China; only in Beijing and Chengde and only during bank opening hours. Please note this may be very time consuming and its recommended that you bring cards or cash instead.
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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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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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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.
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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 topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.). Though not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against Japanese Encephalitis.
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 topAlthough most of the walking on this tour is graded moderate it should be stressed that certain stretches of The Wall have some very steep sections and often involve climbing on high steps. Because of this it is not a tour for vertigo sufferers.
Please also note that some sections of the wall are broken and a little overgrown. It should also be pointed out that it is possible to travel in the support vehicle if you do not wish to partake in any particular walk.
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Seasonal 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 a wide spectrum of extremes due to its huge area. Summer months are generally hot in the north with some rain – average temperatures around 30 ºC. Temperatures in and around Beijing can drop considerably in spring and autumn however, especially at night.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage – so don’t overload yourself. Whilst walking on the Great Wall your main luggage will be left on the vehicle or in the hotel. You should carry a daysac containing water, sunscreen and a hat at the very least.
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 topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topLightweight raingear year round and some warmer clothes in April and October.
Back to topLight walking boots are recommended for the walk, comfortable shoes or trainers and sandals for other sightseeing.
Back to topA Mandarin phrase book may be helpful. You may wish to bring a trekking pole with a rubber tip and a torch. You may also find re-hydration salts useful in the summer months.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topThe Xian extension section of this tour is unescorted. We use knowledgeable local guides in Xian to ensure you get the best out of your time in the city.
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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