This Fascinating Country

China

is vast and has so much to offer. The country is of a size comparable with that of Europe or the United States and easily as diverse. This is both in terms of forms endowed by nature as well as those changed or created by the inhabitants. Many of the natural features are world class and recognised as such by organizations such as UNESCO in their World Heritage List. The artificial features that define Chinese culture are, perhaps, even more striking to westerners in that, for so long, the country was isolated and developed styles all of its own.

Perhaps the greatest cultural difference lies in the mode of writing. Characters are effectively stylized pictures representing whole words or concepts. There is no alphabet as such and, until recently, literacy was generally confined to the aristocracy and priesthood. Travellers today still struggle to comprehend this writing, though those who take up the challenge and learn a little of the system soon find that it has many layers of interest. That little lesson applies to so many other cultural aspects too.

To the vast physical size and diversity we must add a long and difficult history. Periods of relative security (rule by one extended family or Dynasty) have been broken by long periods of near-constant warring and strife. Much of the fighting has been internal but neighbours have played their part too with invasions including ones from the places now know as Central Asia, Tibet, Mongolia, Manchuria and Japan. This history has left many significant landmarks, the Great Wall being one of the most remarkable.

Journeys

We create trips that offer a real travel experience, not just the highlights. Tourist attractions are only one aspect of any country and we know that our travellers want something special. Each of our standard packages includes some unusual sites or activities so that you get to see something of the real China; of the people and places that make it so fascinating.

We do not forget that your primary purpose is to have a holiday and, therefore, work on the basis that we will take all of the hassles out of the travel. Our detailed journey itineraries specify exactly what is and what is not included. You will find that we include pretty much everything that makes sense for the group.

We consider meal times to be one of the greatest cultural experiences especially as the food in China is so exotic and varied. The same dish can be prepared in different restaurants on the same street in completely different ways - all delicious. We limit our group size such that everyone can sit down to dinners at the same table with their local guide on hand. Good company makes for wonderful meals, and having explanations and questions answered from a knowledgeable source just adds to the pleasure.

Balancing time, adding interest

Visitors have a bewildering array of travel and sightseeing options. Any route must be a compromise between time, budget and interests. We do not limit ourselves to the mainstream routes and sites but use our 10+ years' experience in-country, and a little more imagination, to give each day more balance and more interest. This may just be the addition of a small, extra site nearby or an activity, or may mean a complete revision with a tour theme that will suit the right people much better.

Our standard packages are designed to suit a broad range of travellers. If you have very special interest then we also offer a Tailor-made Service where you specify your exact requirements and we help you work towards a dream trip all of your own.

Let us be your vehicle, and discover that travel here can be comfortable and convenient, and very interesting.

Choose one from our range of holidays now.