This incredible journey explores the great cities, magnificent architecture, natural wonders, Buddhist heritage and archaeological treasures of Northern China. Marvel at the imperial wonders of the Forbidden City, discover the army of Terracotta Warriors and walk the Great Wall. Highlights of China Classic 2009 GPA 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Asia China Shanghai Beijing China China Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 14 2 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/china/china_hongkong_market_food_vendor.jpg Arrive in Shanghai at any time. Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and an architectural marvel. Enjoy a day trip to Zhouzhuang, one of Shanghai's nearby water towns, famous for its canals and stone bridges. Starting in the picturesque town of Yichang, explore the mighty Yangtze River by boat. One of the world’s natural scenic wonders, this brilliant river is full of gorges and dotted with small towns, along with the massive Three Gorges Dam, an incredible feat of modern technology. Observe one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors - and dine on some of the best market food in the country. This ancient capital is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. The World Heritage City of Pingyao is best explored on foot. The Ming and Qing Dynasty Street and China's first bank are just a few of the sights to be seen. The magnificent Yungang Grottoes dominate the landscape of this ancient capital town. Explore the mystery of the 50,000 buddhas tucked in to the caves, the mud brick 17th fortress with its crumbling watchtowers, and a remnant of the Great Wall. Beijing is a city of incredible sights, shopping, food and entertainment. From the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China, Beijing is the cultural capital of China. On Day 1 fellow group members will be arriving from all over the world. There are no planed activities on that day until the group meeting at 6 pm, followed by dinner. On arrival please check the notice board in the hotel entrance for details of the time and place of the meeting.

On Day 2 we will take a day trip to Zhouzhuang, known as 'canal town'. With cobbled lanes in the old town intersected by canals and stone bridges built over 900 years ago, this town is filled with charm and beauty. On day 3, we will fly to Yichang, gateway to the Three Gorges Dam project. Before boarding our boat on day 4, we will visit the Dam project.

2003 saw the completion of the second stage of this massive project, and the water level rise to 135m above sea level. Although the highest level is only due to be reached after completion of the final stage in 2009, China is already reaping the benefits. The dam design includes a ship lock and ship lift, and the raised water level allows even large ships to reach far inland. It also includes 26 hydro-electric turbines. Some of these have already started production. By the time all the turbines are working they will contribute more than 10% of China’s needs. The most significant development though is the dam’s use in flood control. The region below the dam has suffered from terrible floods throughout history. Now, water can be released from the reservoir prior to the rainy season in order to provide a buffer against the worst effects. This is not without cost. The project itself has overrun the original budget of approximately US$20 billion and 1.2 million people are due to be relocated, either above the new water line or in new locations entirely. Other environmental effects have been discussed but are only likely to be fully known once the project has become established.

We board our boat on day 4 and over the next 2 days will stop off at various places for short excursions on land.

The Yangtze is one of the great rivers of the world and, at 6,300km, is the world’s third longest. Starting from high on the Tibetan Plateau, the river grows in might as it flows relentlessly eastwards until it empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai. Effectively dividing the country into north and south, the river has created the rural heart of China, but has also spawned many industries reliant upon its power.

Our route takes us from just outside Yichang to Chongqing, taking in the famous section known as the Three Gorges. Though the lower parts of the cliffs are now submerged, the actual change in water level remains small when compared to the scale of the surrounding mountains. Only after sailing the full length of the dam will you be able to appreciate the phenomenal size of this project.

We cruise the Yangtze on a tourist class cruise boat. During the year we use several boats depending on their cruise schedules. Details of individual boats vary, but are all of a similar standard. You can expect to be accommodated in river facing air conditioned twin share cabins with private facilities. Bedding and towels are provided. On board, boats offer a range of facilities: usually a restaurant where meals are taken throughout the cruise, laundry, shops, foreign exchange and a bar. The cruise line employs a resident guide who provides guiding services for all English speakers on the cruise.

On day 6, we will disembark in Chongqing and transfer to the train station for our overnight trip to Xi'an (14 hrs) Arrive in Xi’an in the early morning and check in to the hotel.

Xi'an is homebase for visiting the famous Terracotta Warriors, built over 2000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, approximately 1 hour from town. Over 6000 life-size warriors have been discovered. Spend half a day exploring this archaeological wonder, approximately 45 minutes from Xi'an.

The city has many other attractions including the Great Mosque, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and fantastic evening food markets. The center of Xi'an is enclosed by an enormous city wall which can be climbed for a small fee - the top is a great place to view the setting sun. After sunset head out to the Muslim Quarter for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.

On day 8, we board a train for Pingyao. Arrive in the morning to Pingyao, a former thriving merchant town during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Now this well-preserved city has a much more laid back feel with numerous ancient houses and cultural relics throughout the town. The 6km Ming dynasty wall still stands intact and completely surrounds the city. A five hour bus journey on day 10 takes us to Datong, home of the Yungang Grottoes.

The grottoes are located in the Yungang valley, some 10 miles west of Datong. More than 50 recesses have been dug into the hills and filled with Buddhist statues of various sizes and shapes, 51,000 altogether. From the 56-foot Seated Buddha to tiny figures just a few centimeters tall, every wall and archway is crammed with carvings.

Datong has several other tourist attractions – such as the 600-year-old Nine-Dragon Screen made of glazed tiles, the Huayan Monastery with the largest wooden shrine hall in China, and the Shanhua Monastery, intact since 713.

Datong is situated between the inner and outer sections of the Great Wall and from the Yungang cave entrance, you can view a bit of the outer wall. A 15 minute walk will take you to it where you can have a peaceful stroll along a stretch of the Great Wall that sees very few tourists.

On day 11, we board an afternoon train to Beijing (5 hrs)
Beijing offers almost endless possibilities. Arrive in the early morning and prepare to vist Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in the afternoon. Use the last bits of the early evening to shop in Beijing’s many markets and world-class shopping malls or visit some of the city’s many sights – the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Yonghegong Tibetan Monastery…the list goes on and on!

On day 13,finish up your Chinese journey by walking on the Great Wall, an incredible feat of engineering ranging over 6000km from the Yellow Sea to the desert fort of Jiayuguan. The wall was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north. Spend your final night with your tourmates at one of the capital's many fine restaurants.
1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1759 1699 1059 869 2279 1599 1229 1849 379.00 339.00 219.00 179.00 459.00 319.00 219.00 319.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Hotels/guesthouses (8 nts), Sleeper train (3 nts), Yangtze boat (2 nts). Departure Departs every Sunday, March to November DepEnd Sun-Sat Group Leader Tour Leader, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Shanghai, Zhuozhuang Canal Town, Yichang, Yangtzi River, Three Gorges, Xi'an, Pingyao, Datong, Beijing, Great Wall Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 1 Lunch Min Pax 6 My Own Room Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:
Nights 6, 8 & 11, Sleeper train Recommendation Want a little more time in China? Check out Discover China - trip code ACDC StartFinish Shanghai to Beijing Testimonial "The trip was called 'Highlights of China' and it delivered exactly that - the highlights of China. Nothing was left out: everything was special." - Barbara Jacob travelled on Highlights of China Transport Train, flight, local bus, aircon bus, boat, walking. What's Included Shanghai Orientation Walk, Entrance fees to Shanghai Museum, Entrance to Zhouzhuang Canal Town, Three Gorges boat trip, Terracotta Warriors tour, Entrance to Pingyao Ancient Town, Entrance to Yungang Grottoes, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to Great Wall
A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro This incredible journey explores the great cities, magnificent architecture, natural wonders, Buddhist heritage and archaeological treasures of Northern China. Marvel at the imperial wonders of the Forbidden City, discover the army of Terracotta Warriors and walk the Great Wall. Checklist Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Departure Tax Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China, Thailand & Vietnam. Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Marvel at the imperial wonders of the Forbidden City and the incredible buried army of Terracotta Warriors; explore an ancient walled city and walk the Great Wall. This incredible journey explores the great cities, magnificent architecture, natural wonders, Buddhist heritage and archaeological treasures of Northern China. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Local Office – Beijing, China
Beijing Office Tel: +86-10-8779-6501

China Manager Emergency Mobile: +86-1343 958 8732 - Blair (China)

Asia Operations Manager Mobile: +66-879 118 802 - Gabe (Thailand)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 – Andrew
Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel 上海飘鹰大酒店 -Shanghai - Piao Ying Hotel
71 Zhapu Road Hongkou, Shanghai 200085
上海市虹口区乍浦路71号
People's Republic of China
Phone: 86-21-6324-0118
Joining Instructions When arriving at Pudong Intl Airport in Shanghai you have a choice of metered taxi or airprt bus. Please follow the signs for taxis or bus which is clearly marked once you exit from the baggage hall. DO NOT GO WITH ANYONE WHO APPROACHES YOU WHO SAYS THEY HAVE A METERED TAXI IN THE PARKING LOT. THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF!!!! The taxis are all lined up out from of the airport and have traffic guards directing people into a waiting taxi. The ride from the airport to our starting hotel will take between 45-55 minutes depending on traffic and should cost approx. 180-200 Yuan. There are about 6 different airport buses that drop you off at different places around the city. The staff at the airport bus counter can tell you which bus will be closes to your hotel. The cost is 30 yuan. The last option is the new Maglev train which takes 9 minutes and travels at 350 km/h to the outskirts of Shanghai. The Maglev costs 40 Yuan for a one way journey and links up with Shanghai's metro system. You can also take a taxi from the Maglev station in Shanghai to your hotel for about 45 Yuan. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip our driver will be waiting for you with a G.A.P Adventures Sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Dress In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of Nov 2007 the exchange rate for HONG KONG was 1 USD = 7.7 HKD (HongKong Dollar) and CHINA was 1 USD = 7.4 CNY (Chinese Yuan). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Shanghai
Jade Buddah USD2
Pearl Tower USD10
Tourist Tunnel USD4

Xian
Drum or Bell Tower USD2
Terracotta Warriors USD12
Great Mosque USD2
Great White Goose Pagoda USD4
Hua Shan Mountain USD30

Beijing
Acrobats or Shaolin Monks USD12
Summer Palace USD5
Opera USD20,
Hutong Tour USD15
Temple of Heaven USD8
Beijing Duck Dinner USD10 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas Please note that visas for China are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in.
Please note that China and Hong Kong are two separate government areas so you go through two sets of immigration procedures. If your trip finishes in Hong Kong and you are travelling back into Mainland China then you may need a double entry visa. Please check your travel itinerary. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G.A.P Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.