Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 95)
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Going All Inclusive
If the stresses and strains of everyday life are becoming too much to cope with, then it is probably about time you went on holiday. From weekend city breaks to a fortnight by the beach, there are a number of different ways you can forget about the daily routine and enjoy a bit of downtime.
However, all inclusive holidays are perhaps the best and most effective way to recharge your batteries or regain some strength and companies like First Choice have a lot of tempting offers. What’s more, there are numerous reasons why you should choose this kind of all-encompassing package deal along with several lavish and luxurious destinations to choose from.
Reasons to go all inclusive
- Hassle free – With everything already organised and paid for, you can relax and unwind without the hassle of organising every small detail.
- Value for money – Seeing as everything is included, you don’t need to worry about spending lots of money on dining out at expensive eateries or drinking in pricey bars.
- Save time – Rather than searching online for restaurant recommendations or walking the streets looking for a decent pub, an all-inclusive deal enables you to make the most of your time away.
- Stay on budget – If you’re not careful, it is easy to spend quite a bit of cash while on holiday. But if you’ve paid for the essentials beforehand, staying on budget is simple.
Best places to go all inclusive
- Algarve – The southernmost region of Portugal has everything you could possibly want from a vacation by the sea. Mesmerising limestone rocks overshadow beautiful golden beaches and inviting turquoise water. There is also a good chance the all inclusive food will comprise of delicious fresh fish doused in locally produced olive oil.
- Benalmádena (Costa del Sol) – In the province of Málaga, Spain, you’ll find a sophisticated and charming coastal town that boasts cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. In terms of attractions and excursions, be sure to visit the nearby Sea Life aquarium or the Parque Paloma landscaped garden.
- Sharm El Sheikh – Located on the breath taking Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, this particular resort enjoys mild yearlong temperatures and plenty of scorching sunshine. Be sure to cool off in the crystalline waters by going scuba diving or experience the stunning natural landscape with an overnight desert safari.
- Marmari (Kos) – For a peaceful and quiet retreat, consider this resort on the northwest coast of Kos. The pristine beach stretches along 2 kilometres of coastline, while the sea breeze makes it perfect for a bit of windsurfing. Kos Town, just 15 minute drive away, features cultural highlights such as a medieval castle and roman baths.
But regardless of where you decide to go on your all inclusive break, you’ll be guaranteed to have a leisurely, effortless and enjoyable time.
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Practical Tips for Traveling Myanmar
Recently I was in Myanmar, and I liked it.
Stacey (from OneTravelsFar.com) and I arrived in Yangon and instantly I was smitten. I couldn’t put my finger exactly on why. It wasn’t an outstanding city, but it reminded me of places I’d been before and it felt different at the same time. While there were obvious signs that Western culture was seeping in, it felt like we had almost gone back in time a little bit. I imagined Myanmar in 2014 is how Cambodia might have been a decade ago. The people were so lovely and genuinely excited to see us, but we didn’t feel hassled or pressured.
Our trip to and through Myanmar wasn’t easy and when I return I’ll do it differently. Here are my practical tips for visiting Myanmar.
1) Do Not Get the Visa in Person
Do you have a fetish for standing in queues for 3 hours in the sweltering heat, only to return 90 minutes later to spend a few more hours in the queue again? I didn’t think so. That’s exactly how we spent one fateful day in Bangkok.
2.5 hours in my travel buddy Stacey started to wonder if we really wanted to go to Myanmar. I predict if we hadn’t already booked our flights, we would have followed the footsteps of the two travellers ahead of us who said “Fuck Myanmar” and walked out of that crusty Embassy.
But we didn’t and I’m really glad we went… To Myanmar, that is, not to that awful Embassy.
Apply for the Visa On Arrival. It’s a relatively new thing – which at the time of writing – is only available at Yangon airport. You need to apply at least 5 days before your travel, so maybe do it a few weeks in advance just to ensure everything’s sorted. Do not wait in the lines, they are soul destroying.
2. Take Crisp USD Bills
At this point in time there are ATMs scattered across the main tourist parts; I saw them in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, which were the three places we visited. However, many of the ATMs have small limits and because the Internet/phone connection is patchy, often they will not work for a few days. Don’t expect to be able to pay with big purchases with your credit card, as the same phone line issues affect this service too. It’s quite easy to change USD in the local currency in the main centers and you tend to get a pretty good rate.
3. Do the Balloon Ride
Yes, $320 is an outrageous amount of money to pay for 40 minutes. That’s basically $10 a minute and for that price I would expect a massage by someone who’s hands have been dipped in 24 carat gold. It is painfully expensive, but it’s one of those things that I think you just need to man up and pay for. It was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. Easily top 5 material and the sunrise on that particular day was crappy – that’s saying a lot.
4. Prepare to Pay a Lot for Average to Poor Accommodation
As tourism is relatively new to Myanmar, there’s not a lot in the way of accommodation options. The options that do exist are expensive and do not provide much in the way of value. If you’re a budget traveler, you might cringe at the prices you’re paying for rooms you’d get for ¼ of the price in Thailand or Cambodia. That’s the price you pay to experience Myanmar before it turns into a circus like Angkor Wat.
My suggestion is to find out where other travellers are staying along your trip and book into their suggestions. You should consider booking the accommodation a day in advance as because tourism is increasing so rapidly, prices can go right up and the accommodation can wind up being saturated with no affordable spaces left. You can also usually negotiate a better price this way and your current guesthouse/hostel/hotel should be fine with you using the phone for this!
On average my friend and I were paying about $15-20 per night, each, for shared accommodation. This was budget, but comfortable places. You can definitely do cheaper and you can definitely do more expensive, but I imagine this is a good guide line for people traveling there. In comparison, the rooms we were staying in we would expect to pay more around the $5-10 mark per person in places like Thailand or Cambodia.
5. Internet Sucks, Don’t Even Bother
Have you wanted to throw your iPhone at a wall because it takes 15 minutes to load a basic email? I have. That’s how I felt the whole time in Myanmar while trying to use the Internet. I think things will continue to improve, but do be warned the Internet sucks there. I found that the Internet speed dramatically improved after 9pm because I guess there was less congestion.
6. However Long You’re Planning Probably Isn’t Enough
We spent 12 days. Not enough. We met people who had spent 3 weeks. Not enough. I met people who have spent a month there and I would guess that’s about the right length of time. Yes, it does kind of feel like Myanmar is assaulting your bank balance compared to other South East Asian countries, but I feel that it was very much worth the price. The next time I return to Myanmar – and I will definitely be returning to see how much it’s changed – I will be planning at least a few weeks. There’s gorgeous beaches in Myanmar, apparently, with my name written all over them in the sand.
7. It’s Mostly About The People & Being There
Aside from the temples in Bangon, some golden temples and a teak bridge, in my opinion there’s not a whole lot to see in Myanmar, at least things you couldn’t see elsewhere in Asia. The reason I fell in LOVE with Myanmar was because of the people.
We had a partially deaf taxi driver open up to us about his desire for a less corrupt government. We had a young girl come sit with us outside a temple and practice her English and share her life stories with us. We had a young man in Mandalay invite us to meet his whole family and then took us out to drink tea and watch football. We were constantly embraced by the local people and shown such warm.
It’s a wonderful place to be and to see.
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Relaxing and Rejuvenating on The Road – The Four Seasons Experience
Traveling can be hard work – you might not believe it, but sleepless nights on trains, buses and planes add up quickly. Even moving countries, learning new currencies and languages can wear at you when you’re not feeling your best. It’s so important to take breaks out during your travels, to ensure you’re well rested, healthy and relaxed. Earlier in my trip, we had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons in Singapore and experiencing some of the service that makes The Four Seasons one of the most famous hotel chains in the world. It was a really special stay and I thought I’d share it with you.
On the Friday night during our trip, Ben and I went down to the monthly final cocktail evening, at One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas, to sample some of the delicious cocktails on offer. There are a number of bar snacks that are perfectly paired with a certain drink. We tried the “Fish and Chip Burgers” with the Wasabi Martini, and while I was a little dubious about a Wasabi Martini, I was very pleasently surprised. In fact, the Four Season’s Wasabi Martini might be my favourite Martini. We tried a few other drinks, including the Kettle drinks, which are served in a kettle alongside some dry ice to keep things fresh. It was a really relaxed environment and a great way to start out evening before heading out to some of the other sites Singapore has on offer.
If you’ve read a handful of my blog posts, or met me in person, you know that I’m very, very fond of massages. I think they’re a great way to de-stress, to release toxins and to ensure you’re well rested. The day before we flew to Thailand, we decided to try out two of the Four Season’s Signature massages. I had the Harmonizing massage while Ben had the Restorative massage. I’ve had countless massages in countless hotels and spas across the globe and this was certainly one of the most memorable. My masseuse was extremely talented – she was a visiting therapist from the Philippines who specialised in this type of massage. Before the treatment, she talked me through the procedure, asked if I had any particular areas that needed work and was very warm and welcoming.
The massage itself was incredible – she used a bowl like tool on my feet, and the massage chair moved into certain positions that made it hard not to fall asleep – I was that comfortable. After the massage I felt like I was floating on a cloud and only wished we had more time to schedule another! Ben said his massage was hands down the best he had ever had, so if you’re planning a trip to Singapore I would suggest you try out either of these signature massage treatments.
Later that evening we treated our taste buds to a culinary experience at the Four Season’s Chinese Restaurant: Jiang-Nan Chun. As we worked our way through the different courses, we couldn’t help but be delighted. To be honest, I’ve never been much of a fan of Chinese food, but I had heard good things so couldn’t resist. While all the courses we tried were delicious, the most memorable for me were the pork belly, the dim sum and the wasabi prawns. Singapore is known around the world for having some of the best food in the world, and Jiang-Nan Chun certainly upholds that reputation.
By the time we’d finished our massage and dinner, we were so relaxed that we could barely keep awake. We made our way back up to our gorgeous room and left the curtains open so we could look out towards Singapore’s skyline. It was the perfect way to prepare for our flight the next day and to unwind in one of my favourite cities in the world.
Do you have a special pre-flight routine? Have you ever stayed at a Four Seasons? If so, how was your experience? I’d love to try more of them around the world.
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Travelling to Asia: Why I Love the Freedom and Independence
Travelling to Asia is always an amazing experience. Whether I’m taking the train in bustling Seoul, Korea or walking around vibrant Bangkok, Thailand, I feel alive in a way that can be tough to describe. Travelling in Asia makes me feel free and independent — and kind of like I can conquer the world on my own.
1. Revelling in The Simple Things
When I’m in a south-eastern Asian nation such as Vietnam or Thailand, I get the opportunity to revel in all of the simplicities of being alive. Munching on fried noodles on the streets can fill me with so much joy. Going on a tuk-tuk ride around the jam-packed city streets can do the same. Taking in all of the sights and sounds of an unfamiliar place can stir up many exciting emotions in me. It makes me feel free, strong and absolutely invigorated.
2. Learning New Things
Travelling in Asia isn’t just about hitting all of the major tourist attractions. I learn so much when I’m abroad. When I’m trekking around Japan, I get a close glimpse into how people interact with each other, bowing as a form of courtesy. I get to view the importance of groups in Japanese society, as well. When I’m visiting a country like Vietnam, I get the chance to hear the language. I get to see how the locals live their lives, whether it involves trips to purchase groceries or going about their daily work. The amount of learning I do when I’m in Asia is quite impressive. Being in Asia opens me up to a whole new universe of language, religion, food, scenery and social norms, to be specific. Culture shock isn’t so “shocking” to me anymore.
3. Cutting Down
When I’m in certain Asian nations, I realize that I used to take so much for granted in my lifestyle. Being in places like Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand does this to me. When I see the locals leading their often simple — yet rewarding — lives, I’m thrown by how I used to live. I used to live in constant fear of money. I was in many ways driven by material things. Travelling in Asia, however, has given me an incredible sense of freedom and independence in that it has made me realize that those things just aren’t that important.
If you want to revitalize your senses and discover your true self, travelling all throughout Asia can help you on that journey. Expedia is one where you can find the best deal on hotel and accommodation. Check out their website to find something that fits your budget and traveling plans.
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Unique beaches of the UK
The islands that make up Great Britain are framed by 9,000 miles of some of the most unique coastline in the world. Travellers and holidaymakers can therefore take their pick of stunning isolated beaches, seaside playgrounds like Blackpool, or more cosmopolitan beach areas such as Brighton. Alternatively they can search out the perfect cove or cliff setting for a fabulous family getaway.
Ladram Bay, Otterton
Great for: camping, hot tub lodges, water sports and family friendly
Interesting Fact: Ladram was used by smugglers to land contraband such as brandy – this stopped in the 1800’s.
The pebbled beach of Ladram Bay is accessible all year around, with the holiday park is open from March – November. Throughout the season there are a range of family activities on offer, from kayaking, boat-hire, sea scooters and fishing. Others may prefer to have a more relaxing visit and simply choose to explore the footpaths along this part of the Jurassic coast or take shelter in a hot tub and soothe their cares away.
Ladram Bay is unique in that it is a private beach that can only be accessed via the Holiday Park (day passes are available) or by boat. This beautiful bay sits along the Jurassic coast (a World Heritage site) an honour it shares with the neighbouring county of Dorset.
Ladram Bay offers one of the most superlative holiday parks in Devon. Yes, it is one of the largest parks in the region, offering a mix of visitors who are camping under canvas, or in their own caravan, or those who have hired a static van, or the owners of the vans and lodges themselves, and yet the ethos is the same for all – ‘peace and quiet, a place to relax, have some fun and just enjoy.’
Sanday Island, Orkney
Great for: tranquillity, blue water and wildlife
Interesting Fact: Of the 70 Orkney Island just 20 are inhabited.
For those who really want to get away from it all, head to Orkney off the Northern tip of Scotland. Orkney is made up of a group of 70 islands with the majority of these being uninhabited. With a history that starts with the Neolithic people more than 4,500 years ago coupled with the annual Orkney invasion of birds and wildlife – you’ll find plenty to do and see at the UNESCO World Heritage Site and various reservation areas.
You’ll also find an abundance of fresh quality cuisine – don’t forget to try the Orkney Herring and Orkney cheese – and warm, welcoming hospitality.
Sanday has long natural stretches of sandy beaches with sparkling seas and plenty of wildlife to spot including seals. The roads are very quiet and the locals very friendly – so give them a wave as you meander through the lanes.
Botany Bay, Broadstairs, Kent
Great for: safe swimming, photography and fossil hunting
Interesting fact: the white cliffs were formed during the Upper Cretaceous period around 100-65 million years ago.
The name Botany Bay is synonymous with the infamous bay in Australia, but while this hidden gem took its name at the same time, it is located in Broadstairs, Kent.
Families are attracted to Botany Bay thanks to the opportunities for safe swimming that it offers, along with its five star water quality and its truly spectacular setting, indeed the chalk cliffs and stacks are magnificent. In spite of this, Botany Bay is quiet and secluded enough to allow for proper relaxation if that’s what you desire.
When the tide goes out you have the chance to explore the rock pools and hunt for fossils. During the season there are a variety of facilities available including deckchair hire and lifeguards who keep a careful eye on swimmers.
Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Great for: novelty, family fun and bird watching
Interesting fact: The ports name was changed to distinguish its name locations in the early 19th century.
For something a little different why not head out to Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk? This wide sandy beach is backed by pine woods, but because it is a fair distance from the town you can use the little narrow gauge railway to get there. During the season the lifeguards keep a careful eye out so that you can chill out among the little whimsical beach huts while watching kids (big and little) splashing around in the pools.
Wells-next-the-Sea is part of the largest coastal nature reserve in England and Wales, and like the rest of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is a haven for twitchers. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot terns, oystercatchers, avocets, bitterns and marsh harriers.
Rhossili Bay, Swansea
Great for: facilities, dog friendly, water sports
Interesting fact: In 2011 Rhossili was the stage for 400 people who attempted to break the world record for largest collective skinny dip.
No list of unique beaches would be complete without a mention of Rhossili Bay, which has been voted the third best beach in Europe and ninth best in the world. The Times nominated Rhossili as ‘The UK’s No.1 dog-friendly beach’ which among canine fans is an accolade indeed.
Rhossili Bay offers you three miles of fine golden sand and – thanks to the Atlantic swell – a range of watersports – particularly surfing. The walks along the cliffs are magnificent and you may be able to spot seals or dolphins playing in the surf, or even the shipwrecks that lie just below the surface. Rhossili Bay is part of the Gower Coast Path and the views are breath-taking.
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Top 5 World Road trips
When the sun’s out and the days lengthen, there is nothing like filling the tank in your car and hitting the open road.While a road trip is a classic American endeavour (think diners, motels, and Route 66), we say don’t limit your horizons: in this article, we explore ideas for some of the best road trips around the world.
European Roadtrips
If you are based in the UK, don’t overlook a road trip in Europe. A popular way to travel is in a revamped VW Campervan – imagine driving to the south of France in your van, stopping only to marvel at chateaux and sleeping on the Cote d’Azur– watching the sun set each day with a glass of Merlot in your hand. Or how about a Grand Tour through Switzerland, France, and Italy? Starting in Geneva, twist your way through the mountains, visiting Chamonix and Turin before reaching Florence.
The Big Easy
For an all-American trip, you could do worse than drive from Mobile, Alabama, (the setting of Harper Lee’s famous novel, To Kill A Mockingbird) to New Orleans, Louisiana. Marvel at the vast southern mansions, and immerse yourself in jazz in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Time it right for Mardi Gras and you’ll have an unforgettable experience- the carnival and parades have an electric atmosphere and they’re totally free.
The Silk Road
For something a little less gentle, try the Karakoram Highway through Pakistan and China: start in Abbottabad (of Osama Bin Laden hideout fame) and end in Kashgar. It’s the highest altitude paved road in the world- a part of the famed Silk Road, it’s said that over 1000 lives were lost in its construction, but if you’re prepared for more extreme conditions, you’ll be richly rewarded with amazing views and stories to take home. Blasted through the mountains, it’s a genuine feat of engineering. Avoid during winter due to snowfall closures- and don’t forget your car hire insurance.
Australia’s Great Ocean Road
This is the classic Aussie road trip. Drive between Melbourne and Adelaide and admire the amazing free sights provided by nature. Check out the Twelve Apostles (rock stacks millions of years old pointing out of the ocean), and mind you don’t hit a koala or kangaroo.
Out of Africa
If you have heard about the Limpopo River in stories and rhymes, see it for yourself on a South African road trip. Along the borders with Botswana and Zimbabwe, get a feel for this land of contrasts with lush vegetation and sparse, dusty landscape with the African bush.
What are you waiting for? Pick a continent, dust off that licence and get your driving gloves on!
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Making the most of it
City breaks are great, and whilst in essence they may be short breaks, often it’s the whistle-stop tours which turn out to be the most enjoyable; you don’t have time to be stressed, bored, or have the time to think too much, other than focusing on what you’re seeing. A city break is the perfect break from the norm.
Despite that, the fact that your break is a short one means you can’t afford any hiccups in your travel plans, and this is where using this flight tracker on holidayextras.co.uk can keep you one step ahead of the game and will help you out. Anticipating any potential problems, which obviously we hope there won’t be, means you will be in a better position to move your plans around a little, if need be.
The good thing about city breaks is that you can usually grab a cheap flight, and more often than not, flights aren’t that long either, which means more time in your destination. If you can, try and grab yourself an early flight, which leaves you with the rest of the day to enjoy. Doing some research pre-departure will also mean you have more time, because you’re not going to be running around like a headless chicken, trying to figure out where the best sights are and how to get to them. Don’t waste time trying to find things when you can do all the leg work before you leave!
If you want to go to a particular restaurant, why not call ahead and reserve a table? Most large restaurants will allow you to do this, and again, this saves you time, so you’re not queuing in vain for anything up to an hour or so!
Being organised in such a way isn’t a bad thing, and whilst it might take up a bit of time in the weeks leading up to your departure, it will mean you see more whilst you’re away.
So, where will you go?
There are countless cities right on our doorstep, meaning you can experience culture, history, architecture, cuisine, night-life, relaxation, shopping, theatre, almost anything in just a few short hours.
We’re lucky like that!
Another plus to the city break is that if you wake up one morning, maybe you find yourself with a weekend off, you can easily grab a last minute flight, and cheap accommodation, quicker than the time it can take to drive to London for the weekend!
Put simply, city breaks are the epitome of a break from reality, all within the space of a few hours.
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Is Paris still the most romantic city in the world?
Oui, it sure is. I would have thought by now another city would have taken the title of most romantic city in the world but after a recent trip to Paris, I definitely discovered why this city is still the city of love. So if you are planning a romantic escape to Paris, here some top things to do there.
Enjoy a river cruise
There is nothing like romance, than taking one of the romantic European river cruises along the River Seine in Paris. Sip on Champagne as you watch the beautiful sights and sounds roll past your eyes. You can do a daytime cruise or a nighttime cruise but either or offer great romantic views of this beautiful city.
Symbolize your love
If you are in Paris for romance then you can’t go without visiting the Pont des Arts Bridge, where couples write there names on padlocks and attach them to the fencing on the bridge to symbolize their love. There is so much love there, in fact that the bridge had it’s railing break earlier this year from too much weight.
Wine and dine your way around the city
Paris has absolutely no shortage of fine wine and dining. You can have a beautiful candlelit romantic dinner just about anywhere you go in the city, with some of the best French dishes you have ever tasted. For golden age Parisian dining then visit Benoit, Le Train Bleu or Piroette. Some of the best restaurants though are discovered in the small back alleys, so go on foot and ask the locals as to where their personal favourites are.
Listen to live jazz
On a Sunday head to Le Caveau des Oubliettes, where you will be seduced by some of the best live jazz in Paris. It’s also the oldest live jazz bar in the city and offers a beautiful underground wine cellar.
Pack a picnic and take in the views
Find a picnic basket and fill it with your favourite French wine and cheese then pick a spot with a good view. There are no shortage of stunning views in Paris, you could pick from staring up at the Eifel Tower or even have a picnic whilst up there. Pick a spot along the river and gaze at one of the many beautiful bridges or back at the cities stunning architecture. My personal favourite though is a little treasure trove, located just near the gates of Parc des Buttes Chaumont, where you will discover a quiet little hill top village with your own private view of Montematre.
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Great weekend escapes in Britain
Whilst Britain has some fantastic cosmopolitan cities, once in a while it’s nice to get out of the concrete jungle and enjoy a lovely weekend away. You get to breath in that fresh clean air as you relax spending time with loved ones. So if you are looking at a quick escape from the city, use this handy guide for planning your weekend getaway.
Head to Cornwall
You don’t often think of beach holidays when you think of the UK but Cornwall is a great place for a beach weekend escape. You can also hire some great rural holiday homes in Cornwall for the weekend, which can be anything from your basic bungalow to luxury cabins. Cornwall is great for families with an array of fun-filled family activities but is great for couples too. Eat fish n chips along the waters edge or have a go at paddle boarding during the day. It also offers some great surfing spots at one of Newquay’s beaches.
Snuggle up in a country cottage
It doesn’t need to be summer to enjoy a weekend away, think country cottage, rolling hill landscape, wood fire, bottle of red wine and some good food. There is no shortage of quaint country towns in Britain however Chulmleigh is a great spot to visit in the winter time, that offers everything you could ask for in a country weekend escape.
Get active in the Lake District
If you feel like being a little more active on your weekend away, then why not go rowing in the Northern Lake District. If rowing isn’t your thing then there is plenty of hikes you can do that offer spectacular views. The Lake District is also great for a romantic getaway with its stunning landscape and fourteen different lakes to visit.
Experience history in York
Whilst York is a city itself, it’s definitely a lot different to the busier cities of Britain like London and Manchester. The whole town just oozes history, with its ancient cobbled streets, medieval castle, and it’s ancient city walls. Take a nightly ghost tour around the city if you want to hear some good old scary tales.
Check out the heights in Dover
This gorgeous port town offers stunning cliff top views out into the English Channel. Stroll along the famous White Chalk Cliffs and visit Dover Castle, famous for it’s shear beauty. Being a port town it’s also filled with great military history.
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Hack China in 1 Week: Make the Most of Your 1 Week Visit to China
Not everyone has the luxury of travelling to places on a long-term basis. Many people work normal 9-5 jobs, which often come with a paltry 1-2 weeks’ vacation allowance.
As a result, many people think they cannot go on a long haul holiday, and therefore stick to countries closer to home.
However, below we will show you how you can make the most of a 1-week visit to China, and enjoy a few of the cultural and historical sites the country has to offer.
The Far East will no longer be just a pipe dream.
Day 1- Arrival- Beijing
This day will mostly consist of travel, from home to Beijing and then rest after the long flight. One of the best hotels in Beijing is the Park Hyatt which has an in-house spa for a well-deserved jetlag massage. Beijing is the major entry point for foreign travellers in China. However, you can also arrive at Shanghai and Guangzhou Airports.
Beijing is the capital of China and situated in the northern edge of the country. The city is home to a rich heritage and is a tourist hotspot.
Day 2- Beijing- Forbidden City
Start your journey with a visit to the Forbidden City, this is located in the centre of Beijing and consists of 980 buildings that make up the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing dynasty.
This city is a UNESCO world heritage site and is well worth a visit. Make sure to spare enough time to explore the numerous antechambers and rooms of the city.
Day 3- Beijing- Temples
The following morning head out to the Temple of Heaven, leaving the evening to relax at the Lama Temple.
If you are after astonishing carpentry and decorative curved roofs then these temples will definitely cater to your needs.
Be sure to explore the streets outside the temples. Here you will come across an array of Buddha statues, talismans and incense available for purchase.
Spend the afternoon exploring various other sites in Beijing such as gardens temples and historic tombs.
Day 4- Beijing- The Great Wall of China
Spend the fourth day exploring The Great Wall of China. Head out early so you can spend the whole day hiking and marvelling at this beautiful wonder of the world.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding rugged mountains at Jinshanling or Simatai.
Indulge in some local cuisine and take some rest before catching the night train from Beijing to Xi’an.
Days 5- Xi’an- Terracotta Warriors
Xian is an amazing city located in the central north west of China; this place is home to the famous terracotta warriors and horses. There are over 7000 pottery soldiers here guarding the temple of Qin Shi Huang.
Head out early to the terracotta warriors, so you have time to visit the Great Mosque in the afternoon.
End the day off with a delicious meal from the nearby Muslim markets.
Day 6- Xi’an- Other Attractions
Xi’an has many attractions other than the Terracotta Warriors these include the Great Wall, Shaanxi History Museum and the Green Dragon temple. All of which can be visited on day 6.
Day 7- Head Home
Take the morning flight to Beijing Airport to catch your connecting international flight back home.
