Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Our holiday was more of an adventure and filled with so many memorable moments that it is hard to pick the best one. Some of the highlights were definitely the yangzte cruise, going to the panda research base, entering the forbidden city and climbing the Great Wall. Seeing the Terra Cotta warroirs and meeting Mr Yung who found them was also a very memorable experience. A personal highlight was definitely sitting in the oldest tea house in Shanghai where we drank chinese flower tea and ate small quails eggs.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader Jay was great. Anybody who lands on a his tour should be very happy. He went out of his way to make the tour enjoyable and stayed optomistic even if some of the group got a bit edgy, he really tried to accomodate everyone. He was very informative and was always ready to explain any questions we had about China or the culture.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be prepared for a lot of walking and to imerge yourself in China. But definitely prepare yourself for the squatt toilets, always carry toilet paper with you and unfortunately the squatt toilets arent of the cleanest or nicest smelling in public restrooms. If you dont like to or cant eat with chop sticks make sure to pack your own spoon and fork!!

Sum your holiday up in one sentence

China, a great and magical adventure!!

Reviewed by Janaline Smalman who travelled in July 2012

Review 2

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Cycling through the rice fields outside of Yangshou, surounded by the Limestone hills - absolutely awesome!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Keith was absolutely excellent - he played a huge part in making the trip fun, and informative. He went beyond what was expected to ensure that everyone got the most out of our adventure.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take lots of photo's, try to learn (and use) a few words of Mandarin, immerse yourself in the culture incl. the food, don't be afraid to adventure off the mail tourist tracks.

Sum your holiday up in one sentence

"In modern China I've seen a potential vision of the future"

Reviewed by Shaun Waterman who travelled in May 2011

Review 3

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

I can honestly say that every day of this trip was a highlight, because every day took us to a different iconic place, wonder or cultural phenomenon. The mountains of Yanshuo, depicted in Chinese paintings, the Three Gorges, The Terracotta Warriors, The Great Wall and Forbidden City, The West Lake of Hangzhou, and perhaps above all, the Yellow Mountain....not to mention modern cities like Shanghai and Beijing . Also, all the shows and theaatre trips were brilliant and stunning. Do them all! Perhaps as well as that long list, one should mention that it was interesting, and sometimes overwhelming, to meet modern China head on, over a whole month, and understand more about its position in the world today. But what an incredible opportunity.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Keith, our Chinese tour leader, was absolutely wonderful in every way: great sense of humour, very intelligent and thoughtful, very caring and thorough.. a proper friend to guide us through a month of complex and wide ranging travel, involving trains, buses, taxis, and of course, a boat (Yangtse) and numerous smaller expeditions and theatre trips. Everything ran so smoothly, thanks to him. This really is one trip we could never have managed ourselves, not knowing Chinese. I cannot praise him highly enough. We were lucky to have him.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

This is a challenging and amazing trip, particularly if you really interested both in Ancient Chinese Culture, as well as contemporary China - which is evolving faster than the speed of light. You need to be aware that travel is long and often quite basic, though comfortable. You will carry everything yourself so travel light. You need to be healthy to sustain the pace. We took Pre-biotics, as we always do nowadays when we travel, and never had a day of sickness. Do everything, eat almost everything (not bullfrog, dog or jellyfish head) and enjoy the contact with the very friendly Chinese people.

Sum your holiday up in one sentence

A fascinating and wonderful trip.

Reviewed by Mary Walker who travelled in April 2011