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Highlights of China Tour

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Highlights of China OVERVIEW

TOUR SUMMARY

15 days

Hong Kong to Beijing

ON REQUEST

Map

Country(ies): China

Tour type: Shoestring

Group size: Min: 7 | Max: 20

Accommodation: Hostels, camping & overnight train

Meals:

Transport: Trains, buses & public transport

Highlights: Bright lights of Hong Kong, active adventure in Yangshuo, rural landscapes of Fujian, cute Pandas, the Terracotta Warriors, Kung Fu monks of Shaolin, bustling Beijing & Great Wall of China

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This great budget tour of China winds its way through the west of the country from the sky scrapers of Hong Kong, through stunning rural China, to the bustling capital of Beijing.

Our budget tour of China starts in lively and crowded Hong Kong before heading out to the stunning rural landscapes of Yangshuo. Surrounded by towering karst mountain and fertile valleys, the area is an adventure playground with plenty of fun activities on offer. Next it's on to Chengdu for an unforgettable encounter with the iconic panda bear.

Our next stop is Xi'an, rich in history & culture, and home of the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Then it's on to birthplace of kung fu for some martial arts training with the famous Shaolin monks.

Our final stop is bustling Beijing and a chance to visit the impressive Great Wall of China.

ITINERARY

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Day 1:   Meet in Hong Kong

Our tour starts early morning at 7am at the Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei in Hong Kong, where you'll meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. Leaving your luggage at the inn, we'll take the tram up to the top of Victoria Peak for a great view over Hong Kong and our pre-trip meeting. Returning to the hostel, we'll then head to the train station to catch the bullet train to Guillin and then on to Yangshuo.

OVERNIGHT:

Yangshuo hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

Extra day in Hong Kong - pre-tour
Options available while on tour (CHSHBS | CHSHCS | CHSHHC)
Private Room Supplement (CHSHHC)

Day 2:   Yangshuo, bamboo raft cruise

Today we enjoy the stunning rural setting of Yangshuo with a cruise down the Yulong River on board bamboo rafts. Kick back and put your feet up as you gently float down river. In the evening enjoy a nice cold beer on the rooftop bar at Monkey Jane's hostel.

OVERNIGHT:

Yangshuo hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 3:   Yangshuo, cooking course

An optional challenge today is to cook up some traditional Chinese foods at a friendly and practical local cuisine institute, where you can try your hand at one of the many tasty local dishes as you try to master the skills of Chinese cooking. There are plenty of other optional activities to choose from to fill your day.

OVERNIGHT:

Yangshuo hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 4:   Yangshuo, free day (optional excursions available)

You day if free today to relax and enjoy the idyllic setting, or alternatively you can try your hand out at one of the many adventure activities on offer. These include rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and more. You can also jump on bikes to explore the surrounding countryside.

OVERNIGHT:

Yangshuo hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 5:   Yangshuo, train to Chengdu

Today we make our way by train to Chengdu, situated in the heart of Western China in Sichuan province. Sichuan province is renowned for its beautiful countryside, there are many attractions on offer and the food is amazing. We transfer by metro to your hostel.

OVERNIGHT:

On board sleeper train

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 6:   Chengdu, blind massage option & Chinese lesson

Chengdu has plenty of sights and experience to keep you busy during your stay. Today you can start with an optional massage from a blind physical therapist to help ease the stress of the overnight train journey. Later in the afternoon we take a lesson in Mandarin to help you master the basics of this complicated language. In the evening you might like to head out to experience a night out in Chengdu and perhaps try the traditional dish of Sichuan Hotpot for dinner.

OVERNIGHT:

Chengdu hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 7:   Chengdu, Panda breeding centre

We take you on a tour of the city today, including a visit to the The Panda Breeding & Research Centre to see these incredible shy and endangered animals up close and perhaps a visit to Chengdu's Tibetan quarter to experience the many Tibetan shops and cafes. Plenty of other optional excursion are available to book locally including a trip to Leshan, to see the world's largest stone Buddha.

OVERNIGHT:

Chengdu hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 8:   Chengdu, free time (optional excursions available), then train to Xi'an

After some free time in Chengdu where you can visit WenShu monastery and a traditional Chinese tea house, we board the train to Xi'an, cultural capital of China. Start and end of the famous "Silk Route", Xi'an is like a history book of China and the perfect place to explore the countries rich and interesting culture.

OVERNIGHT:

Xi'an hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 9:   Xi'an, optional cycling tour

Today there is the option to take a bike ride over the city walls, an excellent way to get you bearing and a good overview of the city. In the evening is free for you to enjoy, perhaps try a dinner of local street foods at the Muslim Quarter and relax after dinner by visiting the local Silk Road market nearby.

OVERNIGHT:

Xi'an hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 10:   Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors tour

Today we take you to visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors, row upon row of life-size statues stand silent guard over the burial place of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. In the evening you'll have the chance to visit the Star Sun home for people with disabilities and to volunteer. Then it's time for a night out Chinese style!

OVERNIGHT:

Xi'an hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 11:   Dengfeng, optional kung fu lesson & show

This morning we board the public bus to DengFeng, the closest village to the Shaolin Temple. The rest of the day if free to take an optional kung fu lesson & show at a local children's Home run by the Shaolin Temple. Here the monks teach the children to be kung fu masters. All proceeds go directly to the children's home. We also have a second Mandarin lesson to help brush up on your language skills.

OVERNIGHT:

Dengfeng hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 12:   Dengfeng (optional excursions available), overnight train to Beijing

The day is free to explore more of Dengfeng and it's surrounding. You can visit the world famous Shaolin Temple and watch the masters of Kung Fu perform their amazing feats set amongst the beautiful temple courtyards. We'll take a hike to Dharma cave, spiritual centre for Buddhist pilgrims, before we board the overnight train to Beijing.

OVERNIGHT:

On board sleeper train

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 13:   Arrive in Beijing, Mandarin Challenge & Great Wall

Arriving in Beijing, we transfer to our hostel and check in. We start the day with a Mandarin lesson where you'll learn the basics of this intricate language. Next it's time to take the Mandarin Challenge! Use your newly learned Mandarin to complete challenges around Beijing's ancient streets and alleyways. It's a great way to explore the city and the winning team earns a prize.

Late afternoon we visit one of the wonder of the world, the Great Wall of China. To obtain permission to access the locals only sections of the unrestored Great Wall, we enjoy a mandatory meal at a local farm. We'll then hike on totally unrestored sections of the Wall where we set up camp on a deserted section of the wall. In the evening we take in sunset in this ancient and dramatic setting (Please note, due to cold weather before the end of April and after September, we stay in a guest house near the Wall instead of camping, but still return to the Wall to watch sunrise in the morning. Between April and September monsoon rain may also mean we are unable to camp on the wall.).

OVERNIGHT:

Great Wall camping

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 14:   Beijing, free day (optional excursions available)

After sunrise on the Wall we return back to Beijing. Back in Beijing the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own leisure or try one of the many optional tour available (see the Options tab for all available local options). Perhaps you could visit the Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium, or enjoy the incredible Beijing Acrobatics Show. For dinner tonight there is a chance to taste Beijing's signature dish Peking Roast Duck, enjoyed exclusively by royalty in ancient times.

OVERNIGHT:

Beijing hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None

Day 15:   Beijing, tour ends

Today the tour ends so this is your last day to see more of Beijing like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening you could explore the WangFuJing night market where you can push your taste buds to the limit and sample many foods you'll have never tried before, like scorpion, bugs and more.

OVERNIGHT:

Beijing hostel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

Extra day in Beijing - post-tour

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Included:
  • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in basic hostels
  • All transport and transfers in trains, buses & public transport
  • Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • Visa invitation letter
  • Entry fees to included activities and attractions
  • Bilingual western and local adventure leaders

Excluded:
  • International flights (available on request)
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
  • Airport arrival & departure transfer service (optional on request)
  • All meals
  • Optional activies
  • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
  • Tour guide tips
  • Any other items not mentioned above

Dates and Prices

This tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime through the year, and we can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requirements. Please contact us for details and prices.

Start Date
End Date
Price (P/P)
Offer price
Note

Accomodation

The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.

Leo Hostel

Leo Hostel

Beijing

Local rating

Our rating

Leo Hostel Leo Hostel

Leo Hostel, one of the top-rated hostels in China by Lonely Planet, is a 10-minute walk from Qianmen Subway Station (line 2) and Tiananmen Square. The hostel with traditional characteristics offers comfortable accommodation, a tour desk, a library and massage service.

Located in a Hutong market street, Leo Hostel is a 10-minute walk from Forbidden City and a 12-minute walk from Qianmen Square. Capital International Airport is about 30 minutes' drive away.

Guestrooms are all air-conditioned. They have either en suite or shared bathroom facilities. Each dormitory room has free security lockers.

Guests who wish to travel can make sightseeing and ticketing arrangement at tour desk. Car or bicycle rentals are also available. Laundry, dry cleaning and concierge service are all provided. After a day of tours, playing a game of billiards seems nice.

The on-site restaurant and the 24-hour bar serve a variety of local and international dishes for guests to enjoy.

Leo Hostel, one of the top-rated hostels in China by Lonely Planet, is a 10-minute walk from Qianmen Subway Station (line 2) and Tiananmen Square. The hostel with traditional characteristics offers comfortable accommodation, a tour desk, a library and massage service.

Located in a Hutong market street, Leo Hostel is a 10-minute walk from Forbidden City and a 12-minute walk from Qianmen Square. Capital International Airport is about 30 minutes' drive away.

Guestrooms are all air-conditioned. They have either en suite or shared bathroom facilities. Each dormitory room has free security lockers.

Guests who wish to travel can make sightseeing and ticketing arrangement at tour desk. Car or bicycle rentals are also available. Laundry, dry cleaning and concierge service are all provided. After a day of tours, playing a game of billiards seems nice.

The on-site restaurant and the 24-hour bar serve a variety of local and international dishes for guests to enjoy.

Yangshuo 11 hostel

Yangshuo 11 hostel

Yangshuo

Local rating

Our rating

Yangshuo 11 hostel Yangshuo 11 hostel

Located in Yangshuo in the Guangxi Region, 200 yards from Yangshuo West Street, Yangshuo 11 Hostel features a garden and sun terrace. There is a restaurant, a shared kitchen and snack bar at this property. Guests can also hire a car or a bicycle to explore the surroundings. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property.

Yangshuo South Bus Station is 0.9 miles from Yangshuo 11 Hostel, while Impression Liu Sanjie is 1.1 miles from the property. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is 41.6 miles from the property.

Each room at this hostel is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV and DVD player. You will find a kettle in the room. A TV is provided.

This property offers 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and ticket service. Guest can also spend some quiet reading time in the library and relax in the game room.

Located in Yangshuo in the Guangxi Region, 200 yards from Yangshuo West Street, Yangshuo 11 Hostel features a garden and sun terrace. There is a restaurant, a shared kitchen and snack bar at this property. Guests can also hire a car or a bicycle to explore the surroundings. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property.

Yangshuo South Bus Station is 0.9 miles from Yangshuo 11 Hostel, while Impression Liu Sanjie is 1.1 miles from the property. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is 41.6 miles from the property.

Each room at this hostel is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV and DVD player. You will find a kettle in the room. A TV is provided.

This property offers 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and ticket service. Guest can also spend some quiet reading time in the library and relax in the game room.

Mr Panda Hostel

Mr Panda Hostel

Chengdu

Local rating

Our rating

Mr Panda Hostel Mr Panda Hostel

Mr Panda Youth Hostel is located in Chengdu, 1.2 miles from Chun Xi Road. This non-smoking hostel offers 2 dining options and cosy rooms with a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas.

Simply furnished, rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a work desk and wardrobe. Shower facilities and slippers are in the en suite bathroom.

Available for breakfast, Snake Bar serves a variety of local dishes. Light snacks and drinks are offered at Mr. Panda Bar.

Recreational choices include playing a game of darts, or enjoying games in the activities room. Luggage storage services are provided at the 24-hour front desk, while staff at the tour desk can assist with ticketing arrangements.

Mr Panda Youth Hostel is located in Chengdu, 1.2 miles from Chun Xi Road. This non-smoking hostel offers 2 dining options and cosy rooms with a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas.

Simply furnished, rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a work desk and wardrobe. Shower facilities and slippers are in the en suite bathroom.

Available for breakfast, Snake Bar serves a variety of local dishes. Light snacks and drinks are offered at Mr. Panda Bar.

Recreational choices include playing a game of darts, or enjoying games in the activities room. Luggage storage services are provided at the 24-hour front desk, while staff at the tour desk can assist with ticketing arrangements.

Han Tang Inn Hostel

Han Tang Inn Hostel

Xi'an

Local rating

Our rating

Han Tang Inn Hostel Han Tang Inn Hostel

Han Tang Inn is a boutique hostel situated inside a traditional residence in Xi'an City Centre. It offers bicycle rental services and a 24-hour front desk. Massage services are available.

Han Tang Inn is a 10-minute drive from Xi'an Train Station and Bell Tower. Xi'an Xianyang Airport is a 35-minute drive from the inn.

Dormitories and rooms each have an attached bathroom with hot shower facilities and a hairdryer. A TV and tea/coffee-making facilities are provided.

The inn provides luggage storage facilities, fax and photocopying services. The tour desk provides booking assistance for Mount Huashan and the Terracotta Warriors, among other places. Laundry services are available.

Han Tang Inn is a boutique hostel situated inside a traditional residence in Xi'an City Centre. It offers bicycle rental services and a 24-hour front desk. Massage services are available.

Han Tang Inn is a 10-minute drive from Xi'an Train Station and Bell Tower. Xi'an Xianyang Airport is a 35-minute drive from the inn.

Dormitories and rooms each have an attached bathroom with hot shower facilities and a hairdryer. A TV and tea/coffee-making facilities are provided.

The inn provides luggage storage facilities, fax and photocopying services. The tour desk provides booking assistance for Mount Huashan and the Terracotta Warriors, among other places. Laundry services are available.

Bandeng Guest House

Bandeng Guest House

Dengfeng

Local rating

Our rating

Bandeng Guest House Bandeng Guest House

Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei

Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei

Hong Kong

Local rating

Our rating

Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei

Only a 1-minute stroll from the bustling Temple Street Night Market, Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei offers accommodation centrally located in Hong Kong. Guests can find a wide selection of local food in the surroundings. Free WiFi is accessible in the entire property.

Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei is within a 10-minute walk from MTR Yau Ma Tei Station and the Ladies Market. The nearest airport is Hong Kong International Airport, a 30-minute drive away.

Each room here is air conditioned and comes with a TV. Some rooms feature a seating area for your convenience. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property, where luggage storage is possible. Staff here are also glad to help with trip arrangement.

Only a 1-minute stroll from the bustling Temple Street Night Market, Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei offers accommodation centrally located in Hong Kong. Guests can find a wide selection of local food in the surroundings. Free WiFi is accessible in the entire property.

Yes Inn @ Yau Ma Tei is within a 10-minute walk from MTR Yau Ma Tei Station and the Ladies Market. The nearest airport is Hong Kong International Airport, a 30-minute drive away.

Each room here is air conditioned and comes with a TV. Some rooms feature a seating area for your convenience. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property, where luggage storage is possible. Staff here are also glad to help with trip arrangement.

Options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you‘re visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.

Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.

Options available while on tour (NAOVNB | SAOVOC | SAOVWW)

From On Request *

Options available while on tour (NAOVNB | SAOVOC | SAOVWW)

Min numbers: 1 *Based on 1 person/s

These options are availabile while you are on the tour from local activity providers who your booking will be with. Prices are given as a guide and are subject to change.

Country Area Activity Price Range
Botswana Maun 1 hour scenic flight over the Okavango Delta $80 to $200
Botswana Chobe NP Game Drive BWP400-600
Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Full Day White Water Rafting (High water/low water)  $150 to $170
Zimbabwe Victoria Falls  Helicopter Flights (min 3) $160 to $180
Zimbabwe Victoria Falls  Zambezi Sunset Cruise with transfers $40 to $70
Zimbabwe Victoria Falls  Bungee Jump - Solo $150 to $170

Private Room Supplement (CHSHHC)

From C$225*

Private Room Supplement (CHSHHC)

Min numbers: 1 *Based on 1 person/s

This tour is based on twin-share accommodation, with single bookers paired up with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If the final group make-up means that no room share is available, you do not need to pay this supplement. However, if you would like to guarantee yourself a single room throughout the tour, then please add this option to your booking.

Note: Single supplement prices may vary seasonally.

Extra day in Hong Kong - pre-tour

From C$65*

Extra day in Hong Kong - pre-tour

Min numbers: 1 *Based on 2 person/s

This option adds an extra day to the start of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airport arrival transfer is not included. Prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing.

Note: Single room and peak season supplements apply.

Options available while on tour (CHSHBS | CHSHCS | CHSHHC)

From On Request *

Options available while on tour (CHSHBS | CHSHCS | CHSHHC)

Min numbers: 1 *Based on 1 person/s

Yangshou

  • Bamboo rafting (included)
  • Chinese cooking class (120 CNY)
  • Yulong River bike ride (included)
  • Hot cupping (35 CNY)
  • Rock climbing (170CNY)
  • Deep water soloing/hiking (150 CNY)
  • Moon Hill and the Water Buddha Cave & bike ride to Moon Hill (85 CNY)
  • Cormorant fishing (45 CNY)
  • Kayaking (150 CNY)
  • Sally's home village visit (80 CNY)

Shaolin

  • Shaoling Temple (120 CNY)
  • Hike to Dharma Cave (free)
  • Kung fu lesson at childrens home (150 CNY)

Macau

  • Venetian Casino (free)
  • World's highest bungee (3,288 HKD)
  • St Paul' Cathedral tour (included)

Xi'an

  • City wall bike ride (100 CNY)
  • Great Mosque in Muslim Quarter tour (25 CNY)
  • Terracotta Warriors (included)
  • Soup kitchen or Star Sun home (charity/optional)

Shanghai

  • Pub crawl (180-200 CNY)
  • French Concession tour, Propaganda Museum and market (100 CNY)
  • Karaoke (approx. 35 CNY)
  • Zhujijiao Water Town (25 CNY)
  • Yuyuan Garden (cost TBC)
  • Tour of People's Square (free)
  • Vue Bar (100 CNY)

Moganshan

  • Bike ride (free)
  • Moganshan peak hike (free)

Fujian

  • Stay overnight in a mud roundhouse (included)
  • Walking tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site (included)
  • Tea plantations (included)
  • Bike tour around the roundhouses (included)

Beijing

  • Tiananmen Square (free)
  • Forbidden City (60 CNY)
  • Fake Market (free)
  • Jing Shan Park (15 CNY)
  • Great Wall (included)
  • Mandatory Great Wall lunch when the group camps (approx. 35 CNY)
  • Olympic Park (free)
  • Temple of Heaven (40 CNY)
  • Acrobatic performance (140 CNY)
  • Wang Fuling market (10 CNY)
  • Peking Duck dinner (approx. 70 CNY)

Chengdu

  • Blind massage (40 CNY)
  • Pandas (free)
  • Jinli Street and Tibetan District (free)
  • Hot Pot dinner (approx. 80 CNY)
  • Leshan Buddha (90 CNY entry + transport split between the group)
  • Sichuan opera (140 CNY)
  • Wenshu Monastery, Mao's Statue, People's Park and a traditional tea house (free)

Hong Kong

  • Victoria Peak Wall (free)

Deng Feng

  • Guesthouse meals (100 CNY)

Extra day in Beijing - post-tour

From C$75*

Extra day in Beijing - post-tour

Min numbers: 1 *Based on 2 person/s

This option adds an extra day to the end of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airport departure transfer is not included. Prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing.

Note: Single room and peak season supplements apply.

Tour Notes

The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.

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  1. Booking & Payment

If you would like to book a place on this tour, please complete the online reservation form on our website (via the Dates & Prices tab on the tour page). You may make a deposit or full payment online, or just hold a reservation if you prefer (full payments are due 8 weeks before departure). We will then contact you with more details about how to complete your booking. Payments may be made by debit or credit card (subject to a card processing fee), or by making a bank transfer, or posting us a cheque/bank draft. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation email. Please contact us if you would like any more information or have any questions before making a booking.

  2. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event). More information...

You may arrange your own insurance, or you can take advantage of a comprehensive policy that we can arrange for you through Endsleigh Insurance which has been designed to be suitable for our tours. The policy is available to travellers of all nationalities and you do not need to live in the UK  to take out the policy. For full details of cover provided, prices and to apply for one of our policies, please complete travel insurance application form.
Note: Any country that borders the Mediterranean is considered as 'Europe' for the purposes of travel insurance (including Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Morocco). If you are doing a tour that visits one country in 'Europe' and one that is 'Worldwide' (for example, an Egypt and Jordan tour), then you need a 'Worldwide' policy. When completing the form you should enter your travel dates including any extra days involved in overnight flights or connecting travel between your home and the tour. Our policies are not able to cover any extra time or activities other than your tour and options booked with us and your travel to & from home.

Note - to comply with insurance sales regulations, our travel insurance policies are only available to customers booking directly with us. If you have booked through a travel agent you will need to arrange your own insurance.

If your tour includes car hire, ior if you plan to arrange a hot air balloon flight locally or do some scuba diving during your tour, you should check the small print in your policy to make sure these are covered (these are covered in our policy). Please also check the maximum altitude that you will be reaching and that full cover including emergency evacuation is provided up to this altitude.

If you are taking expensive camera gear or other electronic equipment with you then please check the coverage and the fine print of your policy to ensure that you have sufficient cover.

IMPORTANT:  We must have your travel insurance details (policy number and type of insurance) before you depart or you may not be allowed to join the tour.  If you haven't told us already, please let us know the details when you can. You should take a paper copy of your insurance policy with you as you may be asked to show this at the start of the tour.

Covid-19
Before purchasing any travel insurance, please check the coverage provided for situations related to Covid-19, and for the rules about government travel advice. Your normal policy may not be suitable. Details about our own policies cover levels are given on our website. 

  3. Financial Security

We are a UK registered company and are committed to providing our customers with financial protection to provide peace of mind and to allow you to book with confidence.
We have therefore partnered with Trust My Travel Ltd., which provides financial protection services to over 2000 partners around the world. Funds paid to us by our customers are protected via an Insurance policy held by Trust My Travel. Each traveller and the description of services sold is declared against Trust My Travel’s insurance policy directly against our financial failure. In the event of our insolvency, you will be refunded for any unfulfilled products and/or repatriation to the UK (where applicable). Please see our website or booking conditions for more information.

  4. Responsible Tourism

It is impossible not to have an impact on the local environment, cultures and eco-systems when you travel. However, it is very possible to try and ensure that these impacts are as limited, or positive as possible. We are committed to ensuring that we try to leave our host countries in a better state than we found them and encourage and assist our travellers to help us with this.
The following are a few simple tips that require very little effort on your part but which will help ensure that any effect you have on the locations you visit is positive rather than negative.

  • Don't prejudge: Things in different countries will almost certainly be different. That doesn't make them worse or inferior, just different.
  • Communicate: Don't expect locals to speak your language. Take the trouble to learn a few words or phrases of the local language. Don't worry about sounding silly. Most locals are patient and accommodating and appreciate you making the effort to communicate in their language.
  • Conserve energy: Be careful not to waste valuable resources. Use local resources sparingly. Switch off lights, air-conditioning and fans when you leave the hotel room and don't waste water. Remove superfluous packaging. Many countries have far less efficient waste disposal systems than ours. Remove packaging from newly acquired items before leaving home.
  • Don't litter: No matter how untidy or dirty the country you're travelling in may look to you, avoid littering, as there is no need to add to the environment's stress. Many of the countries we visit have a tough challenge dealing with rubbish and waste. Please consider taking home as much plastic waste as you can (e.g. water bottles).
  • Choose environmentally friendly products: By using environmentally friendly (bio degradable) sun creams, shampoos and detergents you can help reduce pollution.
  • Respect local customs and traditions: As you are a guest in these countries, you should also comply with the local customs. If you are friendly and well mannered, the locals will reciprocate and it will only enhance your experience. It's important to follow dress and behaviour guidelines especially when visiting religious or sacred sites (your tour leader will advise you how best to do this).
  • If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and Encounters Travel shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. No refund will be given for any unused services.

All porters are employed and equipped following guidelines set by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).

  5. Follow Us Online

You can stay in touch with us online by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We post updates on relevant travel news in our destination countries, special offers and discounts and other interesting travel related news and information.
www.facebook.com/encounterstravel
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  6. Before you travel

It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.

General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.

You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.

Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information.

'Travel Aware' campaign

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