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Preferences
This Month's Promotions
All Tours
On Sale
Hide Price On Request
Destinations
Egypt & Middle East
Egypt
Israel
Jordan
Lebanon
United Arab Emirates
Africa
Botswana
Eritrea
Kenya
Malawi
Morocco
Namibia
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Sudan
Tanzania
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Indian Subcontinent
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Asia
China
South Korea
Tibet
Uzbekistan
Southeast Asia
Cambodia
Laos
Thailand
Vietnam
South America
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Ecuador & Galapagos
Peru
Europe
Greece
Turkey
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Tour Types
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Private
Family
Overland
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Our China tours have been carefully created to uncover the real China, combining sightseeing with activities and cultural experiences.
Enjoy the unique sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the vast and compelling country that is China. Whether you're a young adventurer, an energetic family or a laid-back traveller, our small group China tours and private, tailor-made China holidays will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
From the hustle and bustle of China's capital Beijing to the must-see sites like the Terracotta Army and Great Wall to the stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, this truly amazing country will captivate and enthral even the most seasoned traveller.
Our range of shoestring China tours offers the best value for money travel you can find and perfectly combine sightseeing with active adventure, tailored to the younger more adventurous and fun-loving traveller.
Our tailor-made China holidays allow you to set the pace, pick the route and choose the budget. We'll work with you to design the perfect China holiday and take away all the stress and pressure of booking your once in a lifetime adventure holiday to China.
Do you want to know more about China and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?
Contact the China tourism board for more information.
It all started with me searching for a good itinerary to visit Petra. Since I didn't have much vacation time, I was looking for something that would cover the places I was interested in visiting besides Petra, that’s how I found Encounters Travel online. At first, I was going to do only Jordan, but there was an option to do Petra and Dubai, so why not? The price was very affordable, the hotels were not the top of the line, but it was my decision to stay with the basic and so I did. Mariska was the person I exchanged emails with it; she made sure I had all the details taken care prior to my trip, and always answered my questions either by phone or via email. Despite the fact this trip was on a “shoestring” category, or more known as “budget” trip, from the time I was picked-up at Amman's airport until the time I was dropped off at Dubai's airport, everything went smoothly. I was part of a big group while travelling in Jordan, but solo in Dubai, yet everything occurred accordingly to the agenda. I’m a happy customer; I’ve already booked another trip with EncountersTravel. Roberto Lima
We bought the Encounters Travel Discover Egypt trip through Groupon. The entire experience was amazing. They met us at the airport at the gate, helped us through customs and getting our visa, and every step of the way we were escorted. They would tell us what time to meet and where and we would show up and we'd be escorted off to another fabulous monument. Our Guide Mahmed was extremely knowledgeable and so much fun. My only caution would be that the trip is go-go-go all the time. Very little downtime, and if you do Abu Simbel and the Hot Air Balloon ride it's a lot of early mornings too. However, I cannot think of anything I would have been OK with cutting out, because everything was so amazing, I just wish we could have spent more time everywhere. I highly recommend this trip if you want to get a good overview of Egypt.
Before the trip Encounters Travel answered my enquiries promptly and responded to my many concerns. Pre-trip planning was a pleasant experience because they really seemed to understand my concerns and needs. Once on our way, everything was handled professionally and caringly. There was always someone there to meet us and also to return us to our hotel or plane or whereever we needed to be. The security was always evident and at no time did they appear to let their guard down. Our guide, Mohammed, was amazing—very knowledgeable about Egyptian history—a true academic—his classroom is his tour group and when those he has touched return home, ultimately his reach is the entire world. His enthusiasm and love for his country, its history, and its people is contagious as is his sense of humor and energy. There are many short nights—prepare to need a rest when you return home—so much to see and do—amazed we did it all in 2 weeks.
I probably think about parts of this trip everyday. It was well organized and planned by Encounters, and the guides and staff in Egypt are amazing human beings. Go on every extra side trip and mini adventure you can. We went in the pyramids and the camels ride behind the pyramids, went to Ramses II tomb, on a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, and to Alexandria, in addition to the amazing things to do on the trip. It was well worth the money. It was absolutely amazing everyday. Tips: Don't expect customer service to directly answer your questions. Mariska only sends generic emails. At least 4 people on our tour experienced this. The other staff and their amazing customer service makes up for this. Bring toilet paper, small 1 Egyptian pounds for the bathrooms, and expect to tip everyone. Also, its good to bring Imodium, heartburn, and allergy meds just in case i would go on this trip again...
Everything went really smoothly on the booking end and on the ground in Egypt. The only surprise was when arriving jet lagged at the hotel being presented with a list of fees that needed to be paid right then. The problem was that everything up until then had these fees in US dollars and now the fees were in Egyptian pounds. It pretty much cleaned out our stash of Egyptian money. Had we known we had to pay in Egyptian currency we would have sought out additional currencies places at home to get us the funds we needed. (Banks wouldn't order the funds). However after that the tour itself was great. Our guide Emad did a great job.
This was my second trip with Encounters, and I've had a great experience with both. This was a great trip in that we got to see a lot of the country and experience different parts of the culture. Just be aware, unlike some other trips, this one appeared to be contracted locally to a different company, so there was some confusion at the airport pickup when I didn't see my name, and none of the other tour groups had heard of "Encounters." Fortunately, one of them called the contact number for me, so it was all quickly resolved. Before you go, ask for the name of the local tour company, just in case.
This was my first trip abroad and the Encounters Travel team kept me updated and informed from the moment I booked my tour of Egypt. Encounters Travel team member Ahmad Sol was there, upon our arrival in Egypt, to welcome and assist tour members safely to our hotel. Ahmad Sol was also there to bid us farewell to the stunning country of Egypt at the end of our tour. The food and hotels were wonderful. The Pyramids, Sphynx, the Nile River, the Temples and museum were fantastic, only to be made even more memorable by our Encounters Travel tour guide, Ahmad Kamouna. Ahmad Kamouna is very knowledgeable, charismatic, enthusiastic and passionate about Egypt, its history and future. There are no adequate words to thank Ahmad Kamouna for making my tour of Egypt the trip of a lifetime for me!!!
We bought the Encounters Travel Discover Egypt trip through Groupon. The entire experience was amazing. They met us at the airport at the gate, helped us through customs and getting our visa, and every step of the way we were escorted. They would tell us what time to meet and where and we would show up and we'd be escorted off to another fabulous monument. Our Guide Mahmed was extremely knowledgeable and so much fun. My only caution would be that the trip is go-go-go all the time. Very little downtime, and if you do Abu Simbel and the Hot Air Balloon ride it's a lot of early mornings too. However, I cannot think of anything I would have been OK with cutting out, because everything was so amazing, I just wish we could have spent more time everywhere. I highly recommend this trip if you want to get a good overview of Egypt.
Encounters Travel did an amazing job. Everything was so well planned and our tour guide was just exceptional (Sherif). I can not praise both tour guides enough. They went out of their way to ensure that everyone needs were taken care of and that everyone was having a great time. They also looked out for our overall wellbeing. One person left items behind in his hotel room, they were able to get it delivered to him at our next stop. UNBELIEVEABLE!! Everyone was so friendly. The ABSOLUTE best I've been on. Much success in your future adventures.
I haven't traveled yet, so it is a bit premature to be giving a rating. That being said, I have been exceedingly impressed with the service I have received to date. No pushy salesmanship just quick and complete answers to all my questions. It shouldn't be hard to give this sort of service, but I have found it lacking elsewhere. And the itinerary looks to be the best for the time we have, really allowing us to see the places we are visiting instead of seeing how many places we can cram in - but I will be able to comment better on that after the trip.
Time:
UTC+8
Dial Code:
+86
Area:
9,596,961 km2
Elevation:
Highest point is Mount Everest, 8,848m (29,029 ft), lowest point is Turpan Pendi, ?154m (?505 ft)
Population:
1,438,282,986
Capital:
Beijing
Government:
Socialist Consultative Democracy
Language:
Mandarin
Since China opened its arms to travellers from all over the globe in the 1970s, the country has experienced massive growth and change.
In fact, it is believed that in less than 10 years, the country will become the first tourist destination with the world's largest number of visitors.
Thousands of tourists visit China every year now, to learn more about its ancient history and the positive future which lies ahead.
There aren't many cultures with a history as long and fascinating as China's, which makes it a very attractive destination to many adventurers looking for an authentic travel experience.
Knowing when to go is very important. If you're planning on visiting China's north-east region, you can expect sweltering summers and icy cold winters. In the south, you'll find a semi-tropical climate.
The best time to go is generally during China's springtime and Autumn.
If you are planning a China tour, there are some things you just cannot miss. Travellers have to see the Great Wall of China - an architectural wonder, the Forbidden City in Beijing, Xi'an's Terracotta Soldier Museum and the Giant Panda's of Chengdu.
China has wide variations in culture, language, customs and economic levels. The economic landscape is particularly diverse. The major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai are modern and comparatively wealthy. However, about 40% of Chinese people still live in rural areas as of 2018; despite the fact that only 10% of China's land is arable. (source - Wikitravel)
See the longest wall in the world - the Great Wall of China.
Visit the largest ancient palatial structure in the world - the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Visit the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi'an - one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world.
Explore the Li River - which offers one of the worlds most scenic boat cruises.
Marvel at the natural scenery of the Yellow Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Try to learn basic Mandarin, it will help you quite a bit during your time in China.
Carry toilet paper with you - its rarely found in rest rooms.
If you need help, try to find a younger local as students have studied English for years.
Don't tip in China. The Chinese do not tip and you won't be expected to either.
Try to avoid drinking tap water. Bottled water is sold cheaply.
Our video features bring our tours to life in a way the no photo can, you'll feel like you're on the tour.
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.
If you have an opinion on this, it will usually be a strong one.
Anthony Horrobin, better known as Ant, is the Sales Manager at Encounters Travel. If you've travelled with us, you would have more than likely have had some sort of chat with him before!