2012-08-07 Richard from Australia

Tourist nationality: Australia

Tour itinerary: Beijing, Xian, Yangtze river cruise, Shanghai

Tour Reviews:

Dear Lesley

Overall we were very happy with the places we visited, transportation, pickups and local guides and vehicles. Having organised guides we didn’t have to queue anywhere which was a blessing with the high temperatures.

Beijing

Glad I booked Novotel as it was in a good situation, very comfortable, Wi-Fi, western and Asian food. 

Our guide Tristan went out of his way to look after us, telling us what we need to know, very experienced and knowledgeable, was flexible to our requests etc., excellent timekeeping. English was very good. He was good fun to be with. Good driver. (Chinese driving can be quite scary at times but our driver was good). Food provided was very good and high quality in good restaurants and plentiful. Loved all the places we went to China Wall, Tiananmen square, Old street markets, lunch with locals, trishaws, etc. Nice to have vehicle with plenty of water bottles on the vehicle. (all drivers should provide this)

Xi'an

Interesting experience with overnight train from Beijing, but glad we did it. Leo found us a nearby western hotel Grand that was excellent for food so we had breakfast there. Guide Leo was a fun guy, knew his product and taught us all we needed to know. Good English also. Enjoyed the Terracotta warriors, City wall, cultural street etc. Good driver and vehicle. 

Yangtze cruise

Day trips and the Dam were impressive. 

Yichang

Met by nice lady , she was charming, good English and looked after us, showing us around the city etc. and for a nice lunch then to airport.

Shanghai

A very good guide and driver, friendly and good English.

She was very good likewise the driver. Good English and vehicle condition.

Next day she took us to station to catch train to Beijing.

Very impressed by bullet train and ride to Beijing.

Overall we were all happy with trip, learnt a lot of Chinese history, very impressed by advancement of the country over past 10+ years, good weather but perhaps too hot in Beijing at 39C. All food provided was good, in nice restaurants and plentiful.

Thanks for helping me put the plan together. It worked out really well.

LiLi, Chris and Nick enjoyed everything although they found too much culture sometimes.

Took lots of pictures so attach a few. If you want more let me know

Regards

Richard