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China Highlights

China, Hong Kong - Trip code HC Discovery
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
636Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

From the modern skyscrapers of Hong Kong to the imperial palaces of Beijing, our 10-day trip traverses the highlights of China. Catch the bullet train to Guilin, admire dramatic limestone scenery on a river cruise through local villages flanked by vast limestone stacks, visit the Terracotta Warriors and walk on the Great Wall.

Why we love this trip
  • Hong Kong - Explore this bustling metropolis, an interesting mixture of modern life and ancient traditions.
  • Xian - Visit the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi and admire the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
  • Beijing - Walk a section of the Great Wall and explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
  • Li River cruise - Take a relaxing cruise along the River Li, passing local villages and jagged karst peaks.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 9

    Lunch: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Ferry

    Flight

    On Foot

    Train

    Tram

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    Accommodation

    9 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Full on

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    Group Size:

    10 - 16

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Hong Kong

Our tour starts today in Hong Kong, where East meets West. Known for its glittering skyline and rich heritage, Hong Kong is where ancient culture and modern city life live in harmony.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for a welcome meeting, followed by the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers over dinner (not included).

There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Hong Kong at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which is a 40-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up at 9am on day 2.

There's plenty to see and do in Hong Kong. If you'd like to visit the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) on Lantau Island, or embark on one of the many hikes surrounding the city, we recommend booking an additional night before your tour starts.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, the options are endless, but you could take the underground to the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, and then on to Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon.

Accommodation:

Panda Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Discover Hong Kong's waterfront and the Li Yuen street market; optional ride on the Victoria Peak Tram

Hong Kong is a modern metropolis (and important financial centre), known for its iconic skyline of skyscrapers, world-class culinary scene and ancient heritage. This morning, we'll head out to explore on an orientation tour by metro, ferry and on foot, taking in sites such as Kowloon Waterfront, the Star Ferry, the Stock Exchange, Des Voeux Road, Li Yuen Street markets, Man Mo Temple and the Bank of China.

The afternoon is free for you to explore more at your own pace. Public transport is quick and easy to use, letting you get to the city's must-see sights. You can take a funicular railway to Victoria Peak or a launch out to a floating restaurant in Aberdeen Harbour. Alternatively, seek out a traditional cha chaan teng (local tea restaurants that combine eastern and western flavours) for pineapple buns and milk tea, admire the latest sartorial and electronic fashions, or splurge on an afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel.

Accommodation:

Panda Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Travel to Guilin by high speed train

After a relaxed breakfast, we'll transfer to Hong Kong West Kowloon station and board the high-speed train to Guilin. We'll need to be at the station a couple of hours early to complete border formalities before we board. The train journey takes three hours arriving into Guilin in the late afternoon. Guilin is known as the gateway to the stunning limestone scenery for which this part of China is known and was once an important transport hub of the Qin Dynasty thanks to the construction of the Ling Canal in 214 BC.

After checking into our hotel, we'll head out for dinner before going on an orientation walk around Guilin later this evening.

Accommodation:

Guilin Grand Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Li River cruise past dramatic limestone scenery to the relaxed town of Yangshuo

This morning, we head to MoPanShan Dock where we board our cruise to Yangshuo on the Li River passing paddy fields, villages and stunning limestone scenery along the way. We'll have lunch onboard the boat during the journey. Arriving into Yangshuo in the afternoon, we'll have the chance to explore this laidback town. A haven for nature lovers, Yangshuo is a real contrast to the bustle of Hong Kong.

This evening, you have the option to head out and see the outdoor sound and light show that brings together dance, colourful costumes and traditional folk songs. Please note, if weather is bad, the show might be moved to tomorrow evening.

Accommodation:

The West Street Hotel Grand Rezen (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5 - Free time in the beautiful setting of Yangshuo

Yangshuo has so much to offer and today is free for you to explore at your own pace. You can walk among the surrounding karst summits (the surreal limestone peaks surrounding the town), explore the town on foot, or hire a bike and cycle through the country back lanes.

Today, you also have the option to join a half-day bike ride that takes you out of the main town, where you can explore the smaller country back lanes. Alternatively, if you're not in the mood for a cycle, there's the option to your hand at Chinese cooking or calligraphy.

Accommodation:

The West Street Hotel Grand Rezen (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Discover Xian's Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the characterful Muslim Quarter

We have an early start this morning as we head to Guilin Airport to catch our flight to Xian. The journey to the airport takes around 90 minutes and the flight time is just under two hours, non-stop.

During our stay in Xian we'll learn about the extraordinary continuity of Chinese civilisation. Xi'an (Changan) served 11 dynasties and was the very starting point of the Silk Road connecting Asia with Europe. This morning, we'll have a sightseeing tour to see the ancient monuments, including the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (a seven-storey, 64-metre-high structure with superb views over the city), and the 15th-century Great Mosque in the old Muslim Hui District.

Our accommodation in Xi'an is a traditional Chinese hotel located close to the northern section of Xian's city walls, and is a short walk from the Muslim Quarter.

Accommodation:

Jinyuan Furun Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Visit the impressive Terracotta Army and afternoon at leisure in Xi'an

After a relaxed morning, we drive to one of the highlights of any visit to China - the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Horses, who guard the Qin Shi Huangdi Tomb. There are literally thousands of life-size warriors dating from 200 BC. Uncovered in the 1970s, the site is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the century. Depending on the group's interest, we'll have the option to stop at the on-site factory to see how the warriors are made today.

The Terracotta Army is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is visited by thousands of people every day. It's worth noting that it can be very crowded at times.

After lunch, we'll head back to Xian, where we'll take a walk along the city walls. Later this evening, you can explore more at your own pace, or there's the option to take part in the dumpling banquet and Tang Dynasty Show.

Accommodation:

Jinyuan Furun Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Explore Beijing - the Forbidden City and walk through Tiananmen Square

This morning, we have an early start as we catch the bullet train from Xi'an to Beijing, which takes around five-and-a-half hours.

We'll arrive in Beijing in the afternoon and head out on a tour of the city. Kublai Khan made Beijing the capital of his mighty Asian empire in the late 1200s, and it has played a central role since then. Nowadays, Beijing is China's capital and its political and cultural centre - all clocks in this vast country are set to Beijing time, despite the westernmost regions being some 5,000 kilometres away.

This afternoon, we plan to visit the vast Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the one-time home of the Ming and Manchu (Qing) emperors, and a treasure trove of eastern wares.

The evening is free for you to relax after a busy day exploring.

Please note, following the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of visitors to the Forbidden City has been restricted and tickets are limited. If we're unable to visit today, we'll move our visit to tomorrow after our tour of the Great Wall. In the rare instance that a delegate is visiting, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square has been known to close at short notice.

Accommodation:

Xiao Xiang Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Walk on the incredible Great Wall at the Mutianyu section

Today, we visit a renovated part of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of the city. Begun in the 3rd century BC by Shi Huangdi, thousands of conscripted workers laboured on it, and many lie buried within its brick and stone ramparts. It's incredible to think that this wall spans the entire country. Here, there's a 2-kilometre/1.2-mile section to walk along, complete with watchtowers and views of the surrounding countryside.

We'll drive back to Beijing later this afternoon.

For our final evening, there's the option to see an acrobatic performance. We also recommend seeking out a traditional restaurant to try Peking duck for dinner.

Accommodation:

Xiao Xiang Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 10 - Trip ends in Beijing

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Beijing.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from either Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) which is a 90-minute drive from our hotel or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) which is a one-hour 45-minute drive away.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

China

Climate

China has primarily a temperate climate, with a wide spectrum of extremes due to its huge area. Summer months are hot and rainy though in the south the climate is tropical and we can experience rain at any time of the year, often falling in sharp tropical rain-storms which are heavy but short lived. Winter is colder and drier, temperatures in Beijing can be as low as -12c.

Time difference to GMT

+8

Plugs

3 Pin Flat

Religion

Mainly Buddhist

Language

Mandarin

Hong Kong

Climate

Hong Kong enjoys more of a sub-tropical climate and the winter months tend to produce temperatures in the high teens, with January being more susceptible to cloud cover, with occasional rain and cold fronts.

Time difference to GMT

+8

Plugs

3 Pin Flat

Religion

3 main religions - Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism

Language

Cantonese, English

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Hong Kong - Victoria Peak tram, 108HK$ return 76HK$ one way (100 / 70 CNY)

Yangshuo -Sound and Light show 318 CNY; bicycle hire 300CNY (includes local guide, transport, lunch and bike hire); calligraphy lesson 120CNY

Xian - City wall by bike - 56 CNY entry onto the wall + 45 CNY bike hire, Tang Dynasty show and dumpling banquet - 360CNY

Beijing - Acrobatic performance 260 CNY

Clothing

Lightweight raingear is required all year round. For winter departures warm sweaters, gloves, scarf, hat, warm coat, thermal underwear will be required.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes with good grip for the Great Wall and our sight seeing and orientation walks. Plus something comfortable such as sandals for downtime.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of lockable baggage and a shoulder bag. Remember, you are expected to carry your
own baggage - so don't overload yourself and a suitcase with wheels will make life easier especially when using public transport.

Equipment

Earplugs and an eye mask for sleeping are always a good idea for travel. A small torch and a water bottle for day-to-day use are advisable. Public toilets, which are commonly squat toilets, often lack toilet roll and soap so it is a good idea to bring some tissues, wet wipes and hand sanitiser.

If you\ re thinking of doing the optional cycling tour in Yangshuo, cycling helmets will be available to hire locally from a reputable supplier. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.
For domestic flights in China, such as the internal flight from Guilin to Xian, all power banks must have a visible CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark. In addition to this, power banks that have a capacity of over 160Wh are typically prohibited. All power banks must be kept in carry-on luggage, not luggage in the hold. If either the capacity is over the limit or the 3Cs are not visible, security may confiscate your power bank.

We strongly recommend downloading an e-SIM for your trip to China. Many widely-used apps, such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Gmail, are blocked due to the „ Great Firewall„ of China. These apps and websites cannot be accessed using local wifi; therefore, to access these services, an e-SIM is required. It's also worth mentioning that internet on your phone is required to be able to use the payment apps, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend around £3 per day as a guideline.
Local crew
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow £25 for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
 

China

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8-9
Dinner price
£8 - 9
Beer price
£1.5 - 2
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Renminbi/Yuan
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Either EUR, USD or GBP
Where To Exchange
China is predominantly cashless and relies on apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay to pay for most services and goods. It’s recommended that you download either the Alipay or WeChat Pay app on your phone before you travel. Both apps are widely used throughout mainland China. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to link your debit or credit card as payments are charged to your card via the app. It’s worth notifying your bank that you’ll be travellingto China ahead of your trip to avoid your bank blocking or declining a transaction. To be able to use these apps in China, your phone will need access to the internet, so we also recommend downloading an eSIM before you travel. Whilst cash (Renminbi/Yuan) is still used at small markets and local vendors, using apps is now the most common way to pay. We recommend travelling with both forms of payment. You can exchange cash before you travel, either at banks, currency exchange shops or at international airports in the UK. It’s also possible to exchange money at the airport in China and Hong Kong. If your trip begins in Hong Kong, you can also exchange currency into HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) or CNY (Chinese Yuan) at the airport. When changing money ask for a receipt so you can change Yuan back into your own currency when leaving China. Mobile Payment Apps - Alipay and WeChat are common ways of paying in many of the shops and supermarkets across China. Please note, Alipay does not work in Hong Kong.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available at major towns and cities
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit Cards, specifically Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in some restaurants and big malls. However, credit cards should not be relied on as the sole source of money. It's strongly advisable to use Alipay or WeChat Pay and cash.

Hong Kong

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10 - 15
Dinner price
£10 - 15
Beer price
£2 - 3
Water price
£1.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Hong Kong Dollar.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Either EUR, USD or GBP
Where To Exchange
Credit cards and cash are more widely accepted in Hong Kong – smaller market vendors accept cash payments and credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. The most widely accepted form of payment is an Octopus card. You can use the Octopus app or physical card on all public transport in Hong Kong (MTR, ferries, buses, trams, trains etc.), as well as at restaurants, shops and the iconic red taxis. You can download the Octopus app onto your phone or buy a physical Octopus card. Physical cards are available to purchase at the airport, 7-Eleven convenience stores and at metro station booths. If you choose to download the app, you’ll need to link your debit or credit card. It’s a good idea to let your bank know you’re travelling beforehand so that they don’t decline payments made through the card. You’ll need to have internet access on your phone to use the Octopus app to make payments, so we recommend you purchase an eSIM prior to your trip. The Octopus card is simple to use. You top it up as needed (similar to the London Underground Oyster card). If you plan to exchange cash for Hong Kong Dollars, we recommend you do so before travelling. Otherwise you an withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange at the airport.
ATM Availability
All major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Most major restaurants and stores.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat, Ferry, Flight, On Foot, Train, Tram

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we stay in comfortable-grade accommodation throughout. In general, comfortable-grade hotels are three-star equivalent with twin-share, en-suite rooms and standard amenities such as air-conditioning and WiFi. Some hotels may have extra facilities like a pool or restaurant.

Tourism is still developing in China and while most accommodations are modern, spacious and comfortable, they can be rather generic and characterless. Most hotels are large and purpose-built, so you can generally expect good facilities.

In Guilin and Yangshuo, the hotels we use are modern with all mod cons.

Our hotels in Beijing and Xi'an enjoy relatively central locations in these large cities, within walking distance of the Temple of Heaven and the Muslim Quarter, respectively. In Xi'an, we stay in a characterful property that features spacious rooms, Chinese décor, and in some rooms, mahjong tables.

A Chinese-style breakfast is included at many of the properties we use. There is often the option of toast, boiled eggs, jam, coffee and Chinese tea, but you can expect the majority of food options to be Chinese.

Please be aware that the beds in China are often quite firm and may take a few nights to get used to.

While smoking is officially prohibited in hotel rooms and public areas, it's a challenge for local authorities and hotel management to enforce. At times, you might notice the smell of smoke. Please mention this to your tour leader to see if anything can be done if necessary.

Food and drink

Rice and noodles are a staple and usually provided at every meal time. For anybody with a restricted diet - such as gluten- or dairy-free - please note that these products are often not available in China and we strongly recommend you bring specialised foods from home. In any case please always inform us of any special dietary requirements before departure. Generally vegetarians are well catered for but you may find a more restricted choice as many soups are made with meat stock.

China

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 
There are many water refillable stations at many of the major sites and hotels, however they many provide hot or lukewarm water. 

 

Hong Kong

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice. 
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


For UK nationals until 31 December 2026, you can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits or transit.

If you travel to China for any other reason (this includes paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip to China.

A visa is required by US passport holders. A single entry visa should be arranged in advance of travelling. Please refer to the local agent and entry/exit point information within your Explore visa information letter.

For more information please visit

Canadian, Australia and New Zealand passport holders can entry China visa-free. Each entry allows a stay of no more than 30 days. Passport, return flights, itinerary and confirmed hotels (the detail is same as the visa support letter) are requested by the entry border inspection upon entry.

You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Essential Information:
Please note we require a colour copy of your passport photo page, no later than 8 weeks prior to departure. This is required in order to finalise local ground services and internal travel in China. Please email this to visaauths@explore.co.uk

Registering with the Chinese authorities:
You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this requirement with regular spot-checks of foreigners' documentation. If you're staying in a hotel, they will do this for you as part of the check-in process.

Please ensure that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of return to your home country.


For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk.

At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

China

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Hong Kong

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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