W
SPECIAL REPORT – CHINA
Customer Comments I recently returned from the trip of a lifetime to Beijing. It was without doubt the best holiday we have ever had. Our wonderful guide Dennis was exceptionally considerate and his knowledge of history, not only of his own country but of Ireland and the rest of the world was amazing. Máiread
China in your hand
I have recently returned from a trip, taking in Beijing, the Yangtze River Cruise. I would like to let you know what a wonderful holiday I have had. I can’t thank our tour guide enough for his patience, kindness and for making the whole trip most memorable. Andrea
Discover some of China’s most sacred treasures with The Travel Department.
A
lthough the age of cheap air fares created the do-ityourself holiday, not everyone is enamoured with the long-winded process or its risks. An interesting trend is the shift away from the hassle and uncertainty of separate bookings for flights, hotels and transport to a one-step booking. The Travel Department meets this market with its escorted holidays which ensure convenience, value and a great holiday with peace of mind. All holidays include flights, transfers, hotel accommodation (three-, four- and five-star) and a range of excursions. The Travel Department team develop a range of itineraries and choose the optimum travel times to their worldwide destinations ensuring value as well as comfort. This autumn, why not team up with The Travel Department and visit China? Famed for its ancient civilization and stunning scenery, China has always been a popular destination with visitors. It combines traditional with contemporary, mixing such revered treasures as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors with spectacular architecture and towering skyscrapers, as well as exquisite cuisine and luxurious hotels. The Travel Department currently operates tours to Beijing with flights from Dublin and Cork at real value for money prices. This
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November’s trip to Beijing is only €979 plus tax! This includes eight nights’ bed and breakfast in a fivestar hotel with dinners each evening and four fully guided excursions with entrance and admission fees all included. Customers can also choose from the Beijing, Chengdu and Yangtze River Cruise tour or the 12-night Beijing, Xi’an, the Jiuzhai Valley National Park and Chengdu tour. Although it’s already hugely popular with Chinese tourists, Jiuzhai Valley is a relatively new destination on the international travel scene. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, abundant with natural scenery and untouched by the modern world, is rapidly gaining a reputation as a must-see destination. Xi’an, on the other hand, is one of China’s oldest cities and is home to the Terracotta Warriors, a collection of over 8,000 figures of warriors and horses that were manufactured in 120BC. Chengdu is home to one of China’s most famous residents, the panda. The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center is the perfect place to see these Chinese national treasures. Choose Beijing on its own or combine it with some of the other amazing cities, but be assured that no matter where you visit, The Travel Department offers the same excellent service levels and standards. In fact, one of the standout features of travelling to China with The Travel Department is the standard of its guides. Available at all times, there are few
Irish Independent Weekend
questions or problems your guide can’t solve. They go that extra mile to ensure your holiday is memorable, from accompanying you even on a free day to wowing you with their knowledge of Irish history. They genuinely enjoy what they are doing and this enjoyment is infectious. So contact The Travel Department today, and turn this year’s autumn break into the trip of a lifetime. With The Travel Department taking
the hassle out of your holiday you just have to sit back, relax and enjoy.
For full details of China tour itineraries visit The Travel Department’s website – www.thetraveldepartment.ie. Holidaymakers can book via the website or phone (01) 637 1600.
I have just arrived home from Chengdu after a whirlwind tour of some of the most fabulous places in China, starting with Beijing and travelling to Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the outstanding Jiuzhai Valley National Park. A special thanks must go to our guide who made it his business to make sure that our expectations were exceeded at all times. Thank you again, The Travel Department. Fergus
Great holidays to China! Departing
Holiday name
Duration (nights including overnight flight)
Star Rating
Price
05 October 2009
Beijing (from Dublin or Cork)
9
5★ hotel
(incl. tax)
09 November 2009
Beijing (from Dublin or Cork)
9
5★ hotel
(incl. tax)
15 October 2009
Beijing, Chengdu & Yangtze River Cruise (from Dublin)
14
5★ hotels
(incl. tax)
21 October 2009
Beijing, Xi'an, Jiuzhai Valley National Park & Chengdu (from Dublin)
12
4 & 5★ hotels
(incl. tax)
15 March 2010
Beijing, Shanghai & Asian Legacies Cruise (Including South Korea & Japan) (from Dublin)
14
5★ hotels
(incl. tax)
14 April 2010
Beijing (from Dublin or Cork)
9
5★ hotel
(incl. tax)
06 May 2010
Beijing, Xi'An & Shanghai (from Dublin or Cork)
10
5★ hotels
(incl. tax)
€1,299
€1,249
€2,239
€2,145
€1,999
€1,289
€1,749