Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in XianOn arrival at Xi'an you'll be awaited by one of our representatives and taken to your hotel in the centre of the city. You have the day to yourself to relax and explore this fascinating city. Stroll through the city and across the large boulevards, surrounded by the impressive ancient wall. Climb to the top of the Drum Tower, where you'll have a beautiful view of the city and out over the Muslim district where, during dusk, slowly the first lanterns and lights will be illuminated.Once your stomach starts to growl you'll be in exactly the right place at the right time. All of the lights in the trees are lit and you'll pass several small streets filled with the scent of bar-b-ques and a smokey, misty air of barbecue herbs and spices. Pick any restaurant that looks appealing and order a lamb shish-kabob (or any vegetarian options you fancy).

Day 2

Terracotta Army ExcursionYou'll be picked up at your hotel in the morning for a visit to one of China's top attractions, the Terracotta Warriors. The best way to see this attraction is by private tour without a guide and this is exactly how we've arranged this excursion for you. The excavation site is approximately 40 minutes from the city and is located in a large park.

The Terracotta Leger was discovered by farmers in 1974. They stumbled upon approximately 8000 clay soldiers, horses and chariots that were once built at the request of the then fourteen year old King Zheng for his future royal tomb.

A visit to the Warrior's will last you approximately two hours; however if you add the time spent in transit, the excursion will take up half a day. If you'd like an active afternoon after the sight seeing in the morning, you could go bike riding over the 10m broad ancient city wall. The wall is 12km long and is built in a square around the city. If you're looking to avoid the crowds in the city, this is your best bet. You won't come across too many other people on bicycles; most Chinese prefer motorized vehicles these days.

The busy city life in the parks at the foot of the city wall is always present. In the morning's you'll hear the sound of music and you'll see people doing Tai Chi. During the day you'll hear electronic versions of ‘Happy Birthday' being played watering trucks and of course the sound of horns is ever present. If you look down from the city wall while biking above you'll see groups of people standing around a pair of grandfathers playing mah-jong and you'll also see the hectic station square in the distance.

Day 3

Departure from XianToday you depart from Xian. If you have more time to spend in China we suggest visiting the Pandas of Chengdu or heading straight to Lijiang in the popular south-western province of Yunnan.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Transport, accommodation, Terracotta Army excursion without guide

Exclusions -

Meals and drinks, entrance fees