| TRAINS & TRAVEL P.O. BOX 10625 RENO, NEVADA 89510-0625 Chris@traintrips.biz Rail Tours Manager. For question regarding tour itineraries and details. Deborah@traintrips.biz Office Manager: Accounting |
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1-800 359-4870 USA 1-800 752-1836 CANADA 1-800 266-8751 FAX (530) 836-1944 |
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A rare new addition to the ranks of great railway journeys, our tours between Hong Kong and Tibet’s capital Lhasa take in an extraordinary sweep of natural wonders and culture. We will enjoy everything from Lhasa - Tibet’s holiest city but until now virtually inaccessible in its remote Himalayan location - to China’s spectacular sights including the Three Gorges, Li River, the Terracotta Warriors, the world’s highest railway and beginning with the stunning international city of Hong Kong.
Our visit to Xian not only includes the 6,000 Terracotta Warriors (among the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century) but also the city’s remarkable old walls and pagodas, as well as its drum and bell towers. We will also visit the extraordinary Yunnan Stone forest, known in China as the ‘First wonder of the world’, and have a chance to get close to Giant Pandas. Home for most of the tour will be the Shangri-La Express, although we will also ride on the purpose built high altitude regular service train to Lhasa and a modern fast express to access Hong Kong. A luxury river cruiser will be our home for four nights during our unhurried journey through the world-famous Three Gorges. This gives us time to absorb the sensational sight of the peaks soaring (in places) more than 4,000ft around us, but also some of the remarkable things created here by man. Fengdu’s unique ‘Ghost City’ is a man made vision of Hades, telling the story of those forced to live out their personal hell for eternity. Equally remarkable is the world’s largest dam. In contrast to all of this is Hong Kong, one of the world’s great modern cities, situated in its stunning position on Victoria Harbour. With so much packed into this remarkable tour our itineraries offer the journey of a lifetime. Why not treat yourself?
 Day 1: HONG KONG Arrive into Hong Kong airport where you will be met and transferred to the luxurious five-star Harbour Plaza hotel (or similar) for a one-night stay. We will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at our hotel, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. Day 2: HONG KONG - GUANGZHOU This morning you are free to explore this vibrant and extraordinary city before joining a high speed train to Guangzhou, a journey which takes two hours. We then transfer to our private train, the Shangri-La Express. There is plenty of time to settle into your comfortable cabin before enjoying a Welcome Dinner onboard. Day 3: GUILIN The haunting beauty of Guilin is legendary. Our entire day is devoted to exploring some of the finest scenery in the world along the Li River. Our unforgettable day features a delightful cruise on the river amongst the strange karst rock formations that give this area its distinctive appearance. We also visit the 600,000 year old Yudi Lan (Reed Flute) Cave on the outskirts of the city. Day 4: YUNNAN STONE FOREST This afternoon we visit the dramatic Yunnan Stone Forest. Set amongst verdant forests, ancient karst stone formations stretch towards the skies. Numerous peaks, pillars and stalagmites jostle for our attention, extending as far as the eye can see. Sculpted by centuries of wind and rain, these sensationally intricate formations suggest the form of animals, plants and even human figures. Tonight we spend the night in a hotel in Kunming. Day 5: KUNMING Today we visit Kunming’s Golden Temple, the largest copper temple in China. This elaborate and magnificent structure is a testament to the aesthetic and architectural excellence of the Ming Dynasty. At lunchtime, we commence our journey over one of the world’s most spectacular railway lines completed in the 1970s. The line to Chengdu tortuously passes over many precarious bridge and traverses deep tumbling ravines, through areas of unsurpassed natural beauty. Day 6: CHENGDU Today we can relax onboard as the Shangri-La Express continues its journey to Chengdu where we arrive early afternoon. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province is the centre for traditional Chinese medicine. This area is also home to the Giant Panda, an incredibly rare and enchanting creature which we can see at close quarters at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute. Day 7: CHONGQING Chongqing is situated in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. We have a full day to explore the labyrinthine streets of this bustling city, perhaps most famous for its hot Sichuan cuisine and world famous hotpot dishes. As we enter the old part of this city we will come across street vendors and restaurants where we can experience these exciting and spicy delicacies. Late afternoon sees us transferring to a five-star Victoria Cruises river boat for our three-night Yangtze River cruise through the dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges. Day 8: THREE GORGES CRUISE - FENGDU This morning we take an off board excursion to the Fengdu Ghost City situated on Ming Mountain. Its 75 temples and numerous sculptures tell the story of ‘sinners’ who were forced to live out their own personal hell for eternity. Alternatively, we may visit Shibaozhai, perched precariously against a rectangular cliff, where we will see the stunning twelve-storey Quing Dynasty wooden temple. In the afternoon we sail through the Three Gorges region enjoying the stunning natural scenery. Day 9: THREE GORGES CRUISE First we enter the shortest but most dramatic of the three gorges, Qutang Gorge with steep, imposing mountains crowding the perimeter of the 5 mile (8km) stretch. Then we travel through the deep 27 mile (44km) Wu Xia Gorge from where we make a short trip to the shallow, clear waters of the Shennong Stream. We then continue along the western stretch of the Xiling Gorge, with its strong currents and rocky outcrops. At 43 miles (70km) this is the longest and deepest gorge and perilous peaks tower towards the sky reaching heights of over 4,000 ft (1,500m). Day 10: THREE GORGES CRUISE - YICHANG Today we cruise along the eastern stretch of the Xiling Gorge and visit the Three Gorges Dam project before our lunchtime disembarkation in Yichang and rejoin the waiting Shangri-La Express to continue our journey towards Lhasa. Day 11: XIAN - TERRACOTTA WARRIORS Our fascinating journey of discovery takes us to Xian, the former Imperial Capital of China. Here we will explore the ancient city walls and Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest in China. If there is time, we will take a stroll through the historic Muslim quarter with its quaintly winding lanes. We dedicate several hours to visiting the world famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered by peasants only 30 years ago. The 6,000 terracotta figures and their horses, buried with the First Emperor of Xin in 210BC, are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th Century. This evening we enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner, Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance. Day 12: TIANSHUI & LANZHOU Today our tour takes us to the amazing Maijishan Grottoes, an extensive complex of caves that house thousands of ancient Buddhist sculptures that chart the evolution of this fascinating religion. Our train then takes us on to Lanzhou which used to be an important trading post on the ancient Silk Route with a rich history dating back some 2,000 years. Day 13: XINING Today we explore this historic and multi-ethnic region which is home to an incredible 37 different nationalities. Located on the eastern edge of Qinghai Province, Xining’s history can be traced back 2,100 years to antiquity. Here we will experience some of the distinctive traditions and beguiling customs of this region. Our exploration of Xining takes us on to Dongguan Mosque. Built in 1380, its eclectic style combines both traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural influences. Tonight is our final night on board the Shangri La Express. Day 14: GOLMUD - LHASA (TIBET) At Golmud we board the new high-altitude train (on which we have reserved seats) that will take us on an extraordinary and unforgettable 14-hour daylight journey along the new 1,142km ‘Roof of the World’ line to Lhasa, cresting the 16,640ft (5,072m) Tangula Pass. This is the world’s highest railway pass, reaching an unbelievable 3 miles (5km) above sea level. Due to the high altitude, supplementary oxygen is pumped in through the ventilation system. Personal oxygen masks are available if required. At Lhasa, we are transferred to the centrally located five-star Brahmaputra Grand Hotel (or similar) for a three-night stay. Day 15: LHASA This morning is free for you to acclimatise to this high mountain region or you may choose to wander through the vibrant streets of Lhasa, absorbing its unique atmosphere. This afternoon, our tour takes us to Norbu Lingka, the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace. Built in the 1740’s as a retreat from the intense summer heat, its name literally means ‘jewel garden’. This tranquil dappled garden contains many valuable objects, including gold, silver, jade and Buddhist artifacts. Day 16: LHASA Today we explore the 13th Century Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most holy shrine. This four-storey timber complex topped with a golden roof is a stunning fusion of architectural styles of the Tang Dynasty, as well as those of Tibet and Nepal. The ancient Barkhor market is next on our itinerary, where an astounding jamboree of activity greets us as we weave our way through its streets. A traditional lunch is served accompanied by traditional folk music. This afternoon we visit the 17th Century Potala Palace, former seat of the Tibetan Government and the Dalai Lama’s winter residence before he fled to India in 1959. Containing thousands of rooms, it dominates the city skyline and is one of the architectural wonders of the world. At a height of 170 metres, this breathtaking structure perches on Marpo Ri Hill, 130 metres above the Lhasa valley. Tonight we say goodbye to our fellow travelling companions at our Farewell Dinner.
Day 17: LHASA Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Lhasa airport to begin your journey home.
 Modern comfort in an ancient wilderness…the Shangri-La Express guarantees you good living even in the remotest places. Our twin-berth cabins are the perfect private retreat, comfortably furnished and traditionally decorated with the varnished wood and brass reminiscent of a different age. Each includes a ‘Pullman’ table and deep armchair alongside a large picture window; a perfect place from which to take in China’s ever-changing scenery. A state of the art shower car complements the two washrooms/WC’s in every sleeping carriage. Meals are served in the train’s spacious restaurant cars, where our dedicated chefs serve a western breakfast followed by a wide range of authentic Chinese specialities at lunch and dinner, using only the finest local ingredients. As well as soft drinks, tea and coffee, meals are accompanied by a selection of wines from around the world. Equally special is the unique ambience of the piano bar car, where our resident pianist is always happy to take requests. Staying open until the last person leaves, the bar is the perfect place to get to know your fellow passengers… or simply wile away some time, reading or taking in the scenery while enjoying your favourite drink.
Note that tours running through both Russia and China will use the ‘Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express’ for the Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan part of the journey.
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PRICES ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON TWIN..............................$12,795 SINGLE............................$17,995 DEPOSIT...........................$ 1,500 FINAL PAYMENT DUE 90 DAYS PRIOR TO START OF THE TOUR |
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TOUR PRICE: All tour prices are corrected to November 1, 2010 and are subject to change without notice, at any time. All prices based on double room
occupancy. We reserve the right to change tour prices if necessary.
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE: Personal items, meals not listed in the itinerary, laundry, phone calls, excess baggage charges, rental cars, side tours, insurance, passport fees including visas, vaccinations, gratuities, medical costs, tips to train or motor coach staff, extra tour costs due to unanticipated changes in the itinerary for reasons beyond our control, including weather, travel conditions, or cancellations, government intervention, sickness, political disputes, and failure of transportation or other causes beyond our control.
TRAVEL AND HEALTH DOCUMENTS: A valid passport is required for our international tours. In some cases a visa is also needed. Consult your
health professional for the recommended immunizations and documents. Trains and Travel International , here on referred to as TTI, assumes no other responsibility if a client is refused entry into a country. Cost and cancellation fees will be paid by the client in the event they do not have valid documents.
CHANGE OF ITINERARY: We reserve the right to substitute, alter or modify the tour if any unexpected and unforeseen conditions beyond our control
preventing the completion of such. Conditions can include weather, train schedules, equipment, motive power, revision of train consist, train delays, labor strikes, political disputes, derailments, closure of a rail line, break down of railroad or motive power equipment, railroads not honoring contracts and bus equipment problems. We will always endeavor, in each case, to provide substitutes, if any changes take place. TTI is not responsible for canceled trains,
delays, hotel rooms, route changes or missed connections, for any reason whatsoever. We will not give refunds if such conditions or cancellations take place.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is mandatory for all tours. This insurance will cover and give the tour members many benefits and protection. Benefits include baggage, accident, life, trip cancellation, sickness, bankruptcy, strike, weather conditions, employer termination or layoff effecting you or
a person sharing the room with you, terrorist incident in your departure city or city of destination, jury duty, you are subpoenaed, hijacked, or quarantined,
your residence or traveling companion residence is rendered uninhabitable, emergency military duty, traffic accident, single supplement upgrade when your traveling companion cancels their trip, trip interruption, trip delay, missed connections, itinerary change, emergency medical benefits, medical evacuation, baggage delay and loss, pre-existing medical conditions if enrollment is within 21 days of your invoice date, burglary of you or your companion before departure, felonious assault of you or your traveling companion before departure, 24 hour hotline emergency assistance, emergency cash transfer and more.
We will supply you with a travel insurance brochure with rates and application when we mail you the invoice after trip deposit is received. Travel insurance protects your vacation investments and is a very good investment for your travel and vacation money. US law allows us to offer this insurance to all persons
Worldwide. We will accept a "refusal of travel insurance wavier" if you do not wish to purchase any travel insurance. FOR CUBA: Because of the nature of these tours travel insurance is MANDATORY for everyone. We have a special American travel insurance company that will insure all folks going to Cuba on legal US approved tours. This insurance information will be sent to you upon receiving your booking.
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Accepting your payment represents an agreement that you understand all the conditions, to
be a member of our tours. TTI gives notice that they are acting agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers, providing the transportation and all related travel services and assume no responsibility for injury, sickness, damage, loss, additional expenses accidental delay or irregularities which may be caused through willful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of the companies providing or engage in transportation, accommodations or services related to the accomplishment of the tour. Nor do we assume responsibility for natural disasters, social or political upheaval, acts of terrorism or acts of nature. TTI reserves
the right to substitute hotels, tour leaders, equipment, motive power, trains, onboard accommodations, routes and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary without notice. The right is also reserved to cancel any trip or train prior to departure for any reason . TTI is not responsible for expenses incurred by tour members in preparing for the tour, including non-refundable airline tickets, visa fees, planning, phone calls, or any other expenses. TTI reserves the right to decline to accept, or ask to leave a tour, any person whose actions impede the daily operations of a tour, welfare or enjoyment of other tour members. TTI cannot give any refunds for any unused services. The terms contained herein shall serve as a waiver of liability to TTI. Assumption of risk on behalf of the client, their heirs, executor, administrators, successors, and assigns for any and all known persons injuries
RESERVATIONS: A deposit is due in our office within 14 days after you make your bookings. Full payment is due 90 days before departure. You will
receive an invoice, reservation form and current tour bulletins with your confirmation and travel insurance forms. No notice for final payment will be sent
to you. It is your responsible to make the final payment on-time.
CANCELLATIONS: TTI does not accept cancellations on the phone. Cancellations must be received by postal mail, email or fax before any refunds will be considered. Allow enough time if sending your written notice by US mail postal system. When a written cancellation is received in the Trains and Travel
office this will be the effective date of the cancellation. Please take note that it can take up to 60 days to to process some refunds. Cancellation refund rules:
100 days prior to the start of any tour you will receive a full refund less a $100 per person administration fee. 99 to 61 days before the departure of any tour
there will be a 80% cancellation penalty based on the full cost of the tour. Cancellations received 60 or less days before the start of any tour will not receive
any refund. GW Travel Ltd has their own cancellation rules and these will apply. If booking on GW Travel Ltd ask for cancellation rules.
PRE-DEPARTURE TOUR BULLETINS: Tour bulletins will be sent to clients that have booked on tours operated by TTI. Bulletins include travel info related to the tour. Final documents will be sent out about two to three weeks before a tour begins. We offer tours operated by other companies and they may
or may not send out tour bulletins and updates and most send out final documents only one to two weeks prior to the start of their tours.
PAYMENTS: Payments can be made with personal check drawn on a U.S. Dollar account, money order for U.S. Dollars, bank wire transfer, or credit card.
We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express. Final payment for all tours is due 90 days prior to departure. If final payment has not been received 7 days after the due date, a late fee of $50 per week will apply.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: All prices are based on double room occupancy. We will try and match you with a roommate if one is available. If not, you may
be charged the single room supplement listed for the tour you are booked on. Single rooms may not be available in some remote locations and on some trains.
TOUR REFUNDS: If for any reason tour members amend or delete any arrangements during travel, and leave the tour on their own, we cannot give any refunds on unused portions of the tour. If buses and trains are cancelled by the carrier or there is a labor strike or they go out of business, we cannot be held
responsible and we cannot give refunds. Travel insurance will protect you for any of these reasons. If TTI needs to cancel any tour everyone will receive a
full refund. Please take note that in some cases refunds can take up to 60 days to process.
PARTIAL TOURS: We will allow passengers to join or leave a tour at certain points. It will all depend on the tour and the conditions. Give us a call and
we will try and work up a custom option for you.
MILEAGE COLLECTORS: Mileage collectors please take note that TTI does not cater just to mileage collectors. We cater to all folks that enjoy trains and
Rail journeys. We give strong warning that itinerary and route changes do happen and this is totally beyond our control when it does. If the only reason that
you would want to book a tour is to collect the rare mileage, you need to understand that possible route changes do happen.
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