Visiting:
Great Wall of China, Chengdu, Dujiangyan,
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Visiting:
Great Wall of China, Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Chongqing, Beijing, Xian, Xi'an, Great Wall at Jinshanling, Shanghai, China, Three Gorges Dam
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[{"title":"Day 1: Kyoto","name":"Kyoto","description":"Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto. Serving as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868, Kyoto is the spiritual centre of Zen Buddhism and one of the most historically important cities in Japan. Unlike many of its neighbours Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II and thousands of temples, shrines and other historically invaluable structures survive in the city today. This adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Afterwards, head out on an evening walk before enjoying a welcome dinner.\n\nIf you arrive early, Kyoto offers a myriad of options to explore. For a taste of Shogun life, head to the World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle, perhaps the best surviving example of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. See how the Emperor lived at the Sento Imperial Palace within Kyoto Imperial Park, an attractive park in the centre of the city. Or for a quieter moment, you may wish to contemplate silently in one of the serene karesansui (Zen gardens) that dot the city. <br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>9 days guided & vehicle-supported cycling</description><br/>-<description>9 Days Included Bicycle Hire</description><br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera</description><br/>-<description>Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free</description><br/>-<description>Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple</description><br/>-<description>Kyoto - Shosei Strolling Garden</description><br/>-<description>Kyoto - Nishiki-Koji Market - Free</description><br/>-<description>National Museum</description>","lat":"35.011636","lng":"135.768029"},{"title":"Day 2: Kyoto","name":"Kyoto","description":"After breakfast and a safety talk by your leader, familiarise yourself with your bike and take a short test ride before cycling with the group west from our ryokan to the Katsura River, then north along a dedicated cycling path past traditional houses and community gardens to the ancient imperial resort of Arashiyama. Time allowing stop off for a coffee break in Arashiyama, well-known for its gorgeous bamboo forests. After a caffeine hit and a chance to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, ride on to Tenryuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple, with its famous white Zen rock garden. Pause here to contemplate the sound of one hand clapping and then move on to contemplate some lunch. \n\nAfterwards, cycle east across the north end of Kyoto and then onto the Path of Philosophy and the Higashiyama area before returning to our accommodation. The ride today will be gentle, with only slight elevation on the roads as we head into Arashiyama. We start with a 5 kilometre ride on a main road, then follow dedicated bicycle paths and secondary roads for the rest of the day. \n\nOn arrival back into Kyoto, take an evening orientation tour of Kyoto's Gion district. Observe Geisha and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) from key spots in the city's old back streets and be tempted by some of the area's great local restaurants, perhaps doubling back to visit for dinner after the tour has ended.\n\nKyoto’s streets are laid out in a convenient grid pattern, which is unusual for Japanese cities. In the 8th century, imperial city planners copied the grid layout of Chang’an (now Xian), the capital of the Tang Dynasty China. That’s not the only benefit we reap from the Tang Dynasty today – two well-known Tang engineers, Ma Jun and Zhang Heng, invented the mechanical gear system used by the bikes we ride around this easy-to- navigate city. Arigato Tang Dynasty!<br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Kyoto - Gion District walk</description><br/>-<description>Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest</description><br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre</description><br/>-<description>Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden</description><br/>-<description>Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple</description>","lat":"35.011636","lng":"135.768029"},{"title":"Day 3: Nara & Kyoto","name":"Nara & Kyoto","description":"The cycling route takes you through beautiful Japanese scenery on a dedicated riverside cycling path from the old capital of Kyoto to the even older capital of Nara. Here, you'll see the Giant Buddha housed in the largest wooden structure on the planet. This city is well known for its Todaiji Temple and its cute, free-roaming wild deer. Head south along the river for most of the day, stopping briefly at Nagarebashi Bridge, a 356-metre wooden bridge that is a popular film location for samurai dramas. \n\nReturn by train to Kyoto.<br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Nara - Todaiji Temple</description><br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Nara - Kasuga Grand Shrine - Free</description>","lat":"34.6855","lng":"135.805"},{"title":"Day 6: Takayama","name":"Takayama","description":"Today its back on your bike, following the Hida River as it winds it's way between the rolling green hills north to Takayama. Today's journey takes you through some beautiful scenery as you ride the quiet roads up the valley, flanked by wooded green hills and mountains on both sides. \n\nArriving into Takayama (also known as Hida-Takayama) in the early afternoon you will have ample time to explore this fascinating small city. Be sure to visit the beautifully preserved old town, dating from the Edo era. The area is home to traditional sake breweries, handicraft shops, and local food stores, offering a unique insight into Japanese culture and lifestyle, and is a great place to unwind after a good day cycling.<br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Hida Folk Village</description><br/>-<description>Takayama Jinya historic building complex</description><br/>-<description>Matsuri no Mori festival museum</description>","lat":"36.146124","lng":"137.252173"},{"title":"Day 9: Tokyo","name":"Tokyo","description":"No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the country's legendary train system. Swap your bike for a train and watch the scenic landscape fly by on a journey (approx. 5 hours) to Tokyo. Hit the streets on arrival for a night-time orientation walk. Explore the contemporary centre of town as well as the old streets, and feel the hum of modern life in this famous city.\n\nRiding distance: None<br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Tokyo - Sensoji Temple</description>","lat":"35.6814","lng":"139.7645"},{"title":"Day 10: Tokyo","name":"Tokyo","description":"Hold on to your helmets because there's a real treat today – two rides in one day! Get a better feel for the different areas of the city this morning as you cycle along the same local paths Tokyoites use to cut through the city. There are surprises, both old and modern, waiting at every turn along the way and architecture aficionados will be in heaven. \n\nAlong the way we visit many of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks; the first ride passing along the cherry tree lined paths of Ueno Park, home of Tokyo’s most popular museums and temples, Akihabara gadget town, the ‘Japan Bridge’ district of Nihonbashi, and upmarket the district of Ginza with its dazzling array of high-end shops, galleries and cafes.\n\nWe break between rides to enjoy lunch at the famous Tsukiji Outer Fish Market before commencing our second ride to see such luminaries as the Edo-era Imperial Palace, the 333m-high Eiffel Tower lookalike Tokyo Tower, the elegant Hachimangu Shrine, Tsukishima (Moon Island), the manmade island in Tokyo Bay, and of course the Skytree Asakusa, at 634m the tallest building in all of Japan\n\nLater enjoy an included farewell dinner then take the rest of the evening to spend as you see fit - enjoy a quiet night, let loose at karaoke, or walk and drink your way across the city with your local leader.<br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market</description><br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen</description><br/>-<description>Tokyo - Edo-Tokyo Museum</description><br/>-<description>Tokyo - Samurai Museum</description><br/>-<description>Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free</description><br/>-<description>Tokyo - Karaoke</description><br/>-<description>Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free</description><br/>-<description>Nippon Professional Baseball League game</description><br/>-<description>Soba noodle class</description><br/>-<description>Tokyo - Japanese & Calligraphy lesson</description>","lat":"35.6814","lng":"139.7645"},{"title":"Day 11: Tokyo","name":"Tokyo","description":"Sadly it's time to say farewell to this great Japanese adventure. There are no activities planned for the day and you’re able to depart the hotel at any time. Check-out time is 11 am but if you're departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you have time why not check out the amazing Urban Adventures on offer in this eclectic city. Read more at: www.urbanadventures.com/en/tokyo","lat":"35.6814","lng":"139.7645"}]
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