APT captures the essence of China
APT has released its China 2012 brochure which carries the choice of seven itineraries and launches with fly free, companion fly free and discount deals.
A 10-day Essence of China itinerary from Beijing to Shanghai is new as are a 21-day journey through China, Vietnam and Cambodia and the 21-day Best of China and Vietnam package, both of which build on packages for these two countries introduced last year. In fact, 35% of 2011 China bookings were on itineraries incorporating China and Vietnam touring and cruising.
The Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer is a 62 balcony suite river ship which offers the intimacy and opulence guests have come to expect of an APT river cruise, as well as luxurious, centrally-located 5- star hotels are among APT’s key points of difference, said APT General Manager Marketing, Debra Fox.
“The standard of accommodation we use within China is globally recognised as being among the finest in the world,” she said. “We secure the accommodation that is centrally located in every city or town.”
For instance, in Xi’an, the opulent Xi’an Shangri-La Golden Flower, which has the largest hotel rooms in Xi’an, is new for 2012 as is a visit there to the Magnificent Giant Wilde Goose Pagoda, a five-storey Buddha pagoda built in 652.
Lead-in tour is the 10-day Essence of China, priced from $4795 per person twin share (based on March 29 departure), which features Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City in Beijing, cruising the Yangtze River for four nights aboard the M.S. Yangzi Explorer, 22 meals, five-star hotels,including iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel, tipping, airport transfers, internal flights, “APT Signature Experiences” like a visit to the Great Wall of China, exploring the Changqing Zoo, seeing the Giant Pandas and enjoying an acrobatics show in Shanghai and the services of an APT Tour Director.
The tour also includes a Peking Duck banquet in a private room at the famous Quanjude restaurant established in 1864 and a farewell dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund, one of the top restaurant in Shanghai overlooking the Bund.
A Companion Fly Free deal including air taxes, representing a saving of $1,770 per couple on this package, is for bookings made before October 31, 2011, the booking deadline for other airfare deals.
APT flies with carriers Singapore Airlines (on Vietnam and Cambodia) and Cathay Pacific (on China tours).
Private rail journeys on the exclusive Shangri-La Express, two rail itineraries, a 13-day cruise-rail package and a 14-day Tibet rail journey are also new features of APT’s 2012 China brochure.
Ms Fox said the addition of stylish rail complimented the high standards of cruising, touring and hotels in APT’s China program, as well as presenting opportunities to create more diversified itineraries for APT’s discerning customer base.
Examples of the new rail-link packages are the 13-day Imperial China by Rail & the Yangtze River (from $10,595 per person twin share) and the 14-day Beijing to Lhasa by Rail (from $10,695). Offer being save $1000 per couple.
Agents call 1300 278 278, see www.aptouring.agents or contact your local BDM.