Dear Jean,

We found sailing down the Yangtse was very relaxing and interesting - especially the shore excursions - they were great. I had previously visited the Great Wall, but it is certainly a memorable site. While it was not part of your tour the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing are impressive.

In China, Kiven, John and Kitty were all very good. John had a greater understanding of the subtleties of the English language, but all were helpful, thoughtful and attentive. Kiven took us to Jade and Cloisonné factories in Beijing as well as to tea tasting. John arranged for us to visit the Stillwell Museum in Chongqing, and Kitty arranged for lunch and for a visit to the Relics of the Three Gorges Dam in Yichang. In Tibet Dolma was very responsive to our need to change my itinerary as I was not well enough to travel to a higher altitude. She took us to the bank and supermarket and made sure we were okay. All guides met us with their drivers and ensured that we had the right tickets and were put on the right train or boat. The drivers of all the vehicles drove safely and their vehicles were clean and comfortable.

The Redwall Hotel Beijing was fine, everything worked and was clean - the breakfasts were good. It was well situated near the Forbidden City and we could get cheap meals in the nearby market street. The Xiongbala Hotel room in Lhasa was fine too. Clean and comfortable and adjacent to the Barkhov and Jokhang Temple in the Tibetan quarter of Lhasa. Breakfasts were adequate, if one didn't get there early there were limited options and the food was not kept properly warm. I understand the accommodation at the hotel in Shigatse, Tibet was very spacious. Breakfast was fine (better the Xionbala)

The Bell Tower Hotel, Xian was very nice, with a higher standard of accommodation and it was noticeable - wider range of television channels, stylish, better maintained and more modern decor. Breakfast buffet with more western type choices. Well positioned near the Bell Tower and the Moslem quarter. The lunches with the tours - we had lunch at the Jade factory in Beijing - this was tasty and extensive - the set menu was fine. Lunch in Chongqing at the 4 star hotel was very tasty and enjoyable. In Yichang we asked Kitty to find us a restaurant for lunch and she ordered for us - this was also very good (not part of the tour package). In Lhasa the food at the restaurant near Barkhov was satisfactory. The meals on the boat the Zhao Jun were very good with many choices and variety. We were also provided with a western breakfast each morning which was very substantial.

Thanks again

• Client's Information: Carole Anne Patricia, Perth, Australia
• Tour Starting Dates: October 2, 2007
• Tour Itinerary: 18 Days Beijing, Lhasa, Shigatse, Chongqing, Yichang, Yangtze, Xian, Shanghai Tour
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