Dragon 2018 AU brochure

CHINA & JAPAN 2018-2019

NO TOURIST TRAPS. NO PACKAGE DEALS. JUST DRAGON TRIPS.

WHAT WE OFFER What to expect travelling with us

We love to travel, especially through Asia. Our team is a diverse bunch, together we speak over 14 languages, come from over 7 different countries and have all lived and travelled extensively in either China, Japan, or Southeast Asia. From our sales team to our adventure leaders, we seek to go above and beyond to ensure that your travel experience is unlike any other and suits a small budget. By continually striving to exceed expectations, we ensure that our ‘Dragons’ obtain a truly authentic taste of the eye-opening places we visit.

TRIP STYLE

EXPERT GUIDES

We believe travelling is about what we learn. Our backpacking adventure tours are designed for those who are looking for an insightful and off-the-beaten track experience of the country they are visiting.

Our adventure leaders are local experts.

Offering you unique insight into the places you visit with a personal touch.

ACCOMODATION

MEALS

We love simple, clean, and well-located accommodation. We stay in hostels, budget hotels, a tent (camp the Great Wall, China), and in a capsule hotel (Osaka, Japan).

Your adventure leader will always offer to take you for a group meal at a local establishment.

We only go to restaurants that we know are hygienic, budget friendly, and with delicious food. Asia’s varied cuisine caters well to those on a restricted diet. Speak to your guide for assistance.

BUDGET

To help you hop from one place and activity to the next, we made sure to include transportation cost within the overall trip price. You will be travelling by train, coach, and inner-city transport.

Budgeting wisely is important for those who are looking to travel on the cheap and get the most bang for their buck. Our budget group adventure tours help you do just that.

WHAT WE OFFER

TRANSPORT

BOOK Speak to your agent to check date availablity. Our trips do tend to sell out quickly so we advise securing your place early.

All prices stated in this brochure are in Australian Dollars and correct at time of printing. Please contact your local agent for current pricing. All bookings are subject to terms and conditions as advertised at https://thedragontrip.com/.

DISCOVER CHINA & JAPAN Discover thousands of years of history and visit some of the most fast-paced cities in Asia. Enjoy the fascinating culture and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes. Camp on the Great Wall of China, go bamboo rafting in Yangshuo and view Mt Fuji from the Hakone Ropeway. Learn about local traditions, cuisine and the art of kung fu. Get an adrenaline buzz from Mario-karting through the streets of Tokyo, kayaking down the Li River and biking on Xi’an's city walls. The Dragon Trip is all about exploring off the beaten track destinations, exhilarating activities, visiting the must-see sights and having a great adventure together.

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25-Day China Adventure BUDGET GROUP TOUR

FEATURED TRIP

FR

$2,599

AUD

Hong Kong to Hong Kong Explore the tropical south, rural west, historic north and the flourishing east, in our biggest, most comprehensive, best-value China adventure! Our 25-day China tour goes through the major regions, top destinations, important sites and countless hidden gems in off-the-beatentrack locations. It’s the quickest, most cost-effective and enjoyable way of seeing so much that this eye-opening country has to offer.

Inclusions • • • •

Bilingual Adventure Leaders Accommodation Transport within China Activities (*activities listed as optional are not included)

Optional Activities We recommend budgeting an additional £70-£210 for our optional activities along the way. Speak to your local agent for more information.

Day 1

Hong Kong

Discover one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world on your first day; observe how Eastern and Western cultures have fused together.

Day 2-5

Yangshuo

Towering karst peaks, a carpet of green, fertile fields and a never-ending list of activities; rafting on the Li river, mud baths, cycling, cooking, swimming and more.

Day 6-8

Chengdu

Find yourself in the laid-back heart of Western China, enjoying tea houses, pandas, Buddhist shrines, spicy hot-pot, temples and as much KTV as you can handle!

Day 9-10

Xi’an

Experience medieval China in this ancient ‘frontier’ city.

Stroll through the Muslim quarter, barter for souvenirs, cycle the huge, old city walls, and try some local delicacies.

Day 11-12

An unforgettable time at the Shaolin temple. Learn kung fu from a monk and really get to know the locals as you hike and discover this tranquil, ancient place.

Upgrades & Extras • •

Room upgrade - $1,000 Train upgrade - $275

Shaolin

Day 13-16

Beijing

Camp out under the stars on a remote section of the Great Wall. After an unforgettable sunrise, head back to the city for more history, culture and food.

Day 17-18

Moganshan

CHINA

Group Age: 18-39+ Group Size: max 20 Level of Fitness: Moderate

A breath of fresh air between two major stops. Discover a stunning mountainous area that has accommodated Shanghai’s elite; from the old colonialists to Chairman Mao.

Day 19-21

Shanghai

With a fascinating modern history and sizzling economy, Shanghai dazzles as an epic place for nightlife, Western comforts, getting lost and much, much more.

Day 22-24

Fujian

Appreciate Chinese agriculture at its most beautiful in an undulating part of Fujian’s tea-growing region. Enjoy a stay with the local people in their traditional roundhouses.

Day 24-25

Macau

This unique destination combines dazzling nightlife with a rich Chinese-Portuguese heritage. A day trip here is included, but you can opt for the overnight stay too before heading back to HK/elsewhere.

SE P

OC T

04 06 11 20 27

AU G

02 09 16 21 23 28 30

JU L

02 04 11 16 23

N

MA Y

07 12 14 19 21

JU

AP R

Dates

MA

R

2018

02 04 09 16 18 23 25

01 06 08 15 22 29

03 05 12 17 19 26

01 03 08 10 17 24 31

* All departure dates are subject to availability For more trip itineraries to China speak to your local agent or visit http://thedragontrip.com.

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13-Day Japan Adventure BUDGET GROUP TOUR

FEATURED TRIP

FR

$2,770

AUD

Tokyo to Tokyo

Every day on our epic two week Japan tour takes in a different side of this fascinating country. The daily contrast makes travelling here completely unique and - if done the right way - very ‘doable’ on a budget. Travel with us through major regions, top destinations, epic sites and go off-the-beaten-track to discover countless hidden gems.

Inclusions • • • •

Bilingual Adventure Leaders Accommodation Transport within Japan Activities (*activities listed as optional are not included in the above quoted price)

Optional Activities • • • • •

Real-Life Mario Kart - ¥7,000 Akihabara’s Maid Cafe - ¥2,000 Robot Show Experience - ¥7,000 Surfing - ¥3,000 Karaoke - ¥2,100

Room Upgrades •

Room upgrade - $1,194 Please note this is for 11 out of the 12 nights. Osaka is “private” but in a capsule hotel.

Day 1-4

Tokyo

Welcome to Japan’s bustling capital, where ancient and modern meet. Get ready for an extraordinary variety of experiences across the next few days. Learn how to prepare your own sashimi breakfast by a local master chef, visit Akihabara’s maid cafe, discover the Japanese quirky center of J-Pop culture in Harajuku, go racing through the streets of Tokyo in a ‘Real-Life Mario Kart’ and head to the Imperial Palace’s gardens.

Day 5

Kamakura

Leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and take a train to Kamakura, the country’s medieval capital. Explore the town’s shrines and finish off at the Great Buddha statue at Kotoku-in temple. Relax by the beach and even have the option to try surfing at sunset.

Day 6

Hakone

Start your day with a trip on the Hakone cable car. On a clear day, you can gaze at Mount Fuji in all its glory while sampling eggs cooked Fuji-style – in the sulphuric water beneath you. Cap off the day crossing Lake Ashi on a pirate ship for some stunning views.

Day 7

Kyoto

After taking in the morning’s mountain air, take the bullet train to Kyoto. Experience the timeless traditions of ancient Japan in Kyoto’s geisha district before settling in for a cheap, authentic and delicious meal surrounded by wood panels and lanterns in Pontocho alley. Budget food is so often the best.

Day 8

Arashiyama

Hike through the Arashiyama bamboo forest and the Monkey Park. Visit the Tenryu-ji temple and relax in the pristine gardens after a rafting adventure tour down the Hozugawa River. In the evening, come and sing your heart out at one of Japan’s favorite past times – karaoke!

Group Age: 18-39+ Group Size: max 20 Level of Fitness: Moderate

Kyoto

JAPAN

Day 9-10

Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk under thousands of vermilion torri gates. Discover Japan’s national drink with sake tasting and take a tour through an authentic sake brewery. On your last day in Kyoto, cycle around the Imperial Palace before continuing your journey on a bullet train to Hiroshima.

Day 11

Hiroshima

Learn about Hiroshima’s tragic past, subsequent recovery and pacifist mission at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Take a ferry to the Itsukushima shrine, built on stilts above lapping water, taking in some incredible vistas.

Day 12-13

Osaka

Get immersed in another Japanese megacity with an infinite choice for eating, drinking and entertainment.

Be sure to visit Shinsaibashi and the Dotonbori riverfront in the evening. Say goodbye to your fellow Dragon Trippers over a farewell brunch in Osaka before catching your final bullet train back to Tokyo to finish up or continue on your travels.

OC T NO V

02 09 16

SE P

04 11 18 25

AU G

07 10 14 21 24 28

L

05 08 12 15 19 26

JU

19 26

MA Y JU N

MA R

Dates

FE B

2018

27

03 06 10 17 24

01 08 15 18 22 29

05 12

* All departure dates are subject to availability For more trip itineraries to Japan speak to your local agent or visit http://thedragontrip.com.

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