The Great Wall

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your excursion begins at the pier where you'll board your air-conditioned motorcoach for the approximately three-hour drive to the Great Wall of China at Huangyaguan.

Despite the belief that the Great Wall is one continuous structure, it's really a succession of fortifications. Originally built of stone and earthen materials, the Great Wall was erected to protect the northern borders against intruders. The series of walls built since the 5th century B.C. are collectively referred to as the Great Wall. One of the most famous is the wall built between 220-206 B.C. by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. However, very little of that original wall remains, and the majority of the wall in existence today was built during the Ming Dynasty when construction reached its height.

Recent experts have concluded that the entire Great Wall, comprising walls, trenches and the natural barriers, such as rivers and hills, spans more than 5,500 miles. Your walking tour features a restored section of the wall's battlements, which were designed wide enough to allow cavalry and chariots of the era to pass. While at the Great Wall, you'll have time to browse for souvenirs and crafts from nearby street vendors.

Afterwards, you'll head to a local restaurant for a lunch near the Great Wall. Enjoy traditional Chinese dishes served family style before re-boarding your motorcoach for the return route to your cruise ship in Tianjin.

Special Notes:

This tour is only available for passengers in transit; passengers returning to the ship and sailing to the next port of call. Tour requires a minimum number of passengers to operate.

This tour will visit the Great Wall at Huangyaguan, which is the nearest section to Tianjin Port. The drive between Tianjin and the Great Wall is approximately three hours each way. Expect traffic and delays; tour itinerary may be modified to accomodate traffic delays.

The first week of October and the first three days of May are a public holiday in China. During this time passengers should expect large crowds, delays and traffic. Due to anticipated heavy traffic around Bejing in October, this tour will visit the Great Wall at the Huangyaguan section.

In-transit passengers on voyages M129A, M204A and M208A - tour will operate from 8a-5p.

Passport Requirements:

China visa required