China with ChinaPlus

We read readers’ comments in ITN about ChinaPlus, Inc. (320 Decker Dr., Ste. 100, Las Colinas/Irving, TX 75062; phone 888/868-8811, e-mail info@chinaplustour.com), and found that on our tour, the 20-day “Best of China & Yangtze Cruise plus Hong Kong,” Oct. 6-25, ’03, everything was as advertised or better. The price was $3,798 less a $100 early booking discount.

Our group of 11 had Jeff Li as the tour director and we considered ourselves most fortunate. Jeff was thorough, thoughtful, patient and accommodating and his English was excellent. He was with us for the entire tour except for Hong Kong. In addition, he arranged for local guides in each city. All our CITS (city guides) were well trained and knowledgeable and had excellent English skills.

Our riverboat, Victoria Empress, was excellent. Our cabins, with balconies, were comfortably furnished and, although small, were more than adequate.

China is a dynamic country and we could feel the energy everywhere. The river gorges are beautiful. The terra-cotta soldiers display is awesome, and the way they are displayed is first class.

One impressive thing about ChinaPlus — at the terra-cotta soldiers complex, our bus drove right up to and inside the main gate, so the walk to the exhibit halls was minimal. Most other tour buses were parked some distance away with a long walk to the entrance.

We were very impressed with how well all the arrangements were made and how smoothly everything went throughout our trip.

NANCY & RAY DIVER
Salem, SC