2011-08-08 Michael from Switzerland

Tourist nationality: Switzerland

Tour itinerary: Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xian, Kunming, Lijiang-Shanghai-Huangshan, Hangzhou, Guilin, Longsheng, Hong Kong

Tour Reviews:

Dear Eric,

Mike

Last Monday morning, we returned safely to Switzerland after four fabulous weeks in China. Meanwhile we have settled down and accomodated to daily business and home again. 

Now that the first wave of paper work and pending issues have been successfully fought down, we would like to come back with a personal debrief and a big "thank you" for all your effort and support during our remarkable and unforgettable China tour.

We would like to express our appreciation for your personal engagement and dedication to make our stay in China as glamorous as possible - and you did! The best example being your high responsiveness and effectiveness in re-scheduling our flight from Guilin to Hong Kong and our hotel in HK - this was great!

Overall, your organisation of the entire trip was perfect. We will certainly commend China Connection Tours to our friends in Switzerland hoping to motivate more Swiss people to explore your wonderful and awesome country.

Let us give you a constructive feedback on some specific aspects which might be helpful to consider for your future organisation of such fantastic trips.

Itinerary

In general, well thought-through and great itinerary, thank you! 

There was enough room for personal preferences, especially in the afternoons, namely to opt of additional sightseeing opportunities or relax. 

Our recommendation: Please avoid long waiting and queuing hours over weekends in highly frequented locations. 

How - get up very early in the morning (no problem for us) or change itinerary accordingly. 

Guides

We had eight different guides (Tristan/Beijing, Miller/Datong-Pingyao, Anna/Xi'an, Peter/Lijiang, Jackie/Kunming, Peter/Shanghai, Joseph/Huangshan, Dave/Guilin), which gave us a solid base for an objective comparison and feedback. 

Four of them were fluent in English allowing a lively and valuable conversation, one was OK, giving comprehensive explanations but having some difficulties to understand us.The best guide we had, was Miller from Datong. He is really living his job, passionate, skilled and very service-minded. It was evident how disciplined and eager he is to learn and offer more for the benefit of his guests. We were very pleased and comfortable how he organised and managed those days for us. 

Food/Meals

We really enjoyed Chinese food and meals all over the places. We never had any stomach or digestion problems, which is good news after four weeks of travelling... 

Our guides always gave us very good advice to try out and taste local specialities. It was obvious that they normally ordered the more delicious selection and variety of food compared to our own choice from the menues. 

Hotels

In general, excellent choice of hotels at perfect locations (esp. Xi'an, Kunming, Shanghai). 

Once again, thank you very much for the wonderful experience you offered us in China. Apart from making some good advertisement for your company back home, we would love to plan a 2nd trip with your help when time comes.

Best regards from Switzerland, 

Mike