Beijing-based China Guide is taking advantage of the popularity of digital cameras by offering group photography tours around the mainland. The 14-day, all-inclusive trips are designed to catch all aspects of modern China in picture form, and will visit Xian, Yangshuo and Beijing (left), before ending in Shanghai and the World Expo. The tours, which cost US$3,800 per person and depart on June 13, June 28 and October 11, will be led by Australian professional photographer and writer Anthony Anderton. For itineraries and details, visit
www.thechinaguide.com.
Peace of your mind
Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel is appealing to the public for memories and memorabilia of the art-deco Bund landmark (below). The hotel, which opened on August 1, 1929, has undergone three years of restoration and will have a phased relaunch this year Included in the property will be the Peace Hotel Museum, for which the search is on; as well as photographs, silverware, chinaware, monogrammed goods, postcards, art, menus, trinkets and anecdotes are all welcome. Contributors will receive an invitation to view the exhibition when it opens. Submissions, including name and contact details should be e-mailed to
[email protected].
Jewels of the Mediterranean
Spain's art, cuisine and night life are the focus of Crystal Cruises' (
www.crystalcruises.com) latest Mediterranean itinerary. The cruise sets off on October 31 from Rome, Italy. Ports of call include Barcelona, home to Gaudi's architectural jewels; Valencia, birthplace of the paella; and Pablo Picasso's hometown, Malaga. The 11-day cruise also includes visits to Malta and Tunisia. With Crystal Cruises' two-for-one promotion, double occupancy fares start at US$5,080 per person, including US$1,000 per head in shipboard credit.
Deal of the week
Hilton Worldwide has launched The Great Getaway, a promotion that offers an up to 30 per cent discount on hotel rooms for stays completed between May 28 and September 6, by making reservations online at hhonors.com/thegreatgetaway. The rates include daily breakfast. Participating brands include Waldorf Astoria hotels, Conrad hotels, Hilton hotels, Doubletree and Hampton - in total 2,800 hotels in 81 countries. Reservations must be made by July 15 and require a seven-day advance purchase and full payment at the time of booking.