1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The walk along the Great Wall was terrific. Also the cycle ride in the country. Terracotta army of course. Having Nicole as our guide was an enormous plus. She was extremely helpful. I had to visit hospital with an infected leg and she was there all the time with me - and she was also very hard working and good company. I thought that as a vegetarian the food might be limited but Nicole ensured I had extremely tasty and varied food.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Be ready for any weather - our weather was colder and wetter than forecast. The nights in the monastery were cold and the smaller one rather damp for me at least. Also prepare yourselves for really bad air pollution so that you may rarely see the sun/stars/moon etc - it may be that the weather conditions made this particularly bad while we were there but it was quite depressing.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Travelling by train was good - also eating in local restaurants and using local guides. I would have liked the opportunity to discuss environmental issues - in particular the very obvious air pollution which the Government recognised but we found very little signs of local recognition or action.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Well worthwhile - for a first look at an enormous and complex country. I would have welcomed the chance to interact more with local people - or have the option to visit a workplace/environmental project etc rather than one of the tourist attractions. Unfortunately our time in Beijing coincided with a national holiday so we could not visit the charity for disabled people.