China Links Travel, the escorted group and tailor-made tour specialists in Asia, has launched two new ceramic study tours to Japan and China, available at www.chinalinkstravel.co.uk.

Set against the backdrop of picturesque countryside, both itineraries have been developed to offer potters an in-depth and authentic tour of the ceramic history of each destination. Each tour is led by an English-speaking ceramic expert, including one of the foremost experts on Japanese ceramics Robert Yellin and the Chinese ceramic expert Wenying Li; ensuring travellers are offered a tailor-made and personalised experience.

Customers can choose from a 14-day tour of China's ceramic scene including a visit to the Ceramic Capital of the World, Jingdezhen, and a tour of Yixing County, home to the most expensive collection of teapots in the world the famous Zisha. For potters looking to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Japan, the 11-day ceramic study tour includes visits to the famous pottery centres of Kyoto, Shigaraki, Bizen, Tokoname and Tamba, as well as a visit to one of Japan's most celebrated ceramic artists, Kawaii Kanjiro.

Further details on the packages include:

14-Day China Ceramic Study Tour from £2,090.00* per person

The 14-day ceramic study tour of China costs from £2,090 per person and includes domestic flights in China, accommodation, transfers, entrance fees to sights listed in itinerary, English-speaking ceramic expert Wenying Li as the tour guide, hands-on workshop in Sanbao Ceramic Institute, meals as stated in the brochure (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and visa fees. Highlights include the traditional Qian Shy" Dragon Kiln in Yixing (one of the only two ancient kilns in China still operating in the traditional method), the local ceramic market in Tao Yao, hands-on workshops in Sanbao Ceramic Art Institution and the Hutian Ancient Kiln site. Package is based on two people sharing a twin or double room and is subject to availability. Departure dates include 9 October 2014, 14 April 2015 and 6 October 2015. For more information or to book, call 08435 064028 or visit http://chinalinkstravel.co.uk/tour/china-ceramic-study-tour/.

11-Day Explore Japanese Ceramics Tour from £2,200.00** per person

The 11-day ceramic study tour of Japan costs from £2,200 per person and includes seven-day Japanese Rail pass, train tickets for Meitetsu line (Nagoya - Tokoname RT), accommodation, ceramic expert and English-speaking Robert Yellin as the tour guide (one of the foremost experts on Japanese ceramics), introduction to skilled potters and their studios, daily breakfast and all entrance fees to sights listed in itinerary. Highlights include visit to Robert Yellin's 100-year old sukiya-style home in Kyoto, the ancient of pottery town of Shigaraki, world-famous Miho Museum and a city-tour of Tokyo. Package is subject to availability and departs on 28 September 2014, 15 April 2015 and 10 September 2015. For more information and to book, call 0843 5064028 or visit http://chinalinkstravel.co.uk/tour/explore-japanese-ceramics/

For further information on China Links Travel, visit www.chinalinkstravel.co.uk.

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For more information or photos please contact:

McCluskey International

Judy McCluskey / Sarah Salord / Jessica Meins

T: 020 8747 2170

About China Links Travel

China Links Travel is is an agency specialising in tailor-made tours and holidays to China, Indochina, Japan and South Korea, offering value-for-money combined with excellent local service in each of the countries they promote travel to. The Far East travel advisors all have more than 15 years of travel experience within the regions, therefore offering in-depth knowledge on the best routes, best hotels and the best way to develop a tour that suits the customers' needs and budget.

Notes to Editors

*Price excludes international flights, visas, tips and gratuities, personal spending and travel insurance.

**Price excludes international flights, lunch, dinner, visas, tips and gratuities, personal spending and travel insurance.