We wanted to feel independent without actually having to be completely independent, which sounds contradictory but was exactly what we needed in China.
During the organised days, our guide and driver made everything easy. But we were never treated as though we had to stay with them constantly. Because the hotels were in good locations, we could spend evenings exploring on our own.
Our guide also gave us the confidence to do that. He would explain what areas were worth visiting, how long things might take and what kind of food we could expect.
That combination—professional support plus personal freedom—was probably more valuable to us than simply having a luxury hotel.
AVIORA made the whole country feel much more approachable.