Days 1-2: UK - Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing and transfer to the hotel before our welcome dinner which includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 3-4: Beijing

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. The next day, walk on the magnifi cent Great Wall which stretches over 3,000 miles to the Gobi Desert and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven.

Days 5-6: Beijing - Xian

Indulge in some shopping at the bustling markets and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening. The next day, walk along Liulichang’s ancient shop fronts and calligraphy market before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.

Days 7-8: Xian

Arrive in Xian in the morning. Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 9: Xian – Yangtze River Cruise

Fly to Wuhan and transfer by coach (approx 4.5 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next four nights.

Days 10-12: Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, we will take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat or visit the Lesser Three Gorges and enjoy various shore excursions along the way.

Days 13-14: Chongqing – Kunming

Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo, before flying to Kunming, also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’. In the evening we sample the famous Across the Bridge Noodles. The next day, explore the picturesque Stone Forest where the huge limestone columns form surreal shapes and images.

Days 15-16: Kunming - Dali

Travel by coach to the enchanting town of Dali. The next day, relax and enjoy a cruise on Erhai Lake, participate in a traditional tea tasting, visit the Three Pagodas and explore Dali’s Ancient Quarter.

Day 17: Dali - Kunming

Visit Xizhou Village to explore the bustling local market and the Yen Family House, an ancient courtyard home, before returning to Kunming.

Day 18: Kunming - Guilin

Visit the flower market before flying to the beautiful city of Guilin.

Day 19-20: Li River Cruise – Yangshuo - Guilin

Cruise the stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. We continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China. The next day, explore the colourful local markets, walk along the cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere of this charming town before returning to Guilin where we visit Mt Diecai.

Day 21: Guilin - Shanghai

Visit the Reed Flute Caves before flying to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.

Day 22: Guilin - Shanghai

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We also walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture. Our dinner this evening will be of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Day 23: Shanghai - Suzhou

Travel by coach to the charming city of Suzhou, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Visit two of the finest oriental gardens: the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Garden of the Master of the Nets, a local silk mill still in operation today and enjoy a cruise on the ancient Grand Canal.

Day 24-25: Suzhou – Hangzhou

Continue by coach to beautiful Hangzhou, one of China’s former imperial capitals. Visit the local markets and experience an oriental tea-tasting. The next day, visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion, Six Harmonies Pagoda and enjoy a relaxing cruise on West Lake.

Day 26: Hangzhou - Shanghai

Return to Shanghai and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.

Day 27: Shanghai - UK

Transfer to Shanghai Airport and fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day filled with many happy memories.