Days 1-2: UK - Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing and transfer to the hotel before our welcome dinner of local cuisine.

Day 3: 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. We also take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Days 4-5: Beijing

Walk on the Great Wall to reflect on 2,000 years of history and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven. The next day, indulge in some shopping at the bustling markets and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 6: Beijing - Xian

Fly to the former ancient capital of Xian and visit the Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 7: Xian

Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets.

Day 8: Xian – Yangtze River Cruise

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Wuhan and transferring by coach (approx 4.5 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next four nights.

Days 9-11: 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.

Day 12: Chongqing - Chengdu

Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. The area is renowned for its lush landscapes and cuisine. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.

Day 13: Leshan day tour

Travel to Leshan to visit the remarkable Grand Buddha, the world’s largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. The carving of the Buddha into the side of Lingyun Mountain began in 713AD and was completed in 803AD.

Day 14: Chengdu – Guilin

Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin and visit Mt Diecai for spectacular views of the surrounding karst landscape.

Days 15-16: 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 to visit the colourful Reed Flute Caves.

Day 17: Guilin – Suzhou

Fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai and transfer to the charming city of Suzhou, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’.

Day 18: Suzhou – Shanghai

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. Travel by coach to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Our dinner this evening will be of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Day 19-20: 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. The next day, visit the modern Pudong area 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 21: Shanghai - UK

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