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 and visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 4: Beijing

Walk on the magnificent Great Wall to appreciate its historical significance and admire the panoramic views, and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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.

Day 8-10: 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. We also enjoy various shore excursions along the way, including the 'Ghost City' of Fengdu with its captivating temples.

Day 11: Chongqing – Guilin

Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo, before flying to the beautiful city of Guilin.

Day 12-13: 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 stunning stalagmites and stalactites of the colourful Reed Flute Caves.

Day 14: Guilin - Shanghai

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Later today, see the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum and wander around neighbouring People’s Square. Our dinner this evening will be of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Day 15: Shanghai

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens, the Old Town and a walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture. We also 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, where the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong come face-to-face.

Day 16: Shanghai - UK

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