Days 1 - 2 : London - Shanghai
Fly with British Airways to Shanghai, one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities for 2 nights. Upon arrival we will be greeted by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel. Our welcoming dinner will be a meal of traditional local cuisine.
Day 3 : Shanghai
Experience this exciting city on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful Yu Gardens, Shanghai Museum, Children’s Palace (time permitting) and the fascinating Old Town. Explore the Xintiandi area with 1920’s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai.
Day 4 : Suzhou
Take a coach trip to Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ to visit two of the finest oriental gardens - the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden. Later we will enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal, followed by a visit to a Silk Mill still in operation today.
Days 5 - 6 : Hangzhou
Travel by coach to beautiful Hangzhou and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Visit the local markets and enjoy an oriental tea tasting. The next day we visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Relax in the afternoon as we cruise on West Lake.
Day 7 : Hangzhou - Wuzhen - Shanghai
Travel by coach to the picturesque town of Wuzhen, where an intricate system of canals and ancient pavilions and overhead bridges combine with an abundance of handmade traditional wares and charismatic locals. We have plenty of time to explore this charming town at a leisurely walking pace. Return to Shanghai.
Day 8 : Shanghai
Today enjoy a visit to the famous Bund and enjoy shopping opportunities along Shanghai’s famed Nanjing Road. As our farewell celebration to the city we will take an evening cruise on the Huangpu River and enjoy the stunning water views.
Day 9 : Shanghai - Guilin
This morning cross the impressive Nanpu Bridge to explore the Pudong New Economic Zone before flying to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful cities, for an overnight stay.
Days 10 - 11 : Li River Cruise - Yangshou
Cruise on the spectacular Li River. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views as we travel to the picturesque town of Yangshuo for an overnight stay. The next day we return to Guilin visiting Mt Diecai en-route.
Day 12 : Guilin - Kunming
Visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves before boarding our afternoon flight to Kunming, the capital of the Yunnan Province, for a 2 night stay. Sample the ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’ in the evening, the most famous meal in the province.
Day 13 : Kunming
Enjoy a full day tour to the picturesque Stone Forest, where vast limestone columns rise in surreal shapes and images.
Day 14 : Kuming - Chongqing
Visit the Western Hills, often called the ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ as they resemble a woman’s prone body wrapping around the Dianchi Lake. Afterwards fly to Chongqing for an overnight stay.
Day 15 : Chongqing - Dazu
During our time here we will enjoy a tour of the city taking in Erlin Park, the People’s Hall and the General Stilwell Museum. We travel by coach to Dazu, home to some of the most fascinating rock carvings in the world, the Beishan Frescoes.
Day 16 : Dazu - Chengdu
Today we visit the Baodin stone carvings, before travelling to Chengdu for a 3 night stay. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, renowned for its lush and dramatic landscapes as well as its popular and tasty cuisine. This evening enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan dinner.
Day 17 : Chengdu - Leshan
Today we take an excursion to Leshan, to see the remarkable Giant Buddha. This enormous statue is carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain and is over 71 metres tall and wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. The massive carving began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty and was completed in 803 AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers and is reputed to be the largest carved stone Buddha in the world. A local saying says, ‘The Mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a Mountain’.
Days 18 - 19 : Chengdu
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat, the lush mountain forests of Sichuan; as well as a local bamboo park. The next morning we will embark on a city tour of Chengdu before boarding our overnight sleeper train which takes us to the ancient capital of Xian.
Day 20 : Xian
Arrive in Xian for a 2 night stay. This afternoon visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and then enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dinner in the evening.
Day 21 : Xian
Today we visit one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century - the life-size Terracotta Warriors.
Followed by a visit to the ancient City Wall, one of the few completely intact walls remaining in all of China. Complete this magical day with a live performance of Tang Dynasty dancing in the evening.
Day 22 : Xian
On the next day visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum, where thousands of priceless relics are housed. Walk through the lively Muslim Quarter, visit the Great Mosque and explore the interesting Islamic food markets, before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Beijing.
Days 23 - 26 : Beijing
Arrive in Beijing early this morning. Our first day of sightseeing includes a visit to the treasure filled Forbidden City and a stroll along famous Tiananmen Square past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum. In the evening enjoy a sample of the delicacy ‘Peking Duck’. Tomorrow take an exciting walk on the Great Wall and tour the unique Temple of Heaven. On the following day, visit the exquisite Summer Palace and enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show as our evening entertainment.
Day 27 : Beijing - London
Board our British Airways flight to the UK arriving home later the same day filled with many wonderful memories.
Holiday Details :
Comfortable Tour. Includes air, coach, cruise & overnight rail travel. Order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. Group sizes – All tours are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 8 passengers and will depart with a National Escort subject to a minimum of 10 people travelling together.
To book this amazing tour please call us on 01925 819 959