China Trailblazer Tour

Prices 21 days from £3,790pp

DAYS 1-2 FLY TO BEIJING

Fly to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3 BEIJING'S HUTONGS

This morning visit Yandaixiejie where you will have some free time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of the old Beijing before the emergence of high-rise buildings and modern commerce. Visit the Temple of Heaven and mingle with the locals as they take part in Tai Chi, dancing and card playing. Continue to the Summer Palace and explore the magnificent grounds, before taking a short hike up Longevity Hill to enjoy panoramic views.

DAY 4 FORBIDDEN CITY

Stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Walking through this ornately designed complex offers an unsurpassed insight into China's colourful past. Drive to Simatai Great Wall where you will ride up to the apex of the Wall by cable car to see the sunset.

DAY 5 HIKE THE GREAT WALL

Travel to the Great Wall at Jinshanling, a section that is much less frequented by tourists than other parts. The stark yet magnificent surroundings allow you to put yourself in the shoes of those who walked this incredible structure hundreds of years ago. Your trek will last approximately four hours as the wall dramatically courses through spectacular landscapes and rugged terrain. Later, head back to Beijing and enjoy the evening at leisure.

DAY 6 EXPLORE XIAN

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. Explore the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. The evening is at leisure.

DAY 7 TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

Housed in three immense hangars, the ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis, constructed to protect China's first Emperor in the afterlife. Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately created. Continue to the ancient city wall for a cycle on the fortifications surrounding the heart of the city. In the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings.

DAY 8 BOARD YOUR CRUISE

Fly from Xian to Wuhan and continue by coach to Yichang. Board your cruise ship which will take you on an amazing journey up China’s Yangtze River for the next 4 nights.

DAYS 9-11 YANGTZE CRUISE

Over the next few days, be prepared for one breathtaking scenery after another. Visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and a shore excursion to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area or Shibaozhai.

DAY 12 CIQIKOU ANCIENT TOWN

Disembark your cruise vessel and enjoy an early lunch in the charming old town of Ciqikou – there's time to wander the cobbled alleyways and learn about its colourful history. Later, take a bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

DAY 13 PINGLE ANCIENT TOWN

Drive to Pingle Ancient Town. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouse lined streets before seeing the bamboo forest from above on Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge. Return to Chengdu.

DAY 14 DUJIANGYAN PANDA BASE

Visit one of the world's finest panda conservation centres where you will gain a real insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of this endangered species. The pandas here are kept in conditions very close to their natural habitat. Later, ascend Mt Qingcheng, the most sacred Taoist mountain in China, by cable car. It is a truly beautiful spot with numerous lush, green peaks and secluded temples. Take a stroll among the mystic scenery of Yuecheng Lake.

DAY 15 SUN & MOON PAGODAS

Take an early morning flight to the beautiful city of Guilin. Enjoy a stroll around the picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture. Also visit the Pearl Factory and see the displays and demonstrations on offer.

DAY 16 RICE TERRACES HIKE

Travel to the misty, stepped hills of Longji. Today's four-hour hike among the terraces will take you past small hamlets and picturepostcard views of the rice terraces which cover the landscape in intricate patterns. Later, return to Guilin.

DAY 17 LI RIVER CRUISE

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This evening, there is an option to be wowed by the light spectacular 'Liu Sanjie'.

DAY 18 TAI CHI, COUNTRY CYCLING OR RAFTING

Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. This afternoon, there is the option of riding a bicycle through the countryside or join a bamboo rafting trip along the Yulong River.

DAY 19 HUANGPU RIVER CRUISE

Drive back to Guilin and fly to Shanghai. This evening, cruise down the Huangpu River being serenaded by the neon lights of Pudong.

DAY 20 SHANGHAINESE SHANGHAI

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Walk through the city’s most fascinating districts before enjoying breakfast as the locals do – sample pancakes, fried bread sticks and tofu. Visit the classical Yu Garden, the old town and the Silk Factory before taking an evening stroll along the Bund. Enjoy a farewell dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

DAY 21 FLY SHANGHAI TO UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

---

From £3,790 per person

Please contact us for alternative dates, durations and departure airports. Prices shown are for guidance only and are subject to availability.

Call our specialists on 01202 544876