Dreams of Nature

Prices 22 days from £3,690pp

DAYS 1-2 FLY TO GUILIN

Fly overnight to Guilin. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3 YANGSHUO'S LANDSCAPES

Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Later, take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to take a rewarding hike to Moon Hill for beautiful views.

DAY 4 TAI CHI & BAMBOO RAFTING

Start the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. This afternoon, there is an option to go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. Drift past verdant riverbanks and under ancient bridges as you paddle on the glass-like water. This evening, you have the option of enjoying the magical Liu Sanjie night show.

DAY 5 REED FLUTE CAVE

Drive back to Guilin and spend the afternoon exploring Reed Flute Cave and learning about the South China pearling industry at the Pearl Factory.

DAY 6 LONGJI RICE TERRACES

Travel to the iconic Longji Rice Terraces and head out for a three-hour walk through the traditional rural landscapes. There are several viewpoints boasting picture-postcard views of the extensive rice terraces that cover the hillside in intricate patterns. Drive back to Guilin.

DAY 7 ZHANGJIAJIE

Take the bullet train to Changsha and drive to Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan Province.

DAYS 8-9 ZHANGJIAJIE

A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie's striking beauty is unforgettable. Ravines and gorges, streams and waterfalls and a plethora of endangered plants and animal species complete this idyllic scene. Enjoy some beautiful walks, take a cruise on Lake Baofeng and spend some time exploring Huanglong Cave, also known as 'Yellow Dragon Cave'. Also trek to Jinbian Stream and explore the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery. You will also see the famous Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain and Emperor Mountain.

DAY 10 YICHANG

Catch the train to Yichang and board your Yangtze Cruise vessel, home for the next four nights.

DAYS 11-13 YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

A man-made marvel, The Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. A voyage along China's riverine treasure is a chance to relax and enjoy a slower pace, whilst absorbing extraordinary countryside. Over the next two days, take a side trip to Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy shore excursions to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area or Shibaozhai.

DAY 14 HEISHAN VALLEY

Disembark in Chongqing and transfer to Wulong. Stop en-route at Heishan (Black Mountain) Valley, a scenic area enveloped by mysterious fog that is home to deep valleys, lush green forests, majestic waterfalls, rivers and streams, caves, and wildlife.

DAY 15 THREE BRIDGES NATIONAL PARK AND LONGSHUIXIA

Today, visit Three Bridges National Park, a rare geological wonder consisting of three natural karst bridges: Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge. Continue to Longshuixia Fissure, a narrow fault line that has been carved out by the river.

DAY 16 WULONG NATIONAL PARK

Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wulong National Park - an area of stunning natural scenery with towering limestone karsts, deep gorges, caves and natural bridges. Its remote location has ensured that the park is relatively un-spoilt. Later, return to Chongqing.

DAY 17 CHONGQING

Visit the ancient charming town of Ciqikou and see the pandas at Chongqing Zoo. Later, continue by road to Chengdu.

DAY 18 LESHAN GRAND BUDDHA

Travel to Leshan to see the 71-metre high UNESCO listed Grand Buddha. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha's presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. View the Buddha from above before taking a short boat trip, which will give you an even better perspective from below. Continue to Emeishan.

DAY 19 EXPLORE MOUNT EMEI

Mount Emei is the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built on its peak in the 1st Century. Pilgrims and tourists mix amongst the lush vegetation and inconspicuous old temples, all admiring the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and its setting. Spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring.

DAY 20 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 teahouselined streets before seeing the bamboo forest from above on Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge. Drive back to Chengdu.

DAY 21 CHENGDU PANDA BASE

Spend the morning visiting the Giant Pandas. This afternoon, absorb the culture at People's Park. People-watching here is an endless pleasure, from the lively locals playing mahjong to the singles looking for love in Matchmaker's Corner. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Sichuanese hot pot dinner and an optional 'face changing' show.

DAY 22 FLY CHENGDU TO UK

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

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From £3,690 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