Grand Tour of China

China

This wide-ranging tour has China's top destinations covered, with time to soak up the sights. Whether you are looking for history, character and culture, the modern and marvellous, or a straight-up combination of the two, then this is the itinerary for you.

Overview

This wide-ranging tour has China's top destinations covered, with time to soak up the sights. Whether you are looking for history, character and culture, the modern and marvellous, or a straight-up combination of the two, then this is the itinerary for you.

Prices 26 days from £3,990pp

DAYS 1-2 Fly to Beijing

Fly overnight 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.

DAYS 3-4 BEIJING AND THE GREAT WALL

Visit Tiananmen Square and discover the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City before exploring Beijing's old hutongs where you can meet a local family and visit their home. This evening, enjoy traditional Peking duck. The next morning, take a walk on the incredible Great Wall, the best way to appreciate its sheer magnificence. Stop at the Jade Factory to understand and appreciate the delicate process of carving the stone - you can even buy a piece. Finally, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace.

DAY 5 TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

In the morning, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, and wander through the park, where you can watch, or participate in a dance class. Later, take a bullet train to Xian.

DAYS 6-7 TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before wandering around the narrow alleys of the Muslim Quarter. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, view the enigmatic ranks of warriors that make up the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Later, stroll on Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls.

DAY 8 BOARD YOUR CRUISE

Fly 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 RIVER CRUISE

The Three Gorges Dam may be an impressive 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. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy a range of shore excursions.

DAY 12 OLD CIQIKOU

Disembark in Chongqing then explore old Ciqikou, whose narrow streets are perfect for a stroll to admire the traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu where tonight you will be served a traditional Sichuanese dinner with the option to watch a Sichuan Opera performance.

DAY 13 GIANT PANDAS

Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Centre to see these celebrated bears in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, fly to the pleasant city of Kunming.

DAY 14 STONE FOREST

Today, explore the fascinating formations of the picturesque Stone Forest. Tuck in to local delicacy, Across the Bridge Noodles, for dinner.

DAYS 15-16 ENCHANTING DALI

Dali offers a peek of the China of times-gone-by. Over the next two days, visit the Three Pagodas, explore the Ancient Quarter, see the Yan Family House and travel to Xizhou village to browse around the local market. There will also be a cruise on Erhai Lake.

DAY 17 GUILIN

Transfer back to Kunming and fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.

DAY 18 LI RIVER

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery and grazing buffalo.

DAY 19 YANGSHUO COUNTRYSIDE

Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available including cycling or bamboo rafting.

DAY 20 REED FLUTE CAVE

Drive back to Guilin to visit the Pearl Factory and Reed Flute Cave, where you can admire colourful stalactites and stalagmites. Also stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas - two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture.

DAY 21 DISCOVER HANGZHOU

Fly to Hangzhou and visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion.

DAYS 22-23 SUZHOU

Begin the with a cruise on West Lake and visit Xihutiandi before continuing to Suzhou. Renowned for its elegant gardens, Suzhou has managed to retain a sense of quaint charm. The next day, visit one of the finest, the Humble Administrator's Garden - typical of the Chinese appreciation of balance and harmony. Also cruise on the thousand-year-old Grand Canal.

DAY 24 SHANGHAI

Travel to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit Matchmaker's Corner in Peoples Park, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children, the Shanghai Museum and People's Square. Later, enjoy a view of the glittering city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. This evening, dine on a delicious meal of Shanghainese cuisine.

DAY 25 EXPLORE SHANGHAI

Today's explorations include the traditional Yu Garden, the old town and the Silk Factory. Later, admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund.

DAY 26 FLY SHANGHAI TO UK

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


From £3,990 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

Price Includes*

  • International flights and current taxes
  • 3* plus - 4* accommodation
  • Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Domestic transportation
  • All meals
  • Maximum group size 28 passengers
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees

Speak to a specialist

Let our Reservations Specialists tailor-make the perfect getaway.

Call 01202 544876

Opening Hours
Mon - Thur: 9am - 5:30pm
Fri: 9am - 5pm

Getting there

Arrival Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport

Flight times

London to Beijing 10 hours

Time difference

GMT +7

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