China: The Big One

Prices 28 days from £4,190pp

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 at leisure.

Day 3 Forbidden City and Hutongs

Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next, visit Yandaixiejie Street where there's time to wander the hutongs; these narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing.

Day 4 Huanghuacheng Great Wall and Wangfujing

Visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall reached by boat that boasts spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Wangfujing street. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.

Day 5 Imperial Summer Palace

Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling around pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill. Make a photo stop at the Olympic Park.

Day 6 Temple of Heaven

This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven and mingle with the locals as they start their day with Tai Chi, dancing, and cards in a flurry of sociable activity. Take the overnight train to Xian.

Day 7 Terracotta Warriors

Spend the morning gazing over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to these lifelike soldiers' fascinating story. Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 8 Cycling in Xian

Start your day with a gentle cycle ride that will take you the nine miles around the wall. This afternoon, visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda.

Day 9 Beautiful Guilin

Fly to Guilin. Walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure - you may wish to stroll around Zhengyang Street.

Day 10 Hiking in Longji

Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Walk over the fields and enjoy picture-postcard views of the terraces which cover the landscape in intricate patterns. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.

Day 11 Yangshuo Countryside

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. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to hike to the top of Moon Hill for epic views.

Day 12 Yangshuo Tai Chi

Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity.

Day 13 Kunming at leisure

Transfer to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave before flying to Kunming.

Day 14 Stone Forest

Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand treelike in a fascinating illusion of woodland. Return to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the vibrant Wenhua Alley district.

Day 15 Dali's Ancient Town

Drive to Dali and visit the Three Pagodas before being immersed in the atmosphere of the fascinating old quarter and lively market. Stroll along Foreigners'Street and enjoy time at leisure.

Day 16 Day at Leisure

Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional visit to Weibaoshan, one of the fourteen sacred Taoist mountains. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. Walk up the hillside to see a handful of intricately decorated temples and meet a Taoist priest for a relaxing meditation session.

Day 17 Shaxi Ancient Town

Drive to Shaxi Ancient Town, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the fascinating minority peoples that reside in the area and enjoy a local lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Lijiang and spend the evening in the historic old town.

Day 18 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

A magnificent mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks. Take a cable car to one of the high meadows and enjoy amazing vistas. Visit the minority Baisha Naxi Village and admire the fascinating Baisha frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty.

Day 19 Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today's optional mini-trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge takes you through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself. If you don't join the trek, the day is at leisure in Lijiang.

Day 20 Chengdu like a local

Fly to Chengdu and walk around People's Park, a hive of activity. Visit a local teahouse and most interesting of all, Matchmaker's Corner. Later, visit Wide and Narrow Alleys.

Day 21 Giant Pandas

Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming creatures up close. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy an optional hot pot dinner and a 'face changing' show.

Day 22 Ancient Ciqikou

Take the bullet train to Chongqing. Enjoy free time in the charming old town of Ciqikou then board your Yangtze Cruise vessel, home for the next three nights.

Day 23-24 Yangtze River Cruise

A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, enjoy various side trips and shore excursions.

Day 25 Three Gorges Dam

Visit the Three Gorges Dam, a massive feat of engineering. Later, travel by coach to Wuhan, then fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

Day 26 Shanghainese Shanghai

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, the Silk Factory and stroll along the Bund. Later, cruise down Huangpu River, and enjoy the neon lights of Pudong.

Day 27 Zhujiajiao

Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao, or spend time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, enjoy the ERA show and a delicious farewell dinner.

Day 28 Fly Shanghai to UK

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

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From £4,190 per person

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

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