Classic China

Follow in the footsteps of the ancients - up the ornate steps of the Forbidden City and to the ramparts of the Great Wall, snaking its way across the rolling countryside, and through the winding ancient alleys of Beijing's hutongs to learn about Chinese traditions over a home-cooked lunch.

What's Included:

• Return flights
• 9 nights accommodation
• 17 meals - 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches (including Including Be My Guest), 3 dinners
• All transport shown
• Private VIP door-to-door UK airport transfers included

Day 1: Arrive Beijing

Transfer to your Beijing hotel where you'll meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers.

Day 2: Beijing Sightseeing

We visit the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, the imperial palace for emperors and their households for over five centuries. Continue to the tranquil Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO Heritage Site. This evening, the salty, sweet flavours of Peking Duck take centre stage during a Regional Dinner.

Day 3: Beijing and the Great Wall

We leave the city behind, bound for the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan.

Day 4: Beijing Sightseeing:

We embark on a rickshaw tour around the ancient narrow alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences. We 'Connect With Locals', joining a family for a delicious meal of traditional Chinese cuisine at a 'Be My Guest' lunch, followed by a visit to a tea house.

Day 5: Beijing - Xi'an

We fly to Xi'an, which reveals its role as the ancient departure point of the Silk Road. Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved mosques in China.

Day 6: Xi'an Sightseeing

We descend into Emperor Qin Shi Huang's subterranean tomb to see his terracotta army for the afterlife, another UNESCO-listed site. For lunch, enjoy a traditional meal of Chinese noodles, then continue with a visit to a Jade factory, the favoured stone of emperors.

Day 7: Xi'an - Shanghai (3 nights)

This morning, either try T'ai Chi with a 'Local Specialist', or join a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall of Xi'an. We 'Dive Into Culture' at a local restaurant, watching a demonstration of dumpling making. Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Day 8: Shanghai Sightseeing

Stroll down Shanghai's famous 'Bund' with a 'Local Specialist', admiring the neoclassical colonial buildings, continuing to the vibrant markets of Old Shanghai. Then we visit a silk museum. This evening, indulge in a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.

Day 9: Shanghai Free Day

Today you'll have some free time before joining your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner.

Day 10: Depart Shanghai