Grand Tour of 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.
Your adventure starts in Beijing where you will have the opportunity to stroll across Tiananmen Square and take in the majesty of the Forbidden City. The Great Wall has to be China's most iconic sight and there will be plenty of photo opportunities as you walk on the wall itself.
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970's, the Terracotta Army has intrigued visitors ever since. You'll have plenty of time to view these before you fly to Wuhan and embark on a river cruise down the magnificent Yangtze River.
Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Centre to see these celebrated bears in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Get a peek of the China of times gone by with a visit to the Three Pagodas in Dali before flying to Guilin for a relaxing cruise along the River Li.
Your tour ends in Shanghai where east and west collide. A panormaic evening river cruise gives you stunning views of the city.
What's Included:
- Return flights.
- 24 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar) and 1 in flight.
- Domestic transportation
- All meals (excluding drinks)
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Visa fees for UK passport holders
Day 1 - 2: London - Beijing
Fly overnight to the city of Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Overnight - Beijing Meals - Dinner
Day 3 - 4: Beijing
Visit Tiannamen Square and explore the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. This evening sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking Duck. The next morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate its sheer magnificence. Jade has been long cherished by the Chinese – at the Jade Museum you can understand and appreciate the delicate process of carving the stone and buy a piece if you wish. Finally savour the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. In the evening enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.
Overnight - Beijing Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Temple of Heaven
Browse the bustling markets and soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Board an overnight train to Xian.
Overnight - Sleeper Train Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 - 7: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first Emperor Qin Shi Huang has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life sized warriors and visit the workshop where the warriors are intricately recreated. Stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.
Overnight - Xian Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Fly to Wuhan
Fly to Wuhan and transfer to Yichang to board your Yangtze River Cruise vessel.
Overnight - River Cruise Vessel Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 - 11: Yangtze River Cruise
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as we 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 Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy shore excursions to the Ghost City of Fengdu or Shibaozhai.
Overnight - River Cruise Vessel Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Drive to Chengdu
Disembark and explore old Ciqikou, whose narrow streets are perfect for a stroll to admire the traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu.
Overnight - Chengdu Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Pandas
Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Centre to see these celebrated bears in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Fly to the pleasant city of Kunming and tuck in to the local Across the Bridge noodles for dinner.
Overnight - Chengdu Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Stone Forest
Explore the fascinating formations of the picturesque Stone Forest.
Overnight - Chengdu Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15 - 16: Enchanting Dali
Dali offers a peek of the China of times-gone-by. On your first day visit the Three Pagodas, whilst the next day explore the old quarter and pop over to Xizhou village to browse around the local market. There will also be a cruise on Erhai Lake.
Overnight - Dali Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Fly to Guilin
Transfer back to Kunming and fly to the attractive city of Guilin.
Overnight - Guilin Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18 - 19: Li River Cruise
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming village 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.
Overnight - River Cruise Vessel Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Fly to Hangzhou
Drive back to Guilin and enjoy a visit to the Reed Flute Cave where you can admire colourful stalactites and stalagmites. Fly to Hangzhou.
Overnight - Hangzhou Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21 - 22: Discover Hangzhou
Spend a morning wandering around the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda before cruising on West Lake, admiring the gardens, pagodas and old bridges on its shores. The next day wander around a local market and visit a tea plantation before transferring to Suzhou.
Overnight - Suzhou Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 23: Suzhou's Gardens
Suzhou’s centre has managed to retain a sense of quaint charm. Renowned for its gardens, visit two of the finest, the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden, both typical of the Chinese appreciation of balance and harmony. Cruise on the thousand-year-old Grand Canal and visit a local silk mill.
Overnight - Suzhou Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 24: Travel to Shanghai
Travel to Shanghai. Discover the 1920s architectural styling of Xintiandi before enjoying a dinner of delicious Shanghai cuisine.
Overnight - Shanghai Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 25: Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th century temples. Visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of the old town before admiring magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the famous process at the Silk Museum, from the cultivation of silkworms up to creating the final piece. There are also many gorgeous items for sale. This evening sample some traditional Shanghai cuisine.
Overnight - Shanghai Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 26: Shanghai - London
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Meals - Breakfast
