Day 1

London/Beijing                                                                           

Begin your unique holiday by making your own way to London Heathrow for an overnight flight to Beijing with Cathay Pacific. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local Airport.

Day 2

Beijing                                                                                     

On arrival in Beijing transfer to the 4* Howard Johnson Paragon  Hotel for three nights. 

Day 3

Beijing                                                                                               

See Mao’s mausoleum and the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square, then walk across to the Forbidden City, home to China’s ‘celestial’ emperors for over 500 years until the last one was evicted in 1924. Tour the lavishly decorated chambers and halls that a million workers created, then drive to Jingshan Park for panoramic views over Beijing. Enjoy a thrilling Kung Fu performance tonight.  BLD

Day 4

Beijing                                                                                 

Walk along the Great Wall of China at its most dramatic but lesser-visited section, Mutianyu, where 22 watchtowers stand guard over the rugged terrain.  Back in the city, stroll through the manicured gardens of the Summer Palace and admire its painted long corridor, seventeen-arch bridge and Marble Boat. Special Peking Duck dinner. BLD

Day 5

Xian                                                                                         

Visit the magnificent red and gold Temple of Heaven that was built for the Emperor, the son of Heaven, to make sacrifices for a good harvest, before transfer to railway station for high-speed bullet train to Xian for two nights at the 4* Ramada Xian ell Tower Hotel. BL

Day 6

Xian                                                                                   

See the 7,000 terracotta soldiers that have stood guard over China's first emperor for over 2,200 years, and they still stand in battle formation in giant exhibition halls erected around the pits where they were discovered in the 1970s. This afternoon see Xian's immense City Wall complete with towers and battlements. BL

Day 7

Shanghai                                                                         

Fly to Shanghai to stay for two nights at the 4* Grand Mercure Shanghai Central Hotel.This afternoon, admire the Jade Buddha Temple, its beautiful white jade statues decorated with emeralds, diamonds and agates. Later, stroll along the Bund, passing grand European-style 19th century buildings on one side, and the futuristic skyscrapers of the Pudong district on the other. Tonight attend a spectacular Acrobatic Show and marvel at the skill and daring of the artists.  BLD

Day 8

Shanghai                                                                                     

Yuyuan Garden that is one of China’s most perfect examples of the art of landscaping, its ponds, pavilions, paths and plants carefully designed to create a series of unfolding views. This garden was laid out over 400 years ago by an official for his aged parents, and it has changed little since. Then visit the impressive Shanghai Museum that is home to an immense number of China’s greatest ancient treasures - bronzes, ceramics, paintings, crafts, calligraphy, furniture and paintings. Spend the evening in the charming and fashionable Xintiandi district, whose characteristic shikumen buildings have been restored and now house restaurants and bars, galleries and boutiques. BL

Day 9

Yangtze Cruise                                                                              

Fly to Yichang to embark on an utterly memorable Yangtze River Cruise, four nights aboard the luxurious Victoria Cruise. Unpack and settle into your spacious, stateroom and relax from your private balcony as the ship sets off the Yangtze. BL

Day 10

Yangtze Cruise                                                                                 

See the extraordinary Three Gorges Dam this morning, a vast construction 7,761ft long across the river to create the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant. The Victoria Cruise makes her way through the five giant shiplocks before cruising into the dramatically beautiful Xiling Gorge. BLD

Day 11

Yangtze Cruise                                                                                         

Explore a tributary today on a scenic excursion by small boat through Dragon Gate to the Lesser Three Gorges. Re-join your ship to sail beneath the forbidding, misty cliffs of Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest of them all, with an optional shore visit to the temple of White Emperor City. BLD

Day 12

Yangtze Cruise                                                                                      

The ship continues her leisurely progress upstream, with a shore visit to Snowy Jade Cave to admire its bizarre rock formations.  Take part in the on-board activities, watch the scenery glide by and enjoy fine dining aboard Century Legend. BLD

Day 13

Chongqing / Guilin                                                                              

Disembark after breakfast at Chongqing and fly to Guilin, an impossibly beautiful region of karst mountains, rice fields and winding rivers. Stay overnight at the 4* Guilin Park Hotel. BL

Day 14

Yangshuo                                                                                              

Morning cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo through poetic rural landscapes and karst mountains rising steeply from the river valley.  Time for shopping at Yangshuo's handicrafts market in West Street before a spectacular open-air son et lumiere show.  Stay in 5* Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel. BLD

Day 15

Yangshuo                                                                                       

Today explore Silver Cave inside one of the karst mountains, where a clear underground river wends its way past shimmering stalagmites and stalagtites. Later visit Jiuxian Garden Village, undergoing a unique conservation and regeneration project to preserve its culture and Ming-dynasty architecture.   BL

Day 16

Guilin / Hong Kong                                                                                     

Fly from Guilin to Hong Kong for 2 nights stay at the 4* Metropark Hotel Kowloon, situated in the heart of Kowloon - a fantastic base for your stay in this exhilarating city. B

Day 17

Hong Kong                                                                                             

Free day. B

Day 18

Hong Kong / London Heathrow

Fly from Hong Kong to London Heathrow with Cathay Pacfic. B

Day 19

London Heathrow

Arrive in London Heathrow in the early morning.

 

Key:

B=Breakfast    L=Lunch    D=Dinner