Day 1

UK / Beijing           

Begin your unique holiday by making your own way to London Heathrow or any regional airports for an overnight flight to Beijing.

Day 2

Beijing            

On arrival in Beijing, met on arrival and 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 followed by the visit to 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. Back to Hotel after the day tour.  B/L

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. Back to Hotel after the visit. B/L

Day 5

Beijing/Xian ( By high speed day tain)               

This morning, visit Hutongs where you can havea personal insight into the everyday life of local Bejing resdent, then transfer to train station for your High speed tran to Xian, met on arrival and drive to 4* Ramada Xian Bell Tower for a 2-night stay.  B/L

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, and tonight we are guests at the Tang Dynasty show, an enchanting performance of music and dance from another era. B/L/D

Day 7

Xian/Wuhan  ( By high speed day tran)     

Take high speed train to Wuhan, and then fast tran to Yichag to embark on an utterly memorable Yangtze River Cruise, four nights aboard the luxurious Victoria Cruise. Unpack and settle into your spacious, comfortable cabin and from your private balcony watch the lights of Yichang disappear as you slowly glide up the Yangtze.  B

Day 8

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. B/L/D

Remark: Sailing itinerary and times are subject to change according to river conditions.

Day 9

Yangtze Cruise           

Day 10

Yangtze Cruise        

Take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named "The Pearl of the Yangtze" , depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu. B/L/D

Day 11

Chongqing/ Chengdu       

Disembark at picturesque Chongqing, the "Mountain City". Take a high speed day train to Chengdu. Stay two nights at the 5*Tibet Hotel.  B/L

Day 12

Chendgu         

Get close to one of the world’s most adorable and endangered animals, at the Panda Research Base where the current status and future of giant pandas is of great concern. The base supports animals living in the wild and also works on a successful breeding programme. Later, step back in time as you walk along Kuanzhai Lanes, a quaint and colorful part of town. B/L

Day 13

Chengdu/Guilin  (By flight)         

Morning at leisure. Fly to Guilin for an overnight stay at the 4* Guilin Bravo Hotel.  B

Day 14

Yangshuo           

Morning cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo through poetic rural landscapes and karst mountains rising steeply from the river valley.  At Yangshuo browse the handicraft stall at the West Street before drive to your hotel for a 2-night stay at 5* Green Lotus hotel. B/L

Day 15

Yangshuo           

Explore the rural charms of Yangshuo today taking a gentle walk along the Yulong River and climbing Moon Hill for fantastic views of the natural landscape.   B/L

Day 16

Yangshuo                    

Enjoy your free time at leisure today. B

Day 17

Yangshuo-Guilin/Shanghai ( B flight)                     

Visit the extraordinary Reed lute Cave with its dramatic stalagmites and stalactites before flying to Shanghai. Met on arrival and drive to your hotel for a 3-night stay.  B/L

Day 18

Shanghai             

Relax in the poetic surroundingsof Yuyuan Garden, an oasis of calm in thecity, see the white jade statues at the Jade Buddha Temple and at the Shanghai Museum, arguably China's best, view superb displays of rare, ancient treasures followed by a leisure stroll along the famous Bund, once the richest and most fashionable street in Asia. B/L

Day 19

Shanghai /Suzhou / Shanghai                   

Drive to Suzhou, one of the region's beautiful "water towns" and famed for its classical Mingera gardens. Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, and the 800-year-old Panmen City Gate, the only land and water gate left in theworld. Later inspect some of the region's fine needlework at the Silk Embroidery Institute before returning to Shanghai. B/L

Day 20

Shanghai / UK                  

Transfer to the Airport for your flight back to the UK. B