China Grand Tour - 13 Days

On arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, we greet you and accompany you on a private transfer straight to your hotel in the city. You have the rest of the day at leisure – rest after the flight or take your first stroll through the capital’s lively streets. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we collect you at 08:00 for Tiananmen Square, the vast ceremonial heart of the city, then stroll to the Forbidden City to explore its grand halls and gardens for about 1½ hours. Entrance to special exhibitions is not included, and during peak periods we arrange the Lama Temple and Confucius Temple instead if Forbidden City tickets are unavailable. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Temple of Heaven for around 1½ hours before a tea ceremony in a nearby teahouse. We return to the hotel at about 17:00. You can enjoy the evening at leisure in Beijing. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we depart at 08:00 for the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and spend around two hours walking its scenic ramparts – cable car is not included. We have lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Summer Palace for about 1½ hours to wander its pavilions, bridges and lakeside views – boat rides, the theatre and Longevity Hill are not included. We return to the hotel around 18:00. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we set out on a guided walking tour of the hutongs, gaining insight into traditional neighbourhood life, then enjoy a leisurely stroll by Houhai Lake before lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for the high–speed train to Xi’an. On arrival at Xi’an North, we meet you for the transfer and hotel check–in. Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, we collect you at 08:00 for the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where thousands of life–size soldiers, horses and chariots reveal the ambitions of the First Qin Emperor. We then stop at a terracotta figure workshop and break for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for about an hour – entrance to climb the tower is not included. We return to the hotel at approximately 17:00 and you have the evening at leisure. Overnight in Xi’an.

Enjoy breakfast, then we transfer you around 07:30 to the station for the high–speed train to Chengdu – lunch on board is at your own expense. On arrival we visit People’s Park, with time for you to soak up the teahouses, gardens and relaxed pace, followed by Wide and Narrow Alley to see traditional courtyards, teahouses and street life. We reach the hotel for check–in at about 18:00 and you have the evening at leisure. Overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, we depart at 07:30 for the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base to spend about 1½ hours learning about conservation and watching these remarkable animals. If the base is temporarily closed, we visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding instead. After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to Chengdu Railway Station for the high–speed train to Chongqing. On arrival, we transfer to the port to board your Yangtze River cruise to Yichang – a leisurely three–night journey through striking gorge scenery. Dinner options are available on board at your own expense. Overnight on board.

We start the day on board with coffee or tea, optional Tai Chi and a buffet breakfast, then continue along the Yangtze with a stop at either Ghost City Fengdu or Shibaozhai Pagoda, depending on river conditions – final details are confirmed once on board. Entrance to Ghost City Fengdu is not included and payable locally. Shibaozhai’s striking wooden pagoda clings to a dramatic riverside outcrop. This evening there is an information session about the river and its landmarks. Lunch and dinner are served on board. Overnight on board.

With morning coffee or tea, Tai Chi and breakfast, we sail into the famed Three Gorges. We pass the sheer walls of Qutang Gorge, then the twisting Wu Gorge, before disembarking to visit the White Emperor City – entrance is not included and payable locally. We continue with an included excursion to Shennong Stream for a closer look at this beautiful tributary, then rejoin the ship to enter the western section of Xiling Gorge, transit the impressive ship locks and cruise towards the Three Gorges Dam. Lunch and dinner are served on board. Overnight on board.

After breakfast, we disembark for an on–land visit to the Three Gorges Dam. We collect you at about 08:00, drive around 30 minutes to the viewpoint and spend roughly one hour learning about this vast hydroelectric project. We return to the boat for the remainder of the morning, then disembark and transfer to Yichang Railway Station for the high–speed train to Shanghai. A packed lunch is provided. On arrival, we meet you for the transfer to your hotel, with check–in expected at about 22:00. Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, we begin a full–day tour of Shanghai at around 08:30, starting with the classical Yu Garden in the old city and the Jade Buddha Temple with its celebrated Burmese jade statues. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Nanjing Road and stroll the Bund for sweeping views of the skyline, where Pudong’s futuristic towers face ornate colonial façades. We explore the leafy streets of the former French Concession and conclude at a Silk Factory to see this fine craft before returning to the hotel at about 19:00. Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, you have a free day to explore Shanghai at your own pace – from soaring towers to art deco gems, Jesuit cathedrals, synagogues, temples and distinctive longtang and shikumen architecture. This ‘Paris of the East’ also tempts with excellent shopping, and you can sample everything from Michelin–starred dining to traditional eateries. Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, you check out at the scheduled time and we transfer you to Shanghai Airport for your onward or return flight. Your 13–day journey may be ending, but the memories will last long after departure. Breakfast included.