China-Japan Discovery Culture and Landscapes - 13 Days

Upon your arrival in Beijing, the exciting heart of China, we'll whisk you away to your hotel to settle in. In the early evening, we’ll take you to the vibrant Wangfujing Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue renowned for its lively atmosphere. Here, you'll find an array of shops and diverse restaurants, offering a perfect introduction to the dynamic city of Beijing. Dinner is included in this excursion, providing a taste of local flavours. After your evening exploration, we’ll transport you back to the hotel to relax. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we embark on a journey to one of the world's most renowned landmarks – the Great Wall of China. We will visit the Mutianyu section, a breathtaking architectural marvel that stretches back over 2,000 years. Our visit includes a cable car ride, allowing us to appreciate the stunning views of the wall as it winds through the magnificent mountain scenery.

On our return to Beijing, we will stop at the vibrant 798 Art District. This former military factory is now a thriving centre for contemporary art with numerous galleries and creative studios. Next, we will explore the Temple of Heaven, a significant and sacred site known for its architectural grandeur and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, emperors once prayed for fruitful harvests.

To conclude a day full of exploration, we'll indulge in a relaxing foot massage followed by a Tai Chi class, offering us a glimpse into the balanced and harmonious nature of traditional Chinese culture. In the evening, we will savour a traditional lacquered duck dinner, a local speciality, leaving us with a lasting impression of Beijing's culinary heritage.

On Day 3, we dive into the vibrant energy of Beijing with a full day to explore its most renowned landmarks. Our adventure begins at the Forbidden City, an architectural marvel and the seat of imperial power for nearly 500 years, where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once ruled. From here, we make our way to Jingshan Park, a well-preserved imperial garden. From the park's highest point, known as Coal Hill, you can relish panoramic views of the expansive Forbidden City, assuming clear weather.

Our exploration continues as we stroll through the iconic Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, providing us with a vantage point to admire the striking Great National Theatre. Lunch is provided, giving us a chance to recharge before we head to the Summer Palace. This picturesque retreat from the Qing Dynasty is famed for its beautiful gardens and serene lakes, allowing us an insight into the leisurely lives of past Chinese emperors.

In the afternoon, we delve deeper into the traditional Beijing lifestyle with a tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighbourhoods. This journey offers an intimate experience of local culture, enabling us to discover charming traditional shops and the historical Siheyuan courtyard houses that capture Beijing's architectural essence.

Before the day concludes, we return to the hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that due to heritage conservation and safety guidelines, the Forbidden City has limited visitor numbers, and entry cannot be guaranteed. Should it be unavailable, we will instead visit the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both rich in Chinese culture and history.

After a refreshing breakfast, we will proceed to Beijing’s train station to experience one of China's state-of-the-art high-speed trains. This remarkable journey covers almost 1,000 kilometres in under four hours, travelling at speeds of 300 km/h, and will transport us to Nanjing. Known for its vibrant commercial life and rich historical tapestry, Nanjing is home to eight million residents and often celebrated as one of China's most pleasant cities. Upon arrival, we'll explore the scenic Purple Mountain. Our visit includes the extraordinary Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a majestic monument honouring the founding father of modern China, and the serene Linggu Temple, a historically significant Buddhist site set amidst lush greenery. Afterwards, you will have the afternoon free to discover the city at your leisure. We'll stay overnight in Nanjing.

Our day begins with a departure to Suzhou, a city famed for its beautiful classical gardens, which have earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Suzhou, once a leading silk producer, is synonymous with beauty and elegance. We will explore the Garden of the Humble Administrator, the largest and most celebrated garden in the city. With its meandering paths, peaceful ponds, and verdant greenery, this garden exemplifies the art of traditional Chinese landscaping.

Following our garden visit, you'll have free time to wander along the enchanting Pingjiang Road, a historic street adorned with canals, traditional teahouses, and artisan shops. A midday break includes a provided lunch before we continue our journey to Tongli in the afternoon.

Our next destination, Tongli, is a charming water town, where the narrow canals, ancient stone bridges, and traditional homes bring to life the essence of ancient China. We will enjoy a scenic boat ride through the serene waterways, capturing the timeless beauty of the town.

Concluding our day, we head to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, where we will check in for an overnight stay.

On our sixth day, we'll dive into the wonders of Shanghai, exploring its most iconic attractions. We'll start in Pudong, the city's modern financial district across the Huangpu River, renowned for its towering skyscrapers like the Pearl Tower. We'll then enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Shanghai River, capturing breathtaking views of both the historic and modern facets of the city.

Our tour continues with a leisurely walk through the Old City, where we'll visit the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved private garden from the Ming Dynasty era. While here, we'll partake in a traditional tea ceremony, a quintessential part of China's rich cultural heritage. Moving on, we'll explore Xintiandi, one of Shanghai's trendiest areas, famed for its chic boutiques and vibrant atmosphere—lunch is included in this exciting itinerary.

In the afternoon, we'll wander through Tianzifang, known for its maze-like alleys lined with charming craft shops and art galleries. Our day concludes with a stroll along The Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings reflect the European influence on Shanghai's history. You'll also have free time this afternoon—consider taking a boat trip to experience the enchanting nightscape of Shanghai, an unforgettable highlight of your visit.

Upon finishing breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport for your included flight to Tokyo. Once you arrive in Japan, and after going through border formalities, you'll be greeted by an assistant. This individual usually speaks Spanish, although English is also spoken on occasion. A shared shuttle bus will be provided to transport you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to explore Tokyo and its vibrant surroundings at your own pace.

Our day begins with a captivating five-hour guided tour of Tokyo, a city where vibrant energy and modernity blend seamlessly with serene and tranquil spaces. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, offering a stunning view of the Tokyo Tower framed by hundreds of Jizo statues, each adorned with bright caps, bibs, and windmills, believed to be guardians of children.

Next, we head to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, often described as the world's busiest intersection, before visiting the peaceful Meiji Shrine, a tribute to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our journey continues along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, leading us to admire the picturesque Imperial Palace gardens and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

As we proceed, we'll drive through Akihabara district, also known as "Electric Town," a hub for manga and anime enthusiasts, before passing by the Kokugikan, Japan's famous sumo wrestling arena. The tour concludes in Asakusa, where we explore the historic Sensoji Temple and the lively Nakamise Street. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, after which we return to the hotel.

In the evening at 6:30 p.m., we'll reconvene with our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro to Shinjuku, celebrated for its vibrant nightlife. Here, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through its bustling streets leading to a local restaurant for dinner, which is also included. We'll then return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Today, we venture into the captivating region of Mount Fuji, embarking on a journey through breathtaking landscapes. Our first destination is Arakurayama Sengen Park, renowned for its stunning pagodas and unparalleled views of Mount Fuji. We then proceed to the charming town of Kawaguchiko, encircled by majestic mountains and vibrant flora, where we will visit the serene Fuji Sengen Shrine—nestled among towering trees, this site marks the traditional start of Mount Fuji pilgrimages.

Our exploration includes a delightful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, allowing you to absorb the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. We'll then ascend Mount Fuji along a scenic road to reach the Fifth Station, standing at 2,305 metres, where you'll be greeted by splendid forest vistas. Please note, in winter, access to Mount Fuji may be restricted due to snow or adverse conditions, and we will journey as far as is feasible.

Returning to Kawaguchiko, you'll have time to enjoy a leisurely lakeside stroll. This evening, we will stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can unwind in the onsen (public bath). Dinner is included. Kindly note that our ryokan features both traditional tatami-style rooms and Western-style options, although occasionally alternative accommodations may be provided in a Western-style hotel.

Today, we depart along a scenic route encircling picturesque lakes to reach Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This quaint village, rebuilt after its destruction by a typhoon in 1966, now serves as an open-air museum. Its traditional houses have been thoughtfully transformed into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, giving you a vivid insight into Japan's historical lifestyle. Our journey then leads us to Shiraito Falls, admired as one of Japan’s most beautiful natural wonders, with its cascading waters dropping from a height of 20 metres. Continuing on, we arrive in Nagoya where we will explore the Toyota Museum—a fascinating stop for car enthusiasts and anyone interested in technological advancements in the automotive industry. Our day concludes as we head to Kyoto, where we will spend the night.

On Day 11, we immerse ourselves in the historical and cultural richness of Kyoto, which served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868. Notably, Kyoto was one of the few major cities to elude bombing during the Second World War, thus preserving its splendid artistic heritage. In 1997, the city became internationally recognised when it hosted the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, a pivotal agreement on climate change.

Our exploration begins in Arashiyama, where we admire the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, affectionately known as the "Bridge over the Moon," offering stunning views of the picturesque landscape. This will be followed by a visit to the Tenryuji Temple, revered as one of the "five great Zen temples" of Kyoto and distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll then take a tranquil walk through the enchanting bamboo grove nearby.

The journey continues as we marvel at the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. We'll also explore the majestic Imperial Palace and the renowned Kinkakuji Temple, or "Golden Pavilion," celebrated for its resplendent architecture and exquisite gardens—the sequence of these visits may vary.

After the official tour, you'll have the opportunity to wander through Gion, Kyoto's renowned traditional district. Known for its captivating atmosphere and sightings of geishas, this area offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's vibrant cultural life.

Today, we will set off for Nara, a city renowned for its historical significance and religious heritage. Our first stop is the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, a majestic Buddhist site constructed in 752. It houses a giant bronze statue of Buddha, an iconic symbol of the city. As you explore the temple grounds, you can enjoy the company of Nara’s friendly deer, who roam freely in the surrounding park, offering a delightful photo opportunity. Lunch is included, providing a taste of local fare.

After lunch, we will continue to Horyu-ji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple complex, comprising a seminary, monasteries, and temples, is home to one of the world’s oldest wooden structures, the central pagoda. This temple, regarded as Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, has been an important spiritual site for centuries.

In the evening, we'll arrive in Osaka, Japan's second-largest metropolitan area, bursting with energy and modern charm. Here, you'll spend the night. Later, we will visit Dotonbori, a vibrant district famed for its dynamic nightlife and colourful atmosphere, where you can experience the city's lively spirit up close.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the journey.