Classic China With Yangtze - 12 Days

On arrival at Beijing International Airport, a private transfer takes us straight to our hotel in Beijing – you then have the rest of the day at leisure. You can rest and recover after the flight or head out for a first glimpse of life in China’s sprawling capital. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we visit Tiananmen Square, the historic heart of modern China and one of the world’s largest public plazas, before continuing to the Forbidden City – the best preserved imperial palace complex and the largest of its kind. We explore grand halls and serene gardens, noting that entrance to any special exhibitions is not included. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Temple of Heaven, an exquisite complex in the styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. We round off the day with either a tea ceremony in a tea house or a visit to a pearl market, before returning to the hotel – you can spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we travel to the picturesque Mutianyu section of the Great Wall to admire this masterpiece of engineering set against striking mountain scenery – cable car not included. We have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Summer Palace, the former lakeside retreat of the imperial family. We stroll among richly decorated pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges with views over Kunming Lake – entrance fees for the boat, theatre and Longevity Hill are not included. We then return to the hotel. Overnight in Beijing.

Following breakfast, we take a guided walking tour through Beijing’s hutongs for an insight into traditional neighbourhood life, then enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Houhai Lake area. After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for the high speed train to Xi’an. On arrival at Xi’an North Railway Station, we meet our guide and transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, we visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum to see ranks of warriors, horses and chariots guarding the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor – around 2,000 figures have been excavated to date, with many more believed to remain buried. We then stop at a terracotta figure factory and have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist landmark built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty – entrance to climb the tower is not included. We visit a jade factory on the way back to the hotel. Overnight in Xi’an.

Enjoy breakfast, then we explore the ancient City Wall dating from the Ming era – one of the best preserved in China. We continue to the historic Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and wander lively market streets. You can sample a variety of local snacks from the vendors as we soak up the colourful atmosphere. Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, we transfer to Xi’an Railway Station for the high speed train to Chongqing. On arrival, we meet our local guide for a city tour, visiting Erling Park for panoramic views, and stopping for photos at Jiefangbei in the city centre and in the old quarter of Ciqikou. After dinner, we transfer to the pier to embark our river vessel for a leisurely downstream cruise to Yichang. Overnight on board.

We continue our cruise along the mighty Yangtze River, stopping at the Fengdu Mount Shuanggui Scenic Region. In the evening, you have the option to attend an information session on board about the river and its famed landmarks. Overnight on board.

Today we pass through Qutang Gorge, the first of the celebrated Three Gorges, then continue into Wu Gorge, where terraced fields cling to steep slopes. We step ashore for an excursion to Shennong Stream before sailing towards the western section of Xiling Gorge – a key waterway for centuries – then transit the ship locks and continue towards the majestic Three Gorges Dam. Overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, we go ashore to view the Three Gorges Dam – a colossal feat of engineering with equally impressive ship locks. We then transfer from the dam to Yichang Railway Station to board a high speed train to Shanghai. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight in Shanghai.

Following breakfast, we take a guided stroll through Shanghai’s Old Town, beginning at Yu Garden – a classical garden of pavilions, halls, rockeries and ponds dating back to the Ming Dynasty. We continue to the Jade Buddha Temple to admire its jade, marble and gold statues, then have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we walk along Nanjing Road, the pedestrianised commercial heart of the city, before heading to the Bund to view grand riverside architecture. Along this 1.5 km promenade stand 52 landmark buildings in styles from neoclassical to art deco, including the Customs House and the China Bank of Communications Building. We also visit a silk factory on the way back to our accommodation. Overnight in Shanghai.

We enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and continuing your journey – whether you are catching a return flight or travelling onwards within China or further afield.