EXPERIENCE: China - Tours - China and The Middle Kingdom

Day 1. UK - Beijing

Depart UK. Overnight flight to Beijing.

Day 2. Beijing.

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring. Overnight in Hotel Plaza or similar. (D)

Day 3. Beijing.

Our included city sightseeing tour will begin with a visit to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Then it's on to the Summer Palace, a park of lakeside pagodas and the site of the marble boat made for Empress Dowager Ci Xi. Optional evening at the Beijing Opera available. (B,L,D)

Day 4. Beijing.

Our included full day excursion takes you to the amazing Great Wall of China, 3,800 miles long and at least 2,600 years old. You'll also visit the Ming Tombs, where 13 emperors are buried. The famous 'Peking Duck' will be served for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 5. Beijing - Nanjing.

In the morning we visit the Temple of Heaven, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Nanjing, where you will stay for two nights at the Hotel Mandarin Garden or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Nanjing.

Nanjing is a delightful, walled city with a rich Ming inheritance. Our full-day included sightseeing tour will show you the Mausoleum of Dr Sun Yatsan, the Museum, Zhonghua City Gate, the Confucius Temple area and the bustling market. With lunch and dinner at a local restaurant, you'll truly experience Chinese culture. (B,L,D)

Day 7. Nanjing - Wuxi - Suzhou.

In the morning take a train to Wuxi for a visit to Jichang Garden. After lunch, it's time to catch the Grand Canal cruise to Suzhou for an overnight stay at the Hotel Bamboo Grove or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 8. Suzhou - Shanghai.

Famed for its gardens and silk making, Suzhou is one of China's loveliest towns. Visit the exquisite Lingering Garden, Garden of Master of Nets, there's a photo opportunity by the Water Gate (Old City Gate) and a visit to one of the famous silk reeling factories, before a short train journey to Shanghai for a two-night stay at the Hotel New Century or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 9. Shanghai.

Shanghai was a rich and decadent metropolis, and it remains one of China's most sophisticated cities. Your included sightseeing tour features visits to the Bund, Shanghai's famous riverside boulevard, the Yuyuan Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple and Nanjing Road. In the evening you'll enjoy an included acrobatic show. (B,L,D)

Day 10. Shanghai - Yangtze River.

In the morning we visit the Museum of Urban Planning Shanghai. Then in the afternoon fly to Yichang to join your Yangtze cruise boat for an exciting four-night journey. Your cruise ship is the President No. 4. (B,L,D)

Note: If there is no direct flight from Shanghai to Yichang, we will fly to Wuhan and then take a 5-hour drive to Yichang.

Day 11. Yangtze River.

Your cruise boat passes through Xiling Gorge (known for its deep valley and serene beauty) and Three Gorges Dam Five Stage Ship Lock. You will visit the amazing Three Gorges Dam Project, one of the most incredible engineering projects ever undertaken. (B,L,D)

Day 12. Yangtze River.

Today sees a shore excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges (or Shennong Stream), after which you sail through Wu Gorge. (B,L,D)

Day 13. Yangtze River.

Visit Shibaozhai ancient pagoda, known as a shining pearl on the Yangtze or Fengdu Ghost City and sail through the Qutang Gorge. (B,L,D)

Day 14. Yangtze River - Chongqing - Xian.

Disembark at Chongqing, situated at the junction of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, for a short city tour including the zoo (a chance to see Pandas) and the old town area, before your evening flight to Xian for a three night stay at the Hotel Garden or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 15. Xian. Includes Terracotta Warriors.

Today we visit the first emperor's funeral vault to see the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Nothing will prepare you for this awe-inspiring spectacle; 8,000 life-sized model warriors, chariots and horses. Afterwards a visit to the City Wall. In the evening, you'll enjoy the Tang Dynasty show, which includes dinner at the Tang Palace Theatre and Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 16. Xian.

Morning visit to the Hu Xian Farmer's Painting Village. In the village, you will see how farmers make their paintings which are famous in the region, will visit some farmer's houses and get to know of their life. Return to Xian in the afternoon and take a short tour to the Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoy a dumpling dinner in the evening. (B,L,D)

Day 17. Xian - Beijing.

Take a morning flight to Beijing. Lunch en route. Transfer to your hotel for one night. In the afternoon take a short Hutong tour with a rickshaw ride. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 18. Beijing - UK.

Transfer to Beijing Airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

Optional hotel stay Days 18 - 21. Hong Kong Extension. Optional stay in Hong Kong. B.