EXPERIENCE: China - Tours - China and The Yangtze River

Day 1. UK - Beijing.

Depart UK. Overnight flight to Beijing.

Day 2. Beijing.

On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this pulsating city, glorified by 13th-century Mongol leader Kublai Khan as the capital of his empire. Overnight at Hotel Plaza or similar. (D)

Day 3. Beijing - Shanghai.

Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in the morning, before you take your afternoon flight to Shanghai for a two-night stay at the Hotel New Century or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 4. Shanghai. Included sightseeing.

Once known as the 'Paris of the Orient', pre-revolution 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, Yuyuan Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, the old town and the Nanjing Road. In the evening enjoy an included acrobatic show. (B,L,D)

Day 5. Shanghai - Wuhan.

After a morning visit to Shanghai Museum you'll take an afternoon flight to Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, for an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Riverside or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Wuhan - Yichang.

We start the day with a visit to the Wuhan Museum. Afterwards travel to Yichang, where you'll board the cruise boat, for your exciting four-night cruise on the mighty Yangtze River on the President No. 4 cruise boat. (B,L,D)

Day 7. 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 8. Yangtze River.

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

Day 9. Yangtze River.

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

Day 10. Yangtze River - Chongqing - Xian. Included sightseeing.

You'll disembark from your cruise boat at Chongqing, situated at the junction of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, for a city tour, including the Zoo (a chance to see Pandas) and the old town area, before your evening flight to Xian for a two night stay at the Hotel Garden or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 11. Xian. Included Terracotta Warriors.

Today sees one of the real highlights of your trip as 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. Also visit the city wall. In the evening, you'll enjoy the Tang Dynasty show, which includes dinner at the Tang Palace Theatre & Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 12. Xian - Beijing.

The day begins with an included sightseeing excursion to the Wild Goose Pagoda, after which you fly back to Beijing for a three-night stay at the Hotel Plaza or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 13. Beijing.

Visit the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven with lunch en route. Your evening is free for dinner at leisure. Why not join an optional trip to the Peking Opera? (B,L,D)

Day 14. Beijing.

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

Day 15. Beijing - UK.

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

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

Optional hotel stay Days 15 - 19. Hong Kong Extension. Optional stay in Hong Kong.