• Hong Kong
• Beijing
• Xi'an
• Hangzhou
• Shanghai
• Chongqing
• Guilin

With one of the world’s oldest civilizations, as well as a host of breathtaking modern wonders, China has emerged as one of the most intriguing countries to visit in the world.
Sites such as The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the clay warriors of Xian and the Li River offer travellers a diverse set of experiences from extravagant architecture, to historical wonders and of course magnificent landscapes and natural beauty.
This tour offers an abundance of truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in this wonderful and mysterious land. Included is a 3-day cruise in a state-of-the-art deluxe cruise ship along the gorgeous Yangtze River – the longest river in Asia. The cruise will feature the incredible Three Gorges – perhaps the most spectacular natural wonders in China. Each cabin on our ship has its own private balcony, which will allow you to view the beautiful Yangtze River and its surroundings at your leisure.
Our trip concludes in Hong Kong, a city where the “east truly meets the west”. Boasting perhaps the most magnificent skyline in the world, Hong Kong delightfully balances modernity with Chinese traditions. You will enjoy the brightly lit stalls in the open air markets, the scenic harbour and the never ending supply of unique arts and crafts shops.
As well as one of our experienced Tour Managers, we will have local guides giving comprehensive commentary on all the places we visit.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1: Depart

We depart on our flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing

We arrive in Beijing, China’s political and cultural centre, and transfer to our hotel.

Day 3: Beijing

We begin with a Trishaw Tour along the old lanes of Beijing Hutong, followed by lunch with a local family (they will use fresh meat and produce bought at the market that we visit during the tour). Later we stroll through Tiananmen Square where Mao Tse Tung first raised the flag of the People’s Republic. We visit the Forbidden City, former home of the Emperors, now a vast museum housing priceless treasures of China’s past. This evening we enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: The Great Wall

The Great Wall is one of the Great Wonders of the World. Built over 2000 years ago, it snakes its way across the mountains for 3,600 miles. After a stroll on the Great Wall we return to Beijing to see the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest of the Olympic games) and to visit the Temple of Heaven. This evening we enjoy a Kungfu Martial Arts Show.

Day 5: Xian

We fly to Xian, once the largest city in the world. Touring includes the Bell Tower and the Great Mosque. Tonight is a special dumpling dinner.

Day 6: Xian

Today we see an incredible sight - the Buried Sculpture Legend of Qin Shi Huang. For his protection in the after-life this emperor of 2,200 years ago buried with him 6,000 life-sized clay figures of warriors and horses. This amazing archaeological find was uncovered just 40 years ago. Tonight enjoy a spectacular performance of Tang Dynasty dances.

Day 7: Xian / Hangzhou

After a morning at leisure we fly to Hangzhou. The city curves along lovely West Lake, with graceful pagodas dotting the shore.

Day 8: Hangzhou

We begin with a cruise on tranquil West Lake and a stroll among lakeside pagodas and gardens. We then visit a tea village where you can help the farmers with their harvest, see how tea is dried then served in a formal tea ceremony. Later we visit the 4th-century Lingyin Temple, a monastery that houses a 60-foot wooden statue of the Buddha.

Day 9: Hangzhou / Shanghai

This morning we visit the fascinating Traditional Medicine Museum, which houses hundreds of odd objects related to traditional Chinese remedies. Later we board the bullet train for a scenic journey to Shanghai.

Day 10: Shanghai

Our city tour begins at the Bund (known as China’s “Wall Street”). We then visit the Old Shanghai Quarter (Temple of the City God) and Garden of Mandarin Yu Yuan - built in 1577 it contains pools, a tea house and a ceremonial zigzag bridge. This evening we enjoy an acrobatic performance.

Day 11: Zhujiajiao / Shanghai

We visit Zhujiajiao - an ancient water town with a 1700-year-old history. The town glimmers like a bright pearl in a landscape of lakes and mountains and is known for its bubbling streams shaded by willow trees, houses with attractive courtyards and unique old bridges. In the afternoon we visit the impressive Shanghai Museum featuring ancient arts.

Day 12: Shanghai / Yangtze Cruise

A morning at leisure in Shanghai before we fly to Yichang and board our deluxe ship for our Yangtze River Cruise.

Day 13: Yangtze River Cruise

This morning we visit the site of the massive new Yangtze Dam, which will raise the water level by more than 200 metres. Then we sail through the Three Gorges ship locks and enter the Xiling Gorge, passing areas with intriguing names such as “Precious Sword Gorge”, “Military Books”, “Ox Liver” and “Horse Lung Gorge”.

Day 14: Yangtze River Cruise

We pass through Wu Gorge, known for its deep valleys and quiet beauty. The “Twelve Peaks” lining the banks of Wu Gorge have been admired by visitors for centuries. At Wushan we disembark to explore the Three Small Gorges, whose magnificent scenery includes steep cliffs, jagged mountain peaks, sparkling waterfalls and terraced landscapes. Rejoining the ship, we enter the final gorge, Qutang, considered the most spectacular with cliffs rising to 1,000 metres.

Day 15: Yangtze River Cruise

A shore excursion in Fengdu shows the new resettlement of the town on the Yangtze’s south bank, a farmer’s home and local market. Sit back and enjoy the river scenes as you continue up the Yangtze in the afternoon.

Day 16: Chongqing / Guilin

We disembark and tour historic Chongqing, visiting the People’s Hall and zoo. Later we fly to Guilin, an artist’s paradise with limestone pinnacles, mist enshrouded rocks and mountains. For centuries this region has been the subject of countless Chinese paintings and poetry.

Day 17: Guilin

Today is a highlight of our tour - a scenic boat trip down the Li River - breathtaking scenery, traditional farm settings and misty mountains rising from the river banks. Our cruise ends at the colourful market town of Yangzhou where we can do some shopping before returning to Guilin.

Day 18: Guilin / Hong Kong

This morning we visit the local markets and some of the area’s most beautiful caves including the Crystal Grotto with room for over 1,000 people. Later we fly to Hong Kong.

Day 19: Hong Kong

We begin at Aberdeen, a fishing colony at the foot of skyscrapers where thousands of people live and work on junks. We visit Repulse Bay, with its colourful temple and fine beach, and then enjoy the panoramic view from the top of Victoria Peak where we have lunch. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 20: Hong Kong

A day at leisure to explore the local markets, take the ferry to Lantau or Macau or enjoy the wonderful shopping opportunities (Hong Kong is famous for bargains). Departure transfer to the airport for flight back home.