Asia

Days 1 to 5 - Beijing, Start your journey to China with its most formidable city, Beijing, the historical and cultural heart of the Middle Kingdom. On arrival in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to meet your group and tour leader for a welcome drink and tour briefing. We then commence our exploration of Beijing with the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square. We also take time to explore the classic lanes and hutongs in the backstreets of the city. Travel to the amazing Great Wall of China, visit the dramatic Temple of Heaven, learn about Tibetan Buddhism at the Lama Temple, walk the streets of Dazhalan, Liulichang and parts of Beijing's Underground City, and wander through the vast grounds of the Summer Palace. There will be time for shopping, night market visits and opportunities to enjoy some of Beijing’s most famous dishes before experiencing a comfortable overnight train trip to Xian. Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven

Days 6 & 7 - Xian & Warriors. The Xian area has been home to some of the oldest cities in human civilisation and its colourful past has seen the tumultuous uprisings of many great Chinese dynasties. We explore the ancient, fortified city walls, Wild Goose Pagoda and gain some insight into the Islamic element of Xian by visiting the Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter. We see Xian’s greatest treasure, and one of China’s most awesome, the Terracotta Warriors. Buried for over 2000 years and uncovered in the 1970s, this vast army of warriors was created to protect the Qin Emperor in the afterlife and shows the sophistication and skill of the artisans. We also have time in Xian to see the Drum Tower and take a stroll along calligraphy lane.

Days 8 & 9 - Nanjing. Nanjing has a long and rich history dating back to the early years of the Ming dynasty and covering significant periods of prosperity, obscurity and atrocity. On arrival from Xian, we tour the impressive Ming City Wall and learn more about the 300,000 lives lost during Japanese occupation in 1937-38 at the confronting Nanjing Massacre Memorial. We’ll also see the mausoleum and museum of Dr Sun Yat Sen, and the tomb of Emperor Hong Wu.

Days 10 & 11 - Shanghai. We journey on to Shanghai, Asia’s most amazing modern city – with its soaring skyline dwarfing the grand colonial structures of old. Shanghai’s energy and momentum is unmatched anywhere. It is also a city rich in history and with a firm place in China’s compelling future. We explore the Bund, the Shanghai Museum – China’s finest – and the Yu Yuan Garden and Bazaar in the bustling Chinese Quarter.

Days 12 & 13 - Wuzhen & Hangzhou. The charming old world atmosphere of Wuzhen provides a distinct contrast to the pace of Shanghai. Here you will have a chance to explore the town’s quiet canals and narrow streets, before continuing on to Hangzhou, the capital city of the Zhejiang Province. A city with an ancient and remarkable history, Hangzhou’s famous sights include Felai Feng and the impressive Lingyin Si (Temple of the Souls’ Retreat). We’ll also visit Longjing, an area famous for its tea production, and relax around the waters and parklands of Xi Hu (West Lake).

Days 14 & 15 - Shanghai. Returning to Shanghai we spend one more evening in this buzzing metropolis, before we say farewell and your tour ends with a transfer to the airport.

See below for departure dates.