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.

Days 6 & 7 - Xian & Terracotta 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. The start of the legendary Silk Road, its atmosphere is still one of combined eastern and western influences. 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 the awesome Army of 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.

Days 8, 9 & 10 - Guilin, Longsheng, Li River, Yangshuo. In Guilin we experience another side of China with some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes that have inspired artists and writers over the centuries. We commence our journey in Guangxi Province with a visit to the stunning rice terraces of Longsheng. The following day, we cruise the legendary Li River, surrounded by beautiful limestone mountains, to the quaint town of Yangshuo. We take time to enjoy the relaxing, friendly atmosphere of the town and explore the narrow streets and surrounding natural scenery.

Day 11 to 14 - Yangtze River Cruise. We fly to Chongqing to begin our cruise down the mighty Yangtze, third longest river in the world and the lifeblood of this vast country. Leaving behind the industrial city, we cruise through rolling hills, passing small towns, villages and an array of river transport. Stop at the Abode of Ghosts at Fengdu, and visit its garish temple. The old town of Fengdu has disappeared under water with the first flooding stage of the 3 Gorges Dam project. At the town of Fengjie, see impressive bird’s-eye views of the first of the gorges, Qutang Xia. Be on deck as we sail through the might of the remaining two gorges, Wu Xia and Xiling Xia, and enjoy a small boat ride up into Shennong Stream. Witness the enormity and scale of the Three Gorges Dam and ship lock before we head to Wuhan airport to fly to our next destination, Shanghai.

Days 15 to 18 - Shanghai & Zhujiajiao. 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 - the bustling Chinese Quarter, Yu Yuan Garden and Bazaar. We travel to the ancient canal town of Zhujiajiao where we stroll the backstreets, cruise the canals and absorb the charming old world atmosphere. Back in Shanghai we have a chance to explore the old architecture of the French Concession area and experience a fun calligraphy lesson with local children. Your tour ends on Day 18 with a transfer to the airport.

See below for 2005 departure dates.