Flying on British Airways we depart from London Heathrow early this afternoon on a direct overnight flight to Beijing (11 hours).

Arriving in the Chinese capital this morning, we transfer to the Prime Hotel, located on the famous Wangfujing Avenue. This afternoon there is an option to explore the fascinating Hutongs of Old Peking by pedicab.

Morning visit to the incomparable grandeur of the Forbidden City, the once beating heart of the city whose expansive halls and pavilions were home to the all powerful Ming and Qing dynasties. Covering an area of some 720,000 square metres, in imperial days was off-limits to the Emperor’s subjects under pain of death. Our afternoon is taken up with a visit to the glorious Temple of Heaven, a true masterpiece of 15th century design and for many the high point of Ming architecture. This evening we enjoy a traditional dinner of Peking Duck.

One of the highlights of our journey is the visit to the magnificent Great Wall of China at Mu Tian Yu. Less commercialised than other sections of the wall, this majestic setting affords us the opportunity of experiencing one of the true wonders of the ages as it snakes across a timeless landscape of plunging valleys and purple hills.

A morning visit to the UNESCO site of the Summer Palace, where successive dynasties created a haven of Chinese Gardens and ornate pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake. This afternoon we fly to Xi’an (1 hour 45 minutes), where our stay is at the Sheraton Hotel.

The astonishing Army of Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi are considered to be the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World and a visit to the tombs today, with its 8,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors, is one of the cultural high points of our trip. Returning to Xi’an this afternoon, we visit the Big Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower, before attending a traditional dance performance and dinner.

Visit to the Hang Yan Ling tombs before the flight to Chengdu (55 minutes) and transfer to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This afternoon we visit Wenshu Monastery, located on the outskirts of the city.

Today we travel north-west of Chengdu to Wolong (145 KM/approximately 4 hours), were we have the opportunity to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and learn about these fascinating creatures. Accommodation at the Wolong Hotel.

Return to Chengdu, from where we fly to Chongqing (45 minutes) and transfer to the China Regal cruise ship, where we will spend the next 4 nights.

Cruising along the mighty Yangtze we spend the next three days admiring the extraordinary beauty of the stunning ‘Three Gorges’. Traversing a landscape that has been the inspiration of artists for centuries, we enjoy the rare tranquility of one of the most breathtaking settings on the planet, including the dramatic Wu Xia Gorge and its twelve ‘Fairy Peaks’. Passing a timeless tableau of rural China we visit the imposing spectacle of the huge Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project, whose completion will change the face of this landscape forever.

As above

As above

Disembarking in Wuhan we visit the interesting provincial museum with its 5th century Chinese relics before our flight to Shanghai (1 hour 15 minutes), a vibrant mix of modern style and colonial heritage and one of China’s most dynamic cities. Our stay is at the Mayfair Hotel.

A tour of Old Shanghai, taking in the impressive Shanghai Museum and the elegance of the Yu Garden, is followed by a chance to stroll along the famous ‘Bund’, Shanghai’s renowned waterfront. The rest of the day is free for further exploration at your own pace. Alternatively, you may prefer to spend some time shopping along Nanjing Road before returning to the hotel.

Our flight today takes us to the classic landscapes of Guilin (2 hours 15 minutes), a spectacular vision of karst mountain landscapes and seemingly endless rivers that have been captured on Chinese scrolls for millenia. On arrival we transfer to the Sheraton Hotel.

A morning cruise along the picturesque Li River takes us through some of Guilin’s most majestic scenery, passing an ever changing landscape of limestone outcrops and enchanting fishing villages as we make our way to the bustling market town of Yangshuo. After visiting the town we return to Guilin for the evening.

At leisure, with an option to take a trip out to the extraordinary geological formations of the Reed Flute Caves and the summit of Fupo Hill, for a panoramic view across Guilin’s unique vistas. This evening we fly to Hong Kong (1 hour 25 minutes) where we stay at the Sheraton Hotel.

Your time in Hong Kong is free for you to explore this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Why not take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, visit some of the many outlying islands, take a trip on the famous Star ferry or practice your bargaining skills at the popular Stanley Market. Your Tour Manager will assist with any optional tours.

With a late check-out available there will be time to relax before the British Airways departure back to London (13 hours). With so much to offer, why not extend your stay in Hong Kong to take in more of this most eclectic of cities before you return home. Alternatively, for a relaxing finale, take a flight to one of Thailand’s pristine beaches or island.

Arrive London Heathrow in the early morning.