Depart London Heathrow on Air China flight to Beijing (11 hours, 10 minutes).

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the Xiyuan Hotel. Afternoon optional excursion to the magnificent garden setting of the Summer Palace, the old residence of the emperors.

There are few structures on earth that can evoke the same sense of wonder and awe than the imposing presence of the Great Wall of China. Begun over 2,000 years ago it stretches for some 5,000 kilometres, across a timeless landscape of spectacular folded mountains and stark desert wastes. Today travel to Mu Tian Yu, where the remarkable sight of the wall snakes across a landscape of lush blanketed mountains above a plunging ravine.

Midday flight on Air China to Pyongyang (1 hour 30 minutes), North Korea’s showpiece capital. On arrival transfer to the Potonggang Hotel.

Pyongyang rose from the ashes of the Korean War, rebuilt by the Russians and Chinese and moulded by the ideology of its late ‘Great Leader’ Kim Il Sung. Today you will tour the cultural landmarks of this most enigmatic of cities, visiting Kim Il Sung Square, Mansudae Fountain Park and the towering presence of the Mansudae Monuments, en route to the impressive edifices of the Arch of Triumph and the 170 metre Juche Tower. After lunch drive to Manyongdae, the birthplace of Kim Il Sung and still a place of pilgrimage for many North Koreans, before heading back to the hotel via the Martyrs’ Cemetery and Kwangbop Temple. Evening optional excursion to the Arirang Mass Games – please note dates for the Mass Games are currently unconfirmed for 2009, but normally take place from mid August to mid October – so this optional excursion may only apply to the September departure.

Today visit to the Korean Central History Museum, the remarkable Grand People’s Study House and the Metro. A picnic lunch is followed by a visit to the Korean Film Studios, before driving on to the ancient capital of Kaesong (180 KM/approximately 3 hours). Transfer to the Folkcustoms Hotel.

This morning drive to Panmunjom DMZ. Lying along the 38th Parallel, that separates North and South Korea, this area is one of the most strictly guarded anywhere in the world, with close to a million men in permanent attendance. Visits to the Koryo Museum and the Concrete Wall afford a unique insight into what is one of the longest military stand-offs in history. From here travel to the Ryongtong Temple and Nam gate.

Visit the captured U.S. spy ship Pueblo, and the ‘Children’s Palace’, an institution specifically created to provide the children of the north with extra schooling in a number of disciplines. This is followed by a visit to Mount Myohyang, one of North Korea’s most sacred sites, where inscriptions of Kim II Sung’s wisdom occupy a number of the rock faces. Stay overnight nearby at the Hyangsan Hotel (330 KM/full day with stops).

Following a visit to the International Friendship Exhibition and the Buddhist Pohyon Temple, drive back to the capital (160 KM/approximately 2 hours) where you will have lunch before continuing to Nampo (80 KM/approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes). Stay at the Ryonggang Hotpsa Hotel.

The port of Nampo, besides the Taedong River, lies a short distance from the West Sea Barrage, an impressive structure built not only to stop tidal floods, but also to supply water and irrigation to the area. After lunch return to Pyongyang for a visit to Chongson-ri cooperative farm and Mangyongdae House. Overnight at the Potonggang Hotel.

Visit the tomb of the King Dangoon, founder of the Nation some 5,000 years ago. After lunch, transfer to the airport for the Air China flight to Beijing. On arrival transfer back to the Xiyuan Hotel for an overnight stay. This evening is free to enjoy the Chinese capital at your leisure.

Afternoon departure by Air China to London Heathrow, arriving in the evening.