Yangtze Splendour

Day 1- Fly from London Heathrow to Beijing.

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

Day 2- Arriving in Beijing, transfer to the Prime Hotel. This afternoon there is an option to explore the fascinating Hutongs of Old Peking by pedicab.

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

Day 3- Visit Tiananmen Square before taking in the Forbidden City.

This morning visit Tiananmen Square before taking in 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. 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 there will be a traditional dinner of Peking Duck.

Day 4- Visit the Great Wall of China.

One of the highlights of your 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.

Day 5- Visit the Summer palace this morning. This afternoon fly to Xi'an and stay at the Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel.

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 Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel (south wing – deluxe room).

Day 6- Explore the astonishing Army of Terracotta Warriors.

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 is one of the cultural high points of the holiday. Returning to Xi’an this afternoon, visit the Big Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower, before attending a traditional dance performance and dinner.

Day 7- Visit the Hang Yan Ling tombs before the flight to Chongqing. Transfer to the Century Star cruise ship.

Visit to the Hang Yan Ling tombs before the flight to Chongqing (1 hour 15 minutes). Transfer to the Century Star cruise ship, where we will spend the next 3 nights (standard cabin). The boat will sail from Chongqing later this evening.

Day 8- Cruise along the mighty Yangtze. Today there will be an excursion to Fengdu Snow Jade Cave.

Cruising along the mighty Yangtze today admiring the extraordinary beauty that has been the inspiration of artists for centuries, enjoy the rare tranquillity of one of the most breathtaking settings on the planet. Today there will be an excursion to Fengdu Snow Jade Cave, a stunning karst cave that has only been discovered in recent years.

Day 9- Sail through the 'Three Gorges'. Enter the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. In the evening sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship lock.

Cruising further along the mighty Yangtze spend today admiring the stunning ‘Three Gorges’. In the morning there is an optional tour to the White Emperor City at Baidi, a hill scattered with temples and gates clinging to grandeur cliffs (please note that this is paid locally to Century Star and the approximate cost is RMB 240 or approximately £30 per person). Shortly after enter Qutang Gorge and later Wu Gorge before taking an excursion through the Shennong Stream. Later enter Xiling Gorge, the last of the magnificent gorges. In the evening sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship lock.

Day 10- Visit the huge Three Gorges Dam. Later in the morning disembark in Yichang, where you will fly to Shanghai. Stay at the Sunrise on the Bund.

This morning visit the imposing spectacle of the huge Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Later in the morning disembark in Yichang, from where you will fly to Shanghai (1 hour 30 minutes), a vibrant mix of modern style and colonial heritage and one of China’s most dynamic cities. Two nights at the Sunrise on the Bund (deluxe room).

Day 11- Sightseeing in Shanghai.

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, why not spend some time shopping along Nanjing Road before returning to the hotel?

Day 12- Fly to Guilin. Stay at the Guilin Bravo Hotel.

Today fly to the classic landscapes of Guilin (2 hours 25 minutes), a spectacular vision of karst mountain landscapes and seemingly endless rivers that have been captured on Chinese scrolls for millenia. On arrival transfer to the Guilin Bravo Hotel for a 2 night stay (grand wing – deluxe room). In the evening there will be a short drive around to see Guilin by night followed by a visit to the Li River to observe the famed cormorant fishermen at work.

Day 13- A morning cruise along the Li River. After visiting Yangshuo, return to Guilin for the evening.

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

Day 14- At leisure, with an option to take an excursion to Reed Flute Caves. This evening fly back to London

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 fly to Hong Kong (1 hour 25 minutes) and connect with Virgin Atlantic flight back to London (13 hours).

Day 15- Arrive London Heathrow in the early morning.

Arrive London Heathrow in the early morning.

Prime Hotel

The Prime Hotel is conveniently located on the famous Wangfujing Avenue, and near to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Beihai Park. Each of the 400 guest rooms are spacious and include tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, mini bar and refrigerator. The hotel has 3 restaurants serving Chinese, International and a la carte cuisine. Hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and Jacuzzi.

Shangri-La Golden Flower

A premier hotel in the heart of China's ancient capital, Xi'an, the Golden Flower Hotel is part of the elegant Shangri-La chain. The hotel's 416 rooms and suites are located in two wings and offer a full range of modern amenities amidst a relaxing blend of Asian and Western décor. Dining options include a tempting choice of Cantonese, Sichuan and International cuisine and the hotel boasts some of the finest fitness facilities in the city. Its sports and health club features top of the range equipment, relaxing sauna and steam rooms, a jacuzzi and indoor swimming pool. This superb hotel is ideally located to explore Xi'an's remarkable highlights including the renowned Army of Terracotta Warriors.

Century Star Cruise Ship

The 87-metre Century Star is one of the most comfortable ships sailing on the Yangtze River. Its 93 twin or double bedded cabins have individual climate control and all have private balconies to ensure that you have the best views of the spectacular Yangtze landscapes as they pass by. Cabin facilities including en suite bathroom, hair dryer, TV and phone. Meals are a selection of western-style and Chinese menus. Well appointed public areas, including a restaurant, bar, business centre, library and observation deck provide a relaxing ambience whilst on board and a small gym, sauna, beauty salon and spa offer the opportunity for more indulgent relaxation. Combined with a number of fascinating escorted shore excursions and good levels of comfort and service ensure that this journey will be a voyage to remember.

Sunrise on the Bund

Located approximately 5 minutes from the Bund. The 151 guest rooms are decorated in a modern style, but with influences from 1920s Shanghai, and are well equipped with all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay, including king/twin size beds and broadband access (payable locally). Dining options are plentiful and include The Lobby Lounge and Crystal Café, serving western cuisine, the Tainan Tan-Tsu-Mian Seafood Restaurant, which offers a blend of Taiwanese and Cantonese cuisine using top grade live fish with their own unique sauces, Shou Tou Japanese Restaurant and Zan Teppanyaki, offering a fusion of Japanese Teppanyaki and French cuisine. There are several bars including the Old Captain Bar, Churchill Cigar Bar and La Riva Bar located on the 22nd floor where you can enjoy views of the lights of Shanghai. The leisure facilities on offer are impressive including ‘L Spa’ where you can enjoy both hot and cold Jacuzzis, an energy crystal steam room and a generous range of treatmen

Guilin Bravo Hotel

The Guilin Bravo Hotel is conveniently located near the Banyan Lake Promenade in the historical part of the town and is within walking distance from most major sights. The 274 rooms all feature individually controlled air-conditioning, private bathroom, television with satellite channels, IDD telephone, coffee maker and a mini-bar. Facilities include a western style restaurant, two Chinese restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool and Health Centre.

Hong Kong Extension

Extra Days:4Cost:from £ 440

A fusion of tradition and modern chic can be found in Hong Kong. From Kowloon’s bustling waterfront to the heights of Victoria Peak and the Giant Buddha of Lantau Island, Hong Kong is a city of surprising diversity, colour and a rich selection of culinary experiences. On Day 11 after the flight to Hong Kong transfer to the Intercontinental Grand Stanford for a 2 night stay. Day 12 is at leisure with plentiful sightseeing options that can be locally booked. In the evening of Day 13 transfer to the airport for your British Airways flight to London Heathrow, arriving the following day in the UK.

Virgin Atlantic - Upper Class (Business Class)

Cost: from £ 2625

Virgin Atlantic aims to spoil their passengers rotten with their Upper Class cabin which boasts some of the biggest Upper Class seats in the industry. The comfy 22 inch wide seats turn into 33 inch wide, 6.6 feet long totally flat beds at the click of a button. Each seat has its own 10.4 inch television with a massive list of entertainment plus an individual power point, table and laptop storage space. The elegant onboard dining experience allows passengers to choose from a wide menu of fine food and a drinks list including champagne, bucks fizz and cocktails. Prior to departure Upper Class benefits include a dedicated check-in area, a priority security lane at Heathrow and access to the exclusive Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses at Heathrow and Gatwick and those abroad where applicable ** ** In airports where Virgin Atlantic to not have a Clubhouse, Upper Class passenger’s will have access to an alternative Upper Class Lounge. These shared lounges are either owned by the airport authorities or another airline. Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.

Virgin Atlantic - Premium Economy

Cost: from £ 235

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy offers passengers extra space and comfort with luxurious leather seats offering 38 inches of pitch room and an increased seat width of 21 inches. Before departure clients have access to a separate check-in area and also priority boarding and where possible passengers and luggage will be prioritised off the plane. Onboard, Premium Economy passengers have a dedicated cabin crew who will provide complimentary newspapers, drinks, and amenity kit and serve upgraded three course meals which are served on stylish china plates with stainless steel cutlery. Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.