Classical China - 9 days

Upon arrival in Beijing, please make your own way to the start hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will visit the historic site where the People's Republic of China was founded. Tiananmen Square, one of the world's most remarkable public spaces, lies at the heart of Beijing.

We will then visit the Forbidden City, the largest ancient palace complex in the world. As we explore its grand halls and beautiful gardens, we will witness the best-preserved imperial palace in China, a site of immense historical significance.

Lunch will be included at a local Chinese restaurant before we head to the Temple of Heaven. This architectural masterpiece was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for centuries. It's where they prayed for a good harvest and is a stunning testament to imperial architecture. We will have a chance to experience a traditional tea ceremony before transferring back to the hotel, with free time to get dinner or further explore Beijing.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Here, we can marvel at this incredible feat of Chinese engineering and ingenuity, a breathtaking monument to human achievement set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery.

After lunch, we will visit the Summer Palace, once the retreat of the imperial family. This enchanting site offers breathtaking views and the chance to admire the serene Kunming Lake. The beautifully adorned buildings and courtyards are steeped in history and provide a glimpse into the grandeur of China’s imperial past.

We will then get our transfer back to the hotel, and the evening is at leisure.

Beijing - Xi'an. We start today with a guided tour of Beijing's charming and intricate alleyways, known as ‘Hutongs’, experiencing them in style. We'll then enjoy lunch at a local family home or a traditional restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will transfer to Beijing West Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to Xi'an, travelling in comfort in a second-class seat for the 5-6 hour journey. Upon arrival in Xi'an, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide at the railway station and will then be transferred to our hotel in Xi'án.

Embark on a visit to the Terracotta Warrior Museum, where we’ll encounter the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. This awe-inspiring army of silent statues offers a spellbinding glimpse into ancient China and is sure to be a highlight of our tour. Next, we’ll explore a workshop where these legendary terracotta figures are crafted, revealing the intricate artistry behind them. Following this, we'll savour a delectable lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, immersing ourselves in authentic flavours.

In the afternoon, we’ll marvel at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a stunning and well-preserved ancient marvel, one of China’s oldest surviving structures of its kind. Our adventure continues with a visit to a jade factory, where we’ll uncover the cultural significance of this stone before we transfer back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Xi'an - Shanghai. We will start our day by exploring the ancient City Wall, a remarkable relic from the Ming Dynasty that dates back 600 years and is the best-preserved of its kind in China.

Next, we’ll wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where we’ll have the chance to sample a variety of delicious local street foods at the market. Our adventure continues with a visit to the Great Mosque, an impressive example of Islamic architecture in China.

After lunch, we’ll transfer to the railway station to board our overnight train to Shanghai (4 berth cabin). Departing mid-afternoon, we’ll embark on a train journey of approximately 15-16 hours. We recommend you stock up on snacks befor the journey!

Upon our arrival in Shanghai, we'll transfer to our hotel for a hearty breakfast. Our first destination today is the enchanting Yu Garden, nestled in the heart of the old city centre. This beautifully preserved garden, constructed 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, offers a serene escape amid the bustling modern city, providing us with a fascinating glimpse into Shanghai's historical charm.

After lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, we will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, established in 1882. This revered temple is renowned for its stunning white jade Burmese Buddha statues, which are truly a sight to behold.

We’ll then take a leisurely stroll down Nanjing Road, Shanghai's famed shopping boulevard, where the vibrant energy, dazzling lights, and spectacle of the city come alive in one bustling location. Our day continues with a visit to the Bund, where we’ll marvel at Shanghai’s iconic skyline. The Pudong area showcases striking modernist architecture, standing in striking contrast to the ornate colonial buildings on the opposite bank of the river. Then it's a transfer back to the hotel, and free time to relax or head out to discover Shanghai's nightlife.

We’ll begin our day with a visit to Zhujiajiao, often dubbed the ‘Venice of China’. This picturesque water town offers a charming escape from the bright lights and towering skyscrapers of Shanghai. Here, we’ll drift along tranquil canals, where daily life is leisurely conducted by boat, and admire buildings that gracefully rise just above the waterline.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll explore the Former French Concession. This historic district is renowned for its elegant tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, providing us with a unique glimpse into Shanghai's cosmopolitan past.

Our adventure continues with a visit to a silk factory, where we’ll discover the intricate process of silk production. Your final evening in China is at leisure.

Today marks the conclusion of your remarkable China adventure, full of cultural wonders and tasty delicacies. After breakfast and 12pm hotel check-out, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.