Walk the Great Wall + Xian Extension

This was an amazing trip! I was initially drawn to it by the opportunity to explore the Great Wall of China without the crowds, and this trip did not disappoint - we hardly shared the wall with anyone most days, and of those we did meet they were mostly friendly locals or school groups. The scenery was also exceptional and just got better and better - by the end stages the Wall felt more like a mountain ridge walk traversing beautiful lush valleys of chestnut, apricot, walnut and mulberry trees on either side - bliss! Our guide Olly was a superstar, warm, open to any questions and without error; he clearly is very experienced and I felt in safe hands throughout - one of the best tour leaders I have travelled with. I particularly liked that Olly used local people living besides the Wall to help guide some of the more remote parts; these people were always friendly and provided a more authentic insight into living in the areas around the wall we visited. The accommodation in the more rural areas was also charming, if basic in places, and the evening meals were all excellent and never any more than £10 (including a well-deserved beer each night). Beyond the Wall both Beijing and Xi'an were very different but equally fascinating, with lots to see and do. I would recommend doing all the optional extras (Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Panda visit, etc.). On a practical note a walking pole is very helpful, as is a hat and water bottles as it can get very hot. I would also recommend getting an eSIM with an inbuilt VPN before you travel as this way you can access all the usual websites (including WhatsApp) without issue, and also use AliPay in the shops (which is very easy, especially if you set it up before leaving home). Amaps is also useful to download as Google maps does not work in China.

This is a real gem of a trip! We had a fabulous guide (Ollie) who showcased the best of his country. How amazing it was to walk on the Great Wall, see the pandas and the Terracotta Warriors and be immersed in a culture that not only has great food but is hugely fascinately. Our guide Ollie facilitated everything to make our journey as enjoyable and unique as possible - we were able to pay for meals and excursions in cash to avoid payment app issues. For me the walking on the Wall was an experience of a lifetime although it is rather steep (and poles are needed). We walked in remote areas where we had the Wall to ourselves. The accommodation surpassed expectations and was comfortable, safe and charming. Try and arrive early in Beijing as there is loads to see and it's an interesting city. I loved this trip, great group and will have only positive and happy memories.

This was a well designed tour with times on the Great Wall where no other tourists were seen. There is a mix of unrestored wall in various conditions and restored parts to hike along. Just what I was after. The tour guide, John, was very knowledgeable and interested in the history of both the wall and China. He was also very patient. The Xi'an extension was also good, but I would love to have had the chance to see pandas and think this should be added to the itinerary. Unfortunately, our group could only fit in visiting on a Monday when the nature reserve is closed.

Great experience and thought so by all the family. Sad to learn that there are not so many of these tours, as China, the people, the experiences were wonderful.