China is a land of many wonders – ancient and modern, natural and man-made. This hugely popular tour is a comprehensive journey through China’s most iconic sights from the magnificent Great Wall to the mighty Yangtze River.
Days 1-2: Fly to Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Forbidden City
Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the warren-like hutongs and visit a local family to gain a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local customers. Soak up the harmonious ambiance of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, where you can watch, or participate in, a dance class. This evening sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking Duck.
Day 4: Great Wall & Summer Palace
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Jade has been long cherished by the Chinese – at the Jade Museum you can understand and appreciate the delicate process of carving the stone and buy a piece if you wish. Savour an afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture.
Day 5: Fly to Xian
Fly to Xian and stroll through the Muslim Quarter. This evening enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life sized warriors. Stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.
Day 7: Fly to Wuhan
Fly to Wuhan and transfer to Yichang to board the Yangtze River Cruise vessel.
Days 8-10: Yangtze River Cruise
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as we cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy shore excursions to the Ghost City of Fengdu or Shibaozhai.
Day 11: Fly to Guilin
Disembarking from the cruise vessel, visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo. Fly to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave.
Day 12: Li River
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen.
Day 13: Yangshuo
Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of jewel-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the country side before having an afternoon at leisure. There are many activities available including cycling, rafting and walking though you may prefer to relax in the town. In the evening see the famous cormorant fishermen.
Day 14: Fly to Shanghai
Fly to the exuberant city of Shanghai. Spend the afternoon admiring the fine arts and antiquities of the Shanghai Museum and strolling around People’s Square. This evening visit Matchmaker's Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children and afterwards view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
Day 15: Discover Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th century temples. Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Gardens; and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund before enjoying some tasty, traditional Shanghai cuisine this evening.
Day 16: Fly Shanghai to Ireland
Fly to Ireland, arriving home the same or following day.