Day 1: UK to Shanghai
Overnight flight to Shanghai

Day 2: Shanghai
Upon arrival in Shanghai, you’ll make your way to your accommodation for a 3 night stay, and there will be no waiting around as early check-in is guaranteed. After freshening up, there is some leisure time to either relax at the hotel or do some local sightseeing. In the evening, you’ll attend a welcome dinner and meet the rest of your tour group in a local restaurant. Overnight stay at Central Hotel Shanghai or similar. (dinner included)

Day 3: Shanghai
This day begins with a morning guided tour around Shanghai. The tour starts at the Old Town which is set inside Shanghai’s ancient city walls, and will continue on to the serene Yu Garden and the tree-lined avenues of the French Concession. In the afternoon, you’ll take a walk along the city’s picturesque Bund waterfront, and afterwards enjoy a private cruise along the Huangpu River.Overnight stay at Central Hotel Shanghai or similar.(breakfast and dinner included)

Day 4: Shanghai
Drive to Suzhou (approx. 1hr 30mins), a charming waterside city that’s renowned for its lush gardens, colourful cultures and picturesque canals. Enjoy a full morning tour which covers visits to the UNESCO-listed Administrator’s Garden, the ancient Pingjiang Road, the Garden of the Master of Nets and the city’s renowned Pan Gate. After some lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll head back to Shanghai and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Central Hotel Shanghai or similar. (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 5: Shanghai - Yichang
Explore the gems of Shanghai at your own pace in the morning before heading to the airport for an afternoon flight to the modern city of Yichang, which is located in China’s western Hubei province. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to the Maoping Pier to board a luxury Century Sun boat for a 4 night river cruise along the Yangtze River. Overnight stay aboard the Century Sun (breakfast included)

Day 6: Yangtze Cruise
Begin your day with coffee, tea, pastries and tai chi, and afterwards visit the immense Three Gorges Dam – the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. There is a buffet lunch to enjoy, and afterwards an optional tour to the Tribe of the Three Gorges, an extremely picturesque spot along the river. In the evening, there is a buffet dinner and a welcome party that’s hosted by the captain. Overnight stay aboard the Century Sun (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 7: Yangtze Cruise
In the morning as you indulge in your coffee, tea and pastries, your Century Sun ship will sail through the stunning Wu Gorge, and afterwards you can enjoy a cruise on a smaller wooden boat along the serene Shennv Stream which boasts some alluring scenery. After some lunch, you can embark on an optional shore excursion to the White Emperor City, a historic temple complex that overlooks the Qutang Gorge. Overnight stay aboard the Century Sun (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 8: Yangtze Cruise
After another indulgent morning of tai chi, pastries and hot drinks on deck, enjoy a breakfast buffet and perhaps join another optional shore excursion to the Shibaozhai Pagoda, followed by lunch aboard the ship. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a fantastic selection of on board activities, and afterwards there will be a farewell dinner. Overnight stay aboard the Century Sun (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 9: Chongqing - Chengdu
After some breakfast, your Century Sun boat will arrive in Chongqing which is your disembarkation point. You’ll transfer to the train station and catch a high-speed train to Chengdu, land of the panda (approx. 2hrs), and in the afternoon you’ll discover the stunning Wenshu Monastery and take a stroll down the historic Jinli Street, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at the Tibet Hotel or similar (breakfast and dinner included)

Day 10: Chengdu - Xi’an
In the morning you’ll visit the famous Chengu Panda Base research centre that breeds and conserves baby pandas. Afterwards, enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant then transfer to the train station for a first-class high-speed journey to Xi’an (approx. 3¾ hours). Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your accommodation and have the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight at Grand Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square or similar (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 11: Xi’an
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing which begins with an early morning visit to the Terracotta Warriors (approx. 1hr 30min drive from the city); this may include a possible meet and greet with an archaeologist. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda; one of Xi’an’s popular landmarks, and afterwards take part in a traditional dumpling making class. In the evening, catch Tang Dynasty music and dance show. Overnight stay Grand Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square or similar. (breakfast and dinner included)

Day 12: Xi’an - Beijing
In the morning, explore the bustling Muslim Quarter; an ancient neighbourhood and foodie’s paradise renowned for its eclectic culinary experiences and colourful market stalls. Continue on to one of China’s oldest and largest mosques - the Great Mosque, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, transfer to the train station for a first-class high-speed train journey to Beijing (approx. 4hrs 30 mins). Upon arrival, there will be some leisure time. Overnight stay at Park Plaza Wangfujing or similar. (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 13: Beijing
Embark on the ultimate tour of China’s vibrant capital city, which starts with a morning visit to Tiananmen Square and the iconic Forbidden City. After some lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues at the Summer Palace, which comprises of stunning palaces, gardens and lakes. Take delight in a boat ride along one of the lakes (subject to weather conditions) and in the evening, indulge in a traditional Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at Park Plaza Wangfujing or similar. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 14: Beijing
Enjoy an early morning visit to the sacred Temple of Heaven and an opportunity to take part in a traditional tai chi lesson. After some lunch, you have an amazing opportunity to visit the Mutianyu area of Beijing’s iconic Great Wall of China (approx. 1¾ hrs from Beijing). In the evening, take pleasure in a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at Park Plaza Wangfujing or similar. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 15: Beijing
After some breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (breakfast included)