Shanghai, China - Photo By Denys Nevozhai

China: The Big One

27 nights / 28 days

Fully Guided

All Available Dates - Call 01 2366852 To Book Now

01 Apr 2024

06 May 2024

02 Sep 2024

07 Oct 2024

07 Apr 2025

05 May 2025

01 Sep 2025

06 Oct 2025



The complete Chinese adventure - this itinerary takes more time to explore the highlights of this beautiful and eclectic country, from busy cities, rural utopias and quirky ancient towns where you are free to absorb the relaxed atmosphere.



1 / 5
Shanghai, China - Denys Nevozhai
2 / 5
Shanghai, China - Edward He
3 / 5
Shanghai, China - Hanny Naibaho
4 / 5
Shanghai, China - Marc-Oliver Jodoin
5 / 5
Shanghai, China - Yiran Ding

B Breakfast Included

L Lunch Included

D Dinner Included

Day 1 - Fly overnight to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Fly overnight to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 - Forbidden City

B L 

Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next, visit Yandaixiejie Street where theres time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing.

Day 4 - Huanghuacheng Great Wall

B L 

Visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall. Reached by boat it boasts particularly spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Qianmen Street. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.

Day 5 - Imperial Summer Palace

B L 

Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling along pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill. Make a photo stop at the Olympic Park.

Day 6 - Temple of Heaven

B L 

Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven before boarding the overnight train to Xian.

Day 7 - Cycling in Xian

B L 

Start your day with a gentle cycle ride that will take you nine miles around the city wall that enclose Xian's old town. Also visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and Xian Museum.

Day 8 - Terracotta Warriors

B L 

Spend the morning gazing over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 9 - Chengdu like a local

B 

Take the bullet train to Chengdu and walk around People's Park. Visit a local teahouse and Matchmaker's Corner.

Day 10 - Giant Pandas

B L 

Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming bears up close. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy an optional hot pot dinner and a 'face changing' show.

Day 11 - Fly to Lijiang

B 

Fly to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Day 12 - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

B L 

Take a cable car to one of the high meadows and enjoy the vistas. Visit the minority Naxi village and admire the fascinating Baisha frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty.

Day 13 - Tiger Leaping Gorge (Optional)

B 

Enjoy the day at leisure or trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge, through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.

Day 14 - Shaxi Ancient Town

B L 

Discover Lijiang's historic old town. Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the minority people that reside then drive to Dali.

Day 15 - Weibaoshan (Optional)

B 

Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional visit to Weibaoshan, one of the fourteen sacred Taoist mountains. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. Walk up the hillside to see a handful of intricately decorated temples and meet a Taoist priest for a meditation session.

Day 16 - Dali's Ancient Town

B L 

Visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure. In the afternoon, drive to Kunming.

Day 17 - Stone Forest

B L 

Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Return to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the vibrant Wenhua Alley district.

Day 18 - Beautiful Guilin

B L 

Take the bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure. You may wish to stroll Zhengyang Street.

Day 19 - Hiking in Longji (Optional)

B 

Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.

Day 20 - Li River Cruise

B L 

Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to hike to the top of Moon Hill for epic views.

Day 21 - Yangshou Tai Chi

B 

Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity.

Day 22 - Ancient Ciqikou

B D 

Visit the Reed Flute Cave and a pearl museum before taking a bullet train to Chongqing. Enjoy free time in the charming old town of Ciqikou then board your Yangtze Cruise vessel.

Day 23 - Yangtze River Cruise

B L D 

A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, travel to Yichang and then fly to Shanghai.

Day 24 - Yangtze River Cruise

B L D 

A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, travel to Yichang and then fly to Shanghai.

Day 25 - Yangtze River Cruise

B L D 

A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, travel to Yichang and then fly to Shanghai.

Day 26 - Shanghainese Shanghai

B L 

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory, stroll along the Bund and cruise along Huangpu River.

Day 27 - Zhujiajiao (optional)

B D 

Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao, or spend time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, enjoy the ERA show and a delicious farewell dinner.

Day 28 - Fly Shanghai to UK

B 

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.



Call 01 2366852 To Book Now

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