Ultimate China
26 nights / 27 days
Fully Guided
All Available Dates - Call 01 2366852 To Book Now
06 May 2026
13 May 2026
20 May 2026
26 Aug 2026
02 Sep 2026
07 Oct 2026
14 Oct 2026
31 Mar 2027
05 May 2027
12 May 2027
25 Aug 2027
01 Sep 2027
06 Oct 2027
13 Oct 2027
This really is the ultimate tour for those who want to experience China in depth! From modern cities and ancient history to rural villages and spectacular landscapes, this is the tour for those wanting to see all of China's highlights in just one visit.
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 yours to start soaking up the local culture.
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 yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 - Imperial Beijing
This morning, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner.
Day 4 - The Great Wall
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. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace.
Day 5 - Bullet train to Xian
Take the bullet train to Xian and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
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 and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.
Day 7 - Reed Flute Cave
Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites.
Day 8 - Li River Cruise
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming 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. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo's vibrant markets.
Day 9 - Yangshuo
Start the day with a calming Tai Chi session led by a local master, learning the flowing movements of this ancient practice. Explore the picturesque countryside then enjoy free time or opt for activities such as cycling or bamboo rafting.
Day 10 - Travel to Kunming
Take a bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province.
Day 11 - The Stone Forest
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on the local dish, 'Across the Bridge' noodles.
Day 12 - Bullet Train to Lijiang
Board the bullet train to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 13 - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.
Day 14 - Tiger Leaping Gorge
Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Next, continue to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude
Day 15 - Tibetan Zhongdian
Begin the day with a visit to a Tibetanstyle village where you will learn about the villagers' way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple, explore the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery and end the day with a tour of the old town.
Day 16 - Mystical Lhasa
Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.
Day 17 - The Barkhor Circuit
Lhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally dressed locals and explore the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop.
Day 18 - Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama.
Day 19 - Fly to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through People's Park to seeMatchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.
Day 20 - Giant Pandas
Begin the day with a visit to Chengdu's famous conservation centre. Later, transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.
Day 21 - Yangtze River Cruise
Over the next three days, enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars.
Day 22 - Yangtze River Cruise
Over the next three days, enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars.
Day 23 - Yangtze River Cruise
Over the next three days, enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars.
Day 24 - Discover Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie's forest of towering sandstone pillars is nature at its most surreal. Ride the Bailong glass elevator skyward, soak up the incredible views before a scenic train through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery.
Day 25 - Tianmen Mountain
Soar up Tianmen Mountain on China's longest cable car. At the summit, climb 999 steps to the dramatic Tianmen Cave, 'Heaven's Door', and brave the thrilling glass 'Walk of Faith'. Later, fly to Shanghai.
Day 26 - Explore Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit the classical Yu Garden, stop in the old town, take in panoramic views from the Jinmao Tower, and admire colonial architecture on the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 27 - Fly Shanghai to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.