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The ultimate tour for those wishing to combine the very best of two ancient nations. Join us on an incredible journey from Beijing to Tokyo by road, boat, rail and air on this epic three-week tour!
Our Ancient Empires of China & Japan tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Walk along this incredible wall, one of the modern great wonders
Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo on the stunning Li River
Discover the vibrant, forward-thinking city of Hiroshima
Witness the fusion of past and present on a city tour in Japan's capital
Our Ancient Empires of China & Japan Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Ascend to the observation deck of the new Orizuru Tower. Rising high above Hiroshima it offers beautiful views over the Peace Memorial Park, the A-Bomb Dome and the city as a whole.
Wander through the delightful Bikan Historical Quarter, stretched along Kurashiki’s Edo Period canals, taking in the picturesque scenes of weeping willows, old stone bridges and lovely, traditional architecture.
Venture into Beijing's atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.
Fly overnight to China's historical capital, Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
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 the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.
Begin the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the glorious Temple of Heaven where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Next, take a leisurely stroll in a traditional hutong neighbourhood and visit a family at home, to learn about life living in the hutongs. Later, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before entering the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to explore this complex full of imperial riches.
Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure at Xian's Muslim Quarter, where you will find an array of food stalls selling a wealth of flavours. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.
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, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate them. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xi'an's old town.
Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Guilin, best known for its incredible natural landscapes.
Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo, where you will spend 1 night. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos and local fishermen. These are small cruise boats usually holding approximately 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck. Usually, the boats depart at 9am from the dock located a 1-hour drive from your hotel. However, when the river level is low they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel. Disembarking from the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 30-minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. In Yangshuo, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks tower over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Here, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.
Return to Guilin by road, then fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.
Today's explorations include the traditional Yu Garden, a stroll through the old town and learning about the age-old silk production process at a silk factory. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the Bund and Nanjing Road. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
It's time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.
Explore Osaka Castle, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through vibrant Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
Transfer by bullet train to Okayama and visit Korakuen Garden, one of the 'Three Great Gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses). Continue to Hiroshima, a vibrant and forward-thinking city.
Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. Return to Hiroshima and find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.
Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'.
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii gates and then head to Nishiki Market, also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.
Transfer by bullet train to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi before riding the Komagatake Ropeway cable car. Savour views of the surrounding landscape and, weather permitting, the breathtaking cone of Mount Fuji. Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan's iconic capital.
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to explore the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple and drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza. Later, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. End your tour with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
Places Visited: UK - Beijing (3N) - Xi'an (2N) - Guilin (2N) - Yangshuo (1N) - Shanghai (2N) - Osaka (2N) - Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima (2N) - Miyajima - Kyoto (2N) - Hakone - Tokyo (2N) - UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
Choose from Partner Flies Free or Half Price Single Supplements. Save up to ￡795 per person
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected
dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free
airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
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