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Journey to the roof of the world to uncover the mysteries of Tibet in the incredible city of Lhasa whilst enjoying the very best cultural, historical and natural treasures that China has to offer – from the Great Wall and Terracotta Army to the Yangtze River.
Our China & Tibet Discovery tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Step back into China's dynastic past at Beijing's Forbidden City
Come face to face with Xian's most famous army
Visit the world famous Panda Conservation Centre
Take a 3-night voyage on the mighty Yangtze for a glimpse of China's past and present
Coronavirus Update for China
China currently has one of the lowest rates of new infections with 11 new daily infections reported yesterday* which makes us optimistic that we will return to life as normal and be able to enjoy our dream holidays soon. *Correct as of 1 April 2021.
This tour is ideal for those looking for a comprehensive visit to China’s most famous sights and who also wish to visit Tibet. This tour is also ideal for customers looking for a Yangtze River Cruise.
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.
Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Here, mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practice Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck before enjoying a Chinese acrobatic show.
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 enjoying the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.
Take the bullet train to Xian. Explore the streets of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
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 Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town.
Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.
Lhasa is a contemporary, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old streets at its heart you'll feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally-dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning.
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, set in parkland just outside the city. Also visit a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance in the evening.
Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This evening, there will be a delicious Sichuanese meal to savour.
Begin today with a visit to Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China’s celebrated icons up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Watch them play and chomp on bamboo before travelling to Chongqing to board your Yangtze River cruise ship.
Over the next two days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another as you marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Visit the Three Gorges Dam, a massive feat of engineering that saw the century-old dreams of Chinese luminaries come to fruition. Created to harness the power of the Yangtze, it is difficult not to be awestruck as you stand on the viewing platform. Disembark your cruise vessel and travel to Yichang to board your flight to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Sightseeing today includes a visit to the traditional Yu Garden, a silk factory and a stop in the old town. Also admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront, the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise followed by a delicious Shanghainese meal.
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.
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.
A short distance from Xian's historic old town, the 4-star Lanxi International hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. The modern guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk and flat screen TV.
The traditionally Tibetan Gang Gyan Lhasa Hotel is situated close to Lhasa’s main attractions, offering views of Potala Palace from the west. Its recently refurbished, modern en-suite 200 rooms have Wifi, a minibar, satellite television and a safety deposit box. There’s an onsite restaurant, as well as a bar.
The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
A short distance from Shanghai's major tourist attractions, the 5-star Jinjiang Huating hotel offers elegant guest rooms with large windows providing views of Shanghai. This beautiful hotel is home to the rooftop Moon View Restaurant, offering breathtaking city views and exquisite Chinese dishes.
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.
Places Visited: UK - Beijing (3N) - Xi'an (2N) - Lhasa (3N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Shanghai (2N) - UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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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.
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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Winner of Best Specialist Tour Operator 11 years running at the Globe Travel Awards, the 'Oscars of the Travel Industry'. Multiple award winners at the British Travel Awards, the most influential poll of consumer opinion in travel.
