Magnificent China Private Tour

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital city.

This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to discover a complex full of imperial riches. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the warren-like hutongs and visit a local family to gain a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local customs. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck. (B,L,D)

Visit China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. There is no better way to appreciate the magnificence of this incredible structure than walking along it. Visit the Jade Factory and spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace. (B,L)

In the morning, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, and wander the grounds where you can watch, or participate in an outdoor dance class. You will also have some free time for shopping at the copy markets. (B,L)

Fly to Xian, the former ancient capital. In the the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. (B,L,D)

Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century - the Terracotta Warriors. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-like warriors and later visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop where replicas of the statues are created. In the afternoon, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. End the day by exploring the atmospheric alleys of the lively Muslim Quarter. (B,L)

In the morning, visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Fly to Wuhan and then take the bullet train to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise ship. (B,L)

Tour the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Chongqing and explore Ciqikou, whose narrow streets are perfect for a stroll to admire the traditional architecture. Continue your journey on the bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. (B,L)

Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, stroll through the vibrant People’s Park with a stop at Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. (B,L)

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory. (B,L)

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 loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. In Yangshuo, spend the evening walking the cobblestone streets or relax in a street side café to enjoy the colourful atmosphere of this enchanting town. (B,L)

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of jewel-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside before having an afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Drive back to Guilin and enjoy a leisurely walk around Ronghu Lake as well as a visit to Sun & Moon Pagodas for a lovely view over downtown Guilin. (B,L)

Fly to the exuberant city of Shanghai. (B,L)

This morning, transfer to the charming city of Suzhou, also known as the Venice of the East. Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden and enjoy a cruise on the ancient Grand Canal. Return to Shanghai, and in the evening enjoy traditional Shanghainese cuisine. (B,L,D)

Explore the ancient treasures of the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square, walk through the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town, and admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Visit the Silk Factory. In the evening, watch a fascinating acrobatics show. (B,L)

Explore the futuristic Pudong district this morning, home to Shanghai’s world-famous skyline. Head over to the Xintiandi area to admire the 1920s-style ‘shikumen’ buildings, unique to Shanghai. In the evening, cruise on the Huangpu River for panoramic vistas of the Shanghai skyline. (B,L)

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