Splendours of China

Tour Information

Day 1: London - Shanghai

Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Shanghai with Virgin Atlantic.

Day 2: Shanghai

On arrival, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to the Holiday Inn Vista for the next 2 nights. This afternoon is at leisure. (D)

Day 3: Shanghai sightseeing

The day begins with a visit to the lovely Yu Gardens and the Old Town, followed by a stop at the Shanghai Museum to view 5,000 years of Chinese culture. This afternoon, a cruise along the waterfront Bund on the Huangpu River is included. You will also have some free time at Xintiandi, Shanghai’s newest landmark. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Shanghai - Suzhou

Take a short train journey to the beautiful canal town of Suzhou. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to retrace the 2,500 years of history that the city has enjoyed. Spend the next 2 nights at the Bamboo Grove Hotel. This afternoon, visit the Garden of Humble Administration, the silk-spinning factory and Tiger Hill. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Suzhou sightseeing

Take a 2-hour rickshaw tour of the city, stopping at the bustling local market and Suzhou Park. This afternoon, enjoy a cup of tea in the quiet Couple’s Retreat Garden, with the accompaniment of ping-tan (a local musical form). Afterwards, you will have a short cruise on the Grand Canal and a walk on Old Street. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Suzhou - Beijing

Visit Luzhi Water Town with its old stone bridges, before continuing to Shanghai airport for your short flight to Beijing. On arrival in China’s capital, transfer to the Holiday Inn Downtown for the next 3 nights. This evening visit the Peking Opera. (B/D)

Day 7: The Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs

Today, enjoy a full-day tour of the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs, built over 500 years ago. (B/L)

Day 8: Beijing sightseeing

A full-day tour of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. This evening, dinner is a Peking duck banquet in the original duck restaurant. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Beijing - Xi'an

This morning, enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xi’an, China’s ancient capital. Upon arrival, visit the Grand Mosque, before transferring to the Garden Hotel for 2 nights. (B/D)

Day 10: Terracotta Warriors

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors today, followed by the dramatic Wild Goose Pagoda. (B/L)

Day 11: Xi’an – Chengdu

En route to Xi’an airport, visit the Yangling tomb of the Hang dynasty, dating back 2,000 years. In the early afternoon, fly to Chengdu and visit the amazing Dujiangyan, the oldest irrigation system in the world. Dinner is a local Sichuan meal and your overnight accommodation is at the Tianfu Sunshine Hotel or similar. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Chengdu – Guilin

In the morning, visit the Panda Breeding Centre to watch these endangered creatures feeding and playing, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, a charming town on the Li River. You will have some free time to walk around Banyan Lake. Check in to the Hotel Bravo for your 2-night stay. (B/L/D)

Day 13:  Guilin sightseeing

Enjoy a memorable cruise along the Li River which winds through magical ‘willow pattern’ scenery, ending in the town of Yangshuo where you have an hour to explore, before returning to Guilin. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your tour group. (B/L/D)

Day 14:  Guilin - Hong Kong - London

Enjoy a half-day tour to an ancient local village just outside of Guilin, before a visit to Reed Flute Cave. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong to connect with your overnight Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow. (B/L)