Together with the classical and historical sites in Beijing which served as imperial China’s capitals for over 800 years, this tour highlights the unique attractions in Tibet, the Himalayan region being regarded as the Roof of the World, and the neighbouring China’s Sichuan province, culturally and geographically fused at their mountainous seam. It's based on tailor made privately escorted tour and arrangement, and you could add extra extension or extend your stay in any area of your choice. The tour is guaranteed with a minimum number of bookings of 2 persons for each departure.
Day 1 London
Direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Beijing with Air China.
Day 2 Beijing
Arrive at Beijing, met by our tour representative and transfer to the 5 star standard hotel Four Points by Sheraton Beijing for 4 nights stay.
Day 3 Beijing
Tour the Imperial Winter Palace also called the Forbidden City in the heart of the Capital. Walk in the world’s largest public square the Tiananmen Square. The tour then takes you to the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial encampment of temples, pavilions and halls set in a park around the vast Kunming lake. Take a boat ride on the Lake. (B, L)
Day 4 Beijing
Full day excursion to the Great Wall. Here you’ll have plenty time to walk along the historic ramparts and marvel at its size and grandeur. After that, stroll along “The Sacred Path” which leads to the Ming Tombs where 13 Emperors were buried, and visit the Emperor’s resting place through a series of under-ground passageways and chambers. On return, stop by the landmark 2008 Olympic venues the “Bird Nest” Stadium and “Water Cube” Aquatics Centre for viewing and picture takings. (B, L)
Day 5 Beijing
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful ornate wood structure built in 1420 and used by the Emperors to perform sacrificial rituals for good harvests. After lunch tour Yonghe Lamasery, which was built in 1694 and later occupied by Emperor Yongzheng as his official residence before he came to the throne. It’s the largest Lamasery in Beijing and served as the centre for the Imperial Court to administer the nation’s Lamaism affairs. It was also served as the official residence for the visiting Dalai Lama from Tibet and the Kings from Mongolia. (B, L)
Day 6 Beijing/Chengdu
Transfer to airport for flight from Beijing to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province, famous for its fine temple architecture, teahouse atmosphere and searing Sichuan cuisine. Met at the airport, visit Kuanzhai Lanes, the century-old Chengdu dwellings dating back to Qing Dynasty. Transfer to the 3 star Xinhua Hotel in the town centre for overnight stay. (B, L)
Day 7 Chengdu/Mount Emei
Free time at own leisure in most of the day in Chengdu. In the late afternoon, transfer to Mount Emei, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China. 2 nights stay at the 3 star Phoenix Lake Hotel at the foothill. (B, L)
Day 8 Mount Emei
Take the cable car up to the top of Mount Emei, enjoying the spectacular landscape all the way. If you’re lucky you may see Buddha’s Glory, an ethereal light effect in the clouds below being regarded by the pilgrims as the appearance of Divine. Visit the highest summit, the Golden Summit of the mountain and the surrounding areas including Huazang Temple. (B, L)
Day 9 Mount Emei/Leshan
Car travel to Leshan, famous for its huge Buddha statue carved from the rock face 1,200 years ago at the junction of two rivers with a height of 233 feet. Tour the Giant Buddha and adjacent attractions including a boat ride to view the statue. In the evening, return to Chengdu for overnight stay at the 3 star Xinhua Hotel at the town centre. (B, L)
Day 10 Lhasa
Transfer to airport for flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, the holy capital of Tibet. Upon arrival, transfer to the 3 star Shangbala Hotel for 3 nights stay. The rest of the day is free at own leisure to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude. (B, L)
Day 11 Lhasa
Full day tour in Lhasa, starting with the tour to Potala Palace, a huge walled castle of buildings spring from the hillside above Lhasa like a medieval fortress built between 1645 and 1693. Here you will access to both the outer section called the White Palace and the inner one called the Red Palace, viewing the well-preserved apartments of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas for a taste of their rarefied world and Tibetan Buddhism. The tour then brings you to the Jokhang Temple which was consecrated in 647 A.D. on a strict geomantic scheme. Following a prayer wheel-lined pilgrim route, you will see the sacred chapels, halls and the golden roofs. The pathway will then lead you to Barkhor Street, the middle pilgrim circle in a clockwise direction, where in searching the prayer-wheel you will be melt into a fusion of colour and activity. (B, L)
Day 12 Lhasa
Full day tour in Lhasa, starting with Norbu Lingka, a complex sits in a 98-acre park and served as Dalai Lamas’ Summer Palace. Then visit the Drepung Monastery, the once largest monastery in the world. Tour Sera Monastery and Ramoche Temple. (B, L)
Day 13 Lhasa/Beijing
Transfer to airport for flight from Lhasa to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to 3 star hotel close to the airport for overnight stay. (B)
Day 14 Beijing/London
Transfer to airport for direct flight to London with Air China. The flight arrive London in the late afternoon on the same day. (B)
Hong Kong Extension (Optional):
Day 14 Beijing/Hong Kong
Transfer to airport for flight from Beijing to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to the 3 star Nathan Hotel located in central Kowloon for 2 nights stay. Free time at own leisure for the rest of the day. (B)
Day 15 Hong Kong
Half-day Hong Kong Island tour – duration: 4 to 5 hours.
Pick up from the hotel. The tour starts with a Tram-ride up to the Victoria Peak (1, 810 ft above the sea level) for a panoramic view of the city's famous skyline, magnificent Victoria Harbour and the romantic South China Sea and the surrounding islands. Then travelling along the scenic coastline and visit the picturesque Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. Proceed next to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen and have a close look at the local fishermen and their boat community. An optional sampan ride can be arranged on site. A short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory and take a behind the scene look at the fine art that has made Hong Kong the best in Asia. The tour ends in the famous Stanley Market. (B)
Day 16 Hong Kong
Free time at own leisure during the day. In the evening, transfer to airport for late night direct flight to London with Virgin Atlantic Airways. (B)
Day 17 London
Flight arrives at London in the early morning.