This Tour is ideal for the first-time visitor to China. It also serves well for the business travellers or people on official duty trips to China, who wish to spend a few more days travelling in the country before or after their official engagement. It could be used as China part of the tour for those who are on a round-the-world trip.

The tour presents some of the best examples of China's historical and cultural aspects, as well as those of modern-day charms. The tour is based on privately escorted tour and arrangement, which only requires a minimum bookings of two people with guaranteed daily departure throughout 2010.

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/Xian

Transfer to airport for flight from Beijing to Xian, the city of eternal peace, once the flourishing capital of China of 11dynasties. Upon arrival, transfer to the 4 star Mercure Hotel on Renmin Square for 2 nights stay. Take a tour to the enormous City Walls, sensing the immense scale and enduring impregnability. Guided walk through the Muslim quarter of the Old Town and the local market. (B, L)                        

Day 7  Xi'an

Excursion to Qin Emperor’s Tomb, where 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1974. They were interred within the outer wall of the Emperor’s mausoleum as his eternal imperial guards. The scale of the endeavour is awe-inspiring and the image of warriors solemn and moving. Lunch at Terra Cotta Warriors Museum with noodle-making demonstration. The day also includes a visit to Xian History Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. (B, L)

Day 8  Xian/Shanghai

Transfer to airport for morning flight from Xian to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to the 4 star Greenland Jiulong Hotel for 3 nights stay. Free time at own leisure for the rest of the day. (B)

Day 9  Shanghai

Full day tour in Shanghai to include Nanjing Road, Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Yuan Garden, and the Children’s Palace. Stroll along the Bund, enjoying its elegant sweep of European architecture and landmarks, and immersing yourself in the location’s history and unique character. (B, L)

Day 10  Shanghai

Free time at own leisure. (B)

Day 11  Shanghai/London

Transfer to airport for direct flight to London with Virgin Atlantic Airways or Air China. The flight arrive back to London in the late afternoon on the same day. (B)

One Day Shanghai World Expo Tour (Optional):

Day 10   Shanghai World Expo

Full day excursion and visit to the 2010 World Expo with round trip transfers and admission tickets. (B)

Hong Kong Extension (Optional):

Day 11  Shanghai/Hong Kong

Transfer to airport for flight from Shanghai 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 12  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 13  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 14  London

Flight arrive London in the early morning.