Classic China

China, 11 Nights

Day 1 - London/Beijing
Board your overnight British Airways flight from Heathrow to Beijing.

Day 2 - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and check-in to The Peninsula Beijing hotel for three nights. This afternoon, your private guide will introduce you to the Temple of Heaven. Enjoy a Hutong tour by pedicab and finish with a visit to Hongqiao Market or Silk Alley.

Day 3 - Beijing
This morning, explore the famous sites of Beijing including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Summer Palace and enjoy a boat trip on Kunming Lake.

Day 4 - Beijing
After breakfast, drive to the Great Wall of China to climb the ramparts at Mutianyu or take a cable car ride. Enjoy a local lunch before exploring the Spirit Way and Ming Tombs.

Day 5 - Beijing/Xian
Take an early transfer to the airport for your flight from Beijing to Xian where you will check-in to the Shangri-La hotel for the next two nights. En route to the hotel stop at the Han Yang Ling Museum, housing terracotta animals and pottery figurines from the Western Han dynasty. Lunch under own arrangements, before visiting the Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Climb the pagoda for wonderful views of the city.

Day 6 - Xian
Today visit the impressive Terracotta Warriors, an army of more than 7,000 terracotta figures with their chariots and horses. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before exploring the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of China's best museums. Lastly, stop at the City Walls, one of the few city walls in China that still remains standing.

Day 7 - Xian/Chongqing
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. This afternoon visit Erling Park, the Peoples' Square and Chongqing Museum. Transfer to the pier to embark M.S. Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer - the smallest and most exclusive cruise boat in the Three Gorges. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a sumptuous dinner.

Day 8 - Yangzi River Cruise
Disembark in Wanzhou to gain an insight into life in rural China. Spreading out over both banks of the river, this mountain city is known as the gateway to the East Sichuan Basin. You will receive a unique glimpse into one of China's remote communities, as you mingle with the locals and visit a school. Also, learn about the impact of the Three Gorges Dam Project on the local farming families.

Day 9 - Yangzi River Cruise
Early this morning, the ship will pass through Qutang Gorge, the narrowest stretch on the itinerary and guarded by sheer, soaring cliffs. After passing through Wu Gorge (also noted for its sharply rising cliff faces and numerous peaks), you will disembark at Badong and board local longboats. Poled by Tujia boatmen, you will explore landscapes little changed for thousands of years. This region is home to several species of endangered flora and fauna, including the elusive golden hair monkey. This afternoon, the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer will pass through majestic Xiling Gorge, stopping en route at the site of the Three Gorges Dam. In the evening, the ship will pass through the ship locks (a highlight of the journey) taking approximately four hours. 

Day 10 - Yichang/Shanghai
Disembark the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer at Yichang for an early morning overland visit to the Three Gorges Dam Project. Enjoy a brief sightseeing-tour of Yichang with lunch before transferring to the airport. Fly to Shanghai and transfer to the Four Seasons hotel for a two night stay.

Day 11 - Shanghai
Meet your guide who will introduce you to the highlights of Shanghai, including the beautiful Yu Gardens, the Old Town and The Bund. Have lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall for an insight into Shanghai's future, and the fascinating Shanghai Museum. This evening, enjoy an acrobatic show.

Day 12 - Shanghai/London
Transfer to the airport by early-morning train for your homeward flight, arriving later the same day. Alternatively, extend your stay in China with a visit to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Extension (2 nts)
Fly from Shanghai to Hong Kong and check-in to The Peninsula Hong Kong. A half day's sightseeing explores Sheung Wan market, Man Mo Temple, Victoria Peak, Aberdeen fishing village followed by a dim sum lunch.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, a 12 day journey in China will cost from £4,395 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.

Click here to download our Classic China itinerary