The Dynasty Tour
China Holidays - 13 Night Itinerary from £3,777 from €3,632 from $3,910

Day 1 - Welcome to Shanghai

You will fly overnight to Shanghai and be welcomed upon arrival for transfer to your hotel and a short introduction to the city.

Day 2 - Highlights of Shanghai

Shanghai is China's most developed mega city, a futuristic metropolis symbolised by its forest of towering skyscrapers. However, if you know which street to turn down, you can still find relics of a bygone era and the occasional oasis of calm.

The Jade Buddha Temple is one such example, rebuilt in 1918 to replace the original one that was destroyed during the revolution and to house two impressive jade Buddhas. The 16th century Yu Yuan is a quintessentially Chinese garden, with many fascinating details throughout the various areas, divided by undulating dragon walls. One of the best spots in Shanghai is the Bund waterfront, lined with historic banks, offices and hotels on one side and on the other, sweeping views across the Huangpu River to the skyscrapers of Pudong - one of the world's most iconic skylines. The most recognisable of these towers is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, offering fine views from its viewing platforms.

Lunch and a special dim sum dinner is included, plus in the evening you will enjoy a spectacular acrobatics show to complete an unforgettable day.

Day 3-4 - Shanghai at leisure

Enjoy time at leisure in Shanghai to relax, shop or pursue your own interests. Alternatively take optional excursions out of the cities to see the nearby classical Chinese gardens of Suzhou or visit one of the ancient water towns which surround the city and enjoy a tranquil boat ride.

Day 7 - Li River Cruise

The highlight of a trip to Guilin is the chance to drift down the Li River to Yangshuo, passing through the infinite limestone sugarloaf peaks which rise dramatically out of the ground, so creating one of the most arresting vistas in the country. Bamboo groves and paddy fields line the river's edge, where we can also observe water buffalo and local peasants working the land. In Yangshuo, as the light begins to fade, traditional fishermen emerge on their bamboo rafts, to which cormorants are tethered, to help them locate the best fish, a tradition practiced since ancient times.

Lunch and dinner are again included and in the evening, you will enjoy the spectacular Impression of Liu Sanjie show, which takes place the Li River in Yangshou. It fuses musical, lighting, dance and story telling elements to create a dramatic spectacle. It is performed by local actors from the nearby minority villages and was directed by proclaimed film director Zhang Yimou, who was responsible for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Stay overnight in Yangshou.

Day 8 - Hiking or cycling in Yangshuo

This morning we will take a guided hike or cycle ride to explore the beautiful countryside and karst landscape around Yangshou in more depth. After lunch (included) you will then have the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your leisure, perhaps watching the local cormorant fishermen show in the evening.

Day 11 - Great Wall & Ming Tombs

We start the day with a once-in-a-lifetime visit to one of the great wonders of the world and an enduring symbol of Chinese power. Located around 50 miles north of Beijing, Mutianyu is one of the very best preserved sections of the Great Wall, affording picture-postcard views, as the wall gently rolls over the surrounding hills.

On the way back to Beijing, we will stop to visit the impressive Ming Tombs, resting place of 13 Chinese emperors from the Ming dynasty. Surrounded by mountain ridges on three sides, the site shows off some wonderful Ming era artifacts, statues and architectural details. Upon returning to Beijing, we will make a quick stop to admire and photograph the world famous Birds Nest Olympic Stadium. It is one of the finest modern arenas in the world, surprisingly full of hidden symbolism.

Lunch is again included and in the evening you will enjoy a traditional duck dinner at a local restaurant.

Great Wall alternative excursions

Alternatively, there is the option to visit the wilder Jinshanling Great Wall section, which offers hiking opportunities and far fewer crowds. This is a full day tour from Beijing, so does not allow time for the tombs or the stadium, instead offering a more in-depth experience of the wall.