Arrival
Welcome to Beijing - the vibrant capital, where ancient history and modern innovation coexist harmoniously!
Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Exploring Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City
In the morning, you meet your guide and go on an amazing sightseeing tour around the most renowned Beijing landmarks.
You start with a visit to the legendary Tiananmen Square, where the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China, the House of People's Meetings and the monument to the National Heroes are located.
Then you enjoy a guided walking tour through the former residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties - the Forbidden City. You explore its numerous awe-inspiring halls and mysterious temples.
Following lunch, you visit the fantastic ensemble of lakes, gardens and imperial buildings - the Summer Palace, and take a walk at the famous Silk Store, where you can buy some traditional Chinese souvenirs and various silk products.
After the tour, you return to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.
The Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs Tour
Begin a wonderful guided tour of the real icon of the country - the Great Wall of China, to see one of its best-preserved and unique sections that have fewer tourists - the Mutianyu Great Wall.
After spending some unforgettable time strolling at this majestic man-made miracle of the world's architecture you enjoy lunch in a local restaurant followed by a visit to the Jade Factory where you will learn more about the process of carving into the jade and creating amazing pieces of art.
Your tour finishes with a visit to the famous Ming Tombs - the burial site of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. You are then transferred back to Beijing and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Departure
Following breakfast you check out from the hotel and depart from Beijing.
Such coach class onboard the high-speed Fuxing Hao trains provides comfortable seats (2 by 2 configuration) with armrests and reading lights. The coach's facilities also include WiFi and electric sockets. Snacks and drinks can be purchased in a buffet car.
Arrival
Welcome to Xian - a city of ancient wonders, featuring the legendary Terracotta Army and rich cultural heritage.
Upon arrival, our driver takes you to your hotel for a check-in and the rest of the day is free.
Imperial Xian Journey
In the morning, you meet your guide and start a tour dedicated torenowned landmarks of Xian.
Today you visit the ancient Xian City Walls which are one of the largest, oldest and best preserved city walls in China. You then head for the Grand Mosque - one of the best-preserved Islamic building and by far the most famous Chinese mosque. The next sight in your tour list is Hui Minority’s Market that is a great place to meet the locals and buy unique hand-made souvenirs.
After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Exploring the Terracotta Army
After breakfast in your hotel you meet your guide and driver who take you to the most important archaeological finding of the 20th century - the Terracotta Warriors.
The Terracotta Army was constructed to 246–206 BC to accompany the tomb of China's First Emperor as an afterlife guard. Together with your guide, you explore these hundreds of life-size terracotta soldier models and uncover the wonderful history and vivid stories behind their creation. Then you proceed to the Terracotta Copy Factory to see how the Terracotta Warriors were made.
Following lunch, you proceed to the Big Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xian. You enjoy a truly spiritual atmosphere of this sacred Buddhist place before finally get transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you will take a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Arrival in Lhasa – Gateway to Tibet’s Mystique Welcome to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet! Nestled high in the Himalayas at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), this ancient city is a fusion of spirituality, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. As you make your way through the city, take in the sight of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, golden-roofed monasteries, and the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Once settled in your hotel, take some time to acclimate to the altitude and soak in the serene atmosphere. Your journey into the mysteries of Tibet is about to begin, where centuries-old traditions, sacred temples, and the whispers of Buddhist chants await you.
Potala Palace & Sacred Sights
Experience a little of Tibet’s mystery by visiting the Dalai Lama's former residence, the holy Potala Palace, located in the city’s centre. Comprised of the central Red Palace and rooftop White Palace, you will wonder at the Buddha statues, Thangka, murals and traditional Tibetan holy scriptures. Move from the Potala Palace to the Jokhang Temple, considered the spiritual heart of Tibet. View the solid gold statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, visited by Tibetan pilgrims for centuries. Proceed to Barkhor Circuit and be carried along with locals and tourists enjoying the atmosphere and markets. Here you can source mementos from your travel adventures. The final destination for the day is the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery.
Norbulingka, Monasteries & Tibetan Traditions
Discover more about the Dalai Lama’s summer palace, Norbulingka, where you will learn about the production process of Thangka, a uniquely Tibetan scroll painting on silk or cotton. Move from Norbulingka to the Drepung Monastery, which sits highest among the Gelugpa monasteries. This large complex is home to monks as well as a valuable collection of porcelain, Thangka, scriptures, Buddha statues, armor and weapons. Sample a true taste of Tibet when you visit the magnificent Sera Monastery and watch the monks practice their physical form of debating which involves an unusual amount of hand slapping and pushing.
Departure
As your journey through Lhasa and Tibet comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the sacred temples, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual encounters that have made this trip unforgettable. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, where you’ll bid farewell to the mystical land of Tibet. As you leave behind the towering peaks, prayer wheels, and echoing mantras, you carry with you the essence of Tibetan culture and the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Layover in Xian
Arrival
Welcome to Shanghai - the largest city in China and its most significant seaport.
Upon arrival, your driver takes you to your hotel for check-in and the rest of the day is free.
The Bund and Shanghai's Skyscrapers Exploration Meet your guide and driver who take you on a private tour around the most important Shanghai attractions. Since the 2010 World Expo, Shanghai has been a highly popular travel destination in China for tourists from all over the world. Together with your guide, you discover the main highlights of the city, including a rich collection of buildings with various architectural styles and forms. During the tour you pay special attention to the Bund - the beautiful Huangpu River barrier that is one of the most favourite places among the locals. You take a walk through the Bund, enjoying the great views of Shanghai's most famous skyscrapers - the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the World Financial Center. After the sightseeing tour, you are transferred back to your hotel.
Yuyuan Garden and Jade Buddha Adventure
In the morning, meet your guide and embark on a panoramic tour around the bustling metropolis.
Today you visit a well-restored Suzhou-style complex of the Yuyuan Garden and explore the Old Town filled with antique markets and specialty stores. You also take a walk through one of the world's busiest shopping streets in the city - Nanjing Road.
After lunch you visit one of the most important Buddhist temples in China, the Jade Buddha Temple which houses two precious Buddha statues, as well as several of sacred relics.
After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Departure
Following breakfast, you will check out and prepare for your departure from Shanghai. As your China discovery comes to an end, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories of this vibrant city and its rich culture. Wishing you a safe flight and hoping to welcome you back again in the future!