China & Mongolia Heartlands

• Day 1 - Fly to Shanghai:
  Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
• Day 2 - Explore Shanghai:
  Today explore the classical Yu Garden, stroll through the charming old town, visit a silk mill and take in sweeping views of Shanghai's stunning skyline from Jinmao Tower. Later, admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. The skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold. Tonight, savour some traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
• Day 3 - Travel to the Yangtze:
  Take the bullet train to Yichang and board your home for the next four nights – a relaxing cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.
• Days 4-6 - Yangtze River Cruise:
  A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, enjoy a range of shore excursions and onboard entertainment. Take a scenic side trip to either the tranquil Shennong or Goddess Stream, where smaller boats allow for deeper exploration of lush gorges and hidden valleys.
• Day 7 - Historic Ciqikou:
  Disembark the cruise vessel in Chongqing, explore old Ciqikou, a district known for its porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ciqikou's narrow streets are perfect for a morning stroll to admire the historical, traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuanese meal for dinner with the option of a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for its 'face-changing'.
• Day 8 - Chengdu Panda Reserve:
  Start your day with a visit to Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Base, where you can see and learn about China's cherished pandas in a habitat mirroring their natural surroundings. Explore the museum to gain insights into the reserve's breeding efforts. Later, take a bullet train to the former imperial capital of Xian. This evening a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a captivating performance of Tang Dynasty dancing awaits.
• Day 9 - Terracotta Warriors:
  After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses, and visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town, stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting, then walk through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter.
• Day 10 - Bullet train to Beijing:
  Board the bullet train to Beijing, a fast-paced capital where modern life meets 3,000 years of rich, tumultuous history.
• Day 11 - Imperial Beijing:
  Head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic heart, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, stroll through the peaceful grounds of the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. As evening falls, enjoy a dazzling Chinese acrobatic show – a thrilling display of skill, strength, and tradition.
• Day 12 - The Great Wall:
  This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. In the afternoon, visit a jade factory then enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and view the exquisite architecture. This evening, savour Beijing's best-known delicacy-Peking duck.
• Day 13 - Fly to Mongolia:
  Fly to Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
• Day 14 - Explore Ulaanbaatar:
  Start your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Head to the heart of the city to walk around Sukhbaatar Square then view the fascinating exhibits of the Chinggis Khaan Museum. This evening, enjoy a lively folklore concert that features traditional songs, dances and music.
• Day 15 - Terelj National Park:
  Leave the city and travel into the hinterland to discover the picturesque scenery of Terelj National Park, pausing en route at the impressive 46-metre-tall Genghis Khan statue. At Terelj, fuel up on lunch at a ger camp before walking through its scenic beauty to the iconic Turtle Rock and the Temple of Meditation. Return to Ulaanbaatar.
• Day 16 - Travel to Karakorum:
  Depart Ulaanbaatar and cross the Central Mongolian Steppe. Reach the Bayan Gobi sand dunes, a ‘mini-Gobi Desert’, and explore among the 10-metre-high dunes that sit among the vast plains of the steppe. After lunch at a ger camp, continue to Karakorum where, on arrival, you’ll discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Karakorum Museum, followed by a walk to Turtle Stone Hill.
• Day 17 - Wild horses of Khustai:
  This morning, visit Erdene Zuu in time to witness the monks doing their morning chants, a deeply resonant experience. Then, visit a nomadic family who will guide you through the preparation of a traditional Mongolian dish, which you will then sit down and enjoy together. Travel to Khustai National Park, home to Mongolia’s famous takhi, or Przewalski’s horse, once extinct in the wild. Enjoy an early evening viewing of these majestic creatures before travelling on to your premium ger camp, set among the beauty of the rolling steppe.
• Day 18 - Return to Ulaanbaatar:
  Head back to Ulaanbaatar, watching the shift between landscapes out of the window as you go. On arrival, enjoy lunch and then a free afternoon. This evening, a farewell meal is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventures with your fellow travellers.
• Days 19-20 - Fly to Australia:
  Transfer to the airport and fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

• 18 May 2027 - 05 Jun 2027
  from $13,580 pp twin share *
• 08 Jun 2027 - 26 Jun 2027
  from $13,580 pp twin share *
• 17 Aug 2027 - 04 Sep 2027
  from $13,580 pp twin share *
• 02 Sep 2027 - 20 Sep 2027
  from $13,580 pp twin share *
• 16 May 2028 - 03 Jun 2028
  from $13,980 pp twin share *
• 06 Jun 2028 - 24 Jun 2028
  from $13,980 pp twin share *
• 15 Aug 2028 - 02 Sep 2028
  from $13,980 pp twin share *
• 31 Aug 2028 - 18 Sep 2028
  from $13,980 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Pudong
• Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
• Skytel Hotel
• Lanxi International Hotel
• Mercure Beijing Downtown
• Chinggis Khaan Hotel
• Premium Ger Camps

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 20 days and 18 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 18 May 2027 and 18 Sep 2028, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.