China: The Big One

• DAY 1 - Fly To Beijing:
  Fly to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.
• DAY 2 - Forbidden City:
  Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next, visit Yandaixiejie Street where there's time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing.
• DAY 3 - Huanghuacheng Great Wall:
  Visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall. Reached by boat it boasts particularly spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Qianmen Street and Dashilan area. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.
• DAY 4 - Imperial Summer Palace:
  Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling along pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill. Make a photo stop at the Olympic Park.
• DAY 5 - Temple Of Heaven:
  Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Take the bullet train to Xian.
• DAY 6 - Terracotta Warriors:
  Spend the morning marveling at the life-like warriors and horses, learning their fascinating history. Later, cycle or walk the 9-mile city wall surrounding Xian's old town before exploring the lively Muslim Quarter.
• DAY 7 - Optional Tour to Mount Hua:
  The day is free at leisure to explore Xian or opt to explore the dramatic peaks of Mount Hua, one of China's most sacred mountains.
• DAY 8 - Train to Chengdu:
  Take the bullet train to Chengdu. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
• DAY 9 - Giant Pandas:
  Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming bears up close. Later, walk around People's Park, Matchmaker's Corner, Wide and Narrow Alley, and stop by a local teahouse for a cup.
• DAY 10 - Fly to Lijiang:
  Fly to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
• DAY 11 - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:
  Take a cable car to one of the high meadows and enjoy the vistas. Visit the minority Naxi village and admire the fascinating Baisha frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty.
• DAY 12 - Tiger Leaping Gorge (optional):
  Enjoy the day at leisure or trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge, through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.
• DAY 13 - Shaxi Ancient Town:
  Discover Lijiang's historic old town. Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills and learn about the minority people who call it home. Drive to Dali.
• DAY 14 - Optional Cangshan Cable Car:
  Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional cable car up Cangshan Mountain to explore.
• DAY 15 - Dali's Ancient Town:
  Visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure. In the afternoon, drive to Kunming.
• DAY 16 - Stone Forest:
  Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Return to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the vibrant Wenhua Alley district.
• DAY 17 - Beautiful Guilin:
  Take a bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure – you may wish to stroll down Zhengyang Street.
• DAY 18 - Hiking in Longji (optional):
  Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.
• DAY 19 - Li River Cruise:
  Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to hike to the top of Ruyi Peak for epic views.
• DAY 20 - Yangshuo Tai Chi:
  Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity.
• DAY 21 - Ancient Ciqikou:
  Visit the Reed Flute Cave before taking a bullet train to Chongqing. Explore the charming old town of Ciqikou at leisure before boarding your Yangtze cruise vessel.
• DAYS 22-24 - Yangtze River:
  A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, then travel by bullet train from Yichang to Shanghai.
• DAY 25 - Shanghainese Shanghai:
  Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory, stroll along the Bund and cruise along Huangpu River.
• DAY 26 - Zhujiajiao (Optional):
  Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao, or spend time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, enjoy the ERA show and a delicious farewell dinner.
• DAYS 27-28 - Fly Shanghai To Australia:
  Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

• 18 Apr 2026 - 14 May 2026
  from $8,780 pp twin share *
• 05 May 2026 - 31 May 2026
  from $8,980 pp twin share *
• 09 May 2026 - 04 Jun 2026
  from $9,580 pp twin share *
• 12 May 2026 - 07 Jun 2026
  from $9,380 pp twin share *
• 22 Aug 2026 - 17 Sep 2026
  from $8,780 pp twin share *
• 27 Aug 2026 - 22 Sep 2026
  from $9,380 pp twin share *
• 01 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2026
  from $9,380 pp twin share *
• 05 Sep 2026 - 01 Oct 2026
  from $8,780 pp twin share *
• 06 Oct 2026 - 01 Nov 2026
  from $9,980 pp twin share *
• 13 Oct 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
  from $9,980 pp twin share *
• 17 Oct 2026 - 12 Nov 2026
  from $9,380 pp twin share *
• 23 Mar 2027 - 18 Apr 2027
  from $9,080 pp twin share *
• 06 Apr 2027 - 02 May 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 04 May 2027 - 30 May 2027
  from $9,280 pp twin share *
• 11 May 2027 - 06 Jun 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 24 Aug 2027 - 19 Sep 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 31 Aug 2027 - 26 Sep 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 05 Oct 2027 - 31 Oct 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 12 Oct 2027 - 07 Nov 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *

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

• Mercure Beijing Downtown
• Lanxi International Hotel
• Xin Liang Hotel
• Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
• Landscape Hotel
• Jinjiang Hotel
• Elite Garden Hotel
• Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
• Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
• Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 28 days and 26 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 18 Apr 2026 and 07 Nov 2027, 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.