Classic China

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Head to Beijing's symbolic heart and stroll

across Tiananmen Square, one of the largest

public squares in the world. Enter into the

sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City,

a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the

Gate of Supreme Harmony to a vast complex

of over 900 buildings covering an area of

180 acres. Later, soak up the harmonious

ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly

oasis in a bustling urban landscape. In the

evening, dine on the region’s local delicacy,

Peking duck, followed by an enthralling

Chinese acrobatic show.

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 wall itself and the dramatic

scenery that it crosses. Stop by a jade factory

to learn about this sacred stone, said to bring

fortune and prosperity to those who wear it.

Then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens

of the Summer Palace as you wander through

traditional Chinese landscapes and see the

exquisite architecture

Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

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. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Explore

the Reed Flute Cave to admire its colourful

stalagmites and stalactites, then visit the

South China Pearl Factory.

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo's vibrant markets.

Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available including cycling or bamboo rafting.

Drive back to Guilin and board the scenic bullet

train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province.

Meander through the formations of the

UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering

limestone pillars stand treelike in a fascinating

illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on a

local dish, 'Across the Bridge' noodles.

Board the bullet train to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Discover the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese 'old town' and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges. Continue to the Black Dragon Pool Park, where there are wonderful views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain itself.

Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Later, return to Lijiang.

A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha Old Town to view the fascinating frescoes painted during the early Ming Dynasty and Baisha Village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.

Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.

Tonight, dine on some fantastic local cuisine.

A visit to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre allows you to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children. Later, transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze cruise vessel.

As you cruise downstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various side trips and shore excursions as well as the Three Gorges Dam which showcases a simply massive feat of engineering. Disembark and travel to Yichang for your flight to Shanghai.

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, the Silk Factory and stroll along the Bund. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take an optional trip on the super-fast Maglev train or ascend Jin Mao Tower. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.