DAY 1
Depart on your scheduled flight to Beijing.
DAY 2
Arrival in Beijing, where you will meet your Tour Manager and Chinese guide and transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. This afternoon our included introductory city tour will take you to see Chang An Avenue and the strikingly beautiful Temple of Heaven. This ornate structure, made entirely of wood, was built in 1420 and still used as a hall of prayer for good harvests.
DAY 3
Beijing is an extraordinary city. Ancient temples and palaces, with golden curved roofs and exquisite marble and jade, stand proudly beside the vast 20th century civic buildings created by Chairman Mao and his people in this extraordinary city. The most modern architecture can be seen with the iconic Olympic buildings. These include the National Aquatics Centre, better known as the Water Cube and the National Stadium, better known as the Bird’s Nest. Daily life in Beijing is a truly spellbinding sight to the first time visitor. It is a city of millions of bicycles, bustling street markets and food stalls, horses and carts, crowded buses and, above all, a warm, dignified and friendly people, eager to welcome their visitors.
Today we include a visit to the heart of Beijing – Tian an Men Square, the largest public square in the world, bordered by the Qianmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the Gate of Heavenly Peace. We proceed through the gate into the incredible Forbidden City to marvel at the magnificent buildings that house the Imperial Palace from which China was ruled by the Imperial dynasties. During your guided tour, you will see magnificent collections of Chinese bronzes, porcelain, paintings, jade and other treasures.
After lunch a short visit will be made to the world-famous Beijing Zoo to see the pandas, before continuing to the magnificent, 800- year-old Summer Palace, the largest and best preserved of all imperial palace gardens, Here you can admire the famous Marble Boat, the ornately painted ‘long corridor’, and gaze in awe at the traditional Chinese landscape surrounding the various towers, gardens and pavilions.
DAY 4
This morning we include a visit to the Great Wall. It is some 3,800 miles long, at least 2,600 years old and winds like a Chinese dragon through the hills of northern China. You will have plenty of time to walk along the historic ramparts and marvel at its size and grandeur. Lunch is followed by a visit to the remarkable Ming Tombs Museum where thirteen emperors are buried. This evening enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner.
DAY 5
Morning flight to Xian the ‘City of Eternal Peace’ and once the flourishing capital of China and most important city in Asia. The recent archaeological discoveries near the city have staggered the imagination, for it is here that the first Qin emperor was interred in 200BC with at least 6,000 life-size terracotta figures representing the individuals of the Imperial Guard. This Terracotta Army is grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse drawn chariots, others armed with spears, swords and crossbows. This dazzling display of ancient Chinese military power is quite simply one of the world’s most remarkable sights.
On arrival, we transfer directly to the site of the Terracotta Army at Li Shan Mountain where we have included a full sightseeing programme. You will also visit Han Tombs and have the opportunity to attend a Tang Dynasty folklore show this evening.
DAY 6
During our morning tour of Xian itself, you will visit the Goose Pagodas and the city wall, before transferring to the airport for the return flight to Beijing.
DAY 7
Today we fly to Tokyo for a three night stay. This tour explores not only the ultra modern Japan of today, but more especially the ancient culture and traditions which underpin it. You begin here in Tokyo, the bustling and dynamic capital and a showcase city. Modern influences have not overwhelmed the old and tea ceremonies, flower arrangements and old traditions are a constant reminder of the Japan of ‘Madame Butterfly’ and ‘The Mikado’.
DAY 8
Our included city tour this morning will take you to see the Asakusa Kannon Temple, the Imperial Palace and the Meiji Shrine.
DAY 9
Free in Tokyo, or you can join a full day optional excursion to Mount Fuji.
DAY 10
This morning we transfer to Tokyo station and travel by the famous bullet train to Kyoto for a three night stay. Weather permitting you can enjoy views of magnificent Mt Fuji en route.
If there is one city in Japan that every visitor should see this is it. Kyoto presents a near-perfect image of the old Japan – dreamy gardens and pavilions, multicoloured kimonos and a refined culture and lifestyle. Kyoto is the home of the geisha, young girls who are trained in the traditional arts of Japan. This afternoon’s city tour takes us to visit Nijo Castle, a former luxurious residential palace, and the gold leaf clad Kinkakuji Temple set beside a small lake.
DAY 11
You are free to explore at your own pace, or join a full day optional excursion to Hiroshima.
DAY 12
Morning sightseeing in Nara, the ‘City of Temples’ with lunch included. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 13
Morning transfer to Osaka Airport for your return flight to the UK via Tokyo. As you will be flying westwards your arrival in the UK is later the same day.