Essentials - 17 days

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Arrival private transfer to hotel.

Days 2-4 Beijing

During in-depth private touring in Beijing, explore the splendours of the imperial palaces- Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven;  Travel by rickshaw down the narrow hutongs (lanes) of a traditional residential neighbourhood. See lesser-known temples, and venture to a little-visited hilltop park for panoramic views over the rooftops of the Forbidden City.

One day, take an excursion to a stunning section of the Great Wall with a stop for lunch at Commune by the Great Wall.

Dine on traditional specialties at favourite family-run restaurants, and enjoy reservations at Beijing's most acclaimed restaurants. Visit markets specializing in pearls, silk, food and furniture, and, if desired, explore new art gallery districts that showcase the city's burgeoning contemporary art scene.

Days 5-6 Xian

Private transfer and flight to Xian for 2 nights.

The ancient capital of Xian is a major stop on the Silk Road. See the famed Terracotta Warriors and the massive city walls. Explore a local night market and the lively streets of the Muslim Quarter. Dine on dumplings, a local specialty. Visit the important Big and Small Goose Pagodas. Tour the impressive Shaanxi Provincial History Museum and the Forest of Stele, a fascinating library of tall stone tablets.

Days 7-8 Nine Village Valley (Jiuzhaigou)

Today continue your journey to Nine Village Valley, a World Heritage site, famous for very special scenery, rich natural beauty, and primeval forests. It is called "A Fairyland on Earth". You will spend the day at Nine Village Valley (it is also called Jiuzhaipou in Chinses), one of China’s most scenic reserves. The mountain valleys dotted with Tibetan villages, beneath the snow-capped mountains, the valley floors are dotted with almost 100 extraordinarily blue lakes. Broad waterfalls, heavily encrusted with lime deposits, connect many of the lakes.

Days 9-10 Chengdu

You fly to Chengdu where you experience one of the most unique and special moments on this trip - a visit to see the pandas. Sichuan Province is home to China's most celebrated creature.

Day 11 Chengdu-Chongqing

Travel to the enormous modern city of Chongqing by bullet train. Chongqing is an industrial and commercial hub of an independent municipality with a population of over 30 million.

Here you will board your luxurious Yangtze River cruise ship-Yangtze Explorer for next 3 nights.

Days 12-13 Yangtze Cruise

You cruise the famous Yangtze River in a superbly appointed cruise ship as it winds its way through the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. For many people, a cruise along this famous river is a lifelong dream. At 6300km, the Yangtze is the third longest river in the world, made famous today by its spectacular Three Gorges and the controversial Three Gorges Dam. The mist-shrouded landscape of the Yangtze Gorges is as lovely as a traditional Chinese painting. Along the way you stop and visit interesting places.

Day 14 Arrive Yichang-Shanghai

You disembark Yichang and private transfer to the airport for flight to Shanghai for a 3 nights stay.

Days 15-16 Shanghai

You tour is concluded in Shanghai. Learn about Shanghai's history through the architecture of the Bund, the French Concession, Pudong and other districts. Visit up-and-coming neighbourhoods filled with art galleries, design shops and stylish new restaurants. Later visit the beautifully maintained Yu Garden, an outstanding example of a classical garden dating from the 16th century, and explore the bustling market area which now surrounds it; Ascend the Minshan Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings, for an astonishing view over the whole city, before visiting the renowned Shanghai Museum.

Day 17 Depart Shanghai

Depart private transfer to the airport.