China: The Big One

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.

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.

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 Wangfujing Street. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.

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.

Visit the Temple of Heaven and mingle with the locals as they start their day with Tai Chi, dancing and cards in a flurry of sociable activity. Take the overnight train to Xian.

Start your day with a gentle cycle ride that will take you nine miles around the city wall that enclose Xian's old town. Also visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and Xian Museum.

Spend the morning gazing over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Fly to Guilin. Walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure – you may wish to stroll down Zhengyang Street.

Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.

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 Moon Hill for epic views.

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.

Transfer to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave before flying to Kunming.

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.

Drive to Dali and visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure.

Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional visit to Weibaoshan, one of the fourteen sacred Taoist mountains. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. Walk up the hillside to see a handful of intricately decorated temples and meet a Taoist priest for a meditation session.

Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the fascinating minority people that reside in the area and enjoy a local lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Lijiang and spend the evening in the historic old town.

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.

Enjoy the day at leisure or trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge, through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.

Fly to Chengdu and walk around People's Park. Visit a local teahouse and most interesting of all, Matchmaker's Corner.

Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming bears up close. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy an optional hot pot dinner and a 'face-changing' show.

Take the bullet train to Chongqing. Enjoy free time in the charming old town of Ciqikou then board your Yangtze Cruise vessel.

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, travel to Yichang and then fly to 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.

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.

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