CLASSIC CHINA

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Arrive at Beijing International Airport and transfer to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The Waldorf Astoria combines oriental design with contemporary style, with beautiful Chinese art and sculptures throughout. Rooms on the upper floors offer the most spectacular views including Wangfujing Cathedral and the pavilions which crown Jingshan Park.

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria

Day 2 Explore Beijing with a Guide

After a relaxing night, explore the imperial era sights of Beijing with your private guide. Begin at the very heart of modern Beijing at Tiananmen Square, home to China's parliament - The Great Hall of The People. Dominated by Mao's Mausoleum, the square bustles with people and colourful kites. Your journey takes you on to the Forbidden City (the Palace Museum) for exclusive access to the Chonghua Gong where Emperor Qianlong once lived as a young man before his accession to the throne. Enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views over Tiananmen Square before leaving town to visit the Imperial Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular lakes and gardens. This evening is free to explore or relax as you please.

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria

Day 3 The Great Wall of China

After breakfast, you will meet your private guide for a full day at the Great Wall. You will visit Mutianyu, a less visited part of the wall where you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding countryside without the crowds. For lunch, discover local cuisine at The Brickyard Restaurant before visiting the magnificent Ming Tombs, a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Return to The Waldorf Astoria late afternoon.

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria

Day 4 Beijing to Xian

This morning, visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors came to pray in anticipation of a good harvest. Today local residents come to practice morning exercises such as Tai Chi. Enjoy a fascinating visit to the Hutongs by traditional pedicab. The Hutongs is a maze of small lanes and former courtyard houses of Old Beijing. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Xian. Sitting in the heart of ancient Xian, The Sofitel on Renmin Square is the perfect base for exploring, located within the Old City walls and close to many historical sites including the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Great Mosque and Forest of Steles. Enjoy a short stroll to the buzzing Islamic Quarter before dinner.

Overnight: Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square

Day 5 Explore Xian - The Terracotta Warriors

The Army of Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an, referred to locally as the 'Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World', was discovered by accident in 1974 by a local farmer digging a well. The figures include warriors, chariots and horses in three pits. There are more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalrymen, the majority of which are still buried in the pits near to Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. Enjoy a full day with your delightful guide at the site of the Terracotta Warriors before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square

Day 6 Xian to Guilin

After breakfast, your private guide will meet you to explore the Old City, where you will learn about Xian's association with the mighty Silk Route, the world's oldest and most historically important overland trade route. You will visit the City Walls by bicycle or buggy before continuing on to the Islamic Quarter, where the Great Mosque is situated amongst peaceful gardens. This afternoon, take a flight to Guilin and check in to the Shangri-La Hotel, beautifully located with views to the spectacular rock formations along the Li River.

Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

Day 7 Explore Guilin

This morning you join a riverboat on the Li River to sail through the magnificent scenery of Guangxi Province, past magnificent karst peaks close to where water buffalo graze, locals reap rice paddies and fishermen float on bamboo barges. A simple lunch will be served on board. On arrival at Yangshuo, you will have time to explore and experience village life which has remained unchanged for centuries. In the afternoon, you will board a traditional bamboo raft to float down a tributary of the Li River. Before you return to the city, enjoy a show, directed by the acclaimed Zhang Yimou. The show is a magnificent spectacle of dance, theatrics and light staged entirely on the lake. Arrive back in Guilin late evening.

Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

Day 8 At Leisure

Today is a day at leisure for you to relax before flying to Chongqing this afternoon. On arrival in Chongqing, board The Yangtze Explorer. Set sail after a delicious dinner.

Overnight: Yangtze Explorer

Day 9 - 10 Cruising the Yangtze River

Enjoy two days sailing down the mighty Yangtze River. Your cruise includes shore excursions and on-board activities.

Overnight: Yangtze Explorer

Day 11 Yichang to Shanghai

Arrive in Yichang and disembark for your onward flight to Shanghai. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Enjoy two nights at The Peninsula Hotel, situated on the historic Bund River, with city views best appreciated from the magnificent roof-top bar. The hotel's interior design was inspired by the Art Deco era, when Shanghai was celebrated as the 'Paris of the East'. Explore the Rosamonde Aviation Lounge, which celebrates China's aviation history with an impressive collection of memorabilia, including a life-size replica of a 1930 Loening amphibian seaplane. Enjoy delicious cuisine in one of the hotel's signature restaurants and relax with one of the spa's holistic treatments.

Overnight: The Peninsula Beijing

Day 12 Shanghai

This morning, visit the Bund, Shanghai's waterfront area flanked by splendid colonial-era buildings set against the striking backdrop of the modern skyline. Just before lunch, visit the wonderful Yu Gardens with their colourful landscaping and traditional Chinese houses. Lunch will be at Michelin starred restaurant Din Tai Fung, renowned for its delicious Xialongbao - a Taiwanese dumpling. Continue on to the Shanghai Museum and Urban Planning Centre with its interesting interpretation of the rapid development of Shanghai. This evening will be at leisure.

Overnight: The Peninsula Beijing

Day 13 Depart China

Today you will leave China. Your guide will meet you and transfer you to the airport for your flight home.