MAGICAL CHINA- A FAMILY ADVENTURE

Arrive

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Arrive into Beijing from your international flight. On arrival, meet your Red Savannah representative and continue to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Overnight: The Waldorf Astoria

Day 2 Beijing

Join your guide to explore Beijing and its imperial-era sights. You will begin with the vast Tiananmen Square, home to China's parliament - The Great Hall of The People. With Mao's Mausoleum as its focal point, enjoy strolling amongst people flying colourful kites. Continue to the Forbidden City (the Palace Museum) for exclusive access to the Chonghua Gong where Emperor Qianlong lived as a young man before his accession to the throne. Enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views over Tiananmen Square before exploring the Hutongs, a maze of characterful little lanes and ancient courtyard houses. Here you will be introduced to a local kite maker in his workshop. Kite flying is a popular activity in China. You will also visit one of the Hutongs' ancient houses for a glimpse into daily life in today's China. This evening there will be a performance of the traditional martial art, Kung Fu.

Overnight: The Waldorf Astoria

Day 3 The Great Wall of China

After breakfast, you will meet your private guide to explore the Great Wall. Your guide will take you to Mutianyu, a less visited part of the wall where you will be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding countryside and perhaps fly kites. Following a delicious lunch at The Schoolhouse Restaurant, explore the magnificent Ming Tombs, a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty before returning to the city for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: The Waldorf Astoria

Day 4 Beijing to Xian

This morning before you leave Beijing, you will visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors came to pray for a good harvest and where today many local residents come for morning exercises such as Tai Chi. Whilst here you will take part in a traditional Tai Chi lesson. Continue your journey by air to Xian. En route, visit the Terracotta Warriors of the Han Dynasty, which date from about 80 years after the more famous warriors which you will visit the next day. The Sofitel Xian is beautifully situated within the Old City walls near many historical sites including the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Great Mosque and Forest of Steles. The hotel has large comfortable rooms, a Spa with indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Overnight: Sofitel 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 as he was digging a well. The figures include more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalrymen, the majority of which are still buried in the pits close 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 and an evening exploring Xian at your leisure.

Overnight: Sofitel on Renmin Square

Day 6 Xian to Chengdu

This morning you will learn some of the skills involved in traditional martial arts at Xian's Martial Arts University, one of China's leading teaching centres. From here, take a short flight to Chengdu and check in to the Ritz Carlton. The first luxury hotel in Southwest China, The Ritz Carlton has spectacular views of Tienfu Square and downtown Chengdu. Service, which includes private butlers in all suites, is exemplary. Chengdu is a UNESCO city of gastronomy with regional dishes featuring robust spices and tongue-numbing Sichuan pepper. Your hotel has two excellent restaurants - Li Xuan Chinese restaurant serving international versions of Chinese cuisine - and Flair, a rooftop restaurant with a wow factor, where Asian style tapas and classic international meals are served by Swiss waiters. There is also a superb Champagne Bar.

Overnight: Ritz Carlton

Day 7 Chengdu

Begin your day with a visit to the Bisheng Gorge Panda Sanctuary and the Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute both of which are located in the city of Ya'an. The two hour drive to the sanctuary takes you through some beautiful scenery. At Bisheng Gorge, there will be the opportunity to play with some of the young pandas as part of their socialization process. This evening, enjoy a Sichuan Opera and a traditional 'Face Changing' Ceremony in Chengdu.

Overnight: Ritz Carlton

Day 8 Chengdu to Guilin

After a leisurely breakfast you will continue your journey with a flight to Guilin. On arrival check in to the Shangri-La Hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overlooking the spectacular karst formations of the Li River and surrounded by landscaped gardens, the Shangri-La is perfectly located for exploring Guilin. The hotel has a choice of dining venues, including Shang Palace, serving Cantonese, Huaiyang, Hunan and Guilin cuisine, There is also an excellent spa, health club and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Overnight: Shangri La

Day 9 Explore Guilin

The centrepiece of any trip to Guangxi Province is a Li River Cruise. This morning you will sail past the magnificent karst peaks close to where water buffalo graze in the fields, locals reap rice paddies and fishermen float on bamboo barges. A simple lunch will be served on board before you arrive at Yangshuo, where you will have time to explore at your own pace and see village life as it has remained for centuries. In the afternoon, board a traditional bamboo raft to float down a tributary of the Li River. This evening, before returning to the city, enjoy a spectacular show, directed by the acclaimed Zhang Yimou, staged entirely on the lake.

Overnight: The Shangri-La

Day 10 Guilin to Shanghai

Spend your morning exploring the stunning Reed Flute Caves, known for their beautifully illuminated stalagmites and stalactites. Continue to Da Zu village, positioned on the Ling Canal. This prosperous village earned its fortune as a trading centre. Afterwards continue to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival check in to the Portman Ritz Carlton for three nights in one of China's most exciting cities. The Portman Ritz Carlton is located in the Puxi district, noted for its fashionable boutiques and restaurants. For a magnificent view of the city at night, make your way up to the rooftop restaurant and bar on the 58th floor, the highest alfresco dining venue in China.

Overnight: The Portman Ritz Carlton

Day 11 Shanghai

This morning, visit the Bund, Shanghai's waterfront area flanked by splendid colonial-era buildings. From here you can enjoy Shanghai's spectacular skyline with its modern skyscrapers. Your next stop is the Yu Gardens with its colourful landscaping and traditional Chinese houses. Lunch will be at Michelin starred Din Tai Fung, renowned for its delicious Xialongbao, a Taiwanese dumpling. During the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Museum and Urban Planning Centre which interprets Shanghai's rapid development. Further explore modern day Shanghai at the Children's Palace, a school for gifted children where you can watch artistic performances. Return to your hotel to freshen up before your evening programme of spectacular Shanghai Acrobatics.

Overnight: The Portman Ritz Carlton

Day 12 Shanghai

The water village of ZhuJiaJiao flourished as a trading point due to an ingenious Grand Canal system which allowed China to export overseas. Today, ZhuJiaJiao is known as Shanghai's Venice and it is the best preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Explore the waterways by boat for a unique vantage point. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: The Portman Ritz Carlton

Day 13 Depart Shanghai

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

Depart