Grand China Odyssey

A vast nation, rich in sights and history, China offers a range of contrasting attractions.

Essential Experiences

• Visit the famous imperial sights of Beijing & Xi’an

• See giant pandas in their natural environment at Chengdu

• Cruise past spectacular scenery on the mighty Yangtze River

The Tour: Our grand tour offers a chance to experience the country’s highlights: the famous imperial attractions of Beijing and Xi’an; Sichuan province, home of the giant panda; a cruise along the mighty Yangtze River; the lakeside city of Hangzhou; and vibrant, modern Shanghai.

Accommodation: The number and standard of hotels in China has risen dramatically in recent years, with many of the international chains expanding to take advantage of the country's buoyant economy. We have chosen hotels providing good international standards but still offering value for money. 

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO BEIJING

Overnight flight from London to Beijing. Upon arrival in China’s capital you will be met and transferred to your hotel for 4 nights.

» Day 3: BEIJING

Enjoy a half day tour discovering the imperial attractions of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. (B,L)

» Day 4: GREAT WALL

Full day tour to visit the magnificent Great Wall of China at Badaling. Also visit the Spirit Way and Chang Ling Ming Tombs (B,L)

» Day 4: OLYMPIC VILLAGE

The 2008 Olympic Games provided China with the opportunity to showcase itself to the world. This morning take the chance to explore Olympic Beijing on our guided cycle tour, visiting some of the striking stadia including the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube (entrance fee is not included) . (B)

» Day 6: BEIJING TO XI'AN

Continue by air to Xi’an, home of the world famous Terracotta Warriors and one of the oldest cities in China. (B)

» Day 7: XI'AN & THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

Full day tour visiting the Terracotta Warriors, Grand Mosque and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. (B,L)

» Day 8: XI'AN TO CHENGDU

Fly south to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province for 2 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

»Day 9: CHENGDU & PANDAS

Sichuan’s bamboo clad mountains are the natural habitat of the endangered giant panda, and one of the undoubted highlights of a visit to China is the chance to see these magnificent creatures. Visit Chengdu’s Giant Panda Base where you have the opportunity to watch the animals as they eat, play and interact. There will also be a short tour of the city and an opportunity to sample the region’s fiery cuisine. (B,L,D)

» Day 10: CHENGDU TO CHONGQING

Continue by rail from Chengdu to the port of Chongqing on the Yangtze River; enjoy a tour of the old town before boarding our vessel for a 3 night cruise. (B,D)

» Day 11 to 12: YANGTZE CRUISE

The mighty Yangtze is the longest river in China and offers beautiful and dramatic scenery. Our cruise passes through the most scenic part of the river from Chongqing to Yichang, the undoubted highlight of which is the magnificent Three Gorges. Shore excursions are included to visit the ghost city of Fengdu (or a relocation village) and the Three Gorges Dam project. (B,L,D)

» Day 13 to Day 14: HANGZHOU

Upon arrival into Yichang, transfer to Wuhan for the short flight to the city of Hangzhou, located in the Yangtze River delta and considered amongst the most attractive of China’s cities. Spend 2 nights here including a tour of the city, visiting Lingyin Temple, a local tea farm, Flowery Harbour and a short cruise on the beautiful West Lake. (B,L)

» Day 15: HANGZHOU TO SHANGHAI

Continue to Shanghai via the ancient water town of Xitang. Water towns are synonymous with this part of eastern China, where houses and gardens were built along canals rather than roads. There will be time to explore before travelling onward to Shanghai for 3 nights. (B,L)

» Day 16: SHANGHAI

Half day introductory tour of Shanghai, including vists to Yu garden, the old town, Nanjing Road and the famous waterfront bund. (B,L)

» Day 17: SHANGHAI

Day at leisure to further explore the city or do some shopping. (B)

» Day 18: SHANGHAI TO LONDON

Transfer to the airport for your return flight or choose from our optional extensions. (B)