16-Day Wonders of China

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

This morning, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. You will then have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you have the opportunity to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace and admire the traditional Chinese landscapes and exquisite architecture.

Board the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter, a street food and knick-knack heaven, and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and visit the workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town, before rounding off the day with a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery.

Fly to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

Disembark from the cruise vessel and visit the Panda House in Chongqing. Later, board the bullet train to Guilin.

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen.

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside before returning to Guilin by road, stopping en route to discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas.

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Today explore the classical Yu Garden, stroll through the charming old town, visit a silk mill and take in sweeping views of Shanghai's stunning skyline from the iconic Jinmao Tower. Walk along the iconic Bund before a dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine

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