From Beijing to Hong Kong Odyssey

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing, we'll arrange your seamless transfer to the hotel. As evening descends, we'll explore the bustling Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian zone brimming with an array of shops and restaurants offering diverse cuisines. It's an excellent introduction to the vibrant life of this city. Dinner is on us, after which we'll return you to the hotel. Please be aware that travellers may join or leave the tour at different points, so the group dynamics could vary throughout the journey. Rest assured, the group size will always remain within manageable limits. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Beijing, get ready for an immersive exploration of China's bustling capital. We embark on a full-day tour, starting with the iconic Forbidden City. Revered as the Great Chinese Imperial Palace, this majestic complex was home to 24 emperors over nearly five centuries. Following our exploration, we head to Jingshan Park where we'll climb Coal Hill, offering possibly stunning views of the Forbidden City below, weather permitting.We continue by strolling through Tiananmen Square, a vast public space known as one of the largest in the world. From here, we can admire the striking Great National Theatre. Lunch is included as we take in the experiences of the day. Our journey proceeds to the serene Summer Palace, once the retreat for the Qing Dynasty and admired for its enchanting gardens and peaceful lakes.This afternoon offers a unique glimpse into traditional Beijing life with a tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighbourhoods. Youll discover the citys rich cultural heritage, browse traditional shops, and visit a Siheyuan, a classic courtyard home showcasing Beijings architectural richness. We conclude our day by returning to our hotel for the night.Please note that due to visitor safety measures, the Forbidden City operates with restricted access. If were unable to visit, we'll instead take in the cultural significance of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both emblematic sites in China.

On our third day, we'll embark on an excursion to the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section, a stunning feat of engineering with a history stretching over 2,000 years. To gain access to the Wall's incredible vistas, we'll use a cable car for both the ascent and descent, and tickets are included. We'll bid farewell to Beijing with a delectable lunch that includes the renowned Peking duck. Afterwards, we'll make our way to the train station to board a high-speed train heading to Shanghai. Upon arrival in this vibrant city, we'll transfer to our hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.

In Shanghai, our exploration begins in Pudong, the city's bustling financial district located across the Huangpu River, where we marvel at towering skyscrapers like the iconic Pearl Tower. We then enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the river, offering fantastic views of both historic and modern Shanghai. Our adventure continues as we wander through the Old City, visiting the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved space from the Ming Dynasty. Here, you'll also partake in a traditional tea ceremony, a cornerstone of China's cultural heritage.Next, we head to Xintiandi, one of the city's trendiest areas, known for its chic boutiques, lively cafs, and vibrant atmosphere. After a delicious included lunch, we explore Tianzifang, a former residential district renowned for its maze-like alleys filled with charming craft shops and contemporary art galleries. We finish the day with a pleasant walk along The Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings evoke Shanghai's European trading influences. In the free afternoon, you have the option to embark on a memorable night boat trip, revealing the dazzling lights and skyline of Shanghai.

Today, we start with an early morning transfer to the train station to catch the high-speed train departing at 07:17 a.m. Over the next five hours, you will journey through stunning landscapes, covering 1,000 kilometres en route to Luoyang. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a meal before delving into Luoyang's rich history.We'll visit the magnificent Longmen Buddhist Caves, an extraordinary complex featuring over 100,000 Buddha statues and carvings etched into the stone, making it one of China's most impressive archaeological sites. To truly appreciate the extent of this remarkable location, we'll also take a scenic boat ride along the river.Later, we'll head into the historic city of Luoyang, passing through its ancient walls. You'll have the chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere as the streets come alive with lights and the charm of traditional local activity.

On the outskirts of Luoyang, we begin our day with a visit to the White Horse Buddhist Monastery, one of China's most significant centres for Buddhist scholarship, renowned for welcoming academics and practitioners from around the globe. We then head towards Sanmenxia, a city steeped in history, where we marvel at the vast Yellow River and explore the Baolun Temple, notable for its strikingly tall pagoda. Our discovery continues at the esteemed Guo Museum, acclaimed as one of China's finest. Here, we uncover the ancient funeral carriages from the former State of Guo, providing insight into the region's storied past. We include lunch as part of our day. As we journey eastwards, we catch glimpses of the sacred Mount Hua, famed for its dramatic peaks and cultural significance. By late afternoon, we conclude our travels in Xian, bringing our day's adventures to a close.

Today we explore Xian, the historic city where the legendary Silk Road began. Our morning promises a highlight with a visit to the remarkable Terracotta Army. This extraordinary archaeological site, kept hidden underground for centuries, features thousands of life-sized clay soldiers standing sentinel over the tomb of China's first emperor. Returning to Xian, we visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist structure that has gracefully stood for over a millennium. Our exploration continues through the city's historic centre, taking us to the lively Muslim Quarter. Here, we'll visit the Great Mosque, a unique site that reflects the rich confluence of cultures and religions that have shaped China. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Drum Tower, where we'll enjoy a brief performance of traditional Chinese music, played on ancient instruments. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, allowing time to wander the atmospheric streets and perhaps indulge in some local delicacies.

Today, we journey from Xian to Zhangjiajie. We'll start by heading to the airport for our included flight. Upon arriving in Zhangjiajie, we'll transfer you to your hotel in Wulingyuan. Once settled, you will have free time to explore the area at your leisure. Enjoy the evening in Zhangjiajie, where you might choose to discover the local culinary delights or simply relax amidst the stunning scenery. We will spend the night at the hotel in Zhangjiajie.

Today, we visit the captivating Baofeng Lake in Zhangjiajie, often celebrated as the Paradise of Water, showcasing the stunning landscapes of Wulingyuan. Surrounded by lush green peaks that are mirrored in the clear waters, we will enjoy a picturesque boat ride amidst this serene environment. Our adventure continues in the northern section of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where we will ascend the famous Bailong Elevator to reach Yuanjiajie. This remarkable area is renowned worldwide for inspiring the floating mountains in the film Avatar. With its peaks aligned at a similar height, Yuanjiajie presents an incredible platform for panoramic vistas. A delightful lunch will be part of our day. Our journey proceeds as we board a tourist bus to Tianzi Mountain. Here, you can marvel at the spectacular views of towering peaks that rise in succession. Known for its four natural phenomena the Sea of Clouds, the Moonlight Glow, the Suns Rays, and Winter Snow Tianzi Mountain offers breathtaking scenery that is both magnificent and awe-inspiring. After a day filled with extraordinary sights, we will return to our hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Zhangjiajie.

Today, we journey to Tianmen Mountain, a destination celebrated for its captivating geological formations, stunning natural vistas, and rich cultural legacy. We'll ascend Asia's longest cable car, which stretches over 7,200 metres, providing unparalleled views as we glide towards the summit. Once there, you can explore the cliffside walkways and the exhilarating Glass Sky Walk. Our exploration also includes a visit to the natural karst cave which pierces through the mountain, adding a sense of wonder to our visit. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, we travel to Furong, a captivating Tujia ethnic village that is uniquely integrated with a magnificent waterfall. After taking in the charm and history of this picturesque site, we return to Zhangjiajie for our overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the station to board a high-speed train bound for Guilin. The train departs at 07:15 a.m. and arrives in Guilin at 02:07 p.m. Once we arrive, a transfer will be provided to your hotel, after which you will have the afternoon free to relax or explore the local area at your leisure. You could wander through the citys charming streets or unwind while soaking in the beautiful scenery that Guilin is renowned for.

Today, you'll discover the charm of Guilin, a city known for its delightful ambience and lively streets set against the backdrop of the picturesque Li River. Our visit includes an exploration of the Reed Flute Cave, where you'll be amazed by the stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites, beautifully illuminated to create a mesmerising subterranean landscape. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish we suggest exploring Jingjiang Palace, often referred to as a "miniature Forbidden City". Relax at your accommodation for the night. Please keep in mind that the sequence of activities in Guilin and the day for the Li River Cruise may be subject to change without affecting the overall itinerary.

Departing Guilin, we embark on a captivating Li River cruise, offering breathtaking vistas of verdant mountains, picturesque villages, and striking rock formations. Enjoy lunch aboard as we glide through this enchanting landscape. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, experience the vibrant energy of this popular tourist destination with a leisurely stroll. We then venture further into central China, reaching the rural town of Huangyao. This ancient city, beautifully preserved with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and temples, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. Enjoy some time to wander and soak in the unique atmosphere. Our journey continues to Guangzhou, where we arrive in the late afternoon.

In Guangzhou, we'll embark on a two-hour tour of this bustling southern Chinese metropolis. Our journey starts with a stroll along Shangiaxju Street, where you'll experience a traditional market's vibrant buzz. We'll then visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, dating back to the late 19th century, before exploring the scenic riverside area. Enjoy some free time to explore before we regroup for an included lunch.In the afternoon, our adventure continues as we travel to Zhuhai, located on the China Sea. There, we'll pause to admire the striking Opera House, built on reclaimed land and opened in 2016, its architecture symbolising the sun and the moon. Following this, we'll cross the border into Macau. As we enter this fascinating city, we'll get a glimpse of its lively casino district, featuring impressive establishments reminiscent of Las Vegas. Please note: If your itinerary includes returning to mainland China after visiting Macau and Hong Kong, ensure you have a double-entry visa.

We start our day by exploring Macau, a city whose historic centre has earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Governed by the Portuguese from the 16th century until 1999, Macau's rich past is evident in its historic churches, the iconic tiles of its civil architecture, as well as its fortress and the oldest lighthouse in China. You'll have some free time to explore these fascinating landmarks, with lunch included. In the afternoon, we traverse the remarkable bridge connecting Macau to Hong Kong. This engineering marvel, completed in late 2018, spans over 30 kilometres across the China Sea, with 6 kilometres of it being an undersea tunnel complemented by artificial islands. We'll pause at a viewing platform to take in the grandeur of this modern structure. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, we check into our hotel before embarking on a heritage journey with the iconic Star Ferry. This brief boat ride across Hong Kong Bay offers stunning views of the city's illuminated skyline from the opposite shore. Following this, we return to the vicinity of our hotel for dinner, which is included. Accommodation in Hong Kong is provided. Please note: If the group comprises fewer than 12 people, the transfer from Macau to Hong Kong may instead be via Shuttle bus.

Following breakfast, we continue our exploration of Hong Kong, beginning with the impressive financial district characterised by its towering skyscrapers. Our visit includes the History Museum, which offers insights into the city's rich past, covering significant periods such as the colonial era and World War II. A stroll along the Avenue of Stars by the waterfront pays tribute to the luminaries of the film industry. We embark on the iconic Star Ferry, crossing Hong Kong Bay, and ascend to Victoria Peak by bus. At 552 metres, the peak offers panoramic views of the entire city. We then return via the Peak Tram. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, providing an opportunity to further explore this dynamic city at your own pace.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.