Highlights of China with the Sights and Sounds of Tokyo

Day 1  Beijing      
Welcome to Beijing, upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the sights and sounds of this atmospheric capital city.

Day 2  Beijing      
Today, explore the city’s historic sites, starting with Tiananmen Square, framed by museums and memorials, including the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Afterwards, visit the Forbidden City, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site housing over 980 buildings, the largest example of its kind and a testament to China's imperial history. Lastly, you will see the Temple of Heaven, a vast religious site that features exquisite architecture and symbolism reflecting the Chinese belief in the connection between earth and heaven.

Day 3  Beijing      
Head outside of the city to the iconic Great Wall at Mutianyu, the best-preserved part of this monumental structure. Whilst here, discover the extraordinary structure and spectacular watchtowers before exploring the Summer Palace en route back to Beijing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends the beauty of the natural surrounds with intricate palaces and temples.

Day 4  Beijing to Xian      
Board a high-speed bullet train and journey to one of China’s most historic cities, Xian.

Day 5  Xian      
Xian used to be an exuberant city at the heart of the Chinese Empire and the terminus of the legendary Silk Road. Today, Xian has developed into a large modern city. Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds, as well as the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, stroll around Xian’s colourful Muslim Quarter.

Day 6  Xian to Shanghai      
Fly to the eclectic metropolis of Shanghai, where Old Shanghai’s winding alleys are hidden among futuristic and impressive skyscrapers.

Day 7  Shanghai      
Spend time today exploring some of Shanghai’s highlights. Visit Jade Buddha Temple, famed for its ornate depictions of the Buddha carved out of crystal, and head to the zen-inspired Yuyuan Gardens where winding paths, lush foliage, and classically Chinese architecture transport you back to the Ming Dynasty. Afterwards, wander along the city’s historic waterfront, the Bund. Make sure to also take advantage of the fantastic shopping opportunities and enjoy some retail therapy.

Day 8  Shanghai to Tokyo      
Fly to Tokyo where you will be welcomed and guided to the train or bus for your journey to the hotel.

Day 9  Tokyo      
Meet your guide and board the metro for a full day of visiting the city’s attractions and landmarks. Marvel at the Meiji Jingu Shrine and browse the high fashion shopping scene in Omotesando, also known as Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. For even more fashion, head to nearby Harajuku before discovering the colourful Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, part of the old town.

Day 10  Tokyo to Fuji Hakone NP      
Start the day early and take the train to the stunning mountain scenery and serene lakes of volcanic Fuji Hakone National Park, famous for hot springs and glimpses of majestic Mount Fuji. Ride the cable car up Mount Owakudani for sweeping views or take a boat trip across Lake Ashinoko. The evening, you will stay in a traditional ryokan and enjoy a authentic kaiseki dinner.

Day 11  Fuji Hakone NP to Tokyo      
Make sure to have one more dip in your ryokan’s onsen before returning to Tokyo.

Day 12  Tokyo      
Transfer back to the airport in time for your onward arrangements.