Pandas & Emperors

Day 1 Beijing      
Arrive in Beijing, China’s capital. Transfer to your hotel and get ready to explore this exciting city with its perfect blend of modern architecture and ancient history.  

Day 2 Beijing  
Start the day at the iconic Tiananmen Square. See the monuments including the impressive Gate of Heavenly Peace, before entering the Forbidden City. This expansive complex built in the 15th Century is made up of 90 palaces, courtyards and gardens, housing an extensive collection of art and relics. Stop for lunch, before continuing to the historic, narrow lanes of the hutongs. Stroll back in time as your wander through alleys lined with houses that date back as far as the 13th Century. Learn from a local family how to make delicious dumplings and traditional kites.  

Day 3 Beijing  
This morning visit the Summer Palace, a beautiful imperial retreat with vast landscaped gardens, scenic lakes and ornate pavilions. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the magnificent Temple of Heaven in the afternoon.

Day 4 Beijing  
Today, head out of the city to visit one of the wonders of the world, the 13,000 mile long Great Wall of China. Visit the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the wall, exploring the spectacular watchtowers and enjoy a cable car ride for breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. This evening savour some exceptional local cuisine with a Peking duck dinner.

Day 5 Beijing to Xian  
Leaving Beijing behind, this morning head via high-speed bullet train to the ancient city of Xian, known for its rich history and culture.  

Day 6 Xian  
Discover the world-famous Terracotta Army. This remarkably well-preserved archaeological site was built over 2,000 years ago and contains 7,000 figures which have been excavated so far. After lunch, return to the city for a shared calligraphy class to learn how to write using the intricate Chinese characters of the oldest continuously used writing system in the world.  

Day 7 Xian          
This morning, visit another of Xian’s iconic landmarks, the ancient 7-storey Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Continue on to the impressive city wall and enjoy a cycling tour along the 12m high wall offering fantastic views. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon at leisure continuing to explore this fascinating city.

Day 8 Xian to Chengdu                
Board another bullet train to Chengdu. Upon arrival join the locals for afternoon tea at the teahouse in the picturesque People’s Park.  

Day 9 Chengdu
Chengdu is most famous for its Pandas. Head to the research base to see these adorable animals up close and learn about the conservation efforts.  

Days 10-13 Chengdu to Hong Kong      
Transfer to the airport and take a flight to spectacular Hong Kong, where you’ll spend a few days exploring this exciting cosmopolitan city at your own leisure. Why not take a ride on the historic star ferry or the iconic Peak Tram, gawk at the dazzling ‘Symphony of Lights’, or even meet Cinderella at Hong Kong Disneyland during your stay!  

Day 14 Hong Kong  
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.