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Embark on a 16-day journey through China’s ancient heritage, modern marvels, and breathtaking natural landscapes - all in one unforgettable tour. Includes return flights from Dublin, 14 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, 13 lunches and 14 dinners.

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• Return flights from Dublin
• 14 nights 4* hotel accommodation
• 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
• All local transport and listed activities

Days 1-2 Fly to Beijing

• 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. Join the group for an informal Welcome Dinner in the evening.

Day 3: Imperial Beijing

• Start the day at the symbolic heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square, before wandering into the expansive grandeur of the Forbidden City. As you pass through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you'll discover a treasure trove of imperial riches. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the narrow, maze-like alleys of the hutongs, gaining insight into life in this traditional neighbourhood from a local family. Later, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the Temple of Heaven, a peaceful haven amidst the city's hustle and bustle. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Peking duck dinner.

Day 4: The Great Wall

• This morning visit China's most iconic landmark – the Great Wall. Walking along this remarkable structure offers the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the stunning scenery it traverses. Next, visit a jade factory, where you can purchase a small, handcrafted piece. Jade is highly esteemed throughout China and is believed to bring fortune and prosperity to its wearers. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque gardens of the Summer Palace, admiring the traditional Chinese landscapes and exquisite architecture.

Day 5: Ancient Xian

• Hop on the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. Explore the narrow, winding streets of the vibrant Muslim Quarter, a paradise for street food and knick-knacks, and delve into the city's rich culture and historical importance as the starting point of the Silk Road. In the evening, savor a dumpling feast and enjoy a Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

• Since their discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has captivated visitors. Spend the morning admiring the mysterious ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Then, visit the workshop where these figures are meticulously recreated in the style of their ancient originals. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town.

Day 7: Bullet Train to Chengdu

• This morning, take a high-speed train to Chengdu (approx. 3 hours 40 minutes). On arrival, stroll through lively People’s Park and visit Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents seek partners for their children.

Day 8: Giant Pandas

• Visit the Panda Conservation Centre to learn about China’s iconic Giant Panda and see them in a habitat that mimics the wild. Feeding times for younger pandas are limited to early morning and late afternoon and may not be visible. Later, travel to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River Cruise for a three-night journey.

Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise

• Disembark and take a short bus ride to Mt. ShuangGui, also known as “Luming Mountain.” Sightseeing includes some stair climbing and lasts around 2.5 hours off the ship. Depending on river conditions, you may visit Shibaozhai Temple or Fengdu Ghost City instead.

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise

• Enjoy stunning views as your ship sails through the Wu and Qutang Gorges. Then, transfer to a smaller boat for a peaceful 15 km cruise along the narrow and scenic Goddess Stream, home to wildlife like monkeys, deer, and mountain goats. Depending on local conditions, the Shennong Stream may be visited instead.

Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise

• Visit the world’s largest hydroelectric dam—the Three Gorges Dam. After disembarking, enjoy a 30-minute drive to the viewing area above the ship locks, where you can take in the scale of this engineering marvel. The site includes a small museum and lookout point, with around one hour of walking involved. (Note: photo stops are not permitted during the drive.) Later, travel by road to Zhangjiajie where you’ll spend the next three days exploring its UNESCO-listed landscapes. This evening, discover the unique architecture of the 72 Qilou buildings.

Day 12: Discover Zhangjaijie

• Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Park. Ride the Bailong Elevator—world’s tallest outdoor lift—to Mihun Stage for breathtaking views of Hallelujah Mountain and the 'First Bridge under the Sun'. Continue to Emperor Mountain and Helong Park, then descend by cable car. Visit the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery and enjoy a scenic sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng. Sightseeing involves 3–4 hours of walking, including steps.

Day 13: Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge

• Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Huanglong Cave, covering 120 acres, with about 2 hours of walking on stone steps. Then, experience the thrill of walking across Zhangjiajie’s Glass Bridge—the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, stretching 430 metres over the Grand Canyon. Sightseeing today involves 3–4 hours of walking. In the evening, you may choose to attend the optional Fairy Fox outdoor music and dance show (weather and time permitting, payable locally).

Day 14: Tianmen Mountain

• Ride the world’s longest cable car—7 km in 40 minutes—to the summit of Tianmen Mountain. See the iconic Tianmen Cave, known as ‘Heaven’s Door’, and take an optional walk up 999 steps or use the escalator. Enjoy the thrilling glass skywalk, with time permitting for the Cliff-Hanging Walkway or Coiled Dragon Cliff. Return by cable car and visit the Jun Sheng Sandstone Painting Gallery before your 2-hour flight to Shanghai. Sightseeing includes 3–4 hours of walking, with optional sections and resting areas available.

Day 15: Bustling Shanghai

• Explore Shanghai, where ancient temples meet futuristic skyscrapers. Visit the serene Yu Garden and wander the old town’s alleys. Stroll along the historic Bund to admire colonial architecture, then stop at the Silk Factory. In the evening, enjoy a panoramic Huangpu River cruise and sample traditional Shanghai cuisine. Optional activities include visiting Jin Mao Tower, riding the Maglev train (time permitting, payable locally), or attending the ERA acrobatic show.

Day 16: Fly Shanghai to Dublin

• Fly to Dublin, arriving home following day.

Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change. Please ask for the most up to date itinerary before booking.