Ancient Empires of China & Japan

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1-2 • Fly overnight to Beijing

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

• Day 3 • Walk on the Great Wall

  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 the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

• Day 4 • Explore the Forbidden City

  Begin the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the glorious Temple of Heaven where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Next, take a leisurely stroll in a traditional hutong neighbourhood and visit a family at home, to learn about life living in the hutongs. Later, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before entering the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to explore this complex full of imperial riches.

• Day 5 • Travel to Xian

  Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure at Xian's Muslim Quarter, where you will find an array of food stalls selling a wealth of flavours. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.

• Day 6 • Terracotta Warriors

  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, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate them. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xi'an's old town.

• Day 7 • Fly to Guilin

  Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Guilin, best known for its incredible natural landscapes. Upon arrival, stroll around Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and the picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture.

• Day 8 • Cruise the Li River

  Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo, where you will spend 1 night. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffaloes and local fishermen. In Yangshuo, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.

• Day 9 • Visit the Reed Flute Caves

  Begin the day exploring Yangshuo's stunning countryside, then return to Guilin via Reed Flute Cave to admire its vibrant stalagmites and stalactites.

• Day 10 • Fly to Shanghai

  Today, fly from Guilin to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

• Day 11 • Explore Shanghai

  Today's explorations include the traditional Yu Garden, a stroll through the old town and learning about the age-old silk production process at a silk factory. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the Bund and Nanjing Road. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

• Day 12 • Goodbye China, Hello Japan

  It's time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.

• Day 13 • Osaka Castle

  Explore Osaka Castle, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through vibrant Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.

• Day 14 • Discover Okayama & Kurashiki

  Transfer by bullet train to Okayama and visit Koraku-en Garden, one of the 'Three Great Gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses). Continue to Hiroshima, a vibrant and forward-thinking city.

• Day 15 • Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima

  Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. Return to Hiroshima and find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.

• Day 16 • Travel to Kyoto

  Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'.

• Day 17 • Explore Kyoto

  Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii gates and then head to Nishiki Market, also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.

• Day 18 • Bullet Train to Hakone

  Transfer by bullet train to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi before riding the Komagatake Ropeway cable car. Savour views of the surrounding landscape and, weather permitting, the breathtaking cone of Mount Fuji. Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan's iconic capital.

• Day 19 • Contrasts of Tokyo

  Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to explore the ancient Buddhist Senso-ji Temple and drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza. End your tour with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

• Day 20 • Depart Tokyo

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