China Highlights

Arrive in Hong Kong; where East meets West. This lively and sophisticated city is a melting pot of culture and ancient traditions, which thrive harmoniously alongside towering skyscrapers. World-class transport and age-old markets make up the vibrancy of this unique metropolis.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for the welcome meeting followed by the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers over dinner (not included). There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Hong Kong at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which is 40 minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up at 9am on Day 2.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day the options are endless but you could go by underground to the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, and then on to Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon. Stay: Panda Hotel (Comfortable)

Situated in a dramatic setting, Hong Kong is a lively, sophisticated city and an important financial centre. We spend the morning exploring this remarkable city on an orientation tour by metro, ferry and on foot; taking in sites such as Kowloon Waterfront, the Star Ferry, stock exchange, Des Voeux Road, Li Yuen St markets, Man Mo Temple and Bank of China.

The afternoon is left free for optional excursions. Public transport is efficient and easy to use. You can take a funicular railway to Victoria Peak or a launch out to a floating restaurant in Aberdeen Harbour. Alternatively explore the jade market or admire the latest sartorial and electronic fashions. Stay: Panda Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After a relaxed breakfast we will transfer to Hong Kong West Kowloon station and board the high speed train to Guilin. Our border formalities will be completed in Hong Kong and therefore we will need to be at the station a couple of hours before. The train journey will take three hours arriving into Guilin in the late afternoon. Guilin is known as the gateway to the stunning limestone scenery for which this part of China is known and was once an important transport hub of the Qin dinasty thanks to the construction of the Ling canal in 214 BC. After an orientation walk around Guilin it will be time for dinner. Stay: Guilin Grand Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we head to MoPanShan Dock where we board our cruise to Yangshuo on the Li River passing paddy fields, villages and stunning limestone scenery along the way. Lunch is taken aboard the boat during the journey. An afternoon arrival into Yangshuo offers the opportunity to explore this laidback town - a contrast to the bustle of Hong Kong. During this free time you may wish to take one of the optional bike rides or walks in the surrounding villages. Alternatively you could head to one of the many limestone pinnacles around the town, the best known being Moon Hill. This evening you may choose to see an impressive sound and light show.Stay: New Century Hotel (Comfortable) (B/L)

Yangshuo has a lot to offer so most of the day is left free for you to explore at your own pace. You can walk into the surrounding karst summits or hire a bike and cycle through country back lanes. Alternatively, you can soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful riverside town. You may wish to practice your bartering skills in the local market or try your hand at Tai Chi, cooking or calligraphy. Later on today we fly to Xian. Stay: HNA Business Hotel Downtown (Comfortable) (B)

Our stay in Xian reveals the extraordinary continuity of Chinese civilisation. Xian (Changan) served 11 dynasties and was the very starting point of the Silk Road connecting Asia with Europe. We spend the morning on a sightseeing tour visiting ancient monuments including the Big Wild Goose Pagoda - a 7-storey, 64-metre high structure with superb views over the city - and the wonderful 15th century Great Mosque in the old muslim Hui District. The afternoon is left free and you may consider a relaxed cycle along the city walls.Stay: HNA Business Hotel Downtown (Comfortable) (B)

After a relaxed morning we check out of the hotel and drive to one of the highlights of any visit to China - the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Horses who guard the Qin Shi Huangdi Tomb. There are literally thousands of lifesize warriors, dating from 200BC. This dramatic find of the 1970s is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the century. We should also have time to stop at the on-site factory to see how the warriors are made today. Later this afternoon we drive back to Xian train station for the overnight train to Beijing - a great way to cover large distances and travel as a local.

Our sleeping arrangements on the train are usually in 1st class 'soft sleeper' lockable compartments for 4 which have 2 sets of bunks. Hot meals and snacks are usually sold to your berth on overnight journeys. In times of large demand we may have to travel in 2nd class 'hard sleeper' which consists of open plan carriages with blocks of 6 beds in 2 triple bunks leading off the corridor. WC and washbasins are provided for shared use at the end of each carriage and clean bedding is provided. We try to ensure the group is accommodated in the same carriage and compartments although this will not always be possible, therefore at times you will be sharing with fellow travellers of different nationalities. The Tour Leader will try to accommodate the group as best they can, keeping travel companions together. Stay: Overnight Train from Xian to Beijing (Simple) (B)

Upon arrival this morning we will drive to our hotel for breakfast and to store our luggage. The Tour Leader will try to arrange an early check in for the group, however this may not be possible. Kublai Khan made Beijing the capital of his mighty Asian Empire in the late 1200s and it has often played a central role since then. Nowadays, Beijing is China's capital and its political and cultural centre and all clocks in this vast country are set by Beijing time despite the westernmost regions being some 5000kms away.

This morning we plan to visit Tiananmen Square and the vast Forbidden City, the one-time home of the Ming and the Manchu (Qing) emperors and a treasure trove of eastern wares.

The afternoon is left free and there is the option to visit the Summer Palace an extensive imperial garden complex located outside of Beijing with a large boating lake and impressive palace buildings. There is also the option of seeing an acrobatic performance in the evening. You may also want to seek out a place to try Peking Duck.Stay: Xiao Xiang Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Today we visit a renovated part of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, a 2.5 hour drive north of the city. Began in the 3rd century BC by Shi Huangdi, thousands of conscripted workers laboured on it and many lie buried in its brick and stone ramparts. It is incredible to think that this wall spans the entire country! Here there is a 2km section to walk along with watchtowers and views of the surrounding countryside. En route we may also get to visit a cloisonné workshop where you can see examples of this ancient metal-working technique. We drive back to Beijing later this afternoon. Stay: Xiao Xiang Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Beijing.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Beijing at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from either Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) which is 1 hour and 30 minutes from our hotel or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) which is a 1 hour 45 minutes drive away. (B)