Grand Tour of China

On arrival in Beijing, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, savour a Welcome Dinner. Stay Three Nights: Beijing, Novotel Peace Hotel (D)

This morning, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest city squares. Continue to the Forbidden City. Steeped in history, it is the former home to an ancient line of Chinese emperors. After lunch, explore the World Heritage-listed Summer Palace. (B/L)

Discover China's greatest icon, the Great Wall of China. Take in breathtaking views during a cable car ride to the Mutianyu section, one of the best-preserved parts of the wall. Continue to a cloisonne factory and enjoy a guided tour, learning about Chinese cloisonne. Return to the city later, passing by the Beijing National Stadium (the Bird's Nest) and the bubble-covered Water Cube. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: This evening, sample Beijing's most iconic dish with a delicious banquet of Peking Duck at a local restaurant.

This morning after breakfast, visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex of religious buildings founded in the first half of the 15th century. Stay Two Nights: Xi'an, Grand Mercure (B)

Insider Experience: Board a high-speed train headed for Xi'an.

Known for its remarkable collection of Terracotta Warriors, a discovery of Xi'an awaits today. Admire the excavation pits that have housed the thousands of sculptures since around 210 BC. Every sculpture is unique, with distinct facial features, hairstyles, postures and clothing. Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Xi'an, taking in some of its most famous sights, including the Great Mosque, the lively Muslim bazaar and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: This evening, indulge in a traditional Chinese dumpling banquet.

Stop for a spot of lunch at a local restaurant before an Insider Experience. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, the charming Tibet Hotel which tastefully combines traditional Tibetan decor with modern furnishings. Stay Two Nights: Chengdu, Tibet Hotel (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Embark on a high-speed train journey to Chengdu.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Buddhist Wenshu Monastery and learn about the ancient structure. Finish your day with a visit to the charming Jinli Street where bright lanterns light up the path. (B/L)

Insider Experience: Spend the morning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here you'll learn all about how the pandas are being protected.

Following breakfast at your hotel, travel to Chengdu's Renmin Park. Also known as the People's Park, this lush garden is a hub for locals. Sample a range of teas at a teahouse before travelling by train to Chongqing where you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding your river ship. Kick back and begin your relaxing three-night cruise along the Yangtze River. Stay Three Nights: Yangtze River, Century Sky (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Travel by high-speed train to Chongqing.

Why not experience Tai Chi this morning. Today will be spent exploring Shibaozhai, an isolated peak rising from the northern bank of the Yangtze River. On the river side of the hill sits a magnificent red 12-storey pavilion built during the Qing Dynasty. Tonight you'll enjoy a Captain's Dinner. (B/L/D)

This morning, set off on a shore excursion to Shennv Stream, a small tributary of the Yangtze River with its narrow gorges and picturesque mountain sides. Much of the landscape remains in a pristine state due to the light boat traffic which travels through here. This evening, enjoy a traditional Chinese buffet dinner back on board the ship. (B/L/D)

Bid farewell to your river ship and disembark at Maoping Pier, Yichang Spend the morning at the Three Gorges Dam Site and take in the colossal scale of the world's largest hydropower project. After lunch, transfer to Yichang airport for your flight to Shanghai. Stay Three Nights: Shanghai, Pullman Jing'an (B/L)

This morning, explore the beautiful scenery and artistic architecture of Yu Garden, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty more than 400 years ago. Experience Shanghai's bustling bazaar and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the historic Jade Buddha Temple. (B/L)

Today, soak in the colourful history of China at the world-class Shanghai Museum, which boasts 11 permanent galleries of fascinating ancient art and collections. You can then explore Shanghai's most famous walking street in your free time, as you stroll through the iconic shopping district of Nanjing Road. Continue to the picturesque French Concession and wander through the leafy streets. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. (B/D)

Insider Experience: This evening, you'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner while cruising the Huangpu River.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Shanghai airport for your onward flight. (B)