A Journey through China and Japan

Welcome to Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel where a Welcome Dinner gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort. Stay Two Nights: Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel (D)

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Hamarikyu Garden. Next it's on to the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

Journey to Odawara and then on to Owakudani volcanic valley and enjoy a tour of its active sulphur vents and hot springs before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the lake before continuing on to your hotel for the evening. Stay: Hakone Hotel or similar (B/D)

Insider Experience: Today you will make the journey to Odawara by train, travelling in a ‘Romancecar' (observation car) on the picturesque narrow-gauge line.

This morning, travel to Mt Fuji, arguably Japan's most distinctive landmark. Later, it's on to Matsumoto to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay: Matsumoto, Buena Vista Hotel or similar (B)

Insider Experience: Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, disembark at the Mt Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about the country's tallest volcano. Continue to Mt Fuji's Fifth Station where, if the sun is shining, you will be able to see the snowcapped peak.

First thing today, visit a miso factory to find out how this Japanese staple is made. En route to Takayama, you'll stop at Hirayu Onsen, one of Japan's famous traditional open-air baths. Continue on to visit Hida Folk Village before arriving in the picturesque town of Takayama, set atop brilliant hills. Stay: Takayama, Associa Hotel (B)

Insider Experience: This morning, venture to Matsumoto Castle, an impressive five-storey fortress. This striking castle goes by another name, ‘Crow Castle', because of its black exterior.

This morning, join a guided walking tour to see sights including Miyagawa markets, Takayama Jinya and Sannomachi Street. Later, set off on a journey on the Hida Train to Nagoya, continuing onwards by bullet train to Hiroshima. Stay Two Nights: Hiroshima, Granvia Hotel (B)

Translated to 'Shrine Island', the wooded Miyajima Island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine which appears to float on the island's waters at high tide. During your time here you'll enjoy a walking tour and see cheeky wild deer. Enjoy free time on your own before returning to Hiroshima. (B)

Insider Experience: Today, travel by train and ferry to Miyajima Island.

This morning visit Hiroshima's World Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum. Afterwards, travel by bullet train to Kyoto. Stay Three Nights: Kyoto, Righa Royal Hotel (B/D)

Insider Experience: Wander the streets of the famous Gion district and keep watch for one of the many beautiful geiko and maiko, the titles given to geisha and their apprentices. Later this evening, indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant, renowned for using delicious and fresh produce.

This morning, venture to some of Kyoto's beautiful formal gardens for a special Insider Experience. Afterwards, take a tour of Kyoto's most famous landmarks including Kyoto Railway Museum; Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which has an exquisite Japanese garden; and Kiyomizu Temple, an historic Buddhist temple that offers impressive views over the city. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. (B)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

Today you'll enjoy a day trip to Nara, a picturesque city with an abundance of impressive temples. See Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji is a vast Buddhist temple complex that was constructed as a symbol of imperial power. Its famous Buddha towers overhead at 15 metres tall and is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Later, it's time for a stroll through Nara's famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer who freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns. (B)

Insider Experience: While you're in Nara, the birthplace of sake, it seems fitting that you visit a sake brewery and savour a tasting.

After an Insider Experience, continue on to Osaka and visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Here, you'll enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle. Continue on to explore the lively Dotonbori District. Celebrate your final evening with a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Osaka, Sheraton Miyako (B/D)

Insider Experience: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Say farewell to your Japan Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and transfer to Osaka airport for your included flight to Beijing, China. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay Four Nights: Beijing, Novotel Peace Hotel (B)

Enjoy a free day to explore China's capital city. Tonight, meet your China Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort for dinner. (B/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 be st-preserved parts of the wall. Continue to a cloisonne factory and enjoy a guided tour, learning about Chinese cloisonne. Return to the city later, where tonight you will enjoy an Insider Experience. (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 210BC. 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. (B/L/D)

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

This morning visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, before a stop for a spot of lunch at a local restaurant followed by 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)

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 Victory or similar (B/L/D)

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

Today enjoy an excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, a large complex of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife. Tonight, enjoy your first dinner on board. (B/L/D)

This morning, you will sail through Qutang and Wu Gorges before enjoying 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 in 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 transfer to Suzhou, a city famous for its labyrinth of canals and bridges, as well as its gardens. Visit the Master of the Nets Garden, one of the finest classical gardens in China. The garden has a long and rich history and shares UNESCO World Heritage status with others in the area due to its beautiful design. After lunch, visit the city's 100-year-old Silk Mill and Garden of Cultivation, a wonderfully preserved example of a Ming Dynasty classical garden. End the day's explorations with a transfer to Pingjiang Road for a scenic canal cruise before returning to Shanghai. (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 before visiting the historic Jade Buddha Temple. (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)