DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore China's enthralling capital, with its rich imperial monuments, bustling streets and 21st century high-rise towers. (D)

DAY 3: Beijing. Included Great Wall of China.
Built by successive Chinese dynasties from the 7th century BC onwards, China's Great Wall is a mesmerising sight and snakes for approximately 4,000 miles across five northern provinces. This morning, visit its Mutianyu section to experience first-hand the awesome scale of this monumental edifice. Afterwards, why not join our optional tour to Beijing's Hutongs, the city's fast-disappearing alleys and quadrangles, which are home to vibrant urban communities. This evening, you'll be treated to a delicious Peking Duck dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Beijing (included sightseeing) - Xian by train.
Immerse yourself in historic Beijing with a tour of its best-known landmarks. You'll visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and setting of the massive rallies of China's Cultural Revolution, before retracing the steps of emperors in the stunning Forbidden City, whose 9,999 chambers provided the home and headquarters of China's pampered rulers for over 500 years. Another highlight is the intricately beautiful Temple of Heaven, a 15th century complex of ceremonial halls. After dinner, transfer to the train station to board the overnight train to Xian. (B,L,D)
Note: Accommodation on the train will be in private sleeper compartments. Each carriage has two toilets and a wash room. There is also a dining carriage on board. Only one overnight bag is allowed on the train, a different train will transfer your main luggage to Xian, so plan to pack an overnight case.

DAY 5: Xian. Included sightseeing.
On arrival this morning transfer to the hotel for breakfast, before exploring Xian, China's capital during the Tang dynasty. See the city's famous sister monuments - the 14th century Bell Tower and Drum Tower. These two imposing pagoda-style buildings marked the central axis of ancient Xian and make magnificent sights. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Xian. Included Terracotta Warriors.
A highlight awaits today as we visit Xian's most precious treasure - the remarkable Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed in 1974, this 8,000 - strong battalion of hand-crafted warriors, horses and chariots was carved to accompany China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, into eternity. Afterwards we take a walk to see Xian's 600-year old city walls, the most complete in China and still superbly preserved. In the evening enjoy the Tang Palace dinner and show. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Xian - Luoyang by train.
This morning, admire Xian's soaring seven-storey Wild Goose Pagoda, one of China's best-known Buddhist pagodas. Later, enjoy an afternoon rail journey to Luoyang (approx. 5 hours). (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Luoyang - Shaolin Temple - Zhengzhou.
Located in Henan Province, Luoyang is encircled by mountains and plains and was China's capital through 13 dynasties. You'll visit the stunning Longmen Grottoes, famed for their Buddhist cave art. Hewn into cliffs during the Northern Wei Dynasty, these amazing caverns host over 97,000 statues of Buddha and other deities. Next it's on to Shaolin Temple, a serene building perched on the slopes of Mount Songshan for a thrilling demonstration of Shaolin martial arts performed by monks. Continue on by road to Zhengzou, Henan's capital.
Note: Only hand luggage is allowed on the train (day 9). Your main luggage will be taken (morning of day 8) to Nanjing on a different train so plan to pack an overnight case. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Zhengzou - Nanjing by train.
Sit back and absorb the picturesque countryside views on this morning's rail journey to Nanjing (approx. 4.5 hours), which sits astride the south bank of the Yangtze River. This afternoon, visit the monumental double-decker Yangtze River Bridge, which commands awe-inspiring views over China's iconic waterway. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Nanjing.
The capital of Jiangsu Province, walled Nanjing is one of China's most charming cities and crammed with rich Ming monuments and cultural jewels. Today our sightseeing tour includes the Mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-Sen, the father of the Chinese Revolution, the Zhonghua City Gate and dazzling Nanjing Art Museum, where you can admire stunning collections of ancient relics, including priceless porcelains from the Qing dynasty. Finish with a stroll around the colourful Confucius Temple area. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Nanjing - Suzhou by train.
This morning, another fantastic train ride lies ahead as you travel to beautiful Suzhou (approx. 2 hours), situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze and famed for its silk production, idyllic gardens and traditional canal-side architecture. This afternoon, get your first taste of this fairytale city by visiting Panmen City Gate, part of its ancient city walls and thought to be around 2,500 years old. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Suzhou. Included sightseeing.
Savour the many charms of Suzhou today as we explore its most famous landmarks, starting at the exquisite Lingering Gardens, where glistening lotus ponds are dotted amongst the ceremonial halls and beautiful flowers. Afterwards enjoy a cruise along the Grand Canal. Later learn about the art of silk-making at a silk reeling factory and take a canal-side rickshaw ride to the Garden of the Couples - a symphony of intricate rockeries, ponds and fragrant blooms. This evening, enjoy a memorable classical concert in the gorgeous Garden of the Master of the Nets, listening to traditional Chinese musical instruments being played amid the idyllic landscapes. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Suzhou - Shanghai by train.
Board the morning train to Shanghai, once known as the 'Paris of the Orient'. Buzzing and cosmopolitan, this vibrant city is a hypnotic fusion of old and new, where East meets West. After transferring to your hotel we visit the classical Yuyuan Gardens and fascinating old town, which is crowded with wooden teahouses, bazaars, shops and temples. Afterwards, see the magnificent Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road and glorious Bund waterfront, which is graced with Art Deco buildings. This evening enjoy an acrobatic show. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Shanghai - Zhujiajiao - Shanghai.
This morning, delight in Zhujiajiao, a quaint water town famed for its waterways and wooden bridges, before touring the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Shanghai - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)