Imperial China & the Timeless Yangtze

Step into a journey worthy of every dream list—a refined exploration of China's most treasured landmarks and soul-stirring landscapes, featuring 5-star hotels, a 4-night Yangtze River cruise, and an intimate group of no more than 28 guests.

16 Days • from A$2,999 per person (AUD) • including return flights from major Australian cities

Tour Highlights

  • Marvel at the ancient Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xi'an
  • Travel in comfort and style with 5-star hotel accommodation
  • Enjoy a maximum of 28 travellers per group
  • Visit historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing
  • Step back in time at the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City or the Temple of Heaven (subject to availability)
  • Tick off the bucket list at the Great Wall of China
  • Enjoy a delicious Peking Duck lunch
  • Experience the most authentic and classic Hutong tour in Beijing

Itinerary at a Glance

  1. Day 1: Australia (or New Zealand) – Xi'an, China — Today, your journey begins as you depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Xi'an, a city where time itself seems to breathe. Upon arrival, a local tour representative will welcome you and transfer you to
  2. Day 2: Terracotta Warriors & Horses — Enjoy a leisurely morning before setting out to encounter one of China's most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage treasures. Today's unforgettable highlight is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and H
  3. Day 3: Xi'an – Beijing — After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site quietly nestled within the peaceful grounds of the ancient Jianfu Temple. Rising gracefully ami
  4. Day 4: Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City (or Temple of Heaven) — After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and most symbolic public squares in the world. Vast and awe-inspiring, it feels like the very heartbeat of the nation, where history, ceremo
  5. Day 5: Great Wall of China — After breakfast, the day begins with a journey into one of China's most treasured symbols — jade. At a jade museum, you'll learn about the history of this sacred stone and watch skilled artisans patie
  6. Day 6: Beijing – Suzhou — After breakfast, visit 'Tongrentang', a traditional Chinese health centre where you'll learn about the philosophy of balance and harmony through acupuncture, herbal medicine and other Traditional Chin
  7. Day 7: Suzhou – Shanghai — Today, journey into the timeless elegance of Suzhou, a city whose history stretches back to 514 BC and whose gentle waterways have earned it the poetic title of the 'Venice of the East.' Stroll throug
  8. Day 8: Shanghai History Museum & Half-Day Tour — This morning, step gently back in time at the Shanghai History Museum, where the story of the city unfolds with elegance and depth. In the afternoon, continue to explore the city including stopping by
  9. Day 9: Shanghai – Yichang (Yangtze Cruise Embarkation) — This morning, bid farewell to Shanghai as you glide by high-speed rail toward Yichang, a journey of around six and a half hours. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to the Victoria Cru
  10. Day 10: Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge — After breakfast, step ashore for a fascinating excursion to the Three Gorges Dam — an awe-inspiring marvel rising sixty storeys high and stretching over a mile wide. As the world's largest power stati
  11. Day 11: Shennong Stream & Wu Gorge – Qutang Gorge — Transfer to a smaller vessel and venture deep into the intimate gorges of Shennong Stream, where the waterways are narrower than the Three Gorges yet no less breathtaking. Enter the magnificent Wu Gor
  12. Day 12: Snow Jade Cave — After breakfast, step ashore for an adventurous journey into the hidden world of Snow Jade Cave — a natural wonder unlike any other in China. Inside, the cave reveals a rare, pure-white interior, shim
  13. Day 13: Chongqing – Guilin — After breakfast, bid a gentle farewell to your Yangtze cruise in Chongqing and continue your journey by high-speed rail toward Guilin, where China's most poetic landscapes await. Upon arrival, pause t
  14. Day 14: Guilin – Yangshuo – Li River — After breakfast, wander into Chuanshan Park, one of Guilin's most beloved natural retreats. Travel to Yangshuo and step into Fuli Ancient Town, an 800-year-old riverside village celebrated for its art
  15. Day 15: Guilin – Australia (or New Zealand) — Today, transfer to Guilin Airport for your return flight back to Australia. Some travellers may have a layover in Shanghai of 8 hours or more, with a complimentary sightseeing tour provided. Some trav
  16. Day 16: Arrive in Australia (or New Zealand) — Welcome home after an unforgettable journey through China's imperial treasures and timeless landscapes — a passage through history, culture and breathtaking natural beauty.

What's Included

  • Return international full-service flights (economy class)
  • 4 one-way high-speed train journeys (or domestic flights, subject to availability)
  • 10 nights of 5-star hotel accommodation
  • Xi'an: Sheraton Xi'an Hotel or similar
  • Beijing: Wyndham Beijing North or similar
  • Suzhou: Renaissance Suzhou Wujiang or similar
  • Shanghai: Radisson Collection Yangtze Shanghai or similar
  • Guilin: Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel or similar
  • 22 meals including daily breakfast
  • 4 lunches including Peking Duck lunch
  • 4 dinners including Captain's Dinner and Hutong home-cooked dinner
  • Private air-conditioned vehicles
  • 4 high-speed rail journeys
  • Return airport transfers