Christmas in China

Celebrate Christmas in a new and exciting way in China – taking a Christmas Day walk on the Great Wall and bringing in the New Year in Chengdu, home to the magnificent Giant Panda. Soak up all of China's most famous attractions on this tour; the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, Beijing's Tiananmen Square and Temple of Heaven, the Grand Buddha of Leshan, and the adorable giant pandas of course! After spending Christmas morning on China's iconic Great Wall, swap traditional turkey for an authentic Peking duck feast that evening!

What's Included:

• 9 nights in 4 star accommodation
• Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• Breakfasts: 9 , Lunches: 8 , Dinners: 9
• International flights and current taxes
• Visa fees for UK passport holders
• Max Group Size: 28
• Physical rating: 1 - Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Highlights:

• The Great Wall
• Beijing
• Xian
• Giant pandas

Day 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Christmas Day on the Great Walle

Enjoy Christmas Day with a walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance whilst admiring the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. In the afternoon we visit the exquisite Summer Palace. This evening, indulge in a Christmas meal, including the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 4: Imperial Beijing

Begin in Beijings symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, towards the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, where you can watch, or participate in a dance class and mingle with the locals. In the evening, see a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show.

Day 5: Xian City Walls

Board the 5-hour bullet train to Xian. An illustrious and age-old city, Xian is one of the four great ancient capitals of China. It is also the capital of Shaanxi province and the starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years. Take a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Tonight, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Warriors. The figures were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. Later, wander through the Muslim Quarter.

Day 7: Bullet train to Chengdu

This morning, visit the lovely Little Wild goose Pagoda and the Xian Museum. In the afternoon, take the bullet train to Chengdu.

Day 8: Leshan Grand Buddha

Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the worlds largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. Return to Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en-route.

Day 9: New Years Eve with the pandas

On New Years Eve, visit the famous Panda Conservation Centre to see these charismatic animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later, visit the ancient World Heritage Dujiangyan Irrigation project. Sample a delicious New Years meal this evening, inspired by the local Sichuan cuisine.

Day 10: Chengdu

Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu independently.

Day 11: Fly Chengdu to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.