Classic China

This tour is jam-packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You'll walk along the Great Wall, admire the intricate details of the Terracotta Army soldiers, and have the chance to get up close with adorable pandas. You'll take home lifelong memories - and plenty of souvenirs - as we explore every corner of this fascinating land.

Visit three of China's biggest cities - Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu - and enjoy a few off-the-beaten-track adventures too, like cruising through rural Yangshuo along the Li River (make sure to keep your camera handy; you won’t want to miss capturing its beauty).

And we can't overlook the food. With thousands of years of development and cultivation, nothing compares to authentic Chinese cuisine. This holiday is perfect for anyone interested in Chinese culture, history, and a longing for adventure.

What's included:

• 11 nights in four-star hand-picked hotels
• 15 included experiences
• Return flights & transfers
• Daily breakfast, 7 lunches & 2 dinners (including the Signature dinner)
• Expert Riviera Tour Manager looking after you throughout
• 20kg+ checked luggage
• Free Wi-Fi in the hotels

Highlights:

• See some of China's most famous sites, including The Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City.
• Cruise through the breathtaking natural landscapes along Li River where jutting limestone columns rise from rice paddies.
• Travel on the highspeed train to Chengdu and Xi’an.
• Visit the beautiful gardens of the Summer Palace in Beijing and Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai.
• Venture underground into Reed Flute Cave to see its impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites.
• Meet the conservationist at Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre and see its furry residents up close.
• Dine on a traditional Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant in Shanghai.
• Experience the perfect introduction to Shanghai with a river cruise along the Huangpu River.
• Enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group with an average of 22 guests.

Day 1: Depart UK

Travel to the airport for your overnight flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Arrive in Beijing

We'll arrive in Beijing mid-afternoon and transfer directly to our hotel for check in.

Those who prefer to "fly and flop" can spend the rest of the day enjoying the hotel's facilities and a well-earned rest by the pool or in the bamboo garden. However, if you can't wait to start exploring, you couldn't be better placed. Located in the Central Business District area of Chaoyang, we're in the heart of Beijing's real downtown area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within a 15-minute walk away and there’s easy access to the subway line.

Day 3: Beijing

This morning, we'll see the sights of Beijing on a guided tour. Our first stop is Tiananmen Square opposite the entrance to the Forbidden City. As one of the largest public squares in the world (although if we're being picky, it's actually rectangular), it has a historical, cultural and political significance that makes it a must-visit sight in Beijing. Through the years, this square has seen many historic events, including the proclamation of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and the protests of 1989.

After an included lunch, we'll head to the Summer Palace. It was built, destroyed and rebuilt (twice) to be the summer resort for the Qing dynasty's royal family, with beautiful gardens and airy pavilions - the opposite of the walled-in Forbidden City. The gardens here are said to be one of the best-preserved imperial gardens in the world, three quarters of it is covered by the waters of Kunming Lake and the rest is punctuated with hills and palaces ripe for exploring. The hills provide extensive views of the complex (worth the uphill climb), and highlights include The Long Corridor - the longest corridor in the world; the Tower of Buddhist Incense; Qingyan Stone Boat - a boat sculpture at the edge of the lake; and the rainbow-shaped Seventeen Arches Bridge.

Day 4: Beijing

Today, we'll help you tick off one of the destinations we know is on your bucket list: The Great Wall of China. From our hotel, we'll travel out of the city towards the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall, passing through farms and fruit orchards before catching our first glimpse of the Wall.

Heading back to the city for lunch, we'll then visit the Temple of Heaven. Its circular, three-tiered, conically roofed structure is set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods and is designed to symbolise the relationship between earth and heaven.

Day 5: Train from Beijing to Xi'an

We'll bid goodbye to Beijing this morning and travel like a native to Xi'an on one of China's high-speed trains. These impressive trains - also known as The Bullet Train - can reach speeds of up to 350km per hour which makes traversing across China's 9.6 million square kilometres much faster. And, thanks to China's advanced technology, we're happy to report it'll be a smooth ride!

After 5 hours on a train, you'll be ready to stretch your legs in the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an. Built in 1370, it's one of the most complete walled cities in China, as well as one of the largest military defensive systems in the world. The city wall is massive — tall, long and thick - with only two main entrances to the inner city. You can stroll along it to see the complex system of inner and outer walls, watchtowers and moats.

Day 6: Xi'an Terracotta Army

Marvel at the Terracotta Army, see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and visit the Muslim Quarter.

Discovered by workers digging a well outside of Xi'an, the Terracotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world and, today, we'll get to see them for ourselves. According to archaeologists, this subterranean life-size army of thousands of clay soldiers poised for battle is part of an elaborate mausoleum created to accompany the first emperor of China into the afterlife.

After an included lunch, we'll return to the city to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The large stone pagoda is enclosed within the Ci'en Monastery. It was erected in 652, during the Tang Dynasty, to commemorate the return of the temple's abbot - a heroic figure to Chinese Buddhists - who travelled west across the Silk Road and throughout India for sixteen years, exploring the homeland of Buddhism before returning with hundreds of sutras (Buddhist texts). Today, visitors can still climb the seven storeys for fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Later, we'll visit the bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter where the food is delicious, and the stalls sell souvenirs, trinkets and handicrafts you can smuggle home in your suitcase. For those brave enough to venture off the main streets, you can experience the reality of the local community; how they eat, how they shop, and what is popular. It is a great place to get to know the local culture.

Day 7: Chengdu

We'll bid goodbye to Xi'an and catch our next high-speed train to Chengdu, arriving in the afternoon.

On arrival, we’ll visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a beautiful park and museum in honour of the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. Serenely located in a 24-acre park by the side of a stream, the memorial was originally a temple dedicated to the poet. It was built about a thousand years ago during the Song Dynasty and at the centre sits the remains of what is supposed to be Du Fu's original cottage. The park is a beautiful space to explore, and the cottage has been restored to its former glory. It's like stepping back into the 700s.

Later, we'll walk through Jin Li Street. As early as the Qin Dynasty Jin Li Street was the most famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth - and it became one of the busiest commercial areas during the Shu Kingdom.

We'll experience the traditional shopping streets as it was during those years of prosperity, thanks to its restoration in 2004. Strolling down the narrow street, you will find yourself surrounded by old-world stores selling Shu Embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, curiosities, calligraphies and paintings. Perhaps stop to frequent the tea houses, stores and hotels, modelled on the traditional architectural style. There are plenty of places to sit down and relax with a cup of green tea – a local favourite - or coffee.

Day 8: Chengdu

Meet a true Chinese national treasure, the panda, at a Breeding and Research Centre.

Our day will start with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the pandas of Chengdu on a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre.

If you enjoy people-watching, you'll enjoy our visit to Chengdu People's Park after our included lunch. In the popular park at the centre of the city, you'll find locals engaged in a wide range of activities - dancing, drawing, singing, playing sports and other games - there are even fortune tellers and matchmakers hard at work here. On the south side of the park is a large lake where you can rent a boat or simply follow the winding paths towards the famous Heming teahouse. Watch as Chengdu residents play mahjong and enjoy a steaming cup of tea.

Day 9: Guilin

We'll fly from Chengdu to Guilin, known for its scenery and natural beauty.

On arrival, we'll visit the Reed Flute Caves, so named for the reeds that grow at its mouth, which it's said can be used as flutes. Inside are sights that seem plucked from another world; the karst caves are filled with a vast selection of stalactites and stalagmites, lit by colourful lights. They're named according to how they look - Fish Tail Peak, Dragon Pagoda, Sky-Scraping Twin, Virgin Forests and Red Curtain - which only adds to their otherworldliness. More than 70 ancient inscriptions inside the cave dating back to the Tang Dynasty - including travelogues and poems - provide insight into the history of the cave. According to legend, one unfortunate scholar tried to write a poem depicting the cave's beauty, but it took him so long to find the right words that he turned to stone. You can see his human-shaped stalactite in the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King.

After checking in to our hotel, venture out into Guilin this evening. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the local area and try some authentic local dishes.

Day 10: Li River Cruise

Get your cameras ready as we cruise along the scenic Li River and visit Yangshuo for free time.

Cruising down the Li River this morning is an absolute delight. The river snakes past a procession of jutting limestone karsts with bizarre names and associated legends. They rise from the flat rice paddies surrounding the river and mountain peaks covered in tropical forests - it's easy to see why this magical landscape has been celebrated by generations of the greatest Chinese painters and poets. Get your cameras ready and look out for farmers tending to their crops in the fields, swaying bamboo groves and maybe even buffalo cooling in the river. You'll want to capture this moment.

After our included lunch on board, we'll have some free time to explore the town of Yangshuo, where streets are lined with a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants - bargain hunters might pick up excellent pieces in pearl and jade, or fine Chinese paintings in the stalls here.

Day 11: Huangpu River Cruise

We'll take a short flight to Shanghai. On arrival, we'll take a cruise along the Huangpu River. It's one of the best ways to see both traditional and modern Shanghai.

This evening, we'll head to a local restaurant for our first look at Shanghai's gastronomic scene.

Day 12: Shanghai

Explore the beautiful Yuyuan Gardens and visit the Jade Buddha Temple.

This morning starts with a visit to Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai's Old Quarter. Originally a private garden in the Ming Dynasty, it still features shaded alcoves, glittering pools churning with fish, pavilions and pines sprouting wistfully from rockeries. Here, you can explore as you wish. The superstitious among you may choose to walk to the Jiu Qu Bridge (the Nine-Turn Bridge). The Chinese people believe that the number nine symbolises auspiciousness and walking across the Jiu Qu Bridge is said to bring people good luck. If you're not superstitious, you can simply enjoy views of the lake from the bridge on your way to Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse - the oldest teahouse in Shanghai.

After an included lunch, we'll visit one of Shanghai’s active Buddhist monasteries, the Jade Buddha Temple, which houses two jade Buddha statues imported from Burma in the late 19th century. Originally built in 1882, the temple was destroyed, but the statues were saved, and a new temple was built around them in 1928. One is a massive statue of a seated Buddha covered with jewels, and the other is a reclining Buddha that represents the Buddha’s final moments. The estimated weight of the statues exceeds 900 kg.

This evening, you may wish to explore nearby Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in Shanghai lined with high-end luxury stores and local speciality shops - perfect for those last-minute souvenirs. It’s also worth detouring into the side streets, where you may stumble upon authentic market stalls of fresh produce frequented by the locals and teahouses serving dumplings and hot cups of oolong.

Day 13: Transfer to the airport

Say goodbye to Shanghai as we transfer to the airport for our return flight back to the UK.

Day 14: Arrive home

Arrive back home after a truly unforgettable tour.