Tour Itinerary:

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO BEIJING

Fly to Beijing for a three-night stay.

DAY 2: IMPERIAL BEIJING

Begin in Beijing’s symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, flanked by imposing government buildings and the mausoleum of Chairman Mao. At the head of the square the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City is a monument to dynasties past. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find 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. This evening sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking Duck, after which there is an option to enjoy a Kung Fu show (at your own expense).

DAY 3: THE GREAT WALL

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Stretching thousands of kilometres from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, over all sorts of dramatic landscapes, it is one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the magnificent scenery that it crosses. Drive back to Beijing, then savour a relaxed afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional gardens and admire exquisite architecture. Jade is revered throughout China; it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. You will have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. A Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.

DAY 4: FLY TO XIAN

Fly 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 to get your bearings, before a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

DAY 5: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

After their fortuitous discovery by local farmers in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-like warriors who stand in their original formations at the exact location where they were excavated. Visit the workshop of the craftspeople who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Take a bullet train to Chengdu.

DAY 6: DUJIANGYAN PANDA BASE

Visit one of the world's finest panda conservation centres where you’ll gain a real insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of this endangered species. The pandas here are kept in conditions very close to their natural habitat. Later enjoy the atmosphere of Nanjiao Park and then Jinli Street – a lively road lined with antique shops and restaurants before sampling a delicious Sichuan meal.

DAY 7: GIANT PANDAS

A visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding allows you to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears. See them up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat as they chomp through piles of bamboo. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve’s breeding programme. Later, enjoy a hot beverage in a traditional tea house before visiting Matchmaker’s Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children.

DAYS 8-9: CHENGDU TO AUSTRALIA

This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Chengdu airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home to same or following day.