China & Japan Combined (16 days)

Day 1 London Heathrow to Beijing

Depart from London Heathrow airport for scheduled flight to Beijing. We can also arrange departures from your local airport.

Day 2 Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport and transfer to 5* hotel in city centre. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 3 Beijing

Start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world. Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (late Chairman Mao’s huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City – which served as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since 15th century. This massive palace compound never fails to impress. In the afternoon the tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace – the largest imperial garden in the world, where late Qing emperors and empresses stayed between May and October, seeking escape from the pollution inside the city. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 4 Beijing

Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. You will be given plenty of time to explore this magnificent monument and climb to the top. Afternoon is spent visiting the Ming Tombs – 13 Ming Emperors were buried in the basin surrounded by Tiger and Dragon Mountains.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 5 Beijing to Xi'an

Start our tour today with a tour to the Temple of Heaven – built in 1420, it was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for a good harvest for the year.

Later in the afternoon we fly to Xi’an – the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, transfer to 5* hotel in the city centre. Later visit the Ancient City Wall, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Later we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex, the temple was initially built in 589, during the Sui Dynasty (581-618).

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 6 Xi'an

Today our tour begins with yet another highlight of the entire journey – Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. With over 7,000 life-size figures unearthed since 1974, this is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This afternoon return to the city to visit the Bell Tower – beautifully lit with red lanterns; this is the landmark of Xi’an. Also browse around the colourful local food market in the Muslim quarter.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 7 Xi'an to Shanghai

This morning we fly to Shanghai – a vibrant modern city renowned as the “Oriental Paris”. Tour the Jade Buddha Temple, originally built in 1882 to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928. Later we visit the enchanting Yuyuan Garden a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Finally today we will take you for a leisurely walk on the Bund – Shanghai’s famous waterfront, where you will be treated with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of Huangpu River. This evening enjoy the famous Shanghai Acrobatic show.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 8 Shanghai

Today you have the whole day free in Shanghai to explore at your leisure.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 9 Shanghai to Osaka / Kyoto

Transfer to airport for flight to Osaka. Arrive at Osaka Kansai international Airport. Transfer by shuttle bus to Kyoto city centre.

There you will check into a traditional style Japanese inn (Ryokan).

This evening enjoy a Maiko night tour, you will meet a Maiko (young Geisha), enjoy a traditional Japanese “Maiko” dance and a tempura dinner.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 10 Kyoto

Today enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto which will include Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogun in 1603, noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors.

Then continue to the Golden Pavillion, with the most authentic and exquisite Japanese style garden. Enjoy a buffet lunch and shopping at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre.

After lunch you will visit the Heian Shrine, a brightly coloured shrine with vermilion pillars and green roof, with enchanting inner gardens and ponds.

Later this afternoon the tour continues with Sanju-Sangendo Hall and Kiyomizu Temple, where you will enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city from its lofty terrace, surrounded by a quaint old lane lined with pottery shops.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 11 Kyoto

Today is free to explore the many other wonderful sights and temples in this traditional old city.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 12 Kyoto to Tokyo

Today we take a ride on Japan’s famous Bullet Train – reaching speeds up to 300 kilometres per hour. On route you will have the opportunity to see Mount Fuji – Japan’s most sacred mountain.

Upon arrival take own taxi to the Keio Plaza Hotel in the city centre.

The hotel is located in the skyscraper Shinjuku district directly opposite the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings. Shinjuku is the most modern area of Tokyo.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 13 Tokyo

Start this morning with a tour to Tokyo Tower and enjoy a panoramic view from its observatory. Then you will continue to the “Happoen” Japanese Garden, where you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional tea ceremony. The tour then continues to the Imperial Palace Plaza with a short photo stop. You will then have a barbecue lunch at Chinzanso Restaurant.

After lunch you will drive past the National Diet Building (the Japanese House of Parliament) and then take a 40 minute Sumida River Cruise from Hinode pier of Tokyo Bay to Asakusa.

The tour finishes with a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 14 Tokyo

Today we take a deluxe motorcoach drive along the expressway to Mt. Fuji. We visit the Fuji Visitor Centre and then drive halfway up Mt. Fuji to the 5th Station, enjoying the natural scenery en route.

We then stop for lunch at the Hotel Highland Resort, before continuing to Lake Ashi for a relaxing cruise.

We then take a ride on the Mt. Komagatake Aerial Cableway, where we will get sweeping views of the celebrated Hakone National Park and Mt. Fuji from a distance.

Return to Tokyo late afternoon / early evening.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 15 Tokyo

Free day to explore on your own.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 16 Tokyo to London Heathrow

This morning transfer by shuttle bus to Tokyo Narita Airport for flight home to London.

Meals Included

• Breakfast