Depart from London Heathrow airport for scheduled flight to Beijing. We can also arrange departures from your local airport.
Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport and transfer to 5* hotel in city centre. Rest of day at leisure.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Today you have the whole day free in Shanghai to explore at your leisure.
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).
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.
Today is free to explore the many other wonderful sights and temples in this traditional old city.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Free day to explore on your own.
This morning transfer by shuttle bus to Tokyo Narita Airport for flight home to London.
Feel the pulse of the city from your central location on Wangfujing Steet, a short walk from Beijing’s international banking and shopping districts. Stroll 15 minutes to the mighty Forbidden City, Beijing’s vast, imperial network of wooden temples and palaces, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Grand Noble Hotel Xi’an is a luxurious property, managed by Grand Noble Hotels & Resorts. The hotel offering comprehensive facilities and services for leisure and business stays. It is conveniently located in the commercial center, shopping and entertainment area of downtown Xi’an, neighboring several popular tourist attractions. Bell Tower and Forest of Stone Steles Museum is 10 minutes-walk away.
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Situated along Huai Hai Road in the heart of Shanghai, the Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai retains the vestiges of the French Club, which was built in the City’s French Concession in 1926, and to this day preserves its beautiful Art Deco atmosphere. Delight in the exquisite harmony of a stylish European atmosphere and traditional Chinese culture, then step out into the expansive 28,000 metre squared garden for a stroll or a chat in the refreshing breeze.
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Ryokan are Japanese style inns found throughout the country, especially in hot spring resorts. More than just a place to sleep, ryokan are an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, incorporating elements such as tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style baths and local cuisine.
Keio Plaza Hotel is modern, simple, and convenient. It is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. located in central Tokyo and only minutes away from the most popular shopping and tourist attractions. The rooms are painted in soothing shades, and they are comfortable and functional.
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Tour Price includes:
Tour Price excludes: