Solo - Treasures of China

Day 1 London - In flight Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow for a scheduled KLM flight to Chengdu via Amsterdam. Day 2 Chengdu This morning we arrive into Chengdu and transfer to the Dorsett Grand Chengdu (4T) where we stay for three nights. You will have time to freshen up before we visit Jinli Old Street. We return to our hotel later today and this evening visit a local restaurant for a special Szechuan meal. Day 3 Chengdu After breakfast we depart by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Emei Scenic Area. Here we visit the remarkable Giant Buddha in Leshan; built during the Tang Dynasty, it was carved out of a hillside, facing Mount Emei and overlooking the confluence of three rivers. Standing 71 metres high, the statue is the largest stone Buddha in the world. We enjoy a cruise of the river before dinner at a local restaurant. Perhaps take an optional excursion to enjoy a Changing Face Show. Day 4 Chengdu Following breakfast at our hotel, we visit the famous Panda Breeding Research Institute where we can observe one of the most endangered animals on earth. With over 80 pandas, these fascinating animals are being reared in surroundings recreated to resemble their natural habitat - a truly memorable experience. We then visit Huanglongxi old town, which has a history of more than 1,700 years, and is greatly admired by visitors for its beautiful natural scenery and ancient Chinese culture. Day 5 Chengdu - Chongqing Enjoy tea in a typical tea house this morning. After lunch we continue by bullet train to Chongqing where we stay at the Hilton Hotel (4T) overnight. Day 6 Chongqing - Yangtze This morning we check out of our hotel and visit People’s Square, Three Gorges Museum and Ciqikou or Hongyadong old street. We then transfer to embark the MV Century Diamond (4T) for three nights cruising on one of the most historic stretches of inland water in the world. Day 7 Yangtze (Shibaozhai Pagoda) Afternoon excursion to Shiboa Pagoda (also known as Shibaozhai). A highlight of the Yangtze river cruise, this structure majestically stands above its surroundings. We enjoy a Captain’s welcome party, before dinner this evening. Day 8 Yangtze (Shennong Stream) Today our cruise sails through the spectacular Qutang and Wu Gorges before boarding a smaller boat to cruise along Shennong Stream, zigzagging through the beautiful gorges. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner. Day 9 Maoping - Three Gorges Dam - Yichang - Xi'an We disembark at Maoping and board our coach for a morning excursion to the Three Gorges Dam - the largest water conservatory project ever undertaken. We’ll see Xiling Gorge en route and conclude in Yichang to transfer to the airport for a flight to Xi’an. We stay at the Golden Flower Hotel Xi’an by Shangri-La (4T+) for two nights. Dinner is included this evening. Day 10 Xi’an Today we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. A simple yet appealing construction and a holy place for Buddhists, the pagoda stands nearly 65 metres in height. Our tour continues to the incredible Terracotta Warrior Museum, one of the most significant and sensational archaeological excavations of the 20th century. It was in 246 BC that emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned the work for his mausoleum; and as excavation work continues in the area it is speculated that even more treasures are yet to be uncovered. The museum covers an enormous area, the life-size warriors, each with an individual crafted head and face, and horses arranged in battle formations being the star features. Altogether there are more than 7,000 pieces. Perhaps enjoy an optional Tang Dynasty show this evening. Day 11 Xi’an - Beijing This morning we make a stop at the Ancient City Wall before transferring to Xi’an Airport for our flight to Beijing. We transfer to the Beijing Landmark Hotel (4T) for our three-night stay. This evening we savour an included traditional Peking duck dinner. Day 12 Beijing - Forbidden City Today we visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest city square in the world and one that has hosted many monumental events in Chinese history. We also explore the extraordinary complex of imperial palaces known as the Forbidden City, situated north of Tian’anmen Square. This afternoon perhaps join an optional Hutong tour to learn about the local history and culture of the ancient Beijing people. Day 13 Beijing - Great Wall The highlight of any tour to China is the Great Wall of China. Voted one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ in 2007, it is a sight to behold - epic in scale, it took 2,000 years to build and stretches 8,100 km. At its height, it was guarded by a million men. The Badaling Great Wall dates to the Ming Period. We continue to the largest and most well-preserved royal parks in China - the Summer Palace. With a collection of fine pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges, the Summer Palace radiates natural beauty and the grandeur of royal gardens. We return to our hotel this evening for an included dinner. Day 14 Beijing - London After breakfast, we transfer to Beijing Airport for a scheduled KLM flight to London Heathrow via Amsterdam. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.