Ultimate China
This really is the ultimate tour for those who want to experience China in depth! From modern cities and ancient history to rural villages and spectacular landscapes, this is the tour for those wanting to see all of China’s highlights in just one visit.
- 07 May 2026 – 01 Jun 2026
from $12,580 pp twin share * - 14 May 2026 – 08 Jun 2026
from $11,980 pp twin share * - 21 May 2026 – 15 Jun 2026
from $11,980 pp twin share * - 27 Aug 2026 – 21 Sep 2026
from $11,980 pp twin share * - 03 Sep 2026 – 28 Sep 2026
from $11,980 pp twin share * - 07 Oct 2026 – 01 Nov 2026
from $11,980 pp twin share * - 08 Oct 2026 – 02 Nov 2026
from $12,580 pp twin share * - 15 Oct 2026 – 09 Nov 2026
from $11,980 pp twin share * - 26 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026
from $11,980 pp twin share * - 01 Apr 2027 – 26 Apr 2027
from $12,380 pp twin share * - 06 May 2027 – 31 May 2027
from $12,380 pp twin share * - 13 May 2027 – 07 Jun 2027
from $12,980 pp twin share * - 26 Aug 2027 – 20 Sep 2027
from $12,380 pp twin share * - 02 Sep 2027 – 27 Sep 2027
from $12,380 pp twin share * - 07 Oct 2027 – 01 Nov 2027
from $12,380 pp twin share * - 14 Oct 2027 – 08 Nov 2027
from $12,380 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Fly To Beijing:
Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. - Day 2 – Imperial Beijing:
This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner. - Day 3 – The Great Wall:
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace. - Day 4 – Bullet Train To Xian:
Take the bullet train to Xian and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. - Day 5 – Terracotta Warriors:
After their fortuitous discovery 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-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. - Day 6 – Reed Flute Cave:
Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites. - Day 7 – Li River Cruise:
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo’s vibrant markets.. - Day 8 – Yangshuo:
Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the countryside at your own pace. - Day 9 – Travel to Kunming:
Take a bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province. - Day 10 – Stone Forest:
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on the local dish, ‘Across the Bridge’ noodles. - Day 11 – Bullet Train to Lijiang:
Board the bullet train to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. - Day 12 – Dragon Snow Mountain:
The magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people. - Day 13 – Tiger Leaping Gorge:
Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China’s most extraordinary sights. Next, continue to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude. - Day 14 – Tibetan Zhongdian:
Begin the day with a visit to a Tibetanstyle village where you will learn about the villagers’ way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple, explore the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery and end the day with a tour of the old town. - Day 15 – Mystical Lhasa:
Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude. - Day 16 – The Barkhor Circuit:
Lhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally dressed locals and explore the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. - Day 17 – Potala Palace:
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama. - Day 18 – Fly to Chengdu:
Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through People’s Park to see Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.. - Day 19 – Giant Pandas:
Begin the day with a visit to Chengdu’s famous conservation centre. Later, transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel. - Day 20 – 21 Yangtze River Cruise:
Over the next two days, enjoy various side trips and shore excursions and enjoy the spectacular views from the ship. - Day 22 – Three Gorges Dam:
Visit the Three Gorges Dam in the morning, and after disembarking drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars. - Day 23 – Discover Zhangjiajie:
Zhangjiajie’s forest of towering sandstone pillars is nature at its most surreal. Ride the Bailong glass elevator skyward, soak up the incredible views before a scenic train through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery. - Day 24 – Tianmen Mountain:
Soar up Tianmen Mountain on China’s longest cable car. At the summit, climb 999 steps to the dramatic Tianmen Cave, ‘Heaven’s Door’, and brave the thrilling glass ‘Walk of Faith’. Later, fly to Shanghai. - Day 25 – Explore Shanghai:
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit the classical Yu Garden, stop in the old town, take in panoramic views from the Jinmao Tower, and admire colonial architecture on the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine. - Days 26-27 – Fly Shanghai To Australia:
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Highlights
- Explore iconic sights like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and Yangtze River.
- Immerse yourself in ancient history, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
- Travel in comfort with expert local guides and quality accommodations.
This really is the ultimate tour for those who want to experience China in depth! From modern cities and ancient history to rural villages and spectacular landscapes, this is the tour for those wanting to see all of China’s highlights in just one visit.
Inclusions
- Walk on the Great Wall.
- Gaze at the Warriors.
- Visit the Stone Forest.
- Explore Dali and Zhongdian.
- Stay in mystical Lhasa.
- Cruise the Yangtze River.
FAQs
- Mercure Beijing Downtown
- Lanxi International Hotel
- Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
- Xin Liang Hotel
- Metropolo Hotels
- Shangri-laMao Yuan Hotel
- Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
- Landscape Hotel
- Jinjiang Hotel
- Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
- Elite Garden Hotel
- Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 27 days and 25 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 07 May 2026 and 08 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Fine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.