Beijing to Hong Kong Express

Day 1: Beijing

Your trip starts today with your arrival in Beijing. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-departure briefing with your tour leader late in the afternoon.

Day 2-3: Beijing & The Great Wall

Beijing is a thriving metropolis and home to over 16 million people. Over the next couple of days, we explore many of its main attractions. The Forbidden City, built over 500 years ago, has been off limits to commoners until about 100 years ago. After entering through an archway beyond Tiananmen Gate, we spend the morning exploring this huge complex and marvel at the many intricate carvings that adorn its buildings. A visit to China is not complete without taking a walk along the Great Wall. You will visit one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience - the surrounding views are amazing. There is ample free time to explore the many other sights of Beijing, such as the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, or just kick back and soak up the atmosphere of this historic and vibrant metropolis. On Monday evening we board the sleeper train for Xian. You can either purchase dinner on the train or buy some food prior to boarding. We stay in six-berth air-conditioned cabins that have an open and relaxed feel about them. A blanket, sheets and a pillow are provided, although some people may wish to bring their own inner sheet. Travelling on the train is a great way to mix with the locals and practise your Chinese-language skills.

Day 4-5: Xian & Terracotta Warriors

On Tuesday morning we arrive in Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province. After freshening up at our hotel, we are soon out exploring the awesome army of Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed in 1974 by farmers digging a well, these life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots were all individually hand carved. There are over 6,000 of these clay statues, all in battle formation and facing east, in order to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang. Afterwards, we have free time to wander around this historical city. The Muslim Quarter, situated just a few blocks from our hotel, is fascinating place to visit with its Great Mosque and vast array of market stalls. The local dumplings here are legendary! Alternatively, you can walk along the top of the ancient city walls or climb the Bell Tower, with its commanding views across town.

Day 6-8: Yangshuo

On Thursday morning we take a short flight to Guilin, where we are transferred by private bus on to Yangshuo. Over the next two days we explore the region on bicycle and by foot. The town and its surroundings are a photographer’s paradise! We hire bikes for half a day and ride past the amazing limestone outcrops that jut up from the surrounding paddy fields on our way to Moon Hill. Which we have the opportunity to climb. We take time to stop in the villages and mingle with the locals. For the more adventurous there is a chance to explore some of the caves in the area, such as Black Buddha and New Water. There is also plenty of free time to relax in the many cafes and restaurants that line Xi Jie (West Street), or shop for a bargain in the marketplace. On Saturday afternoon we return to Guilin and join the overnight train to Guangzhou.

Day 9: Hong Kong

Arriving in Guangzhou in the morning, we head to the ferry terminal and catch the hydrofoil to Hong Kong. This short boat journey culminates in a spectacular cruise towards the skyline of the city. There is just so much to see and do in Hong Kong. You can take a funicular ride up to Victoria Peak and enjoy magnificent views over the city, wander through the Stanley Market or just shop until you drop! On our last night we can get together for a group dinner or go out and enjoy some of the many bars and nightclubs around town. Every evening there is a spectacular Sound and Light Show on the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island – 8:00 to 8:20pm. Be warned – after Vietnam and Mainland China, you will not find Hong Kong a cheap city!

Day 10: Hong Kong

Our trip ends this morning in Hong Kong. Checkout time is usually around 12 Noon; however you are free to leave at any time in the morning. Additional accommodation can be arranged on request.

Tour Grade: Culture

Whether you’re taking in man’s greatest works at places like Petra or Angkor Wat, experiencing grand set-pieces like the Trans-Mongolian Railway or trying your hand at regional specialities like tango in Buenos Aires, getting to grips with local cultures is what travel’s all about. A few tips from a local guide and a sense of adventure are pretty much all you need. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get the lowdown on high Tibet among Lhasa’s magisterial temples; follow up Delhi’s eye-popping bustle with a fix of its fiery food; and mix manic markets and Incan masterpieces in Peru.