Inland China

Day 1: Hong Kong

Your trip starts today with an arrival in Hong Kong. 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 in the early evening. In the evening there is a spectacular Sound and Light Show on the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island – 8:00 to 8:20pm.

Day 2: Hong Kong-Guilin

This morning we head to Guangzhou (Canton) on a three-hour hydrofoil journey. The views, as we sail out of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, are sensational! In Guangzhou, we transfer to the train station, for our overnight journey to Guilin. You can purchase dinner on the train or 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 sleeping sheet. Travelling on the train is a great way to mix with the locals and practise your Chinese language-skills.

Day 3-5: Yangshuo

The train arrives into Guilin on Monday morning, where we transfer by bus 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, taking time to stop in the villages and mingle with the locals. We stop on the bicylce ride at the famous Moon Hill where you can hike up and view the surrounding countryside. 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 Wednesday afternoon, we return to Guilin to catch our sleeper train to Wuhan.

Day 6: Yichang

Arriving into Wuhan around lunchtime, we transfer to a bus for our trip to Yichang. This town is best known as the gateway city to the massive Three Gorges Dam, which is situated 40 kilometres upstream. We have time in the evening to take a stroll along the banks of the Yangtze River, prior to embarking on our fantastic riverboat trip. This magnificent river flows for over 6,400 kilometres, from its source high in the Tanggulashan Mountains, near the Tibetan border, to the East China Sea just north of Shanghai. In the early evening we can take a stroll along the riverfront and join the locals in watching the sunset.

Day 7-9: Yangtze River

Early on Saturday morning we begin our journey on the Yangtze River. Over the next two days, we start from near the massive dam and cruise through the famous Three Gorges. With the construction of the Three Gorges hydroelectric project, life along this majestic river is changing at a rapid pace. The scenery is spectacular! One minute we're surrounded by sheer cliff faces and the next we could be passing a thriving city or a deserted town. There is a surprise at every bend. Our riverboat is one that is used by the locals, rather than large foreign tour groups. It is basic, yet comfortable and we stay in cabins with private facilities. The boat has a viewing platform, bar, shop, dining room and, of course, karaoke room! There are opportunities to take several shore excursions, whilst we are travelling on the boat. These are optional activities and prices can be found later in these notes under 'Sightseeing and Activities'. Please note, not all activities will be available on all trips. Meals can be purchased on board the boat; however, we suggest you also bring along some additional snacks. On Monday we disembark from our riverboat and drive to the bustling and hilly city of Chongqing, where we have the rest of the day to do our own exploration. N.B. The first stages of damming the Yangtze River were completed in June 2003. Please note that all rooms on the Yangtze cruise are on a share basis. If you are not already sharing a room with someone from your group, you may be required to share with someone (of the same gender) from outside your group. This could be a member of another tour group or a local person.

Day 10-12: Chengdu & Leshan (Giant Buddha)

We transfer by bus to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, a province that is famous for its spicy food. For dinner tonight, why not try the local delicacy - Sichuan hotpot? We then visit Leshan on a day trip. Situated on the shores of the Min River this sleepy town is bursting with alleys and backstreets, just waiting to be explored. Measuring 71 metres in height, the Giant Buddha (Dafo) is located at the convergence of the Dadu and Min rivers and is considered the largest such statue in the world. Construction on this amazing sculpture began in 713AD, by a Buddhist monk called Haitong, and took 90 years for it to be completed. After visiting this impressive site, we then catch an afternoon bus and return to Chengdu. On Wednesday morning we drive out to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, which was set up in 1990 to ensure the survival of China's living national treasure. This place provides visitors with a rare chance to glimpse this cute and cuddly icon - a real highlight! On Thursday afternoon, we board the sleeper train bound for Xian.

Day 13-14: Xian & Terracotta Warriors

On Friday morning we arrive in Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province, where 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 a fascinating place to visit with its Great Mosque and vast array of market stalls. The local dumplings here are legendary! Alternatively, you can cycle along the top of the ancient city walls or climb the Bell Tower, with its commanding views across town. On Saturday evening we take the sleeper train to Beijing.

Day 15-16: 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.

Day 17: Beijing

Our trip ends this morning in Beijing. Checkout time is usually around 12 Noon, however you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be arranged on request. NB. We highly recommend you book an extra night after the tour in Beijing, as there is so much to see and do in this great city.

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.