Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai & Best of Japan, 16 October 2026 (17 nights)

With a rich history to discover, and a sheer abundance of staggering landmarks and breathtaking sights to see, this seven-night tour of China promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. This tour will take you from central Beijing and the Forbidden City to the Great Wall of China, then to Xi’An and the home of the Terracotta Army, before finally whisking you away to Shanghai – covering well over 1,500km from start to finish. You’ll start things off with three nights in Beijing, giving you the chance to see the famous Tiananmen Square, the impressive Forbidden City, and the serene Temple of Heaven. While in Beijing, you’ll take a trip out to the Great Wall of China before visiting a jade museum and watching an incredible Chinese acrobatic show. Then, following a scenic bullet train trip to Xi’An, you’ll spend an evening enjoying a delicious dumpling banquet and the fascinating Tang Dynasty show. While in Xi’An, you’ll have the chance to explore the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and see the Terracotta Army before venturing into Xi’An itself to learn more about its rich history. Next, via another bullet train journey, you’ll be whisked away across the country to Shanghai. After an evening of getting settled with a traditional Shanghainese meal, you’ll spend a day exploring the Yu Gardens, the Shanghai Museum, and a traditional silk factory. Ending this final day with an evening cruise on the Huangpu River, this sensational tour offers you an amazing insight into Chinese culture and history. And, with delicious local cuisine provided throughout – complementing the entire experience wonderfully – you’re certain to come away from China with lifelong memories of an incredible adventure.

Walk through history at the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, where ancient culture meets modern China’s beating heart.

A remarkable complex of religious buildings symbolising the dramatic relationship between heaven and earth, the Temple of Heaven is an impressive Ming Dynasty site you won’t want to miss seeing when you’re in Beijing. Built in 1420 and flanked by over 650 acres of park area, this place was notably home to annual ceremonies throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties – where the Emperor of China, who was regarded as the Son of Heaven by his people, would pay respect to the authority of heaven in the form of sacrifices. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of both architecture and landscape design, the influence of this complex on society for centuries after its completion – from religious worship to architecture and planning – cannot be understated.

Step back in time as you trek along the majestic Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most iconic historical landmarks.

When the sun starts to set, you’ll have the chance to admire an inspiring Chinese acrobatic show while in Beijing. Marvel at this colourful display of peak human physical performance as this incredible nation’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated with bright costumes, dazzling displays, and truly remarkable techniques. This show will further deepen your appreciation of both the sheer magnificence and exceptional meticulousness Chinese culture is famed for.

An enchanting evening of entertainment – and exceptional food – awaits you in Xi’An. Starting with an interesting dumpling demonstration, where you will learn all about the significance of this dish and how a variety of ingredients, flavours, and techniques can be used to transform a simple dumpling into something truly extraordinary, you’ll then be treated to a dumpling banquet. Following on from this, you’ll then enjoy a fascinating Tang Dynasty Dancing show. A truly fabulous performance celebrating China’s golden age, this is a fantastic way to learn more about the historic culture of Xi’An city and the Tang Dynasty itself.

Marvel at the incredible Terracotta Warriors and dive into Xi’an’s rich history on a tour of China’s ancient capital.

Spending your day in Shanghai is always rewarding and this tour is no exception. An experience that combines a walking tour of the sensational Yu Gardens – home to a variety of rock formations and ponds alongside the enigmatic Exquisite Jade Rock – with a stroll along The Bund – a stunning section of Shanghai’s waterfront lined with impressive neoclassical architecture – you’ll have the chance to explore Shanghai’s history during the Ming Dynasty alongside its colonial history. A dramatic contrast that makes this city one of the most unique in the Far East, this tour will also include a stop at the Shanghai Museum. Home to thousands of pieces of ancient Chinese art, you’ll find some of the rarest surviving items from the Northern Song dynasty here among artefacts from the Zhou, Tang, and Ming dynasties.

If you’re looking to learn more about ancient Chinese culture and the chance to see Shanghai from a different perspective, this combination of experiences will offer you exactly that. Striking a balance between the old and new, you’ll start by heading to a traditional silk factory; here, you’ll learn about the ancient silk-producing techniques still in practice today – an experience that will give you a unique insight into what parts of life would have been like hundreds of years ago. Then, you’ll take to the calm waters of the Huangpu River on a sightseeing cruise. When the sun starts to set, Shanghai comes alive with bright, colourful lights highlighting this city’s unique skyline. On this river cruise, you’ll have the chance to admire this stunning sight while learning more about the city’s rich history.

A city where tradition meets the future, from the Bund’s skyline to hidden temples and street markets.

Sakaiminato, a little fishing village in Tottori Prefecture, draws many tourists from all around Japan. With lots of nods to iconic anime creator Shigeru Mizuki, this quaint city has a small population, yet plenty of attractions for visitors to explore; from the Mizuki Shigeru Museum to Sakaidaiba Park and the Miho Shrine that lies just outside of the city centre.

Discover Maizuru, a charming coastal town in Japan, offering scenic views, rich history, and cultural sites with a serene atmosphere.

A modern metropolis looking out at the Sea of Japan and Sado Island, Niigata is the only government-designated city on the west coast of Japan’s populous Honshu island and a fantastic place to visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in modern Japanese culture without the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Tokyo and Yokohama. Home to popular attractions like Hakusan Park and Hakusan Shrine, Bandai Bridge, and the Minato Inari Shrine, visitors here will still get a taste of this nation’s rich history while exploring the city.

One of the main cities on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, Hakodate is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including Mount Hakodate- which you can visit by an aerial ropeway gondola. There are several top attractions in Hakodate, including the impressive Goryokaku Tower, the neighbourhood of Motomachi and Hakodate Park.

A city where tradition meets the future, from the Bund’s skyline to hidden temples and street markets.