Day 1: Beijing

     Saturday: Hello China! Arrive Beijing and included airport transfer to our hotel. Overnight – Beijing

Day 2: Forbidden City

     This Morning, we explore the heart of Beijing including the vast Tiananmen Square where chairman Mao's tomb and various monuments to the people are located.Dominating the city's heart is the Forbidden City, a centre of power for five centuries and seat of the emperors. Entering through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (replete with Chairman Mao's portrait), we enjoy a guided tour of this old city within a city. Later we take a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing, weaving through old back lanes, traditional courtyards and compact houses, gaining a fascinating snapshot of the city's traditional way of life. Today, we enjoy a traditional dinner at a city restaurant. Overnight – Beijing

Day 3: The Great Wall

     Don some comfortable shoes, today we walk a section of the famous Great Wall. Zig zagging some 6000 kilometres, ducking and weaving through mountain peaks and lush terrain, climbing the Great Wall is one of those 'must do' experiences! Afterward we visit a cloisonne workshop, viewing the unique art of decorating copper with colorful enamel. Tonight, an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance. Swinging ropes, juggling hoops and human pyramids are just a few tricks these showstoppers pull out. Overnight – Beijing

Day 4: Summer Palace

     Beijing – Xi'an. Today, we walk the local street market. Fancy stir fried scorpions or silk works on a skewer? Visit the Silk Alley market and the beautiful Emperor's Summer Palace and drive past the 2008 Olympic Stadium and aquatic centre. Tonight we travel to Xi'an in Shaanxi Province by express soft sleeper train Overnight – Sleeper Train

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors

     Arrive Xi'an, hotel check in and time to freshen up. Today we discover the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site. 7,000 Warriors stand battle ready and have done so for the past 2,200 years. Try counting them! Visit to a clay workshop specializing in making replica figurines. Tonight, optional Tang Dynasty Bolt-on, with dinner and performance. Overnight – Xi'an

Day 6: Big Wild Goose Pagoda

     Xi'an – Beijing. Early this morning opt for our Giant Panda excursion to the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre a2 hour drive from Xi'an. Alternatively spend the morning at leisure before visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda we take a casual bicycle ride on top of the 9 mile Xi'an City Wall (no need to go the entire way around) perimeter peeking down upon the lively city beneath us. Later, this evening we board the express soft sleeper train to Beijing. Overnight – Sleeper Train

Day 7: Beijing

     Friday. Arrive Beijing and transfer to a nearby hotel for breakfast. Our tour concludes after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport. Please ensure that onward international flights are booked after 14:00 pm. This will allow sufficient time for arriving into Beijing, breakfast, transfer to the airport and check in prior to your flight. Alternatively, extra nights accommodation are available should you require.