We Love —
- An amazing 16 night tour which journeys across one of the world's largest and most interesting countries, steeped in ancient history and brimming with world-renowned sights.
- In a group of 10 or less, expert guides will travel with you as you absorb the wonders of the Great Wall, pandas in Chengdu and Tibet's many monasteries
- All your meals are included and your accommodation will be top quality all the way
Here to Help —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply).
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email sales@voyageprive.com
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 21:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 to 17:30.
Our Offer —
The Hong Kong part is not fully escorted. Whilst you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide on your half day city tour, the rest of your time in Hong Kong is at your own leisure giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the varied culture that this city has to offer.
Highlights Include:
- City tours of Shanghai, Xi'an, Lhasa and Beijing
- UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Summer Palace, built by the Dalai Lama
- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigaste, home to Tibet's largest number of monks
- Visit a traditional Tibetan family home
- Journey to the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre
Your Itinerary —
Day 1 - UK to Shanghai
Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Shanghai International Airport.
Day 2 - Shanghai - Dinner
On arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Experience your first taste of Shanghai with a visit to the magnificent Bund, then a walk along Nanjing Road, the main shopping area.
Day 3 - Shanghai - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today embark on a day tour of the city, taking in the delights of the famous classical Yuyuan Garden, the French Concession and Tianzifang, the arts and crafts enclave in the French neighbourhood. After lunch saunter around Xintiandi - 'The City's Living Room, a multifunctional entertainment district with unique 1920's style stone gate buildings known as 'shikumen'.
Day 4 - Shanghai to Xi'an - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you will fly to Xi'an. Known to many as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', a visit to the spectacular Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience. Taking nearly four decades to complete and over 700,000 workers, this incredible tomb was built to protect China's first emperor in his afterlife. Continue to the Muslim Quarter - a labyrinth of market stalls and shops. Then in the evening be entertained while you enjoy the colourful Tang Dynasty show.
Day 5 - Xi'an to Lhasa - Breakfast & Dinner
Today you will board a plane to the roof of the world, the capital of Tibet, Lhasa city. Shrouded in the mysteries of Buddhism, Tibet is home to one of the most spiritually devout and unique cultures in the world and one of the only places left where you really can experience a way of life truly different to our own. The rest of the day will be at leisure in order to acclimatise to the altitude.
Day 6 - Lhasa - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you will be visiting the spectacular Potala Palace, the spiritual and symbolic heart of the Tibetan nation. The palace was originally built in the 7th century by the great Tibetan King Songtsen Gambo after meditating in the nearby mountains and later became the residence of the Dalai Lamas and the administrative centre of the Tibetan government. This vast red and white castle towers 120 metres over the city and contains a myriad of rooms, chambers and prayer halls decorated with exquisite murals, jewel-encrusted golden Stupas and priceless Buddhist statues. After lunch you will visit the Jokhang temple, originally built in 647AD, and Lhasa's other main attraction. Explore the candle-lit medieval passageways and marvel at the intricately patterned walls covered with hundreds of Buddhist images telling the story of Tibetan history as you pass red-robed monks chanting mantras or quietly meditating. After, join other pilgrims circling the temple along the Barkhor circuit, and wonder at the traditional dress of travellers from Amdo and Khampa nomads sporting shaggy cloaks and wide-brimmed felt hats!
Day 7 - Lhasa - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you will be visiting the Norbulingka which translates as the Treasure Garden and is also known as the Summer Palace. Built by the seventh Dalai Lama in the mid 18th century it is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The palace is where the Dalai Lama would have lived and spent most of his time until he reached the age of eighteen and was ready to take on greater responsibilities. As well as seeing the Dalai Lama's former residence you will have a chance to explore the tranquil gardens, especially beautiful in summer time when the grounds are full of flowers and blossoming trees. After lunch a short ride will take you to the 600 year old Sera Monastery. This vast monastery used to hold over 10,000 monks and the chance to see the monks, clad in red robes, debating over the scriptures in the afternoon sun is truly an unforgettable experience.
Day 8 - Lhasa to Shigatse - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you will be leaving Lhasa and travelling by train to Tibet's second city, Shigatse, passing by rural villages, mountain peaks and rivers. After lunch on arrival you will have a chance to explore the Tashilhuunpo monastery. Now home to Tibet's largest number of monks, this vast complex of buildings, temples and prayer halls is essentially a walled town in its own right. The temple of Jampa - the future Buddha - housing the world's largest gilded statue and the Monastery's assembly hall with its stunning courtyard are not to be missed.
Day 9 - Shigatse to Gyantse - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning you will be travelling to Gyantse with an opportunity to visit a traditional Tibetan family's house on the way - a great insight into Tibetan culture and the central role religion plays in their lives. After lunch you will visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and the monumental Gyantse Kumbum, a chorten 35 metres high and built on six floors, filled with thousands of exquisite original paintings. The monastery, founded in 1418, is surrounded by ancient red-bricked battlements and still receives a steady influx of wondering pilgrims. It is no wonder this is one of Tibet's must see attractions.
Day 10 - Gyantse to Lhasa - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you will be leaving Gyantse to embark on a journey that will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Spectacular mountain passes open up to marine blue lakes and meandering alpine rivers framed by 7000 metre snow-capped mountains dotted with multi-coloured Tibetan prayer flags. Make sure you bring your camera to capture some truly mesmerising photo opportunities. Check into your hotel in Lhasa for dinner and your final night in Tibet.
Day 11 - Lhasa to Chengdu - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast fly to Chengdu - although one of the country's most rapidly expanding metropolises, the city's residents are also famous for being the most laid-back in China. After lunch take a tour of the city including the People's Park and the Wide and Narrow alleys. In the evening enjoy a delicious Sichuan hot pot meal.
Day 12 - Chengdu to Beijing - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today takes you to experience a once in a lifetime trip to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, home to one of China's largest habitat of pandas. Strolling around a variety of enclosures, you can even pay an extra fee to be photographed next to one of these beautiful animals. In the evening take a flight to the nation's capital city, Beijing.
Day 13 - Beijing - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start your day with a visit to one of China's most important political landmarks, Tiananmen Square. This monumental landmark is not only the world's largest city centre square but also the gateway to the Forbidden City. After visiting the famous Temple of Heaven unwind and marvel at the talents of the accomplished performers in the Chinese Acrobatics Show.
Day 14 - Beijing - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
One of the tour highlights is a trip to the iconic Great Wall. Winding across deserts, grasslands and mountains and stretching over 5,500 miles, it was constructed over 2,000 years ago to guard the Chinese Empire against the Mongol invaders from the North. We've included a cable car trip to a viewing point to avoid the arduous steps. Conclude your trip with a traditional Peking duck dinner, a delicious way to end your tour.
Day 15 - Beijing to Hong Kong - Breakfast
Depart Beijing in the morning and fly to Hong Kong via Shanghai, taking a shuttle transfer to your hotel.
Day 16 - Beijing to Hong Kong - Breakfast
After breakfast you will embark on a half day tour of the city with an English speaking guide, where you can visit some of the city?s most famous sights. The afternoon is then left to you to spend at your leisure and explore the gems that Hong Kong has to offer.
Day 17 - Hong Kong to London
Depart for your return flight to the UK via Shanghai.
Your Hotels —
Ocean Hotel - Shanghai (2 nights)
The recently refurbished Ocean Hotel is conveniently located at the bustling North Bund shopping zone. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and Spa at the Ocean Hotel.
Titan Times Hotel - Xian (1 night)
Bordering the famous ancient city wall this 5* hotel offers 284 air-conditioned rooms which feature a private en suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and Wi-Fi.
Four Points by Sheraton - Lhasa (4 nights)
The hotel is located in the centre of Lhasa city. The style is uncomplicated and comfortable, a feeling of home coupled with luxurious touches. Each room contains one 32-inch Flat Screen LCD TV with cable and satellite stations, and free High Speed Internet Access.
Shigatse Hotel - Beijing (1 night)
Situated in the far south of the town, this hotel offers 123 rooms with a traditional Tibetan style. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and air-conditioning.
Yeti Garden Hotel - Gyantse (1 night)
The hotel has 34 deluxe rooms. Each room is equipped with handcrafted furniture and fitting to provide the essence of central Tibet, including Tibetan traditional paintings on the ceiling and walls along with Tibetan woollen weaved rugs.
Tibet Hotel - Chengdu (1 night)
This 276-room hotel is situated in a central location in the lively, yet laid-back city of Chengdu, with surrounding areas including Huoshui Park, Wenshu Fang and the Luomashi Commercial Area. The rooms are decorated in Tibetan reds, whites and golds and contain delicate wooden furniture.
The Landmark Hotel - Beijing (3 nights)
Neighbouring the famous Sanlitun bar street and Yansha friendship shopping centre, the Landmark Hotel occupies a convenient location in the China's capital city. The hotel offers excellent facilities including seven different restaurants catering for all tastes, a coffee shop, bar and sports centre.
Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel - Hong Kong (2 nights)
Located in the Kowloon area of the city, the award winning Harbour Plaza will delight your senses with its intimate rooms, stunning lobby and distinctive restaurants. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or treat yourself to a massage during your stay.
If the hotels detailed are not available alternatives of a similar standard will be used.
Your Board Basis —
Meals are included as per the itinerary above.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning.
Lunch and dinner will be taken in local Chinese restaurants and served with either one beer or soft drink.
A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Your Journey —
Flights: All flights are operated by China Eastern Airlines.
Please click here for flight times
Transfers: Are included as per itinerary
Flight details are given as a guide only and may change. We will however notify you in advance if flights are more than 2 hours outside the time range given. Flights are non changeable and non-refundable at time of booking.