Grand China Explorer with 4 Nights Yangtze Cruise

You arrive in China's magnificent capital and check in to the Novotel Beijing Peace for the first of three nights. Take a little time to settle in and find your bearings in this grand, historic city.

Today you visit two of China's most iconic landmarks. A tour takes you out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall — and if you're feeling adventurous, a toboggan ride brings you back down. In the afternoon, step inside the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City.

A further day to enjoy Beijing at a gentler pace, taking in anything from the previous day you wish to revisit or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this extraordinary city.

This morning you board a high-speed G-class train for the approximately 4.5-hour journey south-west to Xi'an, one of the world's oldest cities and home to China's legendary Terracotta Army. On arrival you check in to the Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel for three nights.

A guided tour brings you to the extraordinary Terracotta Army — thousands of life-sized figures standing silent guard over China's first emperor. Back in the city, hire a bicycle and pedal along the top of Xi'an's well-preserved Ancient City Wall, or simply stroll a section instead.

A free day to explore Xi'an further — the Muslim Quarter's street food, the Bell and Drum Towers — and enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable walled city at your own pace.

Today you travel by high-speed D-class train — approximately 3.5 hours — to the laid-back Sichuan capital of Chengdu. Check in to the Dorsett Chengdu and settle in for three nights in this famously friendly city.

This morning a half-day tour takes you to Chengdu's famous panda base for a close encounter with China's best-loved bears. In the afternoon you head out on a day trip to see the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, climbing the mountain stairs for a remarkable view of the 71-metre figure carved into the cliff.

Enjoy a relaxed day in Chengdu before your journey continues tomorrow. The city's teahouses and street life are yours to explore at leisure.

You travel to Zhangjiajie — by direct flight or high-speed connection, approximately 5 hours door to door — and check in to the striking Pullman Zhangjiajie for three nights. This otherworldly landscape of towering sandstone pillars is about to reveal itself.

A private day tour takes you into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where you ride the spectacular glass-fronted Bailong Elevator 326 metres up the sheer cliff face and walk the trails of the Yuanjiajie plateau — the landscape said to have inspired the floating mountains of Avatar.

Today's adventure takes you to Tianmen Mountain, riding the world's longest cable car to the summit, where you walk the vertiginous glass cliff-walkways before descending the famous 999 Heavenly Stairs beneath the great natural arch of Heaven's Gate — a truly memorable day.

A private vehicle or train brings you the approximately 4.5 hours to Yichang, your gateway to the Yangtze. Before boarding tomorrow, a cruise-and-coach tour takes in the Two Dams and the Xiling Gorge — a wonderful preview of the locks and waterway ahead. Tonight you stay at the Crowne Plaza Yichang.

A shuttle transfers you from Yichang to Maoping Pier, where you board your Victoria Cruise Line vessel and check into your private balcony cabin. After an afternoon to explore the ship, you depart in the late evening and begin your upstream journey through the Three Gorges. Meals aboard are included for the whole cruise.

A morning shore excursion brings you face to face with the colossal Three Gorges Dam, one of the world's greatest engineering achievements. Back on board, the ship sails through the scenic Xiling Gorge during the afternoon — best watched from your own balcony with a pot of tea.

Today you transfer to smaller traditional wooden watercraft to drift through the narrow, emerald-cliffed Shennv — Goddess — Stream, a peaceful and beautiful contrast to the great river itself, before the ship continues through the mist-wrapped peaks of Wu Gorge.

A hike up to the historic temples of Fengdu Ghost City provides a fascinating glimpse into Chinese mythology and folklore — the underworld bureaucracy of Chinese legend, rendered in temple statuary. This evening the Captain hosts a Farewell Dinner, a warm end to your time on the river.

The ship sails through the dramatic narrow Qutang Gorge before docking at Chongqing's Chaotianmen Port at 09:00. A vehicle transfer takes you smoothly to the Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing, where you settle in for two nights in this vibrant mountain city.

A city tour introduces you to Chongqing's extraordinary character, including a ride on the monorail that famously passes straight through the Liziba residential building. As evening falls, head to the Hongyadong Stilt Houses for a memorable night-time view over the river.

You fly directly from Chongqing to Guilin — approximately 1.5 hours by air — and check in to the Bravo Hotel Guilin for three nights. Guilin's famous karst peaks and river scenery begin to reveal themselves as you arrive.

This morning a short visit takes you to Guilin's beloved Elephant Trunk Hill. Then a private day tour whisks you to the stunning Longji Rice Terraces, where hiking through minority villages and the cascading hillside paddies makes for an unforgettable excursion.

A free day to relax or revisit favourite spots in and around Guilin before you move on to Yangshuo tomorrow.

Your journey to Yangshuo is itself a highlight — a premium Li River sightseeing boat glides you through the famous karst scenery, with your luggage travelling separately by road. On arrival you check in to the Aroma Lily Hotel Yangshuo for three nights.

A full day of southern highlights: the illuminated chambers of Silver Cave, gentle rafting on the Yulong River between the peaks, and in the evening the breathtaking Impression Sanjie Liu light show — cast of hundreds, staged on the river itself with twelve karst mountains as the backdrop.

Enjoy a final, leisurely day in the beautiful countryside around Yangshuo — cycle the lanes, find a riverside café, or do nothing at all with a very good view.

A private vehicle takes you to Guilin Airport for a direct domestic flight to Shanghai. On arrival you check in to the Central Hotel Shanghai for three nights in China's most cosmopolitan city.

Today you experience three of Shanghai's great pleasures: a three-hour local food tasting tour through the city's vibrant street-food scene, a stroll along the famous Bund promenade with its grand riverfront skyline, and a visit to the classical Yu Garden.

Your last full day in China — a chance to revisit a favourite corner of Shanghai, cross the river for the Pudong observation decks, or simply reflect on an extraordinary journey across this vast and captivating country.

A private transfer takes you to the airport for your homeward flight to London. What a trip it has been — from the Great Wall to the Yangtze, and so much in between.