China & Tibet Discovery, Ft. a Yangtze River Cruise

Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)

Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck before enjoying a Chinese acrobatic show. (B,L,D)

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon enjoying the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture. (B,L,D)

Take the bullet train to Xian. Explore the streets of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. (B,L,D)

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town, then stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting. (B,L,D)

Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude. (B,L,D)

Lhasa is a contemporary, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old streets at its heart you'll feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally-dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning. (B,L,D)

The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city. Also visit a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance in the evening. (B,L,D)

Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This evening, there will be a delicious Sichuanese meal to savour. (B,L,D)

Begin today with a visit to Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated icons up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Watch them play and chomp on bamboo. After, travel to to Chongqing. (B,L,D)

Upon arrival, embark your river cruise ship for your three night Yangtze River Cruise

Over the next two days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another as you marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions. (B,L,D)

Visit the Three Gorges Dam, a massive feat of engineering that saw the century-old dreams of Chinese luminaries come to fruition. Created to harness the power of the Yangtze, it is difficult not to be awestruck as you stand on the viewing platform. (B,L,D)

Disembark your cruise vessel and travel to Yichang to board your bullet train to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's sightseeing begins with a visit to the classical Yu Garden, followed by a stop at a silk mill to learn about this treasured craft. Stroll through the bustling streets of the old town before heading to Jinmao Tower for sweeping views of Shanghai's striking blend of colonial charm and modern skyscrapers. Take a leisurely walk along the Bund, the city's iconic waterfront promenade, then cap off the day with a panoramic Huangpu River cruise and a delicious dinner of Shanghainese cuisine. (B,L,D)

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day. (B)