(Click on each day to reveal detailed itinerary)

Today the group will depart from London and fly to Beijing.

On arrival in Beijing the group will be met by their local tour leader and taken to the hotel in the city. Depending on flight times there may be time for a quick orientation tour of the city before they are taken to an authentic Peking Duck restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner. Overnight in Beijing (Hotel) Meals: dinner

This morning the group will head out of Beijing to Changling - the burial place of Emperor Yongle and one of the 13 Ming tombs. Before visiting the tomb itself, the group will walk along the 7km Spirit Road, lined with huge stone animals that guard the tomb. From Changling the group will continue to Juyonguan, one of the most impressive sections of the Great Wall. Here the students can climb the stone steps on to the wall itself for awe-inspriing views. Overnight in Beijing (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

Today the students will have a full day to explore this amazing capital and learn about its ancient and modern history. The tour will start with the incredible Fobidden City, this complex of imperial palaces was home to the emperors of China for over 500 years. Outside of the city walls lies Tiananman Square, your local guide will explain the importance of this famous site and give the students time to visit Mao's Mausoleum.

In the afternoon the group will visit the beautiful Summer Palace, used by the emperors in the summer months to escape the heat of the city. The students can wander through the streets and marvel at the exquiste ancient buildings before taking a boat ride across the serene Kunming Lake. In the evening there is an optional trip to a traditional folklore performance in an authentic Chinese teahouse. Overnight in Beijing (Hotel) Meals: breakfast 

This morning the students will have the oppotunity to discover something of the old religions of China. We have included a visit to the Lama Temple, home to the famous Yellow Hat Sect and the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet, and the Confucius Temple, the second largest Confucian temple in China. Lunch is included today in a traditional Buddhist restauant.

This afternoon the students will learn the ancient art of chinese writing in a traditional calligraphy class. In the evening the group will say goodbye to Beijing and take the train to the beautiful city of Xian. Overnight in Xian (hotel) Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today the students will visit a most remarkable site - guarding the tomb of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, stand 7000 life sized terracotta warriors. The group will watch a film re-enacting the life of Emperor Qin and explaining why he had this incredible army constructed, after which they will tour the excavation sites where the warriors were unearthed. In the late afternoon the students will have the chance to explore the city walls of Xian. Overnight in Xian (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

It will be a very early start for the students this morning as there is a class in Tai Chi before breakfast, in the park beside the city walls. After breakfast the group will love walking through the colourful muslim quarter of Xian and haggling for souvenirs! 

In the afternoon the group will take a short flight to Guilin and from here transfer by road to the Yangshuo. The road to Yangshuo will pass through the famous limestone scenery that made Guilin famous. Overnight in Yangshuo (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

Yangshuo is like an adventure playground for those who like outdoor activities and has the most spectacular mountain backdrop. The students will get to explore this unique area by bicycle, heading out of the town they will pedal along quiet farm tracks through exquisite scenery and marvel at some of the strange geological formations. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to visit a local school and meet the pupils. Overnight in Yangshuo (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

This morning we have included one of the most fun classes to take part in and a must for every visitor to China - a Chinese cookery class. Your teacher will take the group around the local market and select some ingredients for the class, each student will then prepare two traditional dishes which, if successful, can be eaten for lunch. The rest of the day is free to wander through the busy streets or relax in one of the fantastic tea houses.

In the evening there is an optional trip to see the exhilarating Yangshuo Sound and Light Show. Overnight in Yangshuo (Hotel) Meals: breakfast, lunch 

The group will return to Guilin by road before boading the flight to Shanghai. Shanghai is China's largest city, famed for its amazing sky line. In the afternoon your local guide will take the students on a half day sightseeing tour of the city to include The Bund, the French Concession and the People's Square, a tranquil place in the heart of a bustling city. Overnight in Shanghai (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

On the last day of the tour the group will see more of the amazing sites that Shanghai has to offer. Not to be missed is the incredible Shanghai Museum, which houses one of the best collections in the world, audio guides are available to guide the students through 1000's of years of history. The group will then visit the Nanjing Road, one of China's longest and busiest shopping streets which has a constant stream of poeple day and night.

As a final farewell memory to China we have included a trip to see the world famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show at one of Shanghai's most famous theatres. The students will simply love this 2 hour show, action packed with juggling, uni-cycling, plate spinning and death-defying stunts! Overnight in Shanghai (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

Today the group will be taken to Shanghai international airport for their return flight.