Yangtze & Yunnan - 18 days

2012 - Your Journey starts Beijing, ends Kunming

DAYS 1-3 - BEIJING
On arrival in Beijing, transfer to your hotel, and meet your small group of fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome drink. A walk through Tiananmen Square exhibits its vast expanse before discovering the remarkable Forbidden City. Venture into one of Beijing’s few remaining hutongs, the city’s traditional back streets, for lunch in a local home and a rickshaw ride. See the city’s famous Drum Tower and enjoy free time to explore the Wangfujing Night Markets. Travel to Mutianyu to walk along the Great Wall of China and then take the chance to sample the renowned Peking Duck.
Hotel: Yong An

DAYS 4-5 - XIAN
Uncover the delightful Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace before a short flight to Xian. Marvel at the innumerable life-size Army of Terracotta Warriors, then wander the thriving Muslim Quarter and the Big Goose Pagoda. In the evening you could feast on a sumptuous dumpling banquet.
Hotel: UAA Hotel

DAYS 6-8 - YANGTZE RIVER
Fly to Chongqing to begin your cruise down the Yangtze. Over the next few days, relax on board while watching shiny new cities, remnants of old towns, and the amazing Three Gorges drift by. Board a smaller boat for an intriguing side trip up the Daning River and enjoy a number of shore excursions, including a fascinating visit to the Three Gorges Dam site.
Hotel: Victoria Grace (cruise ship)

DAYS 9-10 - SHANGHAI
Fly to the incredible city of Shanghai, an amazing contrast of old and new. Admire the Art Deco streetscapes of the Bund, the superb Shanghai Museum and peaceful Yu Garden. Discover the old Shanghai amongst the lively backstreets of the Chinese Quarter and wonder at the incredible feats of the Shanghai acrobats in action.
Hotel: Rendezvous Merry

DAYS 11-14 - ZHUJIAJIAO, KUNMING, DALI & LIJIANG
A day trip to the water town of Zhujiajiao unveils lovely ancient buildings and bridges built along peaceful canals, before a short flight to Kunming. Continue your journey to Dali, an ancient town with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the Three Pagodas, soar above the stunning vistas on an exciting chair lift ride and discover nearby Xizhou Village. Travel to Lijiang, a quiet town of cobbled lanes, rushing canals and rustic stone and timber houses. Climb Lion Hill for impressive views over the town and amble through the peaceful Yufeng Monastery. There is time to wander the market square, take in a traditional Naxi music performance, or try a special Yunnan rice pot in a local restaurant.
Hotels: Golden Dragon, Asian Star, Grand Lijiang

DAYS 15-18 - ZHONGDIAN & KUNMING
The road beyond Lijiang winds its way along the upper reaches of the Yangtze, bringing you to Tiger Leaping Gorge. The gorge makes a dramatic sight as it cuts deep into the slopes of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In Zhongdian, a fascinating town that is home to a large Tibetan community, explore a 300-year-old Songzanlin Monastery perched on a hillside above town. Try some yak butter tea, as you sit down with a local Tibetan family. Fly to Kunming, then visit  the fascinating Yunnan Museum. On your last day, enjoy free time before your departure transfer.
Hotels: Gyalthang Dzong, Golden Dragon