Day 1 UK - In flight

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Chengdu.

In flight

Chengdu

We arrive into Chengdu early today. You’ll have time to freshen up before we visit Jinli Old Street, the bustling passageway with 1,800 years of architecture and traditions, temples and opera stages. In the evening we visit a local restaurant for a special Szechuan meal.

Dorsett Grand Chengdu (4-star)

Chengdu

We journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Emei Scenic Area, to visit the remarkable Giant Buddha in Leshan. Carved out of a cliffside during the Tang Dynasty, it faces Mount Emei, overlooks the confluence of three rivers and, at 71 metres high, is the largest stone Buddha in the world. We enjoy a cruise of the river before an optional evening excursion to enjoy a Changing Face Show.

Chengdu

Next is a trip to the famous Panda Breeding Research Institute, where we observe one of the most iconic animals on earth. The institute’s 80-plus pandas are being reared in surroundings recreated to resemble their natural habitat - seeing these gentle giants up close is a truly memorable experience. We then visit Huanglongxi old town, which combines beautiful natural scenery with ancient Chinese culture.

Chengdu - Chongqing

After a cuppa in a typical tea house this morning, we board a bullet train bound for Chongqing.

Hilton Hotel Chongqing (4-star) or Radisson Blu Hotel Chongqing (4-star)

Day 6 - Chongqing - Yangtze

This morning we visit People’s Square, Three Gorges Museum and Ciqikou or Hongyadong old street, before embarking on the first of a three-night cruise, that takes us along one of the most historic stretches of water in the world.

MV Century Sun (4-star)

Day 7 - Yangtze (Shibaozhai Pagoda)

An afternoon excursion takes us to Shiboa Pagoda (also known as Shibaozhai). A highlight of the Yangtze River cruise, this structure stands majestically above its surroundings. We enjoy a captain’s welcome party this evening.

MV Century Sun (4-star)

Day 8 - Yangtze (Shennong Stream)

Today our cruise sails through the spectacular Qutang and Wu Gorges before we board a smaller boat to sail along Shennong Stream, zigzagging through the beautiful gorges. Enjoy the captain’s farewell dinner this evening.

MV Century Sun (4-star)

Maoping - Yichang - Xi'an

We disembark at Maoping and journey to Yichang, stopping briefly en route for a view of the Three Gorges Dam and Xiling Gorge. We fly from Yichang to Xi’an. Please note: Due to flight availability/schedules, we may instead take a bullet train from Yichang to Wuhan, and board the flight to Xi’an from there (in these instances, the view of the Three Gorges Dam isn’t possible).

Golden Flower Hotel, Xi’an (4.5-star)

Xi’an

We begin today at the 65-metre-high Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a holy place for Buddhists. Our tour continues to the incredible Terracotta Warrior Museum, one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century - the mausoleum that Emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned in 246 BC. The museum already covers an enormous area, with the life-size warriors (each with an individual crafted head and face) and horses being the star features. Altogether there are more than 7,000 pieces, but as excavation work continues in the area it is speculated that even more treasures are yet to be uncovered. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional Tang Dynasty show.

Xi’an - Beijing

We make a stop at the Ancient City Wall, before transferring to Xi’an Airport for our flight to Beijing. This evening we savour a traditional Peking duck dinner.

Beijing Landmark Hotel (4-star)

Beijing - Forbidden City

Today we visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest city square in the world, and one that has hosted many monumental events in Chinese history. We also explore the extraordinary complex of imperial palaces known as the Forbidden City. This afternoon you can join an optional tour to learn about the local history and culture of the ancient Beijing people.

Beijing - Great Wall

The highlight of any tour to China has to be the Great Wall of China. Voted one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, it is a sight to behold. Epic in scale, it took 2,000 years to build and stretches thousands of kilometres. At its height, it was guarded by a million men. The Badaling Great Wall (the section we visit) dates to the Ming Period. We continue to the largest and best-preserved royal park in China - the Summer Palace. With a collection of fine pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges, it perfectly showcases the grandeur of Chinese royal gardens.

Day 14 Beijing - UK

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Arrive Home