China and Japan - The Ancient Empires
The ultimate 20day tour, an amazing way of combining the very best of these two ancient nations. During this epic tour, you will travel by road, boat, rail, and air from Beijing to Tokyo.
Walking on the Great Wall of China. Be struck by the incredibly impressive Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century. Cruise along the Li River with its breath-taking scenery. Learn all about the pearl industry, sample the delicacies from the Dotonbori district of Osaka, the restaurant mecca. Travel on the super-fast bullet train from Tokyo to Harkone, trying out the Komagatake Ropeway (aerial lift) for gorgeous views of Mount Fuji. Then heading onto Tokyo to explore the ultimate 24-hour city.
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Day 1 to 2 - Beijing
Your overnight international flight to Beijing, the capital of China. On your arrival (Day 2) you will be met at the airport by your local guide to transfer you by coach to your hotel for your 3-night stay. The transfer journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Beijing has served as the centre for the many different empires and cultures that ruled China and has been the heart of politics and society throughout the long history.
Day 3 – Beijing
Your day starts early this morning leaving your hotel for the drive of approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass for a walk on the Great Wall of China, experience the wall, and the dramatic scenery. After receiving an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history, you have time to explore at your own pace. Afterward, visit the Jade Factory, learning about one of China’s most symbolic and important materials. Watch artisans at work, carving the emerald stones into work of art. Understand how to tell if jade is real or fake. Then stroll through the exquisite Summer Palace.
This evening enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.
Day 4 - Beijing
This morning watch locals practice Tai Chi, sword dance, sing folk songs or play cards or chess, for around 1 hour in the harmonious ambiance of the Temple of the Heaven. Set in a 267-hectare park surrounded by a long wall and with a gate at each compass point, the unique Temple of Heaven is one of the most perfect examples of Ming architecture, created as a place of worship for the Emperors, who would ask for prosperity, longevity and good harvest for the people.
Next stroll in the warren-like hutongs, a style of housing in the 13th Century as a tenancy for the growing population of the city. Hutongs were designed to reflect the Chinese system of Feng Shui with 4 hutongs joined-together to make a courtyard in the middle known as Siheyuan. Meet a local family before walking through Tiananmen Square, said to be the biggest public squares in the world, able to hold a capacity crowd of over one million. Carrying on into the Forbidden City that since 1987 has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its palatial architectural style has been an influence on many imperial buildings throughout Asia.
Day 5 – Beijing – Xian
Today transfer to the train station and board a bullet train for the journey of approximately 6 hours to the ancient city of Xian. Xian has long played a pivotal role in China’s extensive history and has been a thriving hub for cultural exchange, economic trade as well as national politics for centuries. This evening enjoying a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a lively performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The show is an exciting exponent of this prosperous society and keeps alive the splendour of this period.
Day 6 – Xian
This morning transfer approximately 1-hour drive of the city to visit the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. One of the most amazing and significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, comprising of over 7,000 soldiers, horses, and chariots. Then visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop where you will see smaller models of the warriors been made, here you will be able to purchase your own soldier as a reminder. Later stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace.
Day 7 – Xian – Guilin
Today visit the Little White Goose Pagoda, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, this is one of two prominent pagodas in Xian. A former centre for translating Buddhist scriptures from India. It is also said to have survived one of the strongest earthquakes in world history.
Then transferring to the airport for the flight to Guilin, a flight of approximately 2 hours. Guilin is one of China’s most stunning and panoramic cities, renowned for the beauty of the mountains that fringe it.
Day 8 – Guilin – Yangshuo
Today enjoy the 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos, and local fishermen. The unique and natural beauty of this region has for centuries been an inspiration to Chinese artists and poets alike. The small cruise boats usually hold approximately 100 passengers, with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck.
Later enjoy time at your leisure strolling along West Street and visiting the local markets.
Day 9 - Yangshuo – Guilin
Today drive back to Guilin. En route, see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave, named so because of the clumps of slender reed once commonly found at the entrance to the caves and was also used to make flutes. Then visit the South China Pearl Factory, learn about the pearling industry of South China, and have the chance to purchase some of these timeless jewels.
Day 10 – Guilin – Shanghai
In the morning, stroll around picturesque Ronghu Lake, one of two lakes originating from the Tang Dynasty when they made up part of the city moat. As Guilin expanded in all directions, the moat became a lake within the city area. Admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture, known as the Gold and Silver Pagodas because of their colours at night, the sun and moon pagodas sit on top of the Chinese Fir Lake but are connected underwater by a glass tunnel.
Later, fly just over 2 hours to the exuberant city of Shanghai. Once known as the “Paris of the East”, it is now one of Asia’s influential cities. Today it presents a blend of cultures; the modern and the traditional, along with the European and oriental. Modern skyscrapers intermingle with 1920s ‘shikumen’ buildings. This combination is what attracts millions of visitors each year.
Day 11 – Shanghai
Today explore the Yu Gardens, seen as one of the most perfect examples of Chinese garden style. Built by the Ming-era governor, Pan Yunduan, as a retirement gift for his father, the Yu Gardens is home to exquisite jade rock, goldfish-filled ponds, and stunning, tranquil pavilions. Then a quick visit to the old town, admiring the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund, home to an impressive collection of buildings. Then onto the Silk Factory, learning about the use of silkworms and silk moths in its production; the manufacturing process as well as the journey along the silk road.
This evening, enjoy a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River, view the contrast of the historical Bund architecture on one side, and the modern Pudong skyline on the other side. At night, the banks of the Huangpu light up, turning Shanghai into a spectacular neon display.
Day 12 - Shanghai – Osaka
Saying Goodbye to China today transfer for your flight to Japan, the light of just over 2 hours to the vibrant city of Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, with its flamboyance, fun-loving people, and amazing food. On arrival, you will be met by your English-speaking Japanese guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 13 – Osaka
Visiting Osaka Castle this morning, one of Japan’s most famous castles known for sweeping views of the cist from its hilltop perch. Before taking a 20-minute cruise along the Yodogawa River. Next stroll around the Dotonbori district, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious delicacies for lunch. Historically a theatre district and still a popular entertainment area, it offers an eccentric and electric atmosphere. Spend the afternoon at leisure before your evening dinner.
Day 14 – Osaka – Okayama – Kurashiki – Hiroshima
Take the speedy bullet train from Osaka Station for the 50-minute journey to Okayama, known for its delicious fruits and is often called the land of sunshine. Visit one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan” Korakuen Garden before continuing around 1 hour to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, which was an important point along the distribution route of Japan’s most important commodity, rice. Before continuing for the 2-hour journey to Hiroshima where an atomic bomb was dropped in 1945 and the city’s name became famous. The destructive power of the bomb obliterated everything within a 2km radius. The city has been rebuilt and has risen phoenix-like from the ashes and destroyed sites of historical heritage were reconstructed.
Please note your luggage will be transferred from Osaka to Kyoto, you will need to pack an overnight bag for 2 nights.
Day 15 – Hiroshima
Today take the short ferry ride to Miyajima island, where you will visit Itsukushima Shrine a giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. Explore the traditional market town at leisure. Returning to Hiroshima by ferry and coach, after lunch visit the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the museum can be confronting and upsetting for some group members, you may instead enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Memorial Park. Later visit the observation deck of the 50-meter-tall Orizuru Tower, taking in the great views of the city and the less commonly seen view of the A-Bomb Dome from above.
Day 16 – Hiroshima – Kyoto
Enjoy the morning transfer to Hiroshima Station to catch a bullet train to Kyoto, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes. Kyoto, the capital for a thousand years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. After lunch, visit Ryoanji Temple, with its famous Zen garden, and the Buddhist temple, Kinkakuji Temple, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ due to its golden exterior, it is very minimalistic and an excellent example of Japanese garden design.
Day 17 – Kyoto
Early today, visit the mesmerising Fushimi Inari Shrine, which stretches from the bottom to the top of Mount Inari (233 metres high). You will walk up part of the mountain; there are some steep steps and the incline allows a steady-paced walk. The shrine itself is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. There are many fox statues in the grounds of the shrine as foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers. Next, head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! This narrow five blocks long shopping street is lined by more than 100 shops and restaurants. Also, visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the ritual of a tea ceremony accompanied by a Tea Master and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.
Day 18 – Kyoto – Hakone – Tokyo
This morning, transfer to Kyoto station and take the super-fast bullet train to the Hakone area, a journey of around 2 hours. Arriving in Hakone, board a coach to explore this beautiful area. Take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi before soaring high on the Komagatake Ropeway (aerial lift) for gorgeous Fuji views (weather dependent). Later, continue by coach for around 2 hours to Tokyo, Japan’s capital. One of the world’s most cutting-edge capital cities. Tokyo is a city of contrasts, famous for its neon-lit landscape, towering skyscrapers, peaceful shrines, and beautiful gardens.
Please note your luggage will be transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo, you will need to pack an overnight bag.
Day 19 – Tokyo
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Head to the 2nd observatory of the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, for panoramic views over the city before taking a wander through the vibrant district of Asakusa, stopping at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Drive past Tokyo’s Imperial Palace Double Bridge and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. Enjoy your evening meal whilst leisurely cruising along Tokyo Bay, seeing the bay lit up at night.
Day 20 – Depart Tokyo
After breakfast, today, enjoy the remaining free time at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return international flight back to the UK.
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