Wendy Wu Ancient Empires of China and Japan

• See the Terracotta Warriors
• Admire Discover historic Beijing
• Shanghai’s bright lights
• Reflect in Hiroshima
• Admire Kyoto’s temples
• Explore bustling Tokyo

Day 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing
Fly overnight to China’s historical capital, Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 3: Walk on the Great Wall
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 the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Explore the Forbidden City
Begin the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the glorious Temple of Heaven where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practice Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Next, take a ride through a traditional hutong neighbourhood by rickshaw and visit a family at home, to learn about life living in the hutongs. Later, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before entering the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Travel to Xian
Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors
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, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate them.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Fly to Guilin
Transfer to the airport and fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Visit Reed Flute Caves
Visit the picturesque Ronghu Lake to admire the Sun and Mood Pagodas. The see the colourful Reed Flute Cave and the South China Pearl Factory.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Cruise the Li River
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Enjoy some time exploring the local markets.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Fly to Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai where you’ll enjoy a day at leisure
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Explore Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Start with a visit to the peaceful Yu Garden, pass through the old town and visit the Silk Factory. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Goodbye China, Hello Japan
It’s time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Osaka Castle
Explore Osaka Castle, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through vibrant Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Discover Okayama and Kurashiki
Transfer by bullet train to Okayama and visit Korakuen Garden, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses). Continue to Hiroshima, a vibrant and forward-thinking city.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Explore Hiroshima
Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. Return to Hiroshima and find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Travel to Kyoto
Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto, imperial capital for 1,000 years. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 17: Explore Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii gates and then head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 18: Bullet train to Hakone
Transfer by bullet train to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway where the views of the surrounding landscape and Mount Fuji will be breathtaking but weather dependent of course! Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 19: Contrasts of Tokyo
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to explore the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple and drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 20: Fly Tokyo to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Orizuru Tower
Head to the observation deck of Orizuru tower, which offers brilliant views over Hiroshima.

Bikan Historical Quarter
Explore the Bikan Historical Quarter, which follows Kurashiki’s canals.

Hutong Family Visit
While in Beijing, head to the old neighbourhood for a visit to a local family.

• International flights and taxes
• Domestic transport
• Accommodation
• All meals (18 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 18 dinners)
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Visa fees for UK and EU passport holders

Classic

These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of South East Asia on an excellent value group tour whilst travelling with like-minded people. The tours are on a fully-inclusive basis so you’ll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escorts and local guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.

This tour has a maximum size of 28 people per group

If you want to explore more of Japan or simply want more time in your destination, then you can add an extension or stop over.*

Choose from the following Extensions and stopovers
Tokyo Extension (Tokyo)
Kyoto Extension (Kyoto)
Nara Extension (Osaka)
Hiroshima & Miyajima Short stay (Osaka)
Naoshima Extension (Osaka)
Nikko & Kamakura Extension (Tokyo)
Sapporo & Otaru Extension (Sapporo)
Tokyo, Mount Fuji & Bullet Train (Tokyo)
Snow Monkeys Extension (Tokyo)
Koya-san Extension (Osaka)

*Available extensions and stopovers depend on your chosen airline

This tour has a physical rating of 1. A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks.