Cox and Kings China: The Grand Tour

• International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
• UK departure and overseas airport taxes
• 4- & 5-star accommodation options
• Selected meals: 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
• Local Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
• Entrance fees unless otherwise stated
• 3-night cruise on the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang

• Discover historic Beijing in the Liulichang district
• Visit the Terracotta warriors
• Tea tasting at the Huxinting Teahouse
• Private expert-led tour of the Shanghai museum

Day 1: Fly to Beijing

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) direct to Beijing with British Airways.
(No meals)

Day 2: Beijing

Arrive and transfer to the Novotel Peace Hotel or the Park Plaza (or similar) for 3 nights. Afternoon visit to the Temple of Heaven. Welcome dinner at a Peking duck restaurant.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Beijing

Morning visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then stroll through historic Liulichang district and the hutongs (narrows streets).
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 4: Great Wall

Morning drive out to the Great Wall at Jinshanling.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Xian

Morning visit to a hutong (narrow streets) area, then drive to the station to board a high-speed train to Xian and stay at the Grand Noble Xian for 2 nights.
(Breakfast)

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors • Xian

Morning excursion to the Terracotta Warriors, the Tang Bo Art Museum, followed by a lesson in Chinese calligraphy. Afternoon visit to the Muslim quarter and Grand Mosque. Optional evening excursion to enjoy a Tang dynasty music performance with dinner.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 7: Train to Chengdu

Morning high-speed train journey to Chengdu, then transfer to the Sheraton Lido for 1 night. Afternoon visit to the Giant Panda Research Base. Optional evening excursion to enjoy a Sichuan opera performance.
(Breakfast)

Day 8: Fly to Guilin

Fly to Guilin and overnight at the Sheraton Guilin.
(Breakfast)

Day 9: Yangshuo

Morning cruise down the Li river, past a dramatic landscape of limestone peaks. Arrive in Yangshuo and stroll along busy West Street, then transfer to the Yangshuo Resort (or similar) for a 2-night stay. Following day at leisure to enjoy the relaxed riverside atmosphere of Yangshuo.
(Breakfast)

Day 10: Yangshuo

Day at leisure

Day 11: Chongqing

Train journey to Chongqing, then transfer to the port to board the Victoria Jenna (or similar)* for a 3-night cruise to Yichang.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Days 12-13: Yangtze river cruise

Cruise through the striking Three Gorges section of the Yangtze, an area of towering cliffs and twisting canyons. A range of shore excursions are available, with entertainment provided in the evenings.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Yichang • Train to Shanghai

Disembark in Yichang and visit the Three Gorges Dam, then take the train to Shanghai. Stay 2 nights at the Central Hotel (or similar)
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 15: Shanghai

Morning tour of Jade Buddha temple and Yu garden, followed by tea tasting at the Huxinting Teahouse. Afternoon tour of the Shanghai Museum with an expert guide, then end the day with a walk along the historic Bund. A farewell dinner will be held tonight.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 16: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly back to London.
(Breakfast)

Grand Noble Hotel, Xian

The Grand Noble Hotel is located in central Xian, within a 10-minute walk of the Bell Tower and Forest of Stone Steles Museum. Rooms and suites are spacious with contemporary decor, and there are a range of services and facilities.

Novotel Peace Hotel Beijing, Beijing

The 4-star Novotel Peace Hotel is well located in the centre of Beijing, within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and next to the Wanfujing shopping and entertainment district. All rooms have a range of modern facilities.

Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel, Chengdu

The Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Chengdu’s commercial and entertainment districts, just 30 minutes drive from Shuangliu International Airport and 10 minutes from the train station. The hotel is modern in style with 402 rooms and suites, each decorated in soft colours and featuring Chinese art pieces. Club Level rooms offer additional amenities, as well as access to the Club Lounge. Dining options include the Side Walk Lounge & Deli, the Nova Café & Grill, or the Celestial Court restaurant. The Fontana Bar features live entertainment. Leisure facilities include a sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, fitness centre, massage parlour, hair salon, and indoor swimming pool.

Sheraton Hotel, Guilin

The Sheraton hotel has a choice of western and Chinese restaurants, coffee shop and bar, a health club and outside swimming pool. It is located on the banks of the Li River a short walk from Elephant Trunk hill.

The Central Hotel, Shanghai

The Central Hotel towers over the heart of Shanghai, adjacent to Century Square on the pedestrianised section of Nanjing Road, famed for its shopping and entertainment. The 317 spacious guestrooms are furnished in an elegant style, and come well equipped with a host of conveniences.

Yangshuo Resort, Yangshuo

The Yangshuo Resort is situated along the banks of the Yulong river, a 15-minute drive from the town of Yangshuo. The resort has pleasant gardens from which to enjoy views of the river and the striking scenery that makes the area so famous. Accommodation is available in a range of guestrooms, studios and suites, all spacious and well-appointed with beautiful river views.

Victoria Jenna, Chongqing

Inaugurated in 2009, the Victoria Jenna is one of the Yangtze’s newest and largest river cruise ships. The ship consists of 189 cabins, spread over five levels, all of which have private balconies. Facilities include two restaurants (a single-seating main dining room, and an a la carte restaurant on the top deck), a three-story atrium lobby, two lounges, three bars, a fitness centre, two full-sized lecture rooms, library, the Oasis beauty salon, artist corners and gift shop.

There is a single supplement available for this tour from £835- £965.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.