China Tours: The Middle Kingdom

A vast, diverse, ancient and complex land - a country of infinite variety and infinite possibilities. It encompasses some of the world's most ancient traditions and longest history along side the most advanced technology and modern architecture.
Geographically China offers everything from the beaches and rice terraces of the tropical south to the vast deserts of the northwest, the barren Tibetan Plateau, the fertile heartlands crossed by the great Yangzi and Yellow Rivers and thick forests and alpine lakes of Manchuria. Huge, modern metropolis' and tiny rural villages. The food, the people and the culltures are as diverse as the landscape - the possibilities are endless.

China, Tibet & Nepal - Beijing to Kathmandu
Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Sakya - Everest Base Camp -
Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

Climb the Great Wall of China - savour Beijing Duck - explore the Forbidden City - marvel at the Terracota Warriors - wonder at the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple - witness the college of philosophy in action at Sera Monastery - enjoy a Tibetan buffet dinner & cultural show - be awestruck by the world's highest mountain in close-up - relax or test your rafting skills at the Last Resort - glimpse the Kumari, living goddess - shop amid the color and chaos of Kathmandu's busy streets. This is an action-packed trip taking in the highlights of three fascinating regions.

China Tour: Experience Imperial China
14 days
Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Hangzhou - Suzhou - Shanghai

The varied and wonderful delights of China unravel before you on this all-encompassing trip. From the Imperial splendor of Xi'an and Beijing, the scenic beauty of Hangzhou and the Guilin region to the vitality of Shanghai - this journey has it all. We're proud to offer you this exciting and comprehensive itinerary which includes China's best known attractions as well as the vast contrast between rural life and two of the world's greatest commercial centers.

China & Tibet Adventure Tour
14 days
Beijing - Lhasa - Xi'an - Hangzhou - Zhouzhuang - Shanghai

Explore the diverse wonders of this vast land - marvel at the sumptuous palaces of Beijing and Lhasa, discover the Buddhism's diversity in the monasteries of Lhasa and Hangzhou. See man-made wonders and natural beauty, teeming cities and endless wilderness.

China Tour: Minorities of the Southwest
11 days
Guiyang - Kali - Taijiang - Xijiang - Chejiang - Zhaoxing - Chengyang - Longjii - Guilin

This tour takes you along the backroads of Guizhou province, through myriad minority villages, from the Biasha tribe whose men dress as ancient warriors, to the Datang “mini skirt” Miao. You will hear the polyphonic singing of the Dong, see an abundance of local arts and crafts and explore the traditional architecture of villages with over 2000 year histories. Continue into north-western Guangxi to the delightful Dong village of Chengyang and the Longjii Rice Terraces before arriving in Guilin.

China Tour: Highlights of China
12 days
Shanghai - Guilin - Yangzi River & the Three Gorges - Xi'an - Beijing

China's history is dramatic, but the changes taking place every day are equally astounding. As you stroll the famous Bund-Shanghai's wonderful promenade you see 21st Century skyscrapers to the left and historic art-deco buildings to the right. Beijing, China's impressive capital, is a mix of four-lane highways and ancient cobbled alleys. A journey through the highlights of China – one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating of countries.

China Tour: Yunnan Discovery
15 days
Kunming - Dali - Shaxi Valley - Shuhe - Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Meili Mt - Zhongdian - Jianshue - Yuanyang - Kunming

Yunnan is one of China's most diverse provinces - stretching from the edge of the Tibetan Plateau to the lush tropical areas along the Thai and Lao borders; from the modern city of Kunming to the cobblestoned streets of old Lijiang and tiny minority villages.

China Tour: The Best of China
12 days
Shanghai - Nanjing - Yangzi River & the Three Gorges - Xi'an - Beijing

Grand cities, archeological sites, Yangzi river gorge scenery and much more - this fantastic trip shows off the best of China's sights. Travel from the arresting glory of Shanghai to historical Nanjing. Moving inland, learn about life on the Yangzi river and boat through the famous Three Gorges. Explore Xi'an and marvel at the the Terracotta Warriors before walking on the Great Wall in China's capital. This is a great way to see the contrasts of China in two weeks.

China Tour: Sacred China
18 days
Beijing - Qufu - TaiShan - Nanjing - Huangshan - Hangzhou - Shanghai

Northeastern China contains some of the most interesting historical splendors of the Middle Kingdom - and some of the least visited by foreign tourists. Discover beautiful temples and sacred mountains; explore birthplace of Confucius and sample China's most famous green tea; marvel at the imperial wonders of Beijing and the vibrancy of Shanghai.

China Tour: Yunnan Adventure
12 days
Kunming - Dali - Shaxi Valley - Ma Ping Guan - Jianchuan - Shuhe - Lijiang - Yuhu - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Zhongdian - Kunming

Yunnan is one of China’s most ethnically fascinating and scenically stunning provinces. Here in the foothills of the Himalaya snow-capped peaks, dramatic ravines and pine forest meet rural villages and rice fields. Traveling the back roads you will experience the extraordinary natural wonder of Tiger Leaping Gorge, with its towering walls and dramatic beauty; explore the cobble stoned towns of Dali and Lijiang; marvel at the great Tibean monastery of Zhongdian and meet people in their homes in tiny minority villages.

China Tour: The Splendors of China
21 days
Shanghai - Suzhou - Zhenjiang - Luoyang - Xi'an - Pingyao - Wutai Shan - Datong - Beijing

Experience of one the world's most vibrant commercial centers - discover beautiful gardens - explore a Ming dynasty walled city - Buddhist caves - marvel at the Terracotta Warriors - climb one of China's most sacred mountains - walk on the Great Wall of China - savour Beijing Duck - explore the Forbidden City.

China Tour: The Silk Road
20 days
Beijing - Xi'an - Lanzhou - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Urumqi - Tian Chi - Turpan - Kashgar - Beijing

This legendary journey along the Silk Route is one that captivates everyone's imagination. It is a journey full of history,incredible landscapes and captivating oasis towns; a wonderful blend of hospitable people and adventure. From the heart of modern China travel deep into the heart of Central Asia followind the footsteps of great men and women who have travelled this overland trade route linking China to western markets - visiting the major sights along the way as well as some of the lesser known attractions.

China Tour: Yangshuo & the Longjii Rice Terraces
6 days
Yangshuo - Longjii - Guilin

Exploring the rice terraces and limestone peaks of Southern China you will experience a beauty that has inspired painters and poets for centuries. Hike and cycle along the Li River and the Yangshou countryside before heading to the minority villages of the Longjii (Dragon's backbone) riceterraces.

Tibetan Grasslands of west Sichuan
4-8 days
Chengdu - Wolong - Danba - Dege - Litang - Tagong - Chengdu

The vast grasslands of west Sichuan are culturally, ethnically and historically Tibetan, although always distinct and separate from the political power of Lhasa. If you don't have time to travel to Tibet this short trip will take you into some very special parts of the Tibetan world - or add one to your itinerary before flying to Lhasa for a distincly different Tibetan experience