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Intrepid Travel China – Review of China Highlights Tour (Beijing, Xi’an, Suzhou, Shanghai)

I have done 4 tours with Intrepid Travel taking our Amateur Traveler listeners and readers to interesting places ( Morocco,  Cambodia,  India , Africa) . Here is the story of the first trip I took with them and why I like working with them. This was a trip to the highlights of China including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Army.

China Highlights

Tiananmen square, the forbidden city, terracotta warriors, muslim quarter, master of the nets garden, rickshaw tour, gondola tour of the canals, ming dynasty gardens and tea house, shanghai acrobatics show, more china photos.

The idea for our China trip started with an email advertising a guided tour of China from another company. It looked like traveling to China would be much cheaper than heading the other direction to Europe again, especially from out here near San Francisco, California. The one catch was that the trip in the email would be your typical 40 person bus tour.

Our preferred way to travel is independently but we did not know if we were quite ready to visit China on our own. Even with having studied Chinese for a year in night school I never knew more than 200 Chinese characters and would be surprised if I remembered half of those today.

We had enough experience with bus tours from the first Amateur Traveler listener trip to Egypt to know what a big bus tour means – big groups, only eating at restaurants that can hold 40 people, looking at the world through bus windows and lots of stops at shopping opportunities (learn more at Traveling to Beijing, China with a Tour – Amateur Traveler Episode 187 ). So I started looking at alternatives and in the process came back to the IntrepidTravel.com site. I had been on their mailing list for some time. There were a number of things that I liked about what they were offering:

• They offered different levels of comfort. Personally, I don’t need to stay in a luxury hotel every night. I sleep with my eyes closed. I need a quiet clean room. The China Highlights  trip we ended up booking was their middle level of comfort.
• Their trips were not fully structured but offered a lot of free time which sounded like a better fit for people like us who are used to traveling on our own or for people not quite ready to travel on their own.
• Their groups usually have a maximum number of 16 travelers.
• Because they have fewer people they can use more local transportation to get around.

The  China Highlights trip is a 9 day trip to Beijing, Xi’an, Suzhou, and Shanghai. I had been to Shanghai but not the other 3 destinations. My wife and son had not been in mainland China.

When we took the trip it was called China Express and ran in the opposite direction than it does now. We started in Beijing and ended in Shanghai.

We opted not to get the airport connection in Beijing but made our way on our own to the hotel. We arrived the day before the tour started to recover somewhat from jet lag. We booked the extra night in the same hotel through Intrepid to make things simple. In subsequent trips we have done with Intrepid we have paid for the airport pickup. While we know we can do it on our own, it is so easy to be greeted by someone with a sign with your name on it after a long flight.

We explored Beijing on our own that first day and had a wonderful time. We visited the Temple of Heaven complex ( a UNESCO World Heritage site) which was within walking distance from our centrally located hotel. We even met some very nice local art students from Xi’an who took us to a show they were having where we bought some of their “original” artwork.

That night we met Robert who was our tour leader. Robert was easily the best thing about the Intrepid Tour. Not only was he knowledgeable and incredibly nice but throughout the tour, he went out of his way to provide more than what was offered in the brochure. Within the first half-hour, Robert told us things like common scams in the area… like the one where people say they are local art students and sell knock-off artwork as “original” works which we had already fallen for.

One of the highlights of Beijing was the Great Wall. We drove a little further out to see the area of the Great Wall at Mutianyu which was awe-inspiring. In this area, the wall is reconstructed. It is also very very hilly. Rather than being the Great Wall of China, it is more like the Great Staircase of China. The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We had a few options to get to the top of the wall. We could hike up or we could take the gondola which I think was a separate charge. We opted for the hike which was short but strenuous. 

In addition to hiking down or taking the gondola, you could also take a toboggan ride down from the wall. Robert presented the different options and let people choose what worked for them. I opted for the toboggan with a few others from our group. Joan and Mike hiked back down. I think I made the right choice but see what you think. It was a faster way down and was much better on your knees. Joan was afraid that the toboggan would be unsafe but there were people posted every few feet encouraging you to watch your speed. 

We visited Tiananmen Square which is still a center for gatherings in China. It is not a place for political discussions Robert advised us as the government is still very sensitive to what happened here in 1989. When we were there they were still set up for Golden Week which was just ending so there were large displays there for the holiday. There we also large, really large, display screens showing scenes of beautiful Chinese landscapes.

The forbidden city was made to impress people with the might of the emperor and it still has that effect on visitors.  There are two parts of the Forbidden City. The first part is the public spaces where everything is large and imposing. It is filled with large halls where visiting dignitaries would be greeted culminating with the throne room.

The second part is where the imperial family actually lived. It is surprisingly modest. The emperor’s bedroom was no larger than ours. The Forbidden City is, of course, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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We had time on our own to explore the city as well, which some guidance from Robert. We visited one of the major temples, the Lama Temple, and got out to an area by a lake where the restaurants were filled with American pop music but the crowd was all locals. 

Although Robert was always our tour leader, Intrepid would sometimes provide a different tour guide for a different destination such as the terracotta warriors at Xi’an. We took the night train from Beijing to Xi’an but because it was close to the huge Golden Week celebration we were only able to get accommodations in the 2nd class night train.

Usually, this tour takes the nicer train car. Because of this I would try and avoid traveling around Golden Week or Chinese New Year. During Golden week it feels like the whole country is on the move as many people use that time to go back home and visit family. I would advise that it might be a good time to avoid as a tourist for that reason.

We were picked up a local bus driver and tour guide before visiting the famous terracotta warriors that date back to the 1 st Dynasty in China. Surprisingly most of these warriors were broken into pieces by angry peasants, just a few years after their construction as the First “Dynasty” ended a few years into the reign of its second king. The warriors are, in effect, the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Our local guide was also terrific, but she had us laughing when she said that she loved living in Xi’an and could never live in Shanghai or Beijing because Xi’an had that “small-town feel”. The population of Xi’an is 8 million people. Welcome to China.

Robert gave a quick tour of the Muslim quarter of this ancient city at the eastern end of the silk road, then we had time on our own to explore and sample some of the local cuisine which is quite different from the Chinese food that we know. 

We also had time for those of us who were interested to walk the ancient city walls. As interesting as the terracotta warriors are, and they are fascinating, I loved the “smalltown” feel of Xi’an. The wall themselves date back to the 1300s and are on the tentative list to become a UNESCO World Heritage site in their own right.

This kind of flexibility is an essential part of the Intrepid approach. The whole group would see the major sites and then there would be discretionary time where the more bold would explore on their own while Robert might guide the more timid to their desired destination. We were technically on our own for most meals but often ate as a group since many restaurants could accommodate a group of 11.

Before we left Xi’an we stopped at a center for people with developmental disabilities that is supported by the charitable arm of Intrepid. Score so far, charities one, mandatory gift shop stops zero.

Suzhou is known for its numerous gardens which like the sites we saw in Beijing and Xi’an are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We toured the Master of the Nets Garden. These are private walled spaces made by the leading officials of the city for their own enjoyment that are now a treasure for the public.

Another advantage of a group of only 10 people is that you can fit in 5-6 bicycle rickshaws or in 3 gondolas so we took a memorable ride through Suzhou’s traffic to the canals that cut through the old town.

Suzhou has a number of canals that you can tour on a small gondola. Like in Venice a canal ride may include a serenade as ours did.

Shanghai has its gardens and teahouse from the Ming Dynasty but is in so many ways a thoroughly modern city. We stayed just off its main shopping street a quick walk from the Bund area which was the center of Shanghai in its colonial era. The Bund is across the river from the new skyscrapers of Pudong.

Robert polled the group as we arrived at the city and we rearranged our schedule to do a walking tour to orient us with the city the day of our arrival so that people could have more free time the second day. By this time we were comfortable finding restaurants on our own which always seem to have a picture menu with something vaguely like English for people like us who don’t read Chinese (see Chinglish Menus Items in Shanghai, China ), catch a cab or public transportation. My son had learned enough Mandarin to say “no thank you” to the many street vendors which proved much more effective than the same phrase in English.

While much of Shanghai is new there is an area that is very popular with tourists that includes gardens (Yu Garden) and a tea house which date back to the Ming Dynasty (1500s). This area is surrounded by more modern buildings with shops that cater to tourists.

While in Shanghai, we attended the Shanghai Acrobatics show. The confidence that it takes to ride a motorcycle in the sphere of death is probably more than it takes to explore a country like China, but a tour like the China Highlights tour does not just show you the sites but also gives you more confidence as a traveler.

I had two different impressions after our tour. The first is that I think I would now have the confidence to travel to China on my own. The second was that I would certainly look at an Intrepid tour again. Even for confident travelers, sometimes it is awfully nice to have an Intrepid and a Robert looking out for you.

See my more of my China photos

We have a number of Amateur Traveler podcast episodes about China to give you more information. For a contrast to this tour, you might check out the episode we did on Traveling to Beijing, China with a Tour – Episode 187 which talks more about what a big bus tour of Beijing would be like.

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by Chris Christensen

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5 Responses to “Intrepid Travel China – Review of China Highlights Tour (Beijing, Xi’an, Suzhou, Shanghai)”

nice information china wall and Shanghai Beijing and your group photo Everything is good.

I traveled with Intrepid a couple years ago on their Backroads to Kunming tour that lasted two weeks. I had a blast. I went solo so Intrepid is great especially for the social aspect. We only had four people in our group along with our tour leader.

I loved this tour because, again, we got away from the buses and “bulk travel” spots. We traveled by train instead and that was so much more fun and relaxing. We saw things usually tour wouldnt. Our leader took us to a more remote spot of the Great Wall that we had entirely to ourselves the entire afternoon. Since our group was small, we got personalized service when we ate our and never had a bad meal. That’s such a tremendous positive considering we didn’t visit tourist restaurants and could never read the menus.

I could go on and on but traveling with Intrepid was the right way to see China for the first time.

I too have used Intrepid when I travelled to Kenya and found the service of Intrepid and their tour leaders wonderful and would highly recommend them. Again it was a small group and all of us were solo travellerson and being a small group we did things that suited the group. We had a great adventure being stuck in mud not once, not twice but three times. None of us complained we loved it!! What a highlight. You got to do things that the other larger bus groups/companies etc may not offer. What I liked it the tour leaders are real locals and you get to see their country through their eyes. They have a true passion for their country and they tell you the good and the bad. So it was interesting to read your adventures in China as I can relate to your experiences but in a different country. I have used other tour companies and I still come back to Intrepid for value .

We did the longer 21 day of China with Intrepid. 9 folks on our tour: American, British, Australian, South African, Swiss, Canadian. Definitely recommend this way of travel for a first time to China. Train travel was a great experience as was the local eating. Will definitely go back to China again, either on myown or with intrepid again.

Rebecca Camilla Gillibrand

Amazing blog. I’m thinking of doing this tour so this was super helpful.

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Tags: article , beijing , china , intrepid travel , shanghai , suzhou , tour , xian

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• This is one of our most comprehensive trips in China, covering huge distances and taking in key destinations from north to south with plenty of variety in experiences and sights along the way
• Zip through the country from north to south on its efficient high-speed rail network.
• Take through the iconic scenery of the Yangzi River as you meander through the dramatic Three Gorges on a three-day cruise
• No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of historic sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army. However, the country's modern man-made sights refuse to beoutdone, and you can see the modern equivalence of those ancient feats in the skyline of Hong Kong and the Yangzi River's Three Gorges Hydroelectric dam
• Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about the preservation work required for this ancient species.
• Beyond adorable, endangered giant pandas, Chengdu is one of our favourite cities in China. Find out why our travellers end up falling in love with this emerging travel hotspot here: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/chengdu-china-travel-guide
• Escape the cities to discover China's natural beauty. Trek up the misty forests of Emei Shan for a stay in a monastery, waking to the sound of drums and prayers in the morning Buddhist ritual.
• Cycle through the Chinese countryside with backdrops that resemble paintings – the picturesque limestone karsts of Yangshuo, for example, grace the walls of conference rooms and Chinese embassy's around the world

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• Beijing - Tiananmen Square
• Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall
• Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour
• Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour
• Chengdu - Leader-led walking tour
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Overall, the trip was excellent. this was.

Overall, the trip was excellent. This was my first time with Intrepid but I have taken several similar trips (Tucan). The tour leader (Kris) was excellent and the ac...

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Emma was an excellent group leader- very friendly, helpful and polite. We really liked her suggested restaurant and activity recommendations and felt that they were ...

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A well put together itinerary from Intrepid and my tour guide Emma Guo was fantastic. She made herself available to the group 24 hours with added information on loca...

I had a amazing time during this

I had a amazing time during this trip. China Experience is a very good to see a lot of spots in China. That only negative point was that we couldn't see the Forbidde...

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Intrepid travel, the intrepid travel experience.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

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•   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

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China Experience

• Best price guaranteed
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• City sightseeing
• Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Art and architecture
• Customizable
• Booking Type Instant booking
• duration 19 days
• tour type Small group Request as private
• age requirement 15-99 yrs
• max group size 12
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-3086

• Starts Beijing, China
• Ends Hong Kong, Hong Kong
• This is one of our most comprehensive trips in China, covering huge distances and taking in key destinations from north to south with plenty of variety in experiences and sights along the way 
• Zip through the country from north to south on its efficient high-speed rail network.
• Take through the iconic scenery of the Yangzi River as you meander through the dramatic Three Gorges on a three-day cruise
• No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of historic sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army. However, the country's modern man-made sights refuse to be outdone, and you can see the modern equivalence of those ancient feats in the skyline of Hong Kong and the Yangzi River's Three Gorges Hydroelectric dam 
• Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about the preservation work required for this ancient species.
• Beyond adorable, endangered giant pandas, Chengdu is one of our favourite cities in China. Find out why our travellers end up falling in love with this emerging travel hotspot here: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/chengdu-china-travel-guide
• Escape the cities to discover China's natural beauty. Trek up the misty forests of Emei Shan for a stay in a monastery, waking to the sound of drums and prayers in the morning Buddhist ritual.
• Cycle through the Chinese countryside with backdrops that resemble paintings – the picturesque limestone karsts of Yangshuo, for example, grace the walls of conference rooms and Chinese embassy's around the world
• Day 1: Beijing
• Day 2: Beijing
• Day 3: Great Wall - Beijing
• Day 4: Xi'an
• Day 5: Xi'an
• Day 6: Chengdu
• Day 7: Chengdu
• Day 8: Leshan - Emei Shan
• Day 9: Emei Shan
• Day 10: Emei Shan
• Day 11: Yangtze River
• Day 12-14: Yangtze River
• Day 15: Yangshuo
• Day 16: Yangshuo
• Day 17: Yangshuo
• Day 18: Hong Kong
• Day 19: Hong Kong
• Hotel (13 nights), Monastery (1 nights), Overnight Riverboat (4 nights)
• 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
• Private Bus , Public Bus , High-Speed Train , Overnight Riverboat , Subway , Taxi , Bicycle
• An expert tour leader
• Beijing - Forbidden City
• Beijing - Tiananmen Square
• Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall
• Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour
• Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led
• Chengdu - Leader-led walking tour
• Chengdu - People's Park & Tianfu Square
• Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (entrance fee & transport included)
• Leshan - Giant Buddha (boat ticket & transport included)
• Emei Shan - Scenic Area Hiking
• Emei Shan - Cable car & Golden Summit visit
• Yichang - Guided Three Gorges Dam Project tour
• Yangshuo - Cycling tour (local guide & bike hire included)
• Any international flights to Beijing and from Hong Kong are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
• Travel insurance is not included in this China Experience tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
• Protected Travel within your own bubble.
• Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
• Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
• Earn USD 139+ in travel credits.
• Best price guaranteed.
• No credit card or booking fees.
• 100% financial protection.
• Carbon neutral tours.
• 25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
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No additional cancellation fees apply for this China Experience tour. You can cancel the tour up to 60 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 59 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 14 November 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 14 November 2024, a deposit is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 59 days before trip departure.

China Experience tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this China Experience tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

• This trip is a true journey in the sense that we are covering huge distances and visiting many destinations along the way. Be prepared for long days of travel in between days packed with sightseeing. 
• With walks on the Great Wall and up Emei Shan (both which have many steps!), you'll need a good level of fitness to get the most out of these activities. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of more relaxing days too, such as on the Yangzi River cruise or in the picturesque town of Yangshuo.
• There is a variety of accommodation on this trip including hotels, guesthouses, monasteries, and riverboats. They might not always be as comfortable as home, but each accommodation site will give you a different perspective on China.
• While we finish in Hong Kong, due to our late afternoon arrival we do not include much free time or activities here. We highly recommend staying a few extra days post trip to make the most of this exciting city. Here's some tips to get you started: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-do-in-hong-kong
• China’s world-class sites and experiences draw large numbers of local and international travellers. We recommend a little patience and comfortable shoes as you may need to wait before entering the more popular locations on your itinerary.

• Physical preparation
• Joining point description
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• Finish point description
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The 6 Best China Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Categories Tours , Asia , China

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Travelers…Are you ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? China is the most populous nation on earth and a place where old traditions coexist with modern marvels. Adventurers worldwide are drawn to China due to its rich history, varied landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Due to the immensity of the country and the complexity of its culture, exploring it might be a difficult task, especially independently. For this reason, taking an organized tour is frequently recommended. China is home to a rich tapestry of cultural artifacts, from the well-known Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an to the Great Wall, which stretches through the northern region and just so happens to be one of the Seven World Wonders.

In contemporary cities like Beijing and Shanghai, tall buildings and cutting-edge technology coexist peacefully with old-fashioned neighborhoods and other religious sites scattered among the country. The nation’s natural wonders are equally remarkable, ranging from the mesmerizing gorges of the Yangtze River to the ethereal karst mountains of Guilin.

Travelers can easily navigate China’s size and cultural quirks by taking part in an organized tour. Experienced professionals with a thorough understanding of the history, customs, and local knowledge will plan all your experiences so you get the most out of your trip. Most tour operators offer a planned schedule that brings guests to a mix of the most well-known sights and a mix of hidden gems to ensure travelers don’t miss any important landmarks.

Because of China’s size and complicated culture, a guided trip is the best way to experience this fascinating nation. It allows travelers to make the most of their time, get around language difficulties, handle logistics easily, and enjoy the comfort and security of having everything planned for them.

Joining a tour group will allow you to go on a carefully thought-out trip while being led by knowledgeable tour guides who help them unravel the mysteries of China’s ancient history, breathtaking scenery, and illustrious cultural legacy. Without further adieu, here is a look at China’s top six best tours! 

Page Contents

China Express Tour

8-day small-group china tour to beijing, xi’an, and shanghai, china highlights, china delights small group tour, 6 days lhasa gyantse shigatse group tour, majestic china with yangtze river cruise, g adventures.

The G Adventures China Express tour will take you on a quick journey across China’s fascinating landscapes and dynamic culture. This perfectly crafted, action-packed tour is perfect for those looking for an immersive experience in a condensed amount of time. You will visit some of the most famous sights in the nation in just nine days, from the imperial splendor of Beijing to the urban allure of Shanghai.

In Xi’an, explore the magnificent Great Wall, the illustrious Tiananmen Square, and the age-old Terracotta Warriors. You can unravel the mysteries of China’s rich history and cultural legacy with the help of a small group of like-minded travelers and the advice of knowledgeable local guides.

This China Express tour is the ideal approach to learning about this huge and fascinating country’s culture and is one of the best tours to embark on in China. So, without further adieu,  Here is a look at your full day-to-day itinerary with G-Adventures.

Day One: Arrive in Beijing at any time.

Day Two: Enjoy a visit to the Great Wall Of China.

Day Three: Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Later, board a fast train to Xi’an.

Day Four: Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. After, the day is yours to explore as you wish.

Day Five: Say goodbye to Xi’an this morning and hop on the fast train to the bustling city of Shanghai.

Day Six: Take the train to Suzhou today for a day exploring in the city. Visit Suzhou’s famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the impressive Tiger Hill Pagoda and its surrounding landscape.

Day Seven: After an orientation walk along Shanghai’s famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights of this modern Chinese city. In the evening, head to the theatre for an intense acrobatic performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Day Eight: Depart At any time.

You’ll leave your G Adventures China Express vacation with priceless memories and a stronger appreciation of China’s varied landscapes and rich cultural history.

You will see the differences and intricacies of this magnificent country, from the ancient treasures of the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the vibrant cities of Beijing. All while enjoying traditional cuisine, connecting with other tourists from around the world, and experiencing the warmth of Chinese hospitality.

As you depart China, you will take on a fresh perspective and perhaps a tremendous amount of respect for its culture, history, and perseverance of its people. Enjoy a fascinating look into this alluring country thanks to the G Adventures China Express tour. This tour is easily considered one of the best tours in China.

TravelChinaGuide Tours

On a fascinating 8-Day Small-Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, see the wonders of China. This expertly planned itinerary takes you to some of China’s most famous cities while displaying its diverse history. Discover Beijing’s spectacular Great Wall, awe at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and immerse yourself in Shanghai’s vibrant city life.

This tour guarantees a personalized and trouble-free experience with a small group setting, skilled local guides, and seamless logistics. On this memorable journey, see the top attractions of China’s golden triangle, savor local cuisine, and make lifelong memories. Here is a look at your full itinerary. Day One: Arrival in Beijing. Day Two: Head to the first stop, Tiananmen Square, the biggest urban city square in the world. From there, you will enter the Imperial Palace (including the Treasure Gallery), also known as the Forbidden City, to explore its fascinating halls and pavilions. Day Three: Today’s highlight is to visit Mutianyu Great Wall. The round-trip cable car is included. We will especially provide red wine for a group toasting on the Great Wall. Drive back to down and have a photo stop at the Olympic National Stadium. Afterward, you will take a rickshaw tour to explore the original Hutong alleys and have a chance to visit a local family. Day Four: In the morning, visit the Panda House in Beijing Zoo and the Summer Palace. After that, take a flight to Xi’an. Day Five: Today’s highlight is to visit the Terracotta Army. After that, take a family visit to the home of the first discoverer of the Terracotta Army. Day Six: The day begins with a leisure visit to the City Wall Park. Then continue to visit the ancient City Wall for an exciting experience. You will then explore the lively Muslim Quarter and try the local food, and the road extends to the Great Mosque. After visiting the Great Mosque, we will transfer you to visit the Provincial History Museum and enjoy some free time at Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City.

Day Seven: This morning, you will visit one of the four largest museums in China, the Shanghai Museum, which specializes in exhibiting artworks from ancient times. After that, explore Yu Garden and its nearby traditional bazaar. Day Eight: Depart Shanghai.

Don’t miss the chance to travel to Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai on the amazing 8-Day Small-Group China Tour. This journey offers a remarkable opportunity to explore China’s historical and cultural treasures. You will experience the essence of this fascinating country, from the magnificent landmarks of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to the energetic streets of Shanghai.

This tour offers the ease of small group travel, knowledgeable guides, and flawless planning, guaranteeing a stress-free and memorable journey. Make enduring memories by submerging yourself in the allure of China’s golden triangle. Reserve your place on this memorable journey right away!

Intrepid Travel

The China Highlights tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of China’s most famous locations. This well-planned journey provides an enthralling look into the nation’s rich history, breathtaking scenery, and colorful culture. Discover the beautiful Great Wall, take in Beijing’s imperial splendors, see the amazing Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and immerse yourself in Shanghai’s cutting-edge urban environment.

The China Highlights tour guarantees an amazing experience with knowledgeable guides, efficient logistics, and hand-picked lodging. This journey reveals the greatest of China’s treasures, from ancient glories to contemporary marvels. Get ready to be mesmerized by this remarkable adventure of discovery. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. Day One: Arrive in Shanghai Day Two: Join your leader today for a walking tour that’ll take you back in time. At the Bund, you can taste 1920s Shanghai; its spectacular array of Art Deco buildings line what was once the most important financial street in Asia.  In the afternoon, leave Shanghai in the rearview mirror and make the two-hour journey to Xitang, a nearby water town. Day Three: Rise and shine to explore the streets of Xitang. Wander across charming bridges and relax by the canals, sip steaming cups of tea, learn about local history at one of the many museums or get lost among the maze of peaceful cobblestone streets. Return to Shanghai and board an overnight hard sleeper train bound for Xi’an. Day Four:  Today, you’ll join your leader on a short walking tour to uncover what was once the start of the ancient Silk Road. Perhaps visit the Bell & Drum Towers. Day Five: Today, you’ll journey outside of Xi’an and visit the Terracotta Warriors. Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch with a local family nearby. Day Six: Travel to Beijing via train. On arrival in Beijing, board a private vehicle and make the three-hour drive into the countryside, where you’ll spend the night in a family-run guesthouse. Day Seven: This morning, you’ll visit a section of the Great Wall and spend some time exploring, taking photos, and learning the history of this mighty site. You’ll then journey back to Beijing. Day Eight: Make your way to the center of the city. From here, you’ll enter the enormous Forbidden City, built more than 500 years ago. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Day Nine: Departure from Beijing. This tour will allow you to explore the greatest of China’s historical and cultural attractions, from the majestic Great Wall to the amazing Terracotta Warriors and the colorful streets of Shanghai. Intrepid Travel is known for its immersive and unforgettable itineraries, with opportunities to visit more than 50 countries worldwide just with Intrepid!

Intrepid Travel works with local tourism professionals to create an award-winning itinerary that will give you a profound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this intriguing country.

Agate Travel

The China Delights Small Group Tour by Agate Travel will take you on an enchanted tour of China’s treasures. This painstakingly planned tour highlights the best of China’s modern marvels, natural landscapes, and cultural wonders. This tour reveals the actual character of China, from the imperial magnificence of Beijing’s Forbidden City to Guilin’s magnificent scenery and Shanghai’s cosmopolitan charm.

The China Delights Small Group Tour promises an intensive and unforgettable experience with knowledgeable guides, cozy hotels, and efficient logistics. Prepare to be enthralled by China’s wonders as you embark on this remarkable journey. Here is a look at your full itinerary.

Day One: Airport pick up, Beijing.

Day Two: Visit the world-famous Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City (including the Treasure Gallery) in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Yonghe Palace and Temple of Heaven.

Day Three: Today’s highlight is to visit Mutianyu Great Wall. The round-trip cable car is included. Drive back down and have a photo stop at the Olympic National Stadium.

Day Four: In the morning, visit the Panda House in Beijing Zoo and the Summer Palace. After that, take a flight to Xi’an.

Day Five: Today’s highlight is to visit the Terracotta Army. After that, take a family visit to the home of the first discoverer of the Terracotta Army.

Day Six: The day begins with a leisure visit to the City Wall Park. Then continue to visit the ancient City Wall for an exciting experience.

Day Seven: This morning, take a flight to Guilin and check in at the hotel. Visit the Reed Flute Cave and the Elephant Trunk Hill.

Day Eight: Appreciate the Li River scenery by traveling from Guilin to Yangshuo via boat. Disembark at Yangshuo in about 4.5 hours and walk through the famous West Street. After that, you will be driven to the countryside of Yangshuo.

Day Nine: Take a flight to Shanghai. Our guide will pick you up and transfer you to check-in at the hotel. The rest time of the day is free for you to relax.

Day Ten: This morning, visit Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden and explore its nearby traditional bazaar. After that, enjoy a panorama of the city at Duo Yun Bookstore on the 52nd floor of Shanghai Tower.

Day Eleven: Departure from Shanghai. The China Delights Small Group Tour by Agate Travel will take you on an enchanted tour of China’s treasures. This painstakingly planned tour highlights the best of China’s modern marvels, natural landscapes, and cultural wonders.

This tour reveals the actual character of China, from the imperial magnificence of Beijing’s Forbidden City to Guilin’s magnificent scenery and Shanghai’s cosmopolitan charm. The China Delights Small Group Tour promises an intensive and unforgettable experience with knowledgeable guides, cozy hotels, and efficient logistics. Prepare to be enthralled by China’s wonders as you embark on this remarkable journey.

Great Tibet Tour

The 6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Group Tour by Great Tibet Tours will take you on an enthralling tour across the magical country of Tibet. With this incredible journey through Tibet, you may fully experience the country’s rich Buddhist heritage, magnificent scenery, and dynamic culture.

Visit holy monasteries, take in the breathtaking views of Yamdrok Lake, explore the historic villages of Gyantse and Shigatse, and experience the old capital of Lhasa. This journey delivers an unparalleled encounter with Tibet’s beauties thanks to skilled guides, cozy hotels, and flawless planning.

Get ready to be mesmerized by the spiritual and natural splendor of the world’s roof. Here is a look at your full Itinerary for this tour.

Day One: Taking flight into Tibet will give you a panorama of the snowy Himalayan Mountains. The rest of the day, you will be free to wander around the city on your own.

Day Two: Today’s first attraction is to visit Drepung Monastery. After lunch, you will continue to visit the Sera Monastery.

Day Three: In the morning, the guide will take you to the famous Potala Palace. In the afternoon, we will visit Jokhang Temple in the center of the old Lhasa city.

Day Four: We will pass by Gampala pass and visit Yamdrok Lake. Later we will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier on the roadside. Then visit Pelkor Chode Monastery.

Day Five: In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama. Followed by a train ride back to Lhasa.

Day Six: Departure at any time.

Discover the mysterious beauties of Tibet as your unforgettable 6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Group Tour finishes in Lhasa. On this tour, you can see the breathtaking beauty of Tibet. You will explore the rich Buddhist legacy, marvel at majestic monasteries, and take in the stunning scenery under the guidance of skilled specialists. This tour can easily be considered one of the best in China.

Tweet World Travel

With Tweet World Tours’ Majestic China with Yangtze River Cruise tour, you may witness the magnificence of China and the great Yangtze River. This fascinating voyage brings together the greatest of China’s modern wonders and ancient treasures. Immerse yourself in China’s illustrious history and culture, from the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to Shanghai’s colorful cityscape.

Set out on a lavish trip along the magnificent Yangtze River to see the stunning scenery and explore the Three Gorges. This tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the delights of China with knowledgeable guides, cozy hotels, and flawless logistics. Prepare to be awed by the splendor and beauty of this magnificent nation. This is your itinerary for this tour!

Day One: Arrive in Beijing.

Day Two: Begin your day in Beijing by visiting Tian’anmen Square. Next, head to the Forbidden City and then spend the afternoon on your own.

Day Three: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to a section of the Great Wall, such as Badaling or Mutianyu. After exploring the Great Wall, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing. Retrieve your luggage and prepare for your departure from Beijing to Xi’an.

Day Four: Start your day by visiting the renowned Terracotta Army Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world. After exploring the Terracotta Army Museum, continue your cultural journey by visiting a local craftsman’s cave dwelling. Next, explore the Muslim Quarter of Xi’an.

Day Five: After breakfast at your hotel, start your day by visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. After the morning excursion, it’s time to leave Xi’an and head to Chongqing for the Yangtze River Cruise.

Day Six: This morning, visit the Fuling 816 nuclear engineering site. Alternatively, you can choose to visit 816 Town, where the workers of Project 816 lived for 30 years while working on the number one top-secret project of the Republic. Enjoy VIP seats at an epic, large-scale live performance of The Beacon of Three Kingdoms in the evening.

Day Seven: Today, we sail across Qutang Gorges in the morning glow. In the evening, drive back to the ship and enjoy the dinner on board. Overnight on Yangzi Explorer.

Day Eight: This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam, the Great Steel Wall on the Yangtze River, and enjoy a lecture onboard from an expert explaining the story behind this great project. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Yichang Airport to fly to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, you’ll be greeted by our local Beijing tour guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Beijing.

Day Nine: Beijing Departure.

On this incredible adventure across China, you will experience firsthand the treasures of this alluring nation. You will witness the splendor of China’s rich history and culture, from the ancient wonders of the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the contemporary cityscape of Shanghai.

The abundant Yangtze River cruise will provide a greater connection with nature and stunning sights. This journey has offered an intensive and unforgettable experience of China’s region of Tibet thanks to knowledgeable guides, cozy hotels, and flawless arrangements. Overall, this is considered one of the best tours in China.

One of the top tour destinations in the world is China, a country known for its amazing natural beauty and rich cultural legacy. A significant and worthwhile decision is to explore China on a multiday tour, taking in everything from the well-known Great Wall to the enchanting cities of Beijing and Shanghai, as well as the calm beauty of the Karst mountains in Guilin. The knowledge of seasoned guides is one of the main benefits of a multiday tour. These skilled specialists have a thorough awareness of China’s history, culture, and regional customs. They bring the places to life by sharing insights and tales that enhance your experience and aid in helping you have a greater understanding of the places you visit.

In conclusion, a multiday trip to China is a worthwhile and significant method to experience this fascinating nation. It offers the chance to experience China’s famous sites, buried treasures, and rich cultural diversity while gaining the experience of knowledgeable guides.

A multiday vacation in China guarantees an unforgettable experience, whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a cultural adventurer. Visit China, Explore The World With Us.

If none of these tours work for you in China, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in China now , which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.

Premium China

12 Days Starting in Shanghai and ending in Beijing

Visiting: Shanghai, Huizhou villages, Yangshuo, Xi'an, Beijing

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Physical rating:.

15-99 years

NB: Prices correct on 16-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour overview.

Embark on a 12-day Premium journey that weaves together China’s layered history, famous icons, cultural heritage and celebrated cuisine. Uncover modern China in Shanghai, then step back in time to the villages of Huizhou. See the magnificent karst hills of Yangshuo and come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Walk an original section of the Great Wall – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and revel in the big show of Beijing. Of all China’s assets, its greatest is its people, so you’ll also visit traditional family homes for homecooked meals and travel with an expert local leader to uncover a lesser-known side of the country.

Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a homecooked lunch with a local family in Huizhou and a delicious duck dinner in a Beijing courtyard.

With karst hills dotted along Li River, the scenery in Yangshuo is spectacular – here you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring mountain views, perfectly brewed green tea, and a traditional countryside cooking class.

Get a sense of the scale of China’s epic history when you come face to face with the Terracotta warriors, and visit a lesser-known section of the Great Wall during an Exclusive Experience.

Journey to the peaceful Huizhou villages, home to the quintessential image of white walled, black tiled traditional houses, and enjoy a Feature Stay in a heritage hotel converted from the mansion home of a famous Ming Dynasty poet.

Discover the bright lights of modern China in Shanghai, and uncover a different side of Beijing as you wander through the city’s hutongs, followed by a homecooked lunch in an authentic hutong house.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Feast on authentic Chinese cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a homecooked lunch with a local family in Huizhou and a delicious duck dinner in a Beijing courtyard.

Take in the scenery of Yangshuo – with karst hills dotted along Li River, you’ll be surrounded by mountain views, sip on perfectly brewed green tea and take part in a traditional countryside cooking class.

Get a sense of the scale of China’s epic history when you come face to face with the Terracotta warriors and visit a lesser-known section of the Great Wall during an Exclusive Experience – this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, after all!

Discover the bright lights of modern China in Shanghai and uncover a different side of Beijing as you wander through the city’s hutongs, followed by a homecooked lunch in an authentic hutong house.

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Day 1: Shanghai

Location: shanghai, accommodation: shanghai central hotel or similar, meals included: dinner.

Ni Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Shanghai, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head out to get a feel for this vibrant city and its bright lights. Maybe visit the Yuyuan Gardens where you can explore the sculptures, gardens and pagodas from the Ming Dynasty. After your meeting, it’s time for a foray into Shanghai’s unbeatable food scene. Head with your group and leader to a famous local restaurant to sample some of the city’s regional favourites like fried dumplings, braised pork and crystal shrimp. Included Activities: - Shanghai - Shanghai cuisine welcome dinner

Day 2: Shanghai

Meals included: breaksfast.

Start your day with a walking tour with your leader who will introduce you to the sights and sounds of this animated city. Explore old residential neighbourhoods, known as nongtang, then head to the tree lined Wukang Road in the former French Concession part of the city, home to 37 protected historic buildings. Stop by a market and watch the locals go about their daily life, then hop on the metro and head to the Bund – an iconic promenade along the Huangpu River which divided Shanghai into Puxi and Pudong. The spectacular art deco buildings that line the street will give you a glimpse into 1920s Shanghai against the modern backdrop of Pudong’s metropolitan skyline. Your tour ends here, and the rest of the afternoon is yours. Included Activities: - Shanghai - City walking tour Optional Activities: - Shanghai - Acrobat show - Shanghai - Huangpu River Night Cruise (ticket)

Day 3: Huizhou Villages

Location: huizhou villages, accommodation: weiyan shilily heritage hotel (feature stay) or similar, meals included: breaksfast, lunch.

Depart Shanghai this morning and board a high-speed train to Huizhou. The beautiful villages of Huizhou and their unique Hui-style architecture have inspired poets and painters for generations. When you arrive, head to the home of a local family for a homecooked Hui lunch. Chat to your hosts about their way of life and find out what makes Hui cuisine so delicious. In the afternoon, take a tour of the ancient village of Tangmo – founded during the Tang dynasty. Visit some local families who have been weaving bamboo for decades and learn about the ancient art form, then head to the village ancestral temple to meet a local artisan famous for his stone inscription printing skills. Speak to him about his trade and gain insight into the world of Chinese calligraphy. This evening will be spent at your Feature Stay accommodation – this hotel was converted from the mansion of a famous Ming Dynasty poet. Traditional 17th-century Hui design is paired with 21st-century conveniences, and the hotel’s tranquil gardens will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Included Activities: - Huizhou - Bamboo weaving family visit - Huizhou - Stone tablet inscription printing demonstration - Huizhou - Home-cooked lunch - Huizhou - Tangmo village tour

Day 4: Shanghai

Accommodation: shanghai merry hotel or similar.

Enjoy some free time in Huizhou today. Maybe wander the village’s narrow lanes and admire the local gardens. In the afternoon, return to Shanghai by high-speed train. This evening, head to a rooftop bar with your group and see the city’s cloud-piercing buildings and glittering neon lights from a different point of view. Included Activities: - Shanghai - rooftop bar (one drink included)

Day 5: Yangshuo

Location: yangshuo, accommodation: new west international hotel or similar.

Today you have a final morning to soak up the magic of Shanghai, then you’ll catch a midday flight to Guilin, followed by a transfer to Yangshuo, where karst mountains sprout like domes around the waters of the Li River. The countryside around Yangshuo is immortalised in many traditional Chinese paintings and it’s easy to see why. When you arrive, check in to your accommodation for the next two nights – a modern hotel tucked away among the karst hills and rivers of Yangshuo. Here you’ll experience serene surroundings and mountain views. You have a free evening to take in the natural setting – you may like to go for a walk in the surrounding area or spend some time relaxing.

Day 6: Yangshuo

Meals included: breaksfast, dinner.

After breakfast, head out to one of the largest tea plantations in Yangshuo, where you’ll learn about China’s most beloved beverage, from picking the leaves, to processing and brewing the perfect cup. Enjoy a cup of fragrant green tea to energise you for a short but steep climb up Xianggong Hill. From here, you’ll see an amazing birds-eye view of the Li River and the karst landscape. Wander through the local villages, where if you’re lucky, you may be invited into some old houses to get a glimpse at countryside life in China. Take some time out for lunch in a local village, then head into Yangshuo town where your leader will regale you with the history of the area as you explore. Wander up the busy West shopping street, then enjoy some time to browse the stores or relax in a cafe. Later in the afternoon, return to the countryside and visit a local cooking school where you’ll learn how to craft traditional Chinese dishes. Tonight’s dinner will be the tasty dishes you’ve whipped up during the class. Included Activities: - Yangshuo - Walking Tour - Yangshuo - Xianggong Hill & Tea Farm Visit - Yangshuo - Cooking class Optional Activities: - Yangshuo - Impressions Liu Sanjie light show (minimum 4 people) - Yangshuo - Tai Chi/Kung Fu class

Day 7: Xi'an

Location: xi'an, accommodation: eastern house boutique hotel or similar.

Enjoy a peaceful morning at your accommodation then catch a midday flight to Xi’an. Once the imperial centre of China for 2000 years, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many historical sites. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your hotel before setting off for a walking tour. Your leader will unpack the layers of Xi’an’s rich history as you walk past the Bell and Drum tower, continuing to the buzzing Muslim quarter. Wander the narrow streets and find shops, markets and groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in cafes. Xi’an is a food lovers paradise, and tonight you’ll get a chance to sample the flavoursome regional cuisine during an included dinner at a local restaurant. Specialities include a variety of delicious dumplings. Included Activities: - Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour - Xi'an - Muslim Quarter dumpling dinner Optional Activities: - Xi'an - Bell & Drum Towers (entrance fee) - Xi'an - Great Mosque (entrance fee) - Xi'an - Tang Dynasty Show - Xi'an - Cycling on City Wall - Xi'an - Little Wild Goose Pagoda

Day 8: Xi'an

Today you’ll journey out into the countryside surrounding Xi’an and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. Your leader will share the unbelievable history of this incredible archaeological find, discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974 after being buried for 2000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three pits of warriors are open for viewing, where thousands of uniquely sculpted soldiers stand in battle formation. For lunch you’ll visit a local family restaurant, the owner of which has experienced firsthand of the changes brought about by the excavation of Terracotta Warriors. Listen to their stories while enjoying simple homecooked food. Return to Xi’an and enjoy a free afternoon – you may like to cycle across the ancient city wall or check out the Big Wild Goose pagoda and its musical fountain. Included Activities: - Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led - Xi'an - Home-cooked lunch

Day 9: Beijing

Location: beijing, accommodation: beijing sunworld dynasty hotel or similar.

Say goodbye to Xi’an and board a high-speed train bound for Beijing. The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing has mostly shed its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places that give an insight into the nation's ancient past. Enjoy a free evening in Beijing – you may like to attend a Chinese opera performance. Restaurants across the city span all styles and countless cuisines, so be sure to ask your leader for the perfect place to suit your tastes. Optional Activities: - Beijing - Beijing Opera show (ticket) - Beijing - Kungfu Show (ticket)

Day 10: Beijing

Accommodation: beijing sunworld dynasty hotel.

Make your way to Tiananmen Square in the centre of the city that remains the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by many imposing and iconic buildings such as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum, it's a place of pilgrimage for many Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation. From here, you’ll enter the enormous scarlet walls of the Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago, and until recently off-limits to commoners, you can now explore the great halls and courtyards. Then, head to Jingshan Park for a glimpse from the top. Lunch today will be an authentic homecooked meal at a local home. After, walk around Beijing’s hutongs (residential alleyways) and learn about the history, dating back 800 years. Stop in at a hutong household where your leader will explain the ancient building technique of mortise and tenon. The rest of the afternoon is free. Included Activities: - Beijing - Forbidden City - Beijing - Tiananmen Square - Beijing - Wood mortise and tenon demonstration - Beijing - Hutong home-cooked lunch - Beijing - Hutong walking tour - Beijing - Jingshan Park Optional Activities: - Beijing - Temple of Heaven Park - Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee)

Day 11: Beijing

No trip to China would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall – one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Today you’ll visit one of the best-preserved areas, the Hanghuacheng section, also known as the Water Great Wall. It used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs, and features guard towers dating back to the Ming dynasty. Take your time strolling along the wall, which snakes through the hills and seemingly endlessly into the distance, as your leader fills you in on the history. From here you can see parts of the wall submerged beneath the lake water. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, head back to Beijing and take some time to relax before heading to a traditional courtyard restaurant where you’ll enjoy a Beijing duck feast for a final dinner with your group. Included Activities: - Great Wall - Huanghuacheng Section - Beijing - Beijing duck dinner

Day 12: Beijing

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. If you have time, there's plenty more to see in Beijing. If you would like to extend your stay here, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

What's Included

Accommodation Hotel (10 nights), Huizhou Feature Stay (1 night)

Shanghai - Shanghai cuisine welcome dinner

Shanghai - City walking tour

Huizhou - Bamboo weaving family visit

Huizhou - Stone tablet inscription printing demonstration

Huizhou - Home-cooked lunch

Huizhou - Tangmo village tour

Shanghai - rooftop bar (one drink included)

Yangshuo - Walking Tour

Yangshuo - Xianggong Hill & Tea Farm Visit

Yangshuo - Cooking class

Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour

Xi'an - Muslim Quarter dumpling dinner

Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour

Xi'an - Home-cooked lunch

Beijing - Forbidden City

Beijing - Tiananmen Square

Beijing - Wood mortise and tenon demonstration

Beijing - Hutong home-cooked lunch

Beijing - Hutong walking tour

Beijing - Jingshan Park

Great Wall - Huanghuacheng Section

Beijing - Beijing duck dinner

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities

International Travel

• CHINA TRAIN TRAVEL SECURITY
• When travelling by train in China you will need to pass through security checkpoints similar to those at airports. Please be aware that items that may be classified as ‘weapons’ might be confiscated (even from your suitcase), as all luggage travels in the compartment with you. We recommend leaving items that fall into this category (eg. pocket knives or scissors) at home. Aerosol spray bottles are not permitted on high-speed trains and can get confiscated at the station.

Accommodation

• The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
• Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
• HOTEL ROOMS:
• Some travellers have reported that hotels/accommodation in this region tend to have harder bed mattresses than those they are used to at home. You may like to request an extra quilt or bedding from the hotels if you find this an issue.
• SMOKING ROOMS:
• Smoking is prevalent in China and hotels generally do not offer specific non-smoking rooms. Larger hotels with central air conditioning will sometimes transport the smell of smoke between rooms. While we ask our hotels to ensure our rooms are well cleaned and ventilated well before occupation in some cases this is not possible, and the smell of smoke may linger. Please speak to your leader about the possibility of changing rooms if you encounter this.
• WiFi is often available in hotel reception areas and sometimes in rooms. Your leader will be able to advise on the best places to get connected.

Important Information

• 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
• 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip?and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
• 3. Please provide a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure flight and train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket if an amendment occurs.
• 4. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
• 5. This trip includes travel on fast trains. There are size restrictions for luggage on fast trains. Your main piece of luggage must not exceed 160cm (sum of height, length and width).

Mode of Transport

Check out our q&as, is this trip right for you.

The trip covers a fair amount of ground with experiencing a variety of transports, so be prepared for some long journeys. And we suggest packing relatively lightly for this trip, as you’ll need to be able to comfortably carry your own luggage onto and off the trains. China’s world-class sites and experiences draw large numbers of local and international travellers. We recommend a little patience and comfortable shoes as you may need to wait before entering the more popular locations on your itinerary.

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

What ethical travel credentials does the tour company have.

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Just leaving a review to....

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

I just completed my first...

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

I have just come back...

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

I have travelled with Intrepid...

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

I recently went on an...

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

North American Adventure

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

I have just completed a...

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Cambodia Discovery

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Explore Southern Africa

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

We had a fantastic time...

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Excellent tour company with quick service and support. We loved that there is 100% refund if you had to change anything as long as your within certain time limits. A very professional company with a huge selection of different tours and several dates to choose from.

The staff at TourHub were very responsive to all of my questions and more! They provided me with all the information I needed to book our trip in a very short period of time. I am very impressed with this company and looking forward to our tour in 2025!

I have never been much of a tour person, but this company offers so many options! I love the fact that they consolidate many options so that you have all the adventures in one location.

Customer service was prompt in responding to any questions I had, and offering suggestions on tour options. Looking forward to our adventure in September!

I love that each destination and hotel accommodation is listed. Makes planning or even deciding to take the trip so much easier. Each time I emailed a question, I got a response right away. So far, I'm very impressed and looking forward to the trip that we booked for next year.

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Book with Confidence

Free date changes.

Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

Transfer as credit to Future Tours

Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

Low Deposit

Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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Click here to read our full terms and conditions

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Premium China

Best price guarantee Learn More

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• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided

• Explore Shanghai's vibrant food scene
• Discover ancient Hui architecture in Huizhou
• Climb Xianggong Hill for stunning views
• See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
• Walk the Great Wall and enjoy a Beijing duck feast
• Introduction
• Day 1 Shanghai
• Day 2 Shanghai
• Day 3 Huizhou villages
• Day 4 Shanghai
• Day 5 Yangshuo
• Day 6 Yangshuo
• Day 7 Xi'an
• Day 8 Xi'an
• Day 9 Beijing
• Day 10 Beijing
• Day 11 Beijing
• Day 12 Beijing

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Shanghai Central Hotel or similar

Weiyan Shilily Heritage Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar

Shanghai Merry Hotel or similar

New West International Hotel or similar

Eastern House Boutique Hotel or similar

Beijing Sunworld Dynasty Hotel or similar

Beijing Sunworld Dynasty Hotel

Operated by

Intrepid Premium

Number of tours

5 to 99 years old

Response time

Response rate

For over 30 years we've been taking travellers around the globe. That's over 30 years of adventures, of visiting new places and old friends, of countless unforgettable moments. More than 30 years of changing the way people see the world, on small group tours with like-minded Intrepid people. As a...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Tour Operator Intrepid Premium 4.4
• Denise · 9th January 2018 Awesome trip. Tour guide Jerry was wonderful, as was my driver. Jerry is super great at telling the history and... Show more
• Kira · 3rd December 2015 we stayed some nights in a traditional yurt camps, this was such an incredible experience. driving through the... Show more
• CarinaDallaRosa · 30th November 2023 very surprising! everything worked out! nelson was really good!

Dates & Availability

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• Flexible payment options
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• Rated excellent on
• Best price guarantee
• 24/7 customer support
• Earn €50 in travel credits

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Austria, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

• Upcoming departures
• October 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• August 2026
• September 2026
• October 2026
• Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 Thursday 24 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out €4,254 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 2 Mar, 2025 Thursday 13 Mar, 2025 English €4,214 €3,802 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
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• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 10 Apr, 2025 Monday 21 Apr, 2025 English €4,379 €3,951 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
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• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 11 May, 2025 Thursday 22 May, 2025 English Almost Sold Out €4,379 €3,951 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 10 Aug, 2025 Thursday 21 Aug, 2025 English €4,214 €3,802 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 24 Aug, 2025 Thursday 4 Sep, 2025 English €4,214 €3,802 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 7 Sep, 2025 Thursday 18 Sep, 2025 English €4,379 €3,951 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 18 Sep, 2025 Monday 29 Sep, 2025 English €4,544 €4,099 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Good to Know

• Currency ¥ Yuan Renminbi China

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types G, I. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types A, B, I. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G, I.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for China. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for China. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for China. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for China. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for China. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 11th November 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 11th November 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Premium. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 56 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Premium will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Premium" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Intrepid Premium. Please familiarise yourself with the Intrepid Premium payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Premium Iceland

9 days | walk among the glaciers, mountains and volcanoes of iceland.

Explore the beautifully rugged landscapes of Iceland’s western peninsulas with coastal cliffs, centuries-old volcanic glaciers and huge waterfalls on a nine-day Premium adventure. Take a boat cruise between icebergs at Glacier Lagoon, trek around vast waterside craters, visit local artisans in Grundarfjordur and explore small fishing villages. Sample fresh produce at your Feature Stay, take a carbon-neutral boat trip to spot whales and dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean. See the highlights of Iceland with expert local knowledge and time to explore – you’ll get a true taste of this Northern European outpost!

Trip overview

Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service

All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium

Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders

• Witness the diversity of Iceland's natural phenomena – rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons. Visit Gulfoss – Iceland's largest waterfall – and the hot springs of the Sky Lagoon.
• Get to know Iceland’s gentle giants on board a carbon-neutral sailing boat. This Exclusive Experience allows you to respectfully and silently spot whales with the help of an expert guide.
• Stay in the stylish Fosshotel for your Feature Stay, offering up priceless views of the surrounding landscape and an excellent on-site restaurant that uses fresh Icelandic produce.
• Gain an insight into how the eruption of Eyafjallajokull volcano in 2010 has affected the lives of the residents in the Hvolsvollur Valley, then take part in their tree planting project during an Exclusive Experience.
• From a soak in the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring to a visit to a local artist’s stone carving workshops and a tasting session of Icelandic specialties, your Exclusive Experiences will deepen your understanding of Icelandic culture.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
• Iceland can be very cold at any time of year, so it's important to bring appropriate clothing. On the rare occasion that your leader has to alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.
• Many locations on this itinerary are remote, which means a few long drives of around 6 hours. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers. Of course, you will stop frequently for photo opportunities.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Velkominn! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, where you’ll be picked up from the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not stroll around the world's northernmost capital and visit the National Museum to see the permanent exhibition on the history of Iceland. After your meeting, head out with your leader and small group to get to know Reykjavik’s food scene. Have dinner at one of the city’s fantastic local restaurants and learn about Icelandic produce and cuisine.

• Hotel Reykjavik Centrum or similar (1 night)
• Reykjavik - Welcome Dinner
• Complimentary Arrival Transfer

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today, you’ll board a private vehicle and drive to Thingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains) – your leader will explain how this spot is both the original location of Iceland’s first parliament from AD 930 and a geological phenomenon. From here, enter the Borgarfjordur area and visit the spectacular waterfalls of Hraunfossar (Lava waterfalls) and Barnafossar (Children’s waterfalls). Continue to Deildartunguhver – Europe’s hottest water spring. In the afternoon, head to your overnight stay in the southern part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. When you’re settled, meet up with your group for dinner.

• Hotel Snaefellsnes or similar (1 night)
• Borgarfjordur - Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
• Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains)
• Borgarfjordur - Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Today you’ll continue around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and its glacier Snaefellsjokull – an icecap covering a dormant volcano. Visit the small town of Budir, followed by a stop at the basaltic pebble beaches framed by lava. Then, visit Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs gives you access to the rich birdlife of the area. Continue to Grundarfjordur, where you’ll stop and meet a local artist named Liston, who will show you his workshop. Admire his stone carvings and find out about the life of a local artisan. You’ll also have a guided tour of the Glaumbaer Farm and Museum. The farmhouse is built of turf, stones and timber and dates back to the Age of the Settlements (AD 900). After, drive to Saudarkrokur in Iceland's north, located on Skagafjordur Fjord. Your home for the night is the family-run Hotel Tindastoll, Iceland’s oldest hotel. Experience a part of Iceland’s history as soon as you step through the door – the hotel’s past is everywhere, from the antique furniture to the original architecture. The hotel also features a courtyard with a thermal hot tub and some pretty incredible surroundings.

• Hotel Tindastoll Saudarkrokur (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Snaefellsjokull, Arnarstapi & Stykkisholmur
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Liston's Stone Carving Workshop
• Glaumbaer - Turf Houses visit and guided tour

Drive around the Trollaskagi Peninsula and visit the small fishing town of Siglufjordur. Explore the town centre, dwarfed by towering mountains on three sides with the fjord on its north. Further along the coast you’ll have the opportunity to dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean before an Icelandic schnapps tasting, accompanied by some local delicacies – think shark, lamb’s head, liver sausage and dried fish. Continue to Hauganes, where you’ll get to know the gentle giants of Iceland’s waters on board a carbon neutral whale watching tour. Minke and humpback whales are commonly spotted in these parts, and the boat keeps a respectful distance from the whales, allowing you to observe them in their natural environment without disturbing or distressing them. You’ll be joined on board by an expert whale watching guide who will help to spot these beautiful creatures while providing insight on their lives and habitats in Arctic waters. Continue to the town of Akureyri and head out for a leader-led orientation walk when you arrive. Next, drive to the mighty waterfall of Godafoss, also known as The Waterfall of the Gods, before continuing to your hotel in Husavik.

• Husavik Cape Hotel or similar (1 night)
• Trollaskagi Peninsula - Siglufjordur
• Trollaskagi Peninsula - Icelandic Specialties Tasting
• Myvatn - Godafoss Waterfall
• Hauganes - Whale Watching Excursion

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Start the day with a journey to Lake Myvatn – one of the most interesting geological areas of the northern hemisphere. Visit several geological anomalies lining the lake’s shoreline, including the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, the pseudo-crater group at Skutustadir and the boiling mud pots and sulphuric vents of Namaskard. Your leader will be on hand to explain how these natural wonders came to be. Drive via the highlands to your overnight stop at Egilsstadir.

• Lake Hotel Egilsstadir or similar (1 night)
• Myvatn - Lake Myvatn
• Myvatn - Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group

This morning after breakfast, continue along the beautiful coastal region of Iceland's East Fjords, taking in the views of varied landscapes as mountains give way to deep fjords. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a seal or two! Drive to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for a boat tour on the milky blue waters. Get up close and personal with huge floating icebergs, originating from Vatnajokull – Europe’s largest ice cap. Make stops along the way at small towns like Djupivogur, which became a member of the cittaslow movement in 2013 and is aiming to be the Happiest Town in Iceland. Later, discover the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – your Feature Stay for this evening. This modern and contemporary hotel carefully considers its surroundings as spacious rooms with huge windows show off views of the mountains and sea, while the interiors reflect the colours of the world outside.

• Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or similar (1 night)
• Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride (seasonal)
• East Fjords - Scenic Drive

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Visit Skaftafell National Park today and walk to the tongue of the glacier of the same name. Drive over the black sands and lava formations caused by the Laki eruption of 1782 to 1783 – an event that has shaped Iceland's history and culture. Visit the waterfalls of Seljarlandsfoss and Skogafoss, then continue to your base for the evening near Hella.

• Landhotel Hella or similar (1 night)
• South Coast - Laki Lava Fields
• South Coast - Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls

From Hella, drive to the geyser geothermal area for the spouting hot springs of Geysir (after which all other geysers were named) and Strokkur – the most reliable of the geysers, erupting every ten minutes on average. Then, it’s on to Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall) where on a sunny day, you can see rainbows shimmer in the spray above the waterfall. Visit the Sky Lagoon – a geothermal spa overlooking the ocean. Sit back and relax in the warming waters as you breathe in the ocean air and soak in the views. Drive back to Reykjavik for a short tour with your leader to get to know the main sights of this eclectic city. The evening is free for you to explore the streets of Iceland’s capital – you may like to join your group for a final dinner together to round off your adventure.

• Hotel Alda Icelandir or similar (1 night)
• Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
• Golden Circle - Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfalll
• Reykjavik - Sky Lagoon

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Reykjavik, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

• Reykjavik - Perlan Museum - ISK5390
• Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3600
• Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK2900
• Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK4300
• Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
• Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2350
• Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
• Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK13900

8 breakfasts, 5 dinners

Private Vehicle (Ford Transit van or similar)

Comfortable hotel (7 nights), Feature stay (1 night)

• Arrival airport transfer
• Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
• Luggage transfer
• Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
• 24/7 on-ground support

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.  3. Due to the ongoing volcanic activity in the area, the Blue Lagoon has been temporarily closed. We will instead visit the Sky Lagoon, an oceanside spa outside of Reykjavik.

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