Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors to Hiroshima, Osaka & Tokyo Cruise

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Fly UK to Beijing, China
  Fly UK to Beijing, China overnight.
• Day 2 - Beijing, China
  Transfer from airport to hotel for a three night stay.
• Day 3 - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven tour
  Entering through the staggering Gate of Supreme Harmony, this exciting day of exploration will start by taking you into the symbolic heart of Beijing with a stroll across the vast Tiananmen Square and into the Forbidden City. A sprawling imperial palace complex that served as the centre of political power in China for over 500 years, from 1420 to 1924, this historic site is a shining example of the opulence enjoyed by the Chinese emperor throughout the Ming and Qin dynasties and remains one of the best representations of Chinese palatial architecture in the world. Full of imperial riches and important historical artefacts, your visit here will give you a rich insight into this enigmatic nation’s unique history; not to mention the fact that it’s far from the worst place to pick up a souvenir or two – you’ll find quite a few unique items in the gift shop here. A remarkable complex of religious buildings symbolising the dramatic relationship between heaven and earth, the Temple of Heaven is an impressive Ming Dynasty site you won’t want to miss seeing when you’re in Beijing. Built in 1420 and flanked by over 650 acres of park area, this place was notably home to annual ceremonies throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties – where the Emperor of China, who was regarded as the Son of Heaven by his people, would pay respect to the authority of heaven in the form of sacrifices. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of both architecture and landscape design, the influence of this complex on society for centuries after its completion – from religious worship to architecture and planning – cannot be understated. What’s Included Lunch Entrance fees to sites highlighted by the itinerary (where applicable) Transfers to and from the highlighted sites and hotel (where applicable) Not Included Sightseeing stops and optional experiences not disclosed in the itinerary Additional personal expenses and gratuities (where applicable)
• Day 4 - The Great Wall of China tour
  With one of the seven wonders of the modern world just hours away, what would a trip to Beijing be without a chance to see the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China? A truly unforgettable experience, you’ll be given a brief history of the Great Wall before being given the chance to walk along this remarkable structure. Once you’ve had the chance to relish in the breathtaking views from atop this unique granite fortification, you’ll take a trip to a jade museum; not only is this a great place to pick up an intricate ornament for yourself, this stop will give you the chance to learn more about the cultural significance of this often-green gemstone and admire the ornate artwork utilising it. What’s Included Lunch Entrance fees to sites highlighted by the itinerary (where applicable) Transfers to and from the highlighted sites and hotel (where applicable) Not Included Sightseeing stops and optional experiences not disclosed in the itinerary Additional personal expenses and gratuities (where applicable)
• Day 5 - Xian, China
  Travel by bullet train from Beijing to Xian for a two night stay.
• Day 6 - The Terracotta Warriors tour
  From the fascinating mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, to the impressive ancient city walls, this day tour expertly combines the rich history of Xi’An, one of the Chinese Four Great Ancient Capitals, with it’s equally-rich modern culture to offer you an enriching experience with equal measures of intrigue and indulgence. You’ll start with a tour of the enigmatic ranks of the Terracotta Army before visiting the Xi’An Arts and Ceramics Exhibition, where they’ve been faithfully reproducing Terracotta Warriors of varying sizes for over 65 years. After spending some time admiring all the incredible ceramic artwork on display here, with the chance for you to pick up your own Terracotta Warrior as a souvenir, you’ll stroll the stunning city walls. Originally built in the 14th century, these well-preserved walls will give you great views of Xi’An city and the surrounding scenery. What’s Included Entrance fees to sites highlighted by the itinerary (where applicable) Transfers to and from the highlighted sites and hotel (where applicable) Not Included Sightseeing stops and optional experiences not disclosed in the itinerary Additional personal expenses and gratuities (where applicable)
• Day 7-8 - Hong Kong
  Fly from Xian to Hong Kong for a two night stay. The bustling and popular city of Hong Kong is full of incredible attractions, from the historic temples to the modern landmarks, it has something for all ages and tastes. The moment you arrive in Hong Kong you’ll be greeted by an abundance of vibrant restaurants, bars and shops - perfect to give you a taste of what the city has to offer.
• Day 9 - Board cruise in Hong Kong
  Board cruise in Hong Kong.
• Day 10 - Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  A large municipality in south Taiwan, the main city within Kaohsiung is Kaohsiung city. Home to a mixture of beautiful natural attractions, alongside skyscrapers and other man made attractions, there’s plenty to do and see in this vibrant city. Top attractions include the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Pier2 Art Center.
• Day 11 - Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan
  An underrated city in Taiwan, and one of the largest, Keelung is a vibrant and historic city full of temples, bustling markets and other captivating attractions. With a rich history that dates back to the 17th century and international influences, from Dutch to Japanese, there’s so much to see and do here. Particular attractions include Heping Island Park, Keelung Night Market and the Dianji Market.