Highlights of China

After the group meeting, head out for an optional group dinner and go for a stroll along the Bund, taking in Shanghai's futuristic skyline.

Start the day with an orientation walk of the city and finish with free time to explore a mix of the modern and the historic in Shanghai. The Shanghai Museum is one of the best in the country, housing excellent collections of bronzes and artwork. In the afternoon, take a bullet train to Hangzhou, one of China's most dynamic cities.

Spend most of the day exploring Hangzhou. Visit West Lake and Longjing village, home of the famous Longjing tea. Enjoy plantation views while learning about ancient tea production. Take the opportunity to taste some fresh brewed tea.

In the evening, fly to Guilin and travel south by private bus through stunning limestone karst scenery. Arrive at the town of Yangshuo on the world-famous Li River.

Spend two days in Yangshuo enjoying the heaps of activities available in this scenic region. Some favourites include trying your hand at cooking local fare at a boutique cooking school, dabbling in Tai Chi or Chinese calligraphy, walking and cycling through the countryside, climbing atop a karst for panoramic views or relaxing at one of the town's many cafés.

Enjoy a half-day cycling tour through the countryside. Take in a charming mix of vibrant rural life and unique stunning scenery. Pass rice paddies with local farmers and water buffalo, and wave to children swimming in the streams. Enjoy an otherwordly backdrop of surreal topography as you ride.

Fly from Guilin to bustling Chongqing. Travel by private bus to board the Chinese-style boat taking us down the Yangtze River.

Spend two days travelling through stunning scenery along one of China's most powerful rivers, which divides the country into north and south.

Opt to visit the largest dam in the world, the Three Gorges Dam. It's best viewed in passing, but there’s an option to tour the facility and see the engineering giant at work. Head to the train station and board an overnight train to Xi'an.

Arrive early to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and terminus of the fabled Silk Road. Xi'an boats a plethora of attractions, including the Great Mosque and a downtown core enclosed by an enormous city wall, which can be climbed for a small fee.

Rent a bike and cycle around the walls for great city views. Head out to the Muslim Quarter for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.

Arrive in Beijing early today. Head off to explore the nearby iconic Tiananmen Square and the sprawling Forbidden City.

With free time in the afternoon, opt to experience one of Beijing's many markets and world-class shopping malls. Visit some of the city’s many sights such as the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, Lama Temple or traditional alleys called hutongs.

The trip finishes with a day trip out to the Great Wall, an incredible feat of engineering stretching more than 6000km from the Yellow Sea to the desert fort of Jiayuguan. The wall was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north.

Return to to Beijing in the late afternoon for an opportunity to spend the final night with fellow travellers at one of the capital's many bars or restaurants.