Itinerary
DAY 1-2 – Fly to Shanghai
Fly overnight to the exuberant city of Shanghai, called ‘the Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3 – Discover Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th century temples. Today's explorations include the traditional Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of the old town, as well as a visit to the Silk Museum. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund before viewing the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. Dinner is traditional Shanghai cuisine.
DAY 4 – Zhujiajiao Canal Town
Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town’s narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Return to Shanghai and enjoy the fine arts and antiquities of the Shanghai Museum and explore People's Square.
DAY 5 – Fly to Xian
Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. This afternoon, visit the fascinating Little Wild Goose Pagoda and spend time walking through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls.
DAY 6 – Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors.See the Xian Art Ceramics and Laquer Exhibition, and later stroll on the beautifully preserved 14thcentury city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
DAY 7 – Fly to Beijing
Fly to Beijing, China’s capital city. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city on your own. In the evening, there is an option to enjoy a Kung Fu Show.
DAY 8 – Forbidden City
Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later,soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, where you can watch, or participate in, a dance class. This evening watch a Chinese acrobatic show.
DAY 9 – Great Wall of China
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Jade has been long cherished by the Chinese and at the Jade Museum you can understand and appreciate the delicate process of carving the stone and buy a piece if you wish. Savour an afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture. Today’s sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing’s best known delicacy – Peking Duck.
DAY 10 – Fly Beijing to Ireland
Fly to Ireland, arriving home the same or following day.