Ancient Empires of China & Japan
19 nights / 20 days
Fully Guided
All Available Dates - Call 01 2366852 To Book Now
17 Mar 2025
05 May 2025
08 Sep 2025
06 Oct 2025
13 Oct 2025
20 Oct 2025
27 Oct 2025
09 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026
23 Mar 2026
30 Mar 2026
06 Apr 2026
04 May 2026
11 May 2026
07 Sep 2026
14 Sep 2026
05 Oct 2026
12 Oct 2026
02 Nov 2026
The ultimate tour for those wishing to combine the very best of two ancient nations. Join us on an incredible journey from Beijing to Tokyo by road, boat, rail and air on this epic three-week tour!
B Breakfast Included
L Lunch Included
D Dinner Included
Day 1 - Fly overnight to Beijing
Fly overnight to China's historical capital, Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 2 - Fly overnight to Beijing
Fly overnight to China's historical capital, Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 - Walk on the Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walkon this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of thewall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.
Day 4 - Explore the Forbidden City
Begin the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the glorious Temple of Heaven where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Next, take a leisurely stroll in a traditional hutong neighbourhood and visit a family at home, to learn about life living in the hutongs. Later, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before entering the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to explore this complex full of imperial riches.
Day 5 - Travel to Xi'an
Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure at Xian's Muslim Quarter, where you will find an array of food stalls selling a wealth of flavours. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.
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, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate them. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xi'an's old town.
Day 7 - Fly to Guilin
Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Guilin, best known for its incredible natural landscapes.
Day 8 - Visit Reed Flute Cave
Begin today at the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory. Later, stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.
Day 9 - Cruise the Li River
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks tower over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Here, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.
Day 10 - Fly to Shanghai
Return to Guilin by road, then fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.
Day 11 - Explore Shanghai
Today's explorations include the traditional Yu Garden, a stroll through the old town and learning about the age-old silk production process at a silk factory. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the Bund and Nanjing Road. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
Day 12 - Goodbye China, Hello Japan
It's time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.
Day 13 - Osaka Castle
Explore Osaka Castle, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll throughvibrant Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
Day 14 - Discover Okayama & Kurashiki
Transfer by bullet train to Okayama and visit Korakuen Garden, one of the 'Three Great Gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses). Continue to Hiroshima, a vibrant and forward-thinking city.
Day 15 - Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima
Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. Return toHiroshima and find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.
Day 16 - Travel to Kyoto
Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous Zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'.
Day 17 - Explore Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii gates and then head to NishikiMarket, also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.
Day 18 - Bullet Train to Hakone
Transfer by bullet train to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi before riding the Komagatake Ropeway cable car. Savour views of the surrounding landscape and, weather permitting, the breathtaking cone of Mount Fuji. Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan's iconic capital.
Day 19 - Contrasts of Tokyo
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to explore the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple and drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza. Later, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. End your tour with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
Day 20 - Fly Tokyo to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Call 01 2366852 To Book Now
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