Essencial China

Classic China

Day 1 – Madrid / Beijing

Departure on a flight to Beijing, via a connecting city. Overnight on board.

Day 2 – Beijing

Welcome to China! Arrival in the country’s capital and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to begin exploring the atmosphere of one of Asia’s most fascinating cities. Overnight stay.

Day 3 – Beijing (Full board)

Arrival in the Chinese capital and the start of an unforgettable journey through the heart of the ancient Empire. We’ll explore the vast Tiananmen Square, one of the largest in the world, before entering the spectacular Forbidden City, the emperors’ residence for almost five centuries (closed on Mondays). Lunch. We’ll continue with a visit to a traditional teahouse, where we’ll experience one of the country’s most deeply-rooted customs, and round off the day at the majestic Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most iconic monuments. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a dinner featuring the famous Peking roast duck. Overnight stay.

Day 4 – Beijing (Half board)

Breakfast. Today we’ll visit one of China’s greatest landmarks: the Great Wall, exploring the historic Juyongguan section, an impressive feat of engineering that winds its way through the mountains (cable car not included). Lunch. On our return to the city, we’ll stop to take photos of two icons of the 2008 Olympic Games: the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. We’ll also visit a pearl workshop, where we’ll learn about the process of crafting these precious jewels, and continue on to the elegant Summer Palace, the former summer retreat of the imperial family. Overnight stay.

Day 5 – Beijing / Xi’an (Half board)

Breakfast. Transfer to the station to travel by high-speed train to Xi’an, the cradle of ancient dynasties and the starting point of the legendary Silk Road. Picnic lunch en route. On arrival, we’ll stroll around the Great Wild Goose Pagoda (external visit) and take part in an experience to discover the secrets of traditional Chinese calligraphy, one of the country’s most iconic arts. Overnight stay.

Day 6 – Xi’an (Half board)

Breakfast. We will visit one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries: the impressive Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, where thousands of life-size figures guard the mausoleum of China’s first emperor. Lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the lively Muslim Quarter, famous for its atmosphere, markets and cuisine, and visit a traditional jade workshop – jade being a stone of great cultural significance in Chinese civilisation. Overnight stay.

Day 7 – Xi’an / Shanghai (Half board)

Breakfast. Transfer to the station to catch the high-speed train to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city. Picnic-style lunch during the journey. On arrival, we’ll explore bustling Nanjing Road, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, and stroll along the famous Bund, the elegant waterfront promenade offering the best views of Pudong’s modern skyline. We’ll round off the day with a visit to a silk workshop, where we’ll learn about the tradition behind one of China’s most iconic products. Overnight stay.

Day 8 – Shanghai (Half-board)

Breakfast. We’ll discover the essence of Shanghai, starting with the elegant Yuyuan Garden and its picturesque old town. Lunch. We’ll continue with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the city’s most important places of worship. We’ll then head up to the 88th floor of the Jinmao Tower, where we’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Shanghai’s impressive skyline, and round off the tour with a stroll through the historic and elegant French Concession, lined with tree-lined avenues, cafés and European-style buildings. Overnight stay.

Day 9 – Shanghai / Madrid

Breakfast. At the appointed time, transfer to Longyang Station for one last unforgettable experience aboard the Maglev, the world’s fastest magnetic levitation train, which will take us to Pudong International Airport to catch the early morning flight back to Madrid. Overnight on board.

Day 10 – Madrid

Arrival in Madrid and the end of an unforgettable journey through the most imperial, modern and surprising side of China.

Very important:

• The trip will go ahead provided there is a minimum group size of 15 people
• Special booking and cancellation conditions:
• 95 days in advance, 30% of the booking fee will be required.
• 45 days in advance, the remaining balance will be required.
• Any amounts paid are NON-REFUNDABLE in the event of cancellation