Today your Asian journey begins with your flight to Shanghai. You fly overnight and arrive the following day.

Welcome to the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai! After landing, your guide gives you a warm welcome and helps you get your bearings and buy metro tickets. You then travel to the hotel by public transport – easy and usually the quickest way to dive straight into city life. Alternatively, taxis are available, or you can book a private airport transfer through us in advance. Depending on your arrival time, an early check-in is a good idea so that you can move straight into your room (optional, bookable in advance). In the evening at 7 pm, you meet your guide and fellow travellers at reception for dinner together and a chance to get to know each other. If you arrive at the hotel after 9 pm, your programme starts the next morning with a hearty breakfast. 3 nights in Shanghai. (D)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast In the lively area around the historic Jing’an Temple, Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an awaits you. The hotel is very centrally located near well-known shopping centres, restaurants and venues; Jing’an Temple is within walking distance. Besides its lively surroundings, it impresses with modern facilities and architecture, and the breakfast buffet offers Chinese and international specialities. The 118 stylish, modern rooms each have a private bathroom with a large shower, air conditioning, TV and free Wi-Fi.

Today you explore Shanghai, a metropolis between modernity and tradition, authentically by public transport – a quick and easy way to get around the city. Your first destination takes you high up: the Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest skyscraper and an architectural marvel. From the observation deck, you enjoy an impressive view of the city’s enormous size. You then discover historic Shanghai on a walk through the French Concession, which still exudes the charm of bygone times while embracing modern influences. Magnificent colonial-style buildings line the streets, interspersed with small boutiques, galleries and cafés full of the creative energy of young China. In a stylish, modern teahouse in the heart of the French Concession, you take a tea break and discover the world of tea in a refreshingly contemporary way – with an authentic tea ceremony and high-quality tea. This also gives you an insight into the modern tea culture of young China. On a walk together along the Bund, you then get a first impression of the city of millions: the famous promenade offers a breathtaking view of the Huangpu River and modern Shanghai and impresses above all with its many magnificent colonial buildings. The crowning finale of the day is a visit to a modern rooftop bar on the Bund, where you enjoy a well-earned sundowner above the rooftops of the city. (B) (Distance: approx. 56 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

In the morning, you take public transport to Shanghai’s old town, where traditional wooden houses and winding lanes, small shops full of crafts and calligraphy, and tea rooms await you. A must is the Yu Garden in the north of the old town: this private garden from the Ming dynasty is over 400 years old and considered one of the most famous examples of Chinese garden art. You spend the afternoon as you wish and take more time for places you particularly liked the day before. Your guide will be happy to help you find your way and suggest more places worth seeing – such as the French Concession, the Tianzifang artists’ quarter, the M50 art district or the Xintiandi district. Or would you rather spend more time on the Bund and soak up everyday Chinese life? Agree on plans as a group or set off on your own. If you would like to see more of the region, you can take an optional trip to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao (bookable locally). This historic village, often called the “Venice of Shanghai”, impresses with traditional bridges, narrow canals and charming lanes. (B) (Distance: approx. 25 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

In the morning, you fly to Guilin. After landing, a transfer takes you to your hotel in Yangshuo – through breathtaking scenery famous for its karst formations and lush vegetation. Sit back and enjoy the surroundings or chat with your fellow travellers about the days ahead. In Yangshuo, you check into the hotel and have time to freshen up and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and impressive natural setting. If you like, stretch your legs on a walk through the village and gather first impressions. In the evening, you meet your guide for dinner together. 1 night in Yangshuo. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 145 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Snow Lion Riverside Resort lies in natural surroundings near the Li River, surrounded by fascinating mountains and fields. The resort has a pool, restaurant and bar; the rooms have air conditioning, a balcony and TV.

Today you set off on a bamboo raft trip on the Yulong River (depending on the group on 2- or 4-person rafts with different routes; the trip depends on the weather – in case of high water, you visit the Yin Zi Yan stalactite cave or a viewpoint mountain overlooking the karst landscape instead). Past steep green karst peaks, water buffalo grazing on the banks and fishermen casting their nets, you experience one of the scenic highlights of the tour far from the big cities. A subsequent village visit gives you further insights into rural Chinese culture, including the local farmers’ market. You then drive through the magnificent landscape to Longsheng, home to Miao and Zhuang people among others. Longsheng is famous for its extensive rice terraces, said to have been created more than 700 years ago. You explore the landscape on foot and reach your accommodation in the hills. As the path climbs through the rice fields, luggage cannot be taken to the accommodation by car: you can leave luggage you don’t need safely at the foot of the hill and hike with a daypack. After arriving at the guesthouse, you hike a little further to a viewpoint with a breathtaking panoramic view over the rice terraces (moderate, 4.5 km, approx. 2 hrs, +200/−100 m). At this magical spot you are treated to a refreshing drink and can enjoy the sunset at your leisure before returning to your accommodation for dinner. 1 night in a simple guesthouse with a fantastic view of the rice terraces. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Valley View Hotel is picturesquely located in the village of Ping’an amid the Longji rice terraces and has a warm, traditional atmosphere. The charming wooden building blends harmoniously into the terraced mountains, and many areas offer wide views over the famous rice fields. The restaurant, café and bar offer regional cuisine and relaxed moments; free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. The cosy rooms in warm wood design have a private bathroom with toiletries and air conditioning.

From your guesthouse, you have the perfect opportunity to watch a wonderful sunrise over the rice terraces. If you like, set your alarm a little earlier and take a short morning walk with your guide to a fantastic viewpoint. After a leisurely breakfast at the guesthouse, you take in the nature and tranquillity far from the cities once more on the way down. Along the way, you pass a Zhuang village and get an impression of rural, traditional life in China. You then head to the station, where you can stock up on provisions. On the modern high-speed train (2nd class), you travel from Guilin to Chengdu in about 6.5 hours through varied landscapes – time for conversations with your fellow travellers. In Chengdu, a transfer takes you straight to the hotel. Use the rest of the day to relax or gather first impressions; your guide will be happy to recommend a nice restaurant nearby for dinner. 1 night in Chengdu. (B) (Travel time: approx. 3.5 hrs; train: approx. 6.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Dorsett Chengdu is located in the historic area around Luoma Market in central Chengdu, right on metro lines 1 and 4; Tianfu Square, the Kuanzhai alleys and Wenshu Monastery are easy to reach. Yue Rong Café and the Chinese restaurant Fu Xue Xuan, serving Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, take care of your culinary needs, along with a bar, a gym and a billiards room. The queen-bed rooms measure about 26 m².

The morning is at your disposal. If you like, visit a panda breeding centre (optional, bookable locally, approx. €60 per person for 2 people) and watch giant pandas in a near-natural setting – learning more about these endangered animals and their protection. Around midday, you head to the airport and fly in about 2.5 hours to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet high up on the plateau. After landing and the entry formalities for Tibet, you are taken to the hotel. The rest of the day is free – use the time to acclimatise to the altitude (Lhasa lies at around 3,650 m) and gather your first impressions of the city and its special atmosphere at a gentle pace. Take it easy, drink plenty of water and end the day quietly. Later you meet for dinner together in a local restaurant. 3 nights in Lhasa. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 75 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Lhasa Snow Paradise International Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Lhasa, close to many shops and sights such as Ramoche Temple, Zongjiao Lukang Park and the Potala Palace. The modern hotel offers a tea room and bar, a chess and card room and a gym; the breakfast buffet features Chinese and international dishes. The rooms are stylishly furnished.

The day begins with a visit to the venerable Jokhang Temple (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), the spiritual heart of Tibet. Immerse yourself in the special atmosphere, admire magnificent statues and murals and watch pilgrims reverently circling the temple. You then explore the bustling Barkhor around the Jokhang – a lively pilgrim route lined with shops, market stalls and traditional Tibetan houses. Afterwards, a hike from Pabongka to Sera Monastery is on the programme (moderate, approx. 6 km, approx. 2 hrs, +/−500 m). It leads through impressive scenery and past villages with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. If you prefer not to hike, you can take the minibus to the monastery instead. At the end awaits Sera, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet, famous for the monks’ lively debates. Explore its temples and courtyards and soak up the atmosphere. In the evening, you enjoy a Tibetan dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 5 km; driving time: approx. 30 min)

Today another highlight awaits you: the majestic Potala Palace (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), which towers over Lhasa and is a symbol of Tibetan culture and history. The former residence of the Dalai Lamas impresses with magnificent halls, richly decorated chapels and valuable art treasures – and with the view over the city and mountains. You then visit the Tibetan village of Shal and experience the traditional life of the villagers up close: stroll through the narrow lanes, admire the typical houses and let the hospitality enchant you. In a traditional teahouse, you get to know another important aspect of Tibetan culture; your guide will tell you more about the traditional drink. You end the evening in a local restaurant. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 35 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

Today you travel via Gyantse to Shigatse. The route leads through impressive scenery and over passes well above 4,000 m to turquoise Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes, where you have time for a short walk and photos. You continue to the historic town of Gyantse with Pelkhor Chöde Monastery, known for its special architecture and the impressive Kumbum stupa with numerous chapels and murals. You then explore Gyantse’s old town, once an important trading town that has kept its original charm. In the afternoon, you drive on to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, and end the day with a cosy dinner in a local restaurant. 1 night in Shigatse. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 355 km; driving time: approx. 8.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Sheri Hotel is located in the south-east of Shigatse; Tashilhunpo Monastery in the west of the city was founded as early as 1447. The hotel restaurant serves Cantonese, Chinese and Sichuan cuisine. The cosy, modern rooms (approx. 32 m²) have a large window, air conditioning, private bathroom and fridge.

In the morning, you visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important spiritual centres of Tibet and seat of the Panchen Lama. Founded in the 15th century, the monastery impresses with magnificent temples, golden statues, murals and spacious courtyards – perhaps you will also encounter monks at their rituals. You then return to Lhasa, past snow-capped mountains, deep valleys and wide plains. In Lhasa, you check into the hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free. At dinner together, you can try a yak steak, typical of the region. 1 night in Lhasa. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 270 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Lhasa Snow Paradise International Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Lhasa, close to many shops and sights such as Ramoche Temple, Zongjiao Lukang Park and the Potala Palace. The modern hotel offers a tea room and bar, a chess and card room and a gym; the breakfast buffet features Chinese and international dishes. The rooms are stylishly furnished.

In the morning, you head to the station, where you can stock up on provisions. On the night train, you move into your four-berth soft-sleeper compartment – the journey via Xining to Xi’an through fascinating scenery is a special experience. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and look back on the past days. You can have dinner in the on-board bistro if you wish. 1 night on the train. (B) (Distance: approx. 1,980 km; journey time: approx. 22 hrs)

After the night in the sleeper, the journey continues by day. You have breakfast in the on-board bistro as the train rolls through changing landscapes – from wide plains and green hills to imposing mountain ranges. In the evening, you reach Xi’an, where your guide meets you and takes you to the hotel; after check-in it is almost time for bed. Look forward to the city that was once the starting point of the legendary Silk Road. 2 nights in Xi’an. (B) (Distance: approx. 880 km; journey time: approx. 11 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Jinling Purple Mountain Hotel is located right next to the historic city wall in Lianhu District and combines modernity with the cultural atmosphere of the old imperial city. A stylish lobby, a teahouse and a bar invite you to linger, and the generous breakfast offers Chinese, Western and local dishes. There is also a gym and free Wi-Fi. The rooms have air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom; high-quality bedding and a calm design make them a pleasant retreat after a day in Xi’an’s lively old town.

Your first stop is the world-famous Terracotta Army (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Thousands of life-size warriors and horses were created more than 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shihuangdi – the detail and scale of this underground army are breathtaking. Back in the city, you refuel with the local speciality Biang Biang noodles. You then visit the imposing city wall, at around twelve kilometres the longest surviving city wall in China, and explore the lively old town with the Bell and Drum Towers and the Muslim Quarter with its Great Mosque. After a break at the hotel, your guide invites you in the evening on a food tour of the night market in the Muslim Quarter, where you taste many local delicacies. (B/L/S) (Distance: approx. 100 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs)

Early in the morning, you head to the station and travel by high-speed train (2nd class) to Beijing in about 5.5 hours. Straight after breakfast, you visit Tiananmen Square, considered one of the largest public squares in the world and of great historical importance. The Gate of Heavenly Peace, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949, forms the entrance to the “Forbidden City” (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage). The imperial palace got its name because ordinary people were once denied access. Marvel at this architectural masterpiece, where the emperors lived and ruled until the end of the imperial era. During the exterior visit, your guide explains its origins, history and present-day significance. You are then taken to the hotel. 2 nights in Beijing. (B) (Train: approx. 5.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Sunworld Hotel is located in central Beijing in Dongcheng District on Dengshikou Street, just minutes from Wangfujing shopping street, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City – an easy base for exploring both historic and modern Beijing. The hotel has a restaurant serving local specialities and international cuisine, a bar and a wellness area with spa treatments and traditional Chinese massages. There is also a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, room service and free Wi-Fi. The rooms have a double bed or two single beds as well as a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, fridge, safe and tea and coffee making facilities.

Your day begins with a walk through the hutongs in the heart of Beijing, the narrow lanes of the historic old town. In these completely preserved quarters without concrete buildings, you immerse yourself in old, traditional Beijing. Specifically, you visit Dashilan hutong behind Tiananmen Square with its colourful mix of small markets, everyday shops, modern cafés and food stalls. A visit to a woman who lives here rounds off the experience: over a cup of tea, you gain a deeper insight into life in the hutongs. Your day begins with a visit to the Summer Palace (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), one of the most popular excursion destinations for Beijingers in good weather. It lies on a hillside, and its temples and pavilions border the artificial, flower-lined Kunming Lake. In the late afternoon, you drive to the Great Wall at Badaling, one of its best-preserved sections. Walk along the mighty fortifications and enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains as the low sun bathes the landscape in a special light. To round off the day, a farewell dinner with traditional Peking duck in a traditional restaurant awaits – a festive finale to your journey. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 160 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs)

On the last day, you make your own way to the airport by public transport or taxi, or use a private transfer booked through us. After a time full of cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes and culinary highlights, you set off on your journey home. (B)