From $5,299.00 USD
This trip doesn't ease you in. It opens with the Great Wall unspooling across mountain ridges, an army of Terracotta Warriors standing eternally at attention in Xi'an, and Beijing's palaces daring you not to gawk. Then Tibet slows the whole thing down, trading grandeur for something quieter in the shadow of the Himalayas — and just as hard to forget.
Travel Style
The Geluxe Collection
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Foodie Moment: Peking Duck Lunch, Beijing
Your OMG Day: Tangka Painting or Cooking Class, Lhasa. Arrival airport transfer in Beijing. Guided Beijing city tour. Visit to Tiananmen Square. Visit to the Forbidden City. Hike along the Mutianyu Great Wall. Visit to a local community in Beigou Village. Traditional local winery experience with wine tasting. Meet a local artist and participate in a plant-dyeing workshop. High-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an. Visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Visit to the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an. Internal flights. Visit to Jokhang Temple. Visit to Sera Monastery. Watch the monks' daily scripture debate (subject to monastery schedule). Visit to the Potala Palace. Choice of one OMG experience: Tibetan Thangka painting workshop, or Tibetan cooking class. Visit to Ganden Monastery. Visit to People's Park with traditional tea house experience. Visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Tai Chi class at Qingcheng Mountain. Explore Qingcheng Mountain via shuttle and cable car. Transportation to/from all included activites. All tips included, except porterage and CEO tips.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu beneath sweeping mountain views, Stand face to face with Xi'an's ancient Terracotta Warriors army, Wander Beijing's imperial heart from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City, Step into Lhasa's Potala Palace and sacred Jokhang Temple, Meet China's giant pandas at the Dujiangyan conservation base
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking, bullet train, plane.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (11 nts)
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Beijing
Begin your adventure in Beijing with an included arrival transfer to your hotel before meeting your fellow travellers and CEO at a welcome briefing. Then, set out on a short orientation walk through the neighbourhood to get acquainted with nearby restaurants, shops, and local amenities before gathering for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Afterward, return to the hotel, with the rest of the evening at leisure to relax before the journey ahead.
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Imperial Beijing: Tiananmen & Forbidden City
Begin the day at the symbolic heart of Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square before stepping through the gates of the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace that served as the seat of China's emperors for nearly 500 years. After savoring a classic Peking duck lunch, wander the narrow hutong alleyways for a glimpse into traditional Beijing life. Later, travel to your OMG Stay at The Mutianyu Great Wall, enjoy an orientation walk through the surrounding area, and spend the evening at leisure.
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The Great Wall Adventure
Journey to the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where you'll hike along one of China's most iconic landmarks while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. This afternoon, discover life beyond Beijing with a visit to a traditional village, learning about its history before touring a family-run winery and sampling locally produced spirits. End the day meeting a local artist and creating your own plant-dyed tie-dye keepsake using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations.
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Ancient Capital to Silk Road Xi’an
Check out this morning and board a high-speed train bound for Xi'an, watching the landscapes of northern China unfold along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before joining your CEO for an orientation walk, ending in the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where lively markets, historic streets, and tempting local street food create an unforgettable first impression of China's ancient capital.
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Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Walls
Travel to one of China's greatest archaeological treasures, the Terracotta Warriors, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand guard over the tomb of the country's first emperor. After enjoying a home-cooked lunch with a local family near the site, return to Xi'an to explore the remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall, with the option to cycle along its historic ramparts while taking in panoramic views of the city.
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Journey to the Roof of the World
This morning, fly from Xi'an to Lhasa, where the dramatic landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau signal the start of the next chapter of your adventure. After arriving in Tibet's captivating capital, settle into your hotel and take time to acclimatize to the altitude before joining your CEO for a short orientation walk to discover the neighbourhood and prepare for the days ahead.
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Spiritual Lhasa: Jokhang & Sera Monastery
Discover the spiritual heart of Tibet with a guided visit to the revered Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims have gathered in devotion for centuries. After lunch, continue to Sera Monastery to witness the fascinating tradition of monk debates, an animated display of Buddhist learning and philosophy. Later, return to your hotel or spend free time exploring the vibrant Barkhor Street at your own pace.
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Your OMG Day: Potala Palace & Tibetan Traditions
Today is your OMG Day! Begin the day with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, where towering white and red walls rise above Lhasa and reveal centuries of Tibetan history and devotion. In ther afternoon, you'll have the chance to choose between two unforgettable cultural experiences: learning the intricate art of traditional Thangka painting with local artists, or joining a hands-on Tibetan cooking class to prepare classic dishes and handmade momos. End the day gathering for dinner together and sharing the flavours and stories of your chosen experience.
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Sacred Peaks & Local Tibetan Life
Begin the day with a journey to the remote Ganden Monastery, the first monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, dramatically set high above the Lhasa Valley on a mountainside ridge. Explore its sacred temples and monastic halls before continuing along the kora path for a picnic lunch surrounded by sweeping Himalayan views. Later, visit a local Tibetan family to gain insight into everyday life and traditions in this high-altitude region. Return to Lhasa in the afternoon with time to rest or explore at leisure.
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Chengdu Arrival: Tea Culture & People’s Park
Depart Lhasa and fly to Chengdu, trading high-altitude mountain views for the relaxed rhythm of Sichuan’s capital. On arrival, head to Tianfu Square before continuing to People’s Park, where you'll stroll tree-lined paths and experience Chengdu’s famous tea culture in a traditional teahouse with over a century of history. This evening, celebrate your arrival in Sichuan with an included traditional hot pot dinner, a local culinary specialty.
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Pandas & Qingcheng Mountain Serenity
Begin the day at the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a leading conservation centre where bamboo forests and semi-wild habitats support vital research and preparation for panda reintroduction into the wild. After time with these iconic animals, continue to Qingcheng Mountain for a grounding Tai Chi class at the entrance before ascending by cable car to the Ciyun Pavilion. From here, explore forested paths towards the Laojun Pavilion, taking in the tranquil mountain scenery before descending and returning to Chengdu. End the day with time to rest and a farewell dinner with your group.
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Departure Day
End your journey with breakfast and a final morning at leisure, with time to depart at any time that suits your onward travel plans.
