Welcome to China! Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. We arrive in Shanghai, a cosmopolitan city of over 15 million residents, home to China’s largest commercial port and its most international metropolis.

Shanghai

08:30 a.m. - This morning, we’ll explore the highlights of this fascinating city.

Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We’ll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers.

Next, we’ll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai’s impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront.

Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong.

Our tour will continue in Shanghai’s Old City, where we’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of Chinese culture.

We’ll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city’s most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance.

Lunch will be included.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries.

We’ll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city’s past.

06:30 p.m. - Our tour will come to an end. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (if so, return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Shanghai - Luoyang

Distance traveled by high-speed train: 1,020 km

Scenery: A diverse landscape of plains, mountains, rice paddies, and lush greenery, all enjoyed from the comfort of our high-speed train.

Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Each passenger must carry their own luggage. Do not pack sprays or aerosols larger than 100ml in your suitcase, as they may be confiscated at the security checkpoint.

05:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. A picnic-style breakfast will be provided. Transfer to the railway station.
07:17 a.m. - We’ll board one of China’s high-speed trains for an exciting journey across the country. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we pass through vast plains, terraced rice fields, and mountainous landscapes.

01:10 p.m. - Luoyang – Longmen. Arrival. Lunch will be included.

After lunch, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China’s most remarkable cultural treasures. We’ll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.

Note: The boat ride may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions or river flooding.

05:30 p.m. - Departure from Longmen.
06:15 p.m. - Luoyang. Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we’ll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China.

Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.

Luoyang - White Horse Monastery - Sanmexia - Xian

Total distance covered: 410 km

Scenery: Pleasant landscapes along the route.

07:20 a.m. - Departure from the hotel.
08:10 a.m. - White Horse Buddhist Monastery. Arrival at this vast and historically significant monastery, a major center for Buddhist study and pilgrimage, welcoming practitioners from around the world.

09:30 a.m. - Departure from the monastery.
11:30 a.m. - Sanmenxia. Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We’ll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we’ll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization.

Lunch will be included.

02:30 p.m. - Departure from Sanmenxia. As we continue eastward, we’ll pass by the majestic Mount Hua, one of China’s five sacred mountains, revered for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance.
06:30 p.m. - Xian. Arrival in this legendary city, once the starting point of the Silk Road and home to an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Xian.

Xian

Total distance covered: 105 km

Important Note: A passport is required for entry to the Terracotta Army Museum.

08:00 a.m. - We’ll start the day with a visit to the Terracotta Army, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history.

Free time for lunch.

01:50 p.m. - Departure from the Terracotta Army Museum.
02:50 p.m. - Xian. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Next, we’ll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city’s identity. We’ll enter the Great Mosque of Xian, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we’ll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.

06:30 p.m. - End of our visit. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center to explore further on your own.

Xian - Linfen - Clan Wang Mansion - Pingyao

Total distance covered: 530 km (365 km on the high-speed train)

Scenery: Mountainous areas with stunning landscapes visible from the train.

Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Each passenger must carry their own luggage during the train journey.

06:45 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. Transfer to the train station.

08:08 a.m. - Departure from Xian on a high-speed train. In less than three hours, we’ll arrive in Linfeng, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.

11:30 a.m. - Mansion of the Wang Clan. Arrival at this grand residence, built between the 17th and 19th centuries by a wealthy and influential family. This architectural masterpiece showcases intricate courtyards, elaborate carvings, and the opulence of ancient Chinese nobility.

Lunch will be included.

01:00 p.m. - Departure from the Mansion of the Wang Clan.

03:00 p.m. - Pingyao. Arrival in China’s best-preserved historical city, home to over 4,000 ancient buildings and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its charming streets feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese life.

Our visit includes an all-access pass to explore the city´s highlights, including its temples, mansions, and ancient city walls.

Pingyao - Wutai

Total distance covered: 330 km

Scenery: A changing landscape of green fields, small towns, dense forests, and mountains as we approach Wutai Mountain.

Note: Wutai Mountain is a sacred pilgrimage site. We kindly ask that you dress appropriately and show the utmost respect for the believers who travel here.

08:30 a.m. - Departure from Pingyao. We’ll begin the entry procedures for the Wutai Mountain National Park, a breathtaking area filled with magnificent landscapes and a succession of historic monasteries. This journey will take us to one of the most spiritually significant places in China.

01:00 p.m. - Wutai Mountain. Nestled among lush green mountains and forests, this revered site is a major center of Lamaism Buddhism. With more than 40 ancient monasteries—and many more built in recent years—Wutai Mountain is home to a large community of monks dedicated to spiritual practice.

We’ll visit the Nanshan Temple with our guide, then enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. You may choose to seek out less-visited temples, where you can respectfully observe the monks in their daily rituals.

05:30 p.m. - Transfer to our hotel, located outside the sacred precinct, near the entrance to the National Park.

06:00 p.m. - Arrival at the hotel. Dinner included.

Wutai - Yanmen Pass - Yingxian - Hanging Temple - Datong

Total distance covered: 440 km.

Scenery: Fascinating mountainous landscapes with few inhabitants, offering a sense of remoteness and serenity.

Notes: Wear sturdy footwear for walking on the Great Wall and climbing the Hanging Temple. The ascent to the temple is not recommended for those with vertigo, claustrophobia, or health issues.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Wutai.
10:30 a.m. - Yanmen Pass. Arrival at this historic mountain pass near the Mongolian border. Here, we’ll explore a less-visited section of the Great Wall, where we can walk at a relaxed pace, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from large crowds.

12:15 p.m. - Departure from Yanmen Pass.
01:30 p.m. - Yingxian. Arrival in this charming and picturesque village. Lunch will be included.

While here, we’ll admire the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, one of the oldest and tallest wooden pagodas in China, an outstanding example of ancient Chinese engineering.

02:45 p.m. - Departure from Yingxian.
04:00 p.m. - Hanging Temple. Built dramatically into the side of a towering cliff, this architectural marvel seems to defy gravity. The temple, which combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, is one of China’s most breathtaking religious sites.

Note: The climb to the temple involves steep steps and high walkways; please assess your comfort level before ascending.

05:30 p.m. - Departure from Hanging Temple.
07:00 p.m. - Datong. Arrival in this historic city. From the coach, we’ll admire its imposing city walls and the beautifully restored historic center, which reflects Datong’s rich past as a key stop along ancient trade routes.

Datong - Yungang - Jiming Post - Beijing

Total distance covered: 390 km.

08:00 a.m. - Departure from Datong.
08:30 a.m. - Yungang Caves. Arrival at China’s most impressive cave art complex, featuring 252 caves and over 51,000 Buddha statues, intricately carved in the 5th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases stunning Buddhist sculptures and ancient artistry.

10:15 a.m. - Departure from Yungang Caves. We´ll begin our journey toward Beijing, stopping en route at a service area for lunch (not included).
02:00 p.m. - Jiming Post. Arrival in this small, traditional Chinese town, which preserves the charm of provincial life. Originally built as a rest station for imperial couriers, Jiming Post is surrounded by powerful defensive walls. Walking through its streets, we’ll get a glimpse of a different China—rural, historic, and deeply rooted in tradition.

03:30 p.m. - Departure from Jiming Post. From here, we have approximately 100 km before reaching the vast metropolis of Beijing.
06:30 p.m. - Beijing. Arrival in the capital of China.

Beijing

07:30 a.m. - An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China’s capital. We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. From here, we’ll admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.

Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting.

Lunch will be included.

In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.

We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.

06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.

Beijing

Total distance covered: 190 km.

Scenery: Expansive urban landscapes as we leave Beijing, followed by lush green mountains surrounding the Great Wall.

Note: Due to the high number of visitors at the Great Wall, it may be advisable to walk part of the way to avoid delays on the funicular ascent.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Beijing. Today, we’ll embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Great Wall.
09:30 a.m. - Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section). We’ll arrive at this awe-inspiring architectural marvel, whose history spans over 2,000 years. Our visit includes a cable car ride up and down to one of the most scenic sections of the wall. You’ll have free time to explore, enjoy the commercial area, visit the Exhibition Center, and have lunch at your leisure.

Returning to Beijing, we’ll make a stop at the 798 Art District, a vibrant hub of contemporary art housed in a former military factory.

Later, we’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most important sacred complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To unwind after an exciting day, we’ll take part in a relaxing Tai Chi class and enjoy a soothing foot massage.

We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a traditional Peking duck dinner (included).

09:00 p.m. - Return to the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Seoul. Welcome to Korea! Transfer to your hotel and meeting with your guide.

05:30 p.m. – In the late afternoon, we will begin our introduction to this fascinating country. With our guide, we will head to City Hall to see this tsunami-shaped building. We will also see Deoksugung Palace, located across from City Hall, beautifully illuminated at night, allowing us to appreciate the contrast between tradition and modernity in Korea. Afterwards, we will walk to the Myeongdong district, the largest shopping and entertainment area in Korea; its name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway (ticket included).

08:30 p.m. – Return to the hotel with the guide.

Seoul

08:30 am – Today we include an extensive sightseeing tour of approximately five hours in Seoul. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a palace complex set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small, well-preserved houses.
We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea (entrance included), an impressive museum that illustrates the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.

01:00 pm – Lunch included at a local restaurant.

12:00 pm – We continue to the Gangnam District, one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of the city, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we stop at LOTTE WORLD TOWER, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up to the tower (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers.

04:30 pm – Return to the hotel and free time.

Important note regarding Bukchon Hanok Village: Due to regulations established to protect the residential environment, our vehicle may only park in designated areas, and we will complete an approximate 900-meter walk to reach this historic neighborhood. For operational reasons, this visit may be replaced by Namsangol Hanok Village, also featuring traditional Korean architecture, ensuring the cultural content of the itinerary is maintained.

Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju

Total distance covered: 227 km
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, rolling hills, and extensive cultivated areas.

08:30 AM – Hotel. Departure from the hotel.

09:00 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included). Arrival at this impressive palace with over 600 years of history, where we will attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony, if it is taking place.

10:30 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace. Departure from Seoul heading south toward South Korea.

11:30 AM – Suwon. Arrival in the former capital of Korea, known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress walls. We will visit the walls and their fortifications, as well as the Hwaseong Haenggung Summer Palace (entrance included), notable for its traditional architecture. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

01:40 PM – Suwon. Departure.

04:00 PM – Jeonju. Arrival. With our guide, we will explore its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its traditional houses, local shops, and art galleries. After the walk, free time.

Jeonju - Sunchang Gochujang Village - Damyang County – Haeinsa - Busan

Total distance covered: 415 km
Scenery: We travel through high mountains, enjoying especially beautiful landscapes in the Haeinsa area within the National Park.

Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haeinsa Temple.

08:00 AM – Jeonju. Departure.

08:40 AM – Sunchang Gochujang Village. Arrival. This traditional village is located at the foot of Amisan Mountain. With its hanok houses and courtyards filled with large earthenware jars known as hang-a-ri, it is home to expert gochujang (Korean chili paste) artisans who use traditional methods. We will enjoy a hands-on experience learning how this traditional sauce is prepared.

09:40 AM – Sunchang Gochujang Village. Departure.

10:00 AM – Damyang. Arrival. Visit to the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), whose paths are considered among the most beautiful in the country—ideal for peaceful walks and enjoying the cool breeze. We will find all kinds of bamboo-crafted products, and visit places such as the Bamboo Museum (entrance included), where this plant is studied and revered.
Lunch included, featuring the local specialty of rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk.

12:30 PM – Damyang. Departure.

02:35 PM – Haeinsa Temple (entrance included). Amid impressive forest-covered mountain landscapes, we arrive at Haeinsa, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, carved onto 80,000 wooden printing blocks.

04:20 PM – Haeinsa. Departure.

07:00 PM – Busan. Arrival in Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay.

Busan – Haedong Yonggung – Songdo – Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan

Total distance covered: 85 km

Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and for strolling through Gamcheon Cultural Village.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
09:15 a.m. – Arrival at Haedong Yonggungsa. Visit of this 14th-century Buddhist temple located on the coastal cliffs of Busan. Along the main access path to the temple, there is a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, which, according to Eastern philosophy, are considered guardian deities.

10:15 a.m. – Departure from Haedong Yonggungsa.
11:15 a.m. – Arrival in Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, and city tour. We will visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are buried. We will then head to the largest fish market in the country, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we walk to Yongdusan Park, home to its impressive 120-meter pagoda.

02:30 p.m. – Departure to Songdo Beach, which features the country’s first maritime cable car (included, subject to weather conditions), offering spectacular views of the bay. We then continue to one of Busan’s most picturesque neighborhoods, Gamcheon Cultural Village, filled with brightly colored buildings, labyrinth-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafés.

06:45 p.m. – Departure from Gamcheon Cultural Village. Return to Busan.
07:15 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel in Busan. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.