Beijing

Welcome to China! After completing border and customs formalities, an assistant will be waiting for you to provide essential information and accompany you on the transfer from the airport to the hotel. Enjoy some free time upon arrival.

06:30 p.m. - We’ll meet our guide and fellow travelers in the hotel reception area. Then, we’ll set out to explore the city. We’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

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 - Shanghai

We’ll take an excursion to the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section, a spectacular architectural masterpiece whose history spans more than 2,000 years. We’ll ride the cable car up and down to access the Wall (tickets included). We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a delicious lunch included, featuring the famous Peking duck. Afterward, we’ll transfer to the train station to board a high-speed train bound for Shanghai. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

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- Chengdu.-

We leave Xian in a very modern high-speed train, and in just over three hours we cover the 700 km that separate us from CHENGDU. On arrival we will go to the Panda Bear research and breeding centre, a reserve where 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas live. Lunch included. In the afternoon we will take a stroll through the People´s Park, with its small lake, the local people doing Taichi, and its tea houses.-

Chengdu- Dujiangyan- Qingcheng Shan- Jiezi- Chengdu.-

Today we include full-day tour of Sichuan Province, with its pleasant landscapes and traditional villages. In DUJIANGYAN we see the traditional irrigation system, which has been working for more than 2000 years and is a world heritage site. QUINGCHENG SHAN, “mountain of the green city” is a Taoist holy mountain. Its paths through the forests show us caves, pavilions and centuries-old wooden temples, lunch included. Finally, we will visit the ancient city of JIEZI with its alleys with over a thousand years of history. Return to CHENGDU.

Chengdu – Yehu Village – Baisha Village – Lijiang

Total distance covered: 1,035 km (including the flight)

Scenery: The silhouette of snow-capped mountains accompanies us for much of the journey. Meadows, farmland, streams, and scattered stone villages create a peaceful and rural landscape.

Very early transfer to the airport to board a flight (included) to Lijiang.
Estimated flight time: 7:15 am – 8:40 am.

Arrival in Lijiang and transfer to the hotel, where we meet the rest of the group to begin the scheduled activities.

10:15 am – Lijiang. Departure from the hotel to learn more about the culture of the Naxi ethnic group.

11:15 am – Yuhu Village. Arrival at this village near Jade Lake. At the Naxi Culture Interpretation Center (entrance included), we will dress in traditional local attire and take part in calligraphy lessons. The Naxi people are known for preserving the Dongba script, a unique form of pictographic writing still used in religious rituals. Considered the only living pictographic writing system in the world, each symbol represents ideas or concepts rather than sounds.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

1:30 pm – Yuhu Village. Departure.

2:00 pm – Baisha Village. Arrival at this village, a hidden gem of Yunnan and the cradle of Naxi culture. We stroll among traditional houses and landscapes that seem frozen in time, where life moves at a slower pace.

3:00 pm – Baisha Village. Departure.

3:30 pm – Lijiang. Return to the city for a guided walk through its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center is characterized by cobblestone alleys, crystal-clear canals, and traditional wooden architecture.
Overnight stay.

Lijiang – Shaxi – Zhoucheng- Xizhou - Dali.-

Total distance covered: 253 km
Scenery: Gentle mountains, rice fields, and small villages. Along the way, we will see little towns with white houses and blue details, characteristic of Bai architecture. A vast turquoise-blue lake welcomes us upon arrival in Dali.

8:00 a.m. – We will visit the Black Dragon Pool Park in Lijiang (admission included), located at the foot of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is one of Lijiang’s most charming spots, offering a perfect combination of natural scenery and traditional Chinese architecture.

9:45 a.m. – Lijiang – Departure.
11:45 a.m. – Shaxi – Arrival at this beautiful village, once an important trading town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Here, time seems to have stood still: traditional markets, wooden architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere invite us to discover its Buddhist and caravan heritage. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

2:45 p.m. – Shaxi – Departure.
3:45 p.m. – Zhoucheng – Arrival at this town where nearly all inhabitants are dedicated to ancestral dyeing techniques. We will visit a small workshop and experience dyeing a piece of fabric with a design to take home as a souvenir.

4:45 p.m. – Zhoucheng – Departure.
5:00 p.m. – Xizhou – Arrival at another picturesque Bai village, famous for its elegant historic mansions and vibrant local market.

6:00 p.m. – Xizhou – Departure.
6:45 p.m. – Dali – Arrival in this ancient city located beside Erhai Lake and at the foot of the Cang Shan mountain range. Its historic center, surrounded by the remains of a Ming Dynasty wall, is characterized by cobblestone streets and stone houses.

Dali – Kunming.-

Total distance covered: 382 km
Scenery: The high-speed rail line alternates between long tunnels and elevated sections, offering quick but expansive views. Between tunnels, valleys appear with rice paddies, cornfields, or other crops depending on the season, as well as small villages with white houses and dark roofs.
Important Note: Keep your passport handy, as it will be required to board the train.

9:30 a.m. – Dali – Departure.
9:50 a.m. – Three Pagodas Temple – Visit (admission included). The main structure, the Qianxun Pagoda—almost 70 meters tall—is one of the highest and best-preserved Buddhist pagodas in southern China. By shuttle (included), we will ride up to the vast Chongsheng Temple complex located behind the pagodas: courtyards, ponds, stairways, Buddhist halls, and scenic viewpoints. The natural surroundings create a sense of calm and grandeur. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

1:30 p.m. – Three Pagodas Temple – Departure.
1:50 p.m. – Dali Railway Station – Arrival and entry procedures.
2:25 p.m. – Dali – Departure on a modern high-speed train (included) toward the city of Kunming.

4:25 p.m. – Kunming – Arrival in the capital of Yunnan Province, a multicultural city where numerous ethnic groups and traditions coexist. Transfer to the hotel, free time, and accommodation.

Kunming – Stone Forest – Kunming

Total distance covered: 192 km
Scenery: It changes very gradually until we reach a unique geological area with spectacular karst scenery. Along the way, there are many crops, greenhouses, orchards, and small villages with low houses and light-colored roofs.
Important Note: Wear comfortable shoes and keep your passport handy, as it is required for entry to the Stone Forest.

8:15 a.m. – Kunming – Departure.
9:30 a.m. – Stone Forest (admission included) – Arrival at this UNESCO Natural Heritage Site to admire one of China’s most impressive natural sceneries, formed by spectacular karst formations rising like stone needles and towers among pathways, lakes, and vegetation. Lunch included during the visit.

2:00 p.m. – Stone Forest – Departure.
3:30 p.m. – Kunming – Arrival and city tour. We will visit Yuantong Temple (admission included), Kunming’s most important Buddhist temple, featuring ponds, ancient halls, and a serene atmosphere. We continue to Green Lake Park, a lively park filled with water lilies, bridges, music, and plenty of local life. At the Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market—an old and traditional market—we will experience a truly authentic atmosphere. We finish in the lively Kunming Laojie Old District, the historical and cultural heart of the city. This vibrant pedestrian area blends traditional architecture with modern commerce. Return to the hotel and accommodation.

Kunming - Luang Prabang.-

Total distance covered: 1,000 km
Scenery: Mountains, tropical valleys, and rural scenery of extraordinary beauty, with long tunnels and elevated sections.
Important Note: Please make sure you have all documents required to exit China and enter Laos: passport, visa, and Yellow Fever certificate (required by authorities depending on your country of origin). The train journey is done without an accompanying guide. We will have to get off the train twice for border controls. It is always the same train, and we keep the same seat from Kunming all the way to Luang Prabang.

9:45 a.m. – Kunming – Departure from the hotel.
10:15 a.m. – Kunming Railway Station – Arrival.
10:55 a.m. – Departure on the high-speed train (included) connecting Kunming with the Laotian city of Luang Prabang. We will travel more than 1,000 kilometers in approximately eight hours (not counting immigration control stops). This is one of the most modern international railway routes in Asia.

3:20 p.m. – Mohan (China) – Arrival at the first border control. We must get off the train with all our belongings for China’s exit passport control. Reboard the train afterward. We must set our clocks back one hour before entering Laos.

2:40 p.m. – Mohan – Departure.
3:00 p.m. – Boten (Laos) – Arrival at the second border control. Welcome to Laos! We again get off the train with all our belongings for Laos entry passport control. Reboard the train afterward.

3:50 p.m. – Boten – Departure.
7:10 p.m. – Luang Prabang – Arrival, meet our guide, and transfer to the hotel. Nestled between green mountains and along the majestic Mekong River, this city is a jewel of Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luang Prabang.-

Total distance covered: 60 km

8:00 a.m. – City tour of the former royal capital, a place that captivates with its golden temples, colonial streets, and the living spirituality of monks at dawn. We begin the visit at the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where the treasures of the ancient Kingdom of Laos are preserved. Just a short walk away, we admire the elegance of Wat Mai Temple, with its five-tiered roof and delicate golden decorations. Afterwards, we visit Wat Xieng Thong (Temple of the Golden City), the most important Buddhist monument in Laos and a jewel of Laotian architecture, featuring roofs that slope almost to the ground and dazzling mosaics.

12:40 p.m. – Luang Prabang – Departure from the pier for a boat trip along the Mekong River, observing local life flowing along its banks. Lunch included on board.
2:40 p.m. – Pak Ou Caves – Arrival and admission included to these sacred caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues hidden within the rock.

3:40 p.m. – Pak Ou Caves – Departure. Return by road to Luang Prabang. Stop in the village of Ban Xang Khong, well known for cotton and silk weaving.
5:45 p.m. – Luang Prabang – Arrival at the hotel.

Note: The ascent of Mount Phousi has become extremely popular. We recommend visiting on your own during the day (not at sunset, as it is often too crowded to enjoy the views).

Luang Prabang – Living Land Farm – Laos Buffalo Dairy – Kuang Si Waterfalls – Luang Prabang

Total distance covered: 90 km

Scenery: Traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs surrounded by rice paddies. Lush vegetation that becomes even more impressive as we approach the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Important note: We recommend bringing a swimsuit and towel if you wish to swim at the waterfalls.

5:30 AM – Early morning departure from the hotel to attend the Tak Bat ceremony, a deeply spiritual ritual. At dawn, barefoot Buddhist monks dressed in saffron-colored robes walk in single file through the city streets, carrying wicker baskets to receive food offerings from local residents. Visit to a local market, followed by a return to the hotel.

7:00 AM – Arrival at the hotel. Breakfast and a short rest.

8:30 AM – Departure from the hotel. The experience continues through green fields and authentic local flavors.

9:15 AM – Living Land Farm (entrance included). Arrival at the farm, where we will take part in traditional rural life and discover the entire rice cultivation process.

9:45 AM – Living Land Farm. Departure.

10:15 AM – Laos Buffalo Dairy (entrance included). Arrival at this sustainable project, where we will interact with the animals and sample handcrafted cheeses made from locally sourced buffalo milk.

12:00 PM – Laos Buffalo Dairy. Departure.

12:15 PM – Kuang Si Waterfalls (entrance included). Nature amazes us with this spectacular multi-tiered waterfall system that flows into turquoise pools, perfect for swimming. Surrounded by tropical jungle and natural trails, it offers an idyllic and refreshing setting to enjoy nature and tranquility.
Lunch included at a local restaurant.

3:00 PM – Kuang Si Waterfalls. Departure.

3:40 PM – Luang Prabang. Arrival at the hotel and short free time.

5:30 PM – Transfer to a local ceremony. Arrival at a local home to participate in the traditional Baci ceremony, during which the officiant calls back the spirits to attract positive influences. A white cotton string is then tied around participants’ wrists as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. You will have the privilege of taking part in this sacred experience.
Dinner included. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

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