Independent arrivals into Hong Kong. Ten years after this former British crown colony was given back to China, this cosmopolitan city is an exciting starting point for our 17 day adventure. We stay at a centrally located five-star hotel for one night and this evening we enjoy a welcome dinner.

Free morning to explore. There is time to visit Victoria Peak for stunning views of the island, take in some shopping at one of the many malls or visit Causeway to marvel at the awe-inspiring sky scrapers, such as the Bank of China or HSBC buildings. At lunchtime we depart by high-speed train to Guangzhou where we join our private train, the Shangri La Express. After settling into our cabins, there is time for a drink in the bar car before enjoying dinner in the restaurant car.

Early morning arrival in the enchanting city of Guilin, where we spend the day sightseeing. Situated on the Li River in some of the finest scenery in the world, our day includes a cruise on the river amongst the strange karst rock formations that feature on so many of the covers of books about China. We also visit the 600,000- year old Yudi Lan (Reed Flute) Cave on the outskirts of the city.

Morning tour of Kunming visiting the local sights including the Golden Temple, which is actually made out of copper. At lunchtime we start our transit over one of the world’s most spectacular railway lines. Completed in the 1970’s, the line passes over many remarkably perched bridges and over deep ravines before plunging into yet another tunnel on its way to Chengdu.

This morning we arrive into Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and the centre for traditional Chinese medicine within this vast country. Also the home of the endangered Giant Panda, we will have the opportunity to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute and get close to these remarkable rare creatures. This afternoon is spent on the train relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Mid morning arrival in the ancient city of Xian. Our tour takes in the highlights of the city including the Great Mosque, the 14-km city walls, Drum and Bell Towers, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. If there is time we can take a stroll through the historic Muslim quarter with its winding lanes and spend some time bartering for souvenirs. We dedicate several hours to visiting the world famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered by peasants barely 30 years ago. The 6,000 Terracotta figures, arranged in row after row of warriors and horses, are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. This evening we see the excellent Tang Dynasty dinner show.

Time permitting, we may have a short stop in Lanzhou. Known as the Golden City, it used to be a major stop on the ancient trading route known as the Silk Road and has a colorful history dating back 2,000 years. We spent the rest of the day on the Shangri-La Express and enjoy our final dinner on board the train this evening.

After an early arrival in Golmud, starting point for the new 1,142 km “Roof of the World” line to Lhasa, we say goodbye to the Shangri-La Express. From here we change to the new high-altitude train and embark on a 14-hour daylight journey into the Tibetan Capital of Lhasa, cresting the 16,640 foot (5,072m) Tangula Pass 6 hours after leaving Golmud. This is the world’s highest scenic railway pass – over 3 miles (5km) above sea level and is certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Due to the high altitude, extra oxygen is pumped in through the ventilation system, and personal oxygen masks are available if required to make the journey as comfortable as possible. On arrival in Lhasa, we are transferred to the Five Star Brahmaputra Hotel for a four-night stay.

Lhasa is located in a small basin surrounded by mountains, and it literally means “place of the gods.” At an altitude of around 11,975ft (3,650m), it is one of the highest cities in the world; it is also the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama and the holiest centre of Tibet, with over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history. Today we have free time in the hotel whilst we acclimatize.

On our second full day here, we visit the 13th century Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine and the spiritual home for almost all Tibetans. Next we explore the adjacent Barkhor market, the oldest market in the capital and a well-trodden route for the many pilgrims who make their way to the temple. A local lunch is accompanied by traditional folk music. This afternoon, we visit the 17th century Potala Palace, former seat of the Tibetan Government and the Dalai Lama’s winter residence before he fled to India in 1959. Containing thousands of rooms it dominates the city skyline. Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters, is the greatest monumental structure in Tibet, and one of the architectural wonders of the world.

Today we visit to Norbu Lingka, the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace; it was built in the 1740’s as a retreat from which to escape the heat of the summer. Meaning either “jewel garden” or “precious garden” it is still a tranquil haven from the noise of the city and a wonderful place to explore. We have our farewell dinner tonight and say our goodbyes.

Airport departure transfers

Hong Kong

May 20 - Jun 1

$7,995

$10,995

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Hong Kong

Sep 7 - Sep 19

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$10,995

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