2008 China Encompassed - 25 days

See, feel and taste the diverse wonders of the Middle Kingdom.

Each and every day provides you with something extraordinary and wonderful on this thorough journey to China's highlights. Start in the effervescent capital city, Beijing, home to centuries-old laneways and the most famous wall on the planet. Xian's army of Terracotta Warriors is your next destination before you witness some of the country's most spectacular natural backdrop at Yellow Mountain.

Shanghai's pace of life is astounding, and impeccably contrasted by the undisturbed lifestyle of Yunnan Province. Here you will come face-to-face with the legendary utopia of Shangri-La, paradise surrounded by peaceful gorges, snowcapped peaks and evident harmony.

Beijing, Xian, Hangzhou, Tunxi, Huang Shan, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian.

Trip grading: ADVENTUROUS Suitable for travellers with an above-average level of fitness and mobility. Prepare for some long road journeys, an overnight train, stairs at Yellow Mountain, high altitude conditions at Zhongdian and plenty of walking.

What's included: 23 nights hotel accommodation and 1 overnight train (soft sleeper four-berth shared cabin), flights as specified, all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees), Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers, local English-speaking guides throughout, arrival and departure transfers, breakfast daily and two lunches.

Tour Leader: Travel Indochina tour leader based on a minimum of 7 people.

Maximum group size: 15

Not Ready to go Home Yet?: From Kunming you can easily add a Yangtze River cruise or a jaunt to Indochina to your journey – both are just a short flight away. Experience the awesome Three Gorges Dam, or the cultural treasure-troves of Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos before heading home.

Ask our Travellers: "As always on a Small Group Journey, the leader and guides are a key element to the vacation experience. Top marks to Anita for her cheerful, open, friendly, helpful, kind manner, and for making it all so easy. This was a very well-organised, hassle-free vacation." J. A - Australia

Tip's for your Vacation: During your free evening in Hangzhou, why not join the locals on the shores of West Lake for relaxing sunset stroll?

Responsible Travel: In Zhongdian your visit with a local Tibetan family allows first-hand insight into the daily life and issues faced by the people who call these picturesque villages home.