Flying on British Airways depart from London Heathrow early this afternoon on a direct overnight flight to Beijing (11 hours). Meals: Inflight

Arriving in the Chinese capital this morning, transfer to the Prime Hotel (superior room), located on the famous Wangfujing Avenue. This afternoon there is an option to explore the fascinating Hutongs of Old Peking by pedicab. Meals: None

This morning visit Tiananmen Square before taking in the incomparable grandeur of the Forbidden City, the once beating heart of the city whose expansive halls and pavilions were home to the all powerful Ming and Qing dynasties. Our afternoon is taken up with a visit to the glorious Temple of Heaven, a true masterpiece of 15th century design and for many the high point of Ming architecture. This evening there will be a traditional dinner of Peking Duck. Meals: B, L, D

One of the highlights of your journey is the visit to the magnificent Great Wall of China at Mu Tian Yu. Less commercialised than other sections of the wall, this majestic setting affords us the opportunity of experiencing one of the true wonders of the ages as it snakes across a timeless landscape of plunging valleys and purple hills. Meals: B, L

A morning visit to the UNESCO site of the Summer Palace, where successive dynasties created a haven of Chinese Gardens and ornate pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake. This afternoon we fly to Xi'an (1 hour 45 minutes), where our stay is at the Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel. Meals: B, L

The astonishing Army of Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi are considered to be the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World and a visit to the tombs today is one of the cultural high points of the holiday. Returning to Xi'an this afternoon, visit the Big Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower, before attending a traditional dance performance and dinner. Meals: B, L, D

Visit to the Hang Yan Ling tombs before the flight to Chongqing (1 hour). Transfer to the Century Star cruise ship, where we will spend the next 3 nights (standard cabin). The boat will sail from Chongqing later this evening. Meals: B, D

Cruising along the mighty Yangtze today admiring the extraordinary beauty that has been the inspiration of artists for centuries, enjoy the rare tranquillity of one of the most breathtaking settings on the planet. Today there will be an excursion to Fengdu Snow Jade Cave, a stunning karst cave that has only been discovered in recent years. Meals: B, L, D

Cruising further along the mighty Yangtze spend today admiring the stunning 'Three Gorges'. In the morning there is an optional tour to the White Emperor City at Baidi, a hill scattered with temples and gates clinging to grand cliffs (please note that this is paid locally to Century Star and the approximate cost is RMB 240 or approximately £30 per person). Shortly afterwards enter Qutang Gorge and later Wu Gorge before taking an excursion through the Shennong Stream. Later enter Xiling Gorge, the last of the magnificent gorges. In the evening sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship lock. Meals: B, L, D

This morning visit the imposing spectacle of the huge Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. Later in the morning disembark in Yichang, from where you will fly to Shanghai (1 hour 15 minutes), a vibrant mix of modern style and colonial heritage and one of China's most dynamic cities. Two nights at the Sunrise Hotel on the Bund (deluxe room). Meals: B, L

A tour of Old Shanghai, taking in the impressive Shanghai Museum and the elegance of the Yu Garden, is followed by a chance to stroll along the famous 'Bund', Shanghai's renowned waterfront. The rest of the day is free for further exploration at your own pace. Alternatively, why not spend some time shopping along Nanjing Road before returning to the hotel? Meals: B

Today fly to the classic landscapes of Guilin (2 hours 20 minutes), a spectacular vision of karst mountain landscapes and seemingly endless rivers that have been captured on Chinese scrolls for millenia. On arrival transfer to the Guilin Bravo Hotel for a 2-night stay (grand wing - deluxe room). In the evening there will be a short drive around to see Guilin by night followed by a visit to the Li River to observe the famed cormorant fishermen at work. Meals: B

A morning cruise along the picturesque Li River through some of Guilin's most majestic scenery, passing an ever changing landscape of limestone outcrops and enchanting fishing villages as you journey to the bustling market town of Yangshuo. After visiting the town return to Guilin for the evening. Meals: B,L

At leisure, with an option to take a trip out to the extraordinary geological formations of the Reed Flute Caves and the summit of Fupo Hill, for a panoramic view across Guilin's unique vistas. This evening fly to Hong Kong (1 hour 25 minutes) and connect with the British Airways flight back to London (13 hours). Meals: B and inflight

Arrive London Heathrow in the early morning. Meals: None