Stylish & smart, this exotic adventure is a fabulous way to experience China`s key highlights led by private guide without breaking the bank. Delve into its imperial past & the city that symbolizes its future as you tour the bustling capital of Beijing, the ancient relics of Xi'an & vibrant Shanghai. Behold Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, legendary Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Neolithic Banpo Village, the historic buildings of Bund & more. Featuring private guide, shopping in colourful markets, charming hotels, scenic train rides & private transfers.

Beijing is China's foremost city and capital for twenty four successive emperors. Some of the major sights include: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Summer Palace. The complete range of Chinese cuisine can be found in the capital, and evening entertainment is superb.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Michael’s House Beijing is housed within a traditional Chinese courtyard house. A short distance from Beihai Park and Deshengmen, it offers free internet and a daily breakfast. The hotel is 30 km from Beijing Capital International Airport. Attractions like Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Olympic Stadium are just a short drive away. Surrounded by the hutongs (small alleys which run between courtyards) which were constructed in the 13th century, the hotel enjoy an atmosphere full of history and culture.

Overnight at Michael`s House .

Full day private guided tour of Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with a deluxe lunch (is included). Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and stretches a vast 440,000 square meters. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty reigned here until 1924. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven.

Overnight at Michael`s House .

Enjoy a full day private guided tour with lunch at the Great Wall at Mutianyu located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. This section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles. Construction was started in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Built mainly from granite with 8m walls and 5m wide at the top, it is notable for its 22 watchtowers. Lunch is included.

Enjoy a transfer to/from train station with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Board your overnight train bound for Xi'an. Choose either the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks) or opt for the private 2 person berth (two lower bunks only). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 11-13 hours.

Overnight at Train - Xi`an.

Xi'an was the capital of China's first emperor whose tomb is guarded by the world famous terracotta warriors.

Train station to hotel or hotel to train station transfer by private car with professional tour guide.

Half day private guided city tour. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre, experience the full 14km circuit of China's most intact city wall with great views of the city on either side.

The Grand Mercure Xian on Renmin Square is housed in a low-rise heritage building built in 1957 on the sprawling grounds of Renmin Square Xian. With a Sino-Russian style façade fronting lush gardens, the structure is a charming blend of old, classic architecture and modern, sophisticated facilities including a stunning grand lobby. Complementing its charming ambience, Grand Mercure is a boutique hotel offering guests personalized service. Its rooms and suites are decked in contemporary Oriental décor in rich fabrics and are well equipped with complete amenities for a comfortable, convenient stay. It features a breakfast buffet restaurant and lounge; and guests have access to other facilities and services offered at its nearby sister hotel, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square.

Overnight at Grand Mercure on Renmin Square.

Take a full day private guided tour of the Terra Cotta Army, Banpo Museum and the Buddhist Wild Goose Pagoda with a deluxe lunch. China's greatest archaeological excavation - over 7,000 terra cotta life size warriors and horses arranged in battle formations symbolically guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of the Qin dynasty (246-209 BC). The Neolithic Banpo Village has nearly 10,000 production tools and the remains of 45 houses on display.

Train station to hotel or hotel to train station transfer by private car with professional tour guide.

Board your overnight train bound for Shanghai. Choose either the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks) or opt for the private 2 person berth (two lower bunks only). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 13-16 hours.

Overnight at Train - Shanghai .

Shanghai is the symbol of "New China", bustling and busy with excellent shopping. With an eclectic architectural mix from Asian infused Victorian and Art Deco to 21st Century avant-garde, Shanghai is an exciting, ever-changing metropolis. Popular attractions range from the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum to modern wonders like the Oriental Pearl Tower. Landmarks of the city include the French Concession and historic waterfront known as the Bund. Shanghai is an excellent base from which to explore the canal towns of the Yangtze delta as well as nearby Suzhou or Hangzhou. Shanghai will host the 2010 World's Fair.

Transfer to/from train station with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Half day private guided tour of Jade Buddha Temple and Yuyuan Garden with deluxe lunch. The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most popular sights in Shanghai containing rare white jade Buddhas brought from Burma in the nineteenth century. One is seated while the other is in the recumbent position of Sakyamuni symbolizing the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment or nirvana. Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The garden has six areas, each with its own style, the most popular being the Grand Rockery in the center.

The Marriot run Renaissance Shanghai Yuyuan is a modern and luxurious property located adjacent to the Yuyuan Gardens and old quarter of downtown Shanghai. With a top-notch spa, 340 contemporary rooms and suites offering breathtaking views across the Shanghai city skyline and a central location within reasonable distance both to Shanghai's traditional attractions and the EXPO 2010 site this hotels offers a great luxury to value proposition well-suited to any trip.

Overnight at Renaissance Shanghai Yuyuan.

Transfer from central Shanghai with a driver, and English-speaking Guide to the Maglev station in Pudong from where you can complete your airport transfer in about 8 minutes at speeds of over 400 km/h. (Warning - involves a little walking).

Depart from Shanghai international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.