A very unique tour in China, with the vibrant city of Hong Kong at the start of the tour and the former Portuguese colony Macao. From here you travel to Guangzhou and the famous carst landscape of Guilin and Yangshuo. Another metropolis is on the way before entering Tibet, the Roof of the World. You will not only visit the Tibetan capital Lhasa, but also Shigatse and the breathtaking views at Mt. Everest Base Camp. Complete the journey with a ride on the famous Tibet Train from Lhasa to Xining.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Hong Kong! Welcome to China!
Your tour guide will welcome you at Hong Kong airport and accompany you to your hotel.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Discover Hong Kong with our combined Hong Kong Island and Walking Tour, including the Star Ferry, Old Town Central Art District, Man Mo Temple, Aberdeen, and Victoria Peak.
Day 3: Hong Kong
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Hong Kong.
Day 4: Hong Kong – Macao
Travel to the former Portuguese colony Macao. Visit the historical city center, the ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and one of the famous casinos.
Day 5: Macao – Kaiping/Jinjiangli – Guangzhou
Enter Mainland China. After crossing the border, visit Kaiping and Jinjiangli to see the fortified houses built by wealthy villagers during the late Qing Dynasty, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, arrive in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province.
Day 6: Guangzhou
Visit Chen Clan Temple, stroll through the old city center with its narrow alleys, and explore Shamian Island. In the evening, enjoy a view of Guangzhou Tower and its spectacular illumination.
Day 7: Guangzhou – High-Speed Train to Guilin
Take a short ride on a modern high-speed train to Guilin. Visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill and explore the stunning Reed Flute Cave.
Day 8: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, Bamboo Raft on Yulong River
Cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional bamboo raft ride along the Yulong River with a private punter.
Day 9: High-Speed Train to Chongqing
Travel by high-speed train to Chongqing, China’s largest city, located on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Visit the old town of Ciqikou and Raffles City, an architectural marvel at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. The platform at 250m altitude offers fantastic city views and skywalk experiences.
Day 10: Flight to Lhasa
Transfer for a flight to Lhasa. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the high altitude.
Day 11: Lhasa – Potala Palace, Norbulingka Park, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Begin with a visit to the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, followed by Norbulingka Park. Explore Jokhang Temple, the most significant temple in Tibetan Buddhism, and stroll along Barkhor Street.
Day 12: Lhasa – Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
Visit two of the most important Lamaist monasteries in Tibet: Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.
Day 13: Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse
Drive to Shigatse, stopping at the stunning Yamdrok Lake and Kharola Glacier. Visit Gyantse Pelkor Chode Monastery before continuing to Shigatse for an overnight stay.
Day 14: Shigatse – Dingri
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in the morning, then drive to Dingri, located near the entrance of the park surrounding Mt. Everest.
Day 15: Dingri – Mt. Everest Base Camp – Shigatse
Visit the breathtaking Mt. Everest Base Camp. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and views of the world’s highest mountain. Take a stroll and visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, before returning to Shigatse.
Day 16: Shigatse – Lhasa
Explore Shigatse, including a visit to the local market. Return to Lhasa in the afternoon and enjoy some leisure time.
Day 17: Lhasa – Tibet Train to Xining
Board the famous Tibet Train in the morning for a scenic journey to Xining in comfortable Soft Sleeper cabins. Cross the Tibetan plateau during the day and arrive in Xining the following morning.
Day 18: Xining – Return Flight
Depending on your departure time, refresh at a hotel and enjoy some sightseeing before transferring to the airport for your return flight.
Included Services:
Excluded Services:
Recommended travel period: January to December (avoid 1st week of October)