On arrival to Beijing Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Please note no meals have been arranged for this day.

This morning you’ll visit Tiananmen Square and tour the amazing Forbidden City - headquarters of the Imperial Emperors for more than 500 years. After lunch visit the tranquil settings of the Temple of Heaven and time permitting, you can take in some retail therapy at the Silk Street Markets. In the evening partake in a sumptuous Peking Duck dinner, which is one of China’s most famous signature dishes. (BLD)

Today you’ll journey to the Great Wall of China and be overwhelmed as you walk along one of the greatest man-made structures in the world. You’ll also visit the Ming Tombs in the Shisanling Forest, resting place for 13 of the Ming Dynasty emperors. In the evening you have an option** of attending the widely acclaimed Kung Fu Show. (BL)

After breakfast you’ll visit the Beijing Olympics site to stroll around the main venues such as the Birds Nest and Water Cube and then on to the magnificent Summer Palace retreat and a boat trip on Kunming Lake. This afternoon you’ll board a soft sleeper train bound for Lhasa. (BL)

The Qinzang railway or Lhasa Express as it’s also known, is the highest railway in the world reaching a maximum altitude of 5072 metres. The train has been specially equipped for such heights and is a very unique way of experiencing the Roof of the World and Tibet. One of the many highlights you’ll pass is the beautiful Qinghai Lake which is a valuable ecosystem brimming with fish and wildlife. Along your journey you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to make new friends and exchange stories as the spectacular vistas pass you by. No meals have been included for the rail journey but you are able to buy food** on the train. In the evening of Day 6 you’ll arrive in Lhasa at approximately 8:30PM, where a local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel^.

In the morning you’ll visit one of Tibet’s most famous landmarks, the majestic Potala Palace - residence of the Dalai Lamas. Continue on to check out Sera Temple and the Lamaism Temple, which dates back to the 15th century. Here you can watch the monks debating and practicing their religious teachings. (BL)

Start the day with a visit to Norbulingka Palace, which is the summer retreat for the Dalai Lamas. After lunch, explore Jokhang Palace and then on to Drepung Monastery which is one of the largest monasteries in the world. Later take a browse through Barkhour Markets for some uniquely Tibetan arts and crafts. (BL)

A full day has been arranged for you to visit Yamdrok Lake, one of the largest lakes in Tibet. Lunch will be a picnic-style affair alongside the lake and afterwards you’ll spend time with a typical Tibetan family before returning to Lhasa. In the evening you’ll enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner. (BLD)

After breakfast you’ll check out of the hotel and depart to the airport for a flight to Shanghai via Chengdu. On arrival in Shanghai you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. (BL)

In the morning visit the Jade Buddha Temple and admire the peaceful Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai’s old city quarters. Afterwards, stroll along the Bund to study the architecture of the waterfront promenade and snap up a bargain in the busy markets of nearby Nanjing Road. In the evening enjoy a BBQ style dinner and cap off your day with a breath-taking performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Show. (BLD)

Today you’ll discover the Pudong Development Area and gain an eagle’s eye view from the Oriental Pearl Tower. The remainder of your day is free to venture about and maybe grab some last minute shopping and relax at the end of your tour. (BL)

Bid farewell to Shanghai as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

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