We are set to depart Sydney on LAN CHILE LA800 at 09:25 on 27th January for Santiago. We have a very stopover in Santiago before we board LAN CHILE LA445 for Buenos Aires, touching down at 17:40 local time on the 27th January.

On arrival into Buenos Aires International airport you will be met by a Scenic Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your Tour Director for a private welcome briefing.

Three Night Special Stay : Buenos Aires

This morning on your included tour visit the colourful districts of La Boca and San Telmo. Tonight enjoy your included Scenic Free Choice dinner, choose from: 1. Cabana Las Lilas; or 2. dinner and spectacular Tango Show; or 3. the elegant Le Sud Restaurant.

Included Scenic Free Choice activity choos from: 1. Fiesta Gaucha horse show; or 2. Cruise on the Tigre River and Delta; or 3. walking tour to discover Eva Peron; or 4. tour of the La Boca Soccer Stadium; or 5. visit the El Zanjon underground tunnels.

Time to explore the Old Town, visit the Museum of Chinese Medicine and uncover magnificent examples of courtyard architecture at the residence of Hu Xueyan during our sightseeing tour. Discover the largest and most famous temple in southern China, the Lingyin Temple or Temple of Soul’s Retreat during our visit. Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, and we will see first-hand the process of farming tea trees and picking tea leaves during our visit to a Tea Plantation in Longjing village. This evening we watch the amazing Impression of West Lake, a spectacle of light, music, dance and theatrics based on an ancient Hangzhou legend staged entirely upon the lake.

Head to the airport for our flight to Wuhan in central China, one of the country’s famous historical and cultural cities with a history of more than 3,500 years. Spend time at Yellow Crane Tower, originally built more than 2,000 years ago. This spectacular tower is perched on top of Snake Hill and offers wonderful views from the top.

Overnight stay: Shangri La Wuhan.

We discover the incredible exhibitions at Wuhan’s Provincial Museum, including the “Chime Bells of Marquis Yi”. This set of 65 restored bronze bells with gold-plated inscriptions about music is one of the finest artefacts from the Warring States Period of Chinese history. Listen to a concert of both Western and Chinese music, given by local musicians who play on the reconstructed instruments. Later this afternoon we board the high-speed train to Yichang; passing through dramatic scenery, this newly opened train highlights China’s rapid modernisation and development. On arrival we transfer to the port where we will embark on our luxury Yangtze River cruise.

Four Night Luxury Cruise : Victoria Anna, Superior Cabin with Executive Amenities.

This morning we take our guided tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest in the world. Later cruise slowly through the fascinating ship locks and continue through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges.

We take an excursion through the Small Gorges, which are narrower than the Three Gorges but still impressive. Then cruise through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it makes its way through the spectacular Wu Gorge known for its quiet beauty, forest covered mountains and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Then sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the gorges.

Time to take a shore excursion to Fengdu, known as the ‘Ghost City’ due to the plethora of statues of ghosts and devils, demon-decorated temples and buildings. Alternatively, we may visit the new relocation village, built for the families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters. We return to the ship and continue cruising up the Yangtze River.

We disembark in Chongqing and transfer to the airport for our flight to Lijiang, a World Heritage listed town. Complete with elaborate wooden houses lining the cobbled streets, and bridges arcing over glimmering waterways, Lijiang is a charming town. Tonight's dining choices are: (1) a Chinese restaurant showcasing authentic Cantonese cuisine with signature Yunnan and Sichuan specialties; or (2) a selection of popular Thai and other South East Asian inspired dishes.

Three Night Special Stay : InterContinental Lijiang, Superior room.

We take the cable car to the meadows and witness the spectacular Jade Dragon Mountain views. Then enjoy the magnificent Impression Lijiang outdoor cultural show, showcasing the traditions and lifestyle of the local minority people. Return to Lijiang and wander the cobbled streets on our orientation walk. The old city is criss-crossed with canals and the market is crowded with local Naxi women in traditional dress.

Today is our free day to uncover more of the beauty and charm of this ancient town with its spectacular mountain scenery. The more energetic of us might like to hike to the nearby Tiger Leaping Gorge and uncover the secret of the ancient story that surrounds its name. Or perhaps we would prefer to indulge in a traditional spa treatment. This evening listen to a performance of traditional Naxi music featuring primarily 70-90 year old men performing traditional music on local instruments.

Leaving early we will travel along the old road that links Yunnan to Tibet, stopping at Stone Drum village which marks the first big bend in the mighty Yangtze River. Following the river, the road continues through the gorge eventually arriving at Shangri La. Previously known as Zhongdian, life has changed little here over time and yaks wander through the surrounding fields and Tibetan houses line narrow streets. Explore the 17th century Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Monastery in Yunnan. The roofs are made of gilded copper and the main halls are decorated with magnificent murals depicting Buddhist legends. We spend time with a Tibetan family and learn about their traditions and unique way of life and taste yak butter tea.

Overnight stay: M Gallery Songtsam Retreat or similar

We take a morning flight to Lhasa in Tibet, known as the ‘rooftop of the world’ with an average elevation of 4,900 metres. With Mt Everest bordering Nepal, and several of the world’s most important rivers having their source in the Tibetan plateau, the scenery and the isolation is truly spectacular. On arrival we transfer to the hotel where the rest of the day is at our leisure for us to acclimatise.

Three Night Special Stay : Shangri La Hotel Lhasa, Deluxe Room.

The extraordinary Potala Palace, once the winter home of the revered Dalai Lama, dominates the skyline with its immense walls. We explore the incredible maze of corridors and more than 1,000 rooms, including the Red Palace and the White Palace. Explore the 1,300 year old Jokhang Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred in Tibet. Immerse yourself in the culture and history of this spectacular golden roofed temple which is always awash with pilgrims, the smell of butter lamps and incense. Then join the pilgrims as they wander along the holy Barkhor Circuit surrounded by colourful markets. Dining choices tonight are: (1) an international buffet featuring live cooking stations or (2) a Chinese restaurant specialising in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine; or (3) a Tibetan buffet followed by a performance of traditional singing and music.

We have some activities to choose from: (1) explore the ancient and intriguing Deprung Monastery; or (2) visit the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence, Norbulingka and the interesting Tibet Museum; or (3) delight in a visit to Anitsamkung Nunnery and a local tea house. Travel to Sera Monastery, a well preserved monastery where the monks can be seen with their distinctive red robes and curved yellow hats. Then witness the monks gather in the courtyard of Sera Monastery to discuss and debate the teaching of the Buddha and doctrines. Spend time with an expert and learn about the importance of Tibetan Buddhism.

Journey to the airport for your flight to Xi’an, the ancient capital for eleven dynasties and east end of the Silk Road. This evening we enjoy a dumpling banquet and sample a variety of these famous and tasty parcels. Then witness a grand performance of traditional songs, dances and colourful costumes from the Tang Dynasty. This spectacular cultural show features more than 145 performers on stage together with a classical Chinese orchestra.

Two Night Special Stay : The Westin, Deluxe room.

This morning we travel to the remarkable and awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. More than 2,000 years old, these terracotta warriors and horses were created to protect the tomb of China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang and were only discovered by a local farmer late in the 20th century. We experience the fascinating army of more than 6000 life size figures from our special VIP platform with a museum curator. Delve into Xi’an’s historical past and enjoy the panoramic views as we navigate the city’s walls, originally built in the 14th century, on an electric powered vehicle..

This morning we take a flight to Beijing and transfer to our luxurious hotel in the heart of downtown. Admire the hotel’s unique architecture accented by contemporary Chinese artwork or take a stroll and explore the surrounding area including the famous Silk Market. Activities on offer include: (1) watch the artistry of performers and the colourful costumes from the famed Peking Opera; or (2) appreciate the emotion and action of traditional martial arts combined with evocative dance, and flying acrobatics at the spectacular Legend of Kung Fu show; or (3) uncover Beijing’s unique street foods during an evening walking tour; or (4) experience a wonderful foot massage and discover why people from Beijing appreciate the benefits of reflexology.

Three Night Special Stay : Fairmont Beijing, Deluxe room.

Today we hope to discover the highlights of Beijing, a city rich in history with its myriad of ancient monuments, one of the world’s truly great cities. Home to the Imperial families during the Ming era, the Forbidden City, with the towering portrait of Chairman Mao looming above, will astound us with its size and the beauty of the many Imperial Palaces, elegant gardens and pavilions within. Stroll around the impressive Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and home to the Great Hall of the People and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. Take a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s atmospheric old Hutongs, (narrow winding alleyways) to witness traditional Chinese life before enjoying the finer art of a tea ceremony. Our dining choices on offer are: (1) a contemporary Asian restaurant which brings the diversity of Chinese, Japanese and Indian food to our plate; or (2) western and modern epicurean cuisine viewed from the chic open kitchen; or (3) a selection of China’s most popular dishes; or (4) a menu inspired by the legendary Ancient Tea Horse Trail that winds throughout Yunnan, Burma and Tibet.

Leave Beijing early and travel to Mutianyu to explore one of the lesser visited sections of the Great Wall. The dramatic scenery provides a picture-perfect backdrop to the Great Wall as it snakes through the mountains and countryside. Standing on the ancient ramparts is the only way to fully appreciate this magnificent structure, built more than 2,500 years ago, and to truly experience the vastness of China and the essence of the Chinese spirit. We will enjoy a drink at dusk at a wonderful roof top bar perched opposite the east gate of the massive Forbidden City and appreciate the size and scale of this incredible complex. This evening join our Tour Director for our Farewell Dinner, a sumptuous Peking Duck Banquet at the highly acclaimed restaurant, Duck de Chine.

After breakfast we take our transfer to the airport for our home bound flight, DRAGONAIR flight KA 909 at 16:30, again a stopover in Hong Kong where we board CATHAY PACIFIC flight CX 161, arriving in Sydney at 08:40 Monday 27th April.