You’ll see sights and experience things you can only dream of on this journey as you travel from bustling Beijing in China to ancient Lhasa in Tibet.

• UK/Beijing - 1 to 2
  

  After your overnight flight, arrive in Beijing, China’s most amazing capital city.

• Beijing - 3
  

  From Tiananmen Square, delve into the historic sights of this fascinating city. This is the largest public square in the world and it leads into the Forbidden City, the ancient palace at the centre of modern Beijing. In contrast, Beijing’s modern side is equally impressive. The iconic Olympic buildings built for the 2008 Olympics include the National Aquatics Centre and the National Stadium and they demonstrate Beijing’s ability to combine the old with the ultra-modern effortlessly.

• Lhasa - 4
  

  Your journey today takes you across China to Tibet as you fly to Lhasa, where you will stay for the next four nights.

• Lhasa - 5
  

  Pilgrims travel from all over Tibet to come and worship at the Jokhang Temple, literally the ‘House of Buddha’. and Tibet’s most famous shrine. The temple is located in the heart of Lhasa close to the bustling Barkhor Market,a great place to watch the locals daily comings and goings and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the real Lhasa.

• Lhasa - 6
  

  To the north of Lhasa lies the impressive Sera Monastery, another of Lhasa’s celebrated holy places. Colourful decoration and statues adorn its halls and you will discover delights at every turn as you explore it. Even more impressive architecture awaits at Norbu Lingka. This palace and its surrounding park was used as the summer residence of the Dalai Lama’s from the late 18th century to the 1950s and is a treasure-trove of buildings and sculptures commissioned by the various Lamas.

• Lhasa - 7
  

  Of all the architecture you will have seen during your explorations of Tibet, what you are going to see today will outshine them all. The Potala Palace perches high up on the summit of Marpo Ri Hill, otherwise known as Red Mountain, in the heart of the Lhasa Valley. It was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama for centuries and its striking White and Red Palaces command attention from all who gaze upon them.

• Rooftop of the World train - 8
  

  If you enjoyed the feeling of being up in the clouds at the Potala Palace, then you’re going to enjoy today’s spectacular overnight journey even more aboard the high-altitude Rooftop of the World train, or Lhasa Express, to Xining. This recently completed railway line is the first to link Tibet with the rest of China and is a magnificent feat of engineering. You will travel about 750 miles, reaching an altitude of almost 17,000 feet as you cross the Tangula Pass. You will sleep overnight on the train in a four berth cabin.

• Xining - 9
  

  After arriving into this vast city in the morning and enjoying lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll head out to the Kumbum Monastery. This vast monastery added to over the centuries began with one simple, single building which still stands today. Still an important religious site Kumbum is home to some 400 Buddhist monks. Later sit back and relax as you board the overnight train for the next stage of your journey to Xian.

• Xian - 10
  

  Xian was once the flourishing capital of China and the most important city in Asia. However in more recent times Xian has become better known for the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors. The first Qin emperor was interred here in 200 BC along with at least 6,000 life-size terracotta figures representing the individuals of the Imperial Guard. You’re sure to agree that this is quite simply one of the world’s most remarkable sights. Reflect on all you’ve seen with a Tang Dynasty dinner and show this evening.

• Xian & Beijing - 11
  

  Discover the sights of Xian this morning, including the old city walls, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower before flying to Beijing for your final nights’ stay.

• Beijing/UK - 12
  

  Your adventure comes to an end today as you head to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Accommodation

• Beijing - Friendship Hotel (3/4-star) 2 nights.
• Lhasa - Tibet Hotel (4-star) 4 nights.
• Xian - king dynasty Hotel (4-star) 1 night.

All rooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning, telephone and TV. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar.

• Flights are scheduled services of Air China
• Flights depart at 8:25 pm and return at 3:30 pm

Includes

Not Included