Fly to Beijing, China's historical capital. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Walk through Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City, a complex full of imperial riches. Then, find harmony in the symmetry of the Temple of Heaven. This evening, dine on local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Travel out of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China, learning a little about its long history before taking a short walk to fully appreciate this world-famous structure. Stop off at a jade factory before visiting the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs. This evening, enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show.

Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao. A living museum and home to China's best preserved ancient city walls, walk the characterful streets to see the Yamen and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum.

This morning is at leisure (additional option: hands-on Chinese paper cutting experience) before travelling to Xian by bullet train.

This morning, come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, an army created to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Later, stroll Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls, before a dumpling demonstration, a delicious dumpling banquet and a Tang Dynasty show.

After breakfast, walk through the atmospheric alleyways of the Muslim Quarter, lined with delicious street food stalls. Then, transfer to the station and board a bullet train to Chengdu. This evening, dine on a Sichuan hot pot, a local speciality, and watch a fascinating face changing show.

This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base to learn all about them and see them relaxing, play and chomping on bamboo. The rest of the day is at leisure (additional option: volunteer at the Panda Base).

Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai. Transfer to your hotel then begin your explorations, strolling along the Bund to admire the Art Deco architecture and enjoying panoramic views of the city on a Huangpu River cruise.

After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Shanghai's cruise terminal, Baoshan, to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East China Sea towards Japan.

Port in Sakaiminato today. Disembark the cruise ship and enjoy a day at leisure before returning to your ship later in the day for your onward journey.

Arrive in Maizuru, which is ideally located to explore Kyoto. Disembark the cruise ship and enjoy a day at leisure before returning to your ship later in the day for your onward journey.

Today, arrive at Niigata. Disembark the cruise ship and enjoy a day at leisure before returning to your ship later in the day for your onward journey.

Dock in the port of Hakodate. Disembark the cruise ship and enjoy a day at leisure before returning to your ship later in the day for your onward journey.

Spend today and tomorrow at sea, taking time to recharge before the next adventure. Enjoy a couple of days at your own leisure, until arriving at Shanghai, your next destination.

Cruise into the port of Shanghai, where on arrival you will be met by your English-speaking guide and new National Escort. From here transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure to soak up the local culture of Shanghai, and its vibrant atmosphere.

Continue exploring the city today, visiting the peaceful Yu Garden, the quaint Old Town and the Xintiandi area, then learn all about silk production from silkworm to loom at a silk factory. This evening, dine on a traditional Shanghainese meal.

Fly to home, arriving the same, or the following, day.