Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Today explore the classical Yu Garden, stroll through the charming old town, visit a silk mill and take in sweeping views of Shanghai's stunning skyline from Jinmao Tower. Later, admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. The skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold. Tonight, savour some traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Take the bullet train to Yichang and board your home for the next four nights – a relaxing cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, enjoy a range of shore excursions and onboard entertainment. Take a scenic side trip to either the tranquil Shennong or Goddess Stream, where smaller boats allow for deeper exploration of lush gorges and hidden valleys.

Disembark the cruise vessel in Chongqing, explore old Ciqikou, a district known for its porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ciqikou's narrow streets are perfect for a morning stroll to admire the historical, traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuanese meal for dinner with the option of a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for its 'face-changing'.

Start your day with a visit to Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Base, where you can see and learn about China's cherished pandas in a habitat mirroring their natural surroundings. Explore the museum to gain insights into the reserve's breeding efforts. Later, take a bullet train to the former imperial capital of Xian. This evening a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a captivating performance of Tang Dynasty dancing awaits.

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses, and visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town, stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting, then walk through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter.

Board the bullet train to Beijing, a fast-paced capital where modern life meets 3,000 years of rich, tumultuous history.

Head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic heart, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, stroll through the peaceful grounds of the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. As evening falls, enjoy a dazzling Chinese acrobatic show – a thrilling display of skill, strength, and tradition.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. In the afternoon, visit a jade factory then enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and view the exquisite architecture. This evening, savour Beijing's best-known delicacy-Peking duck.

Bid farewell to the rest of your group and transfer to the airport and fly to Dubai – with its year-round sultry weather and glorious stretches of sand, it makes the ideal beach break! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your resort. The next few days will be on a private basis with no escorted touring included.

Beneath that shimmering skyline you’ll find a culture that blends ultramodernity with profound tradition, while the sands beyond, be they beach or desert, offer full-on adventure or all-out relaxation. Your stay by the beach gives you access to it all – spend your days with sand between your toes, venturing into the city to air-conditioning mega-malls or exploring the atmospheric old town, or head out into the desert for adrenaline fuelled activities or to experience timeless desert traditions. Your time here is whatever you want to make it.

Depart Dubai, arriving home the same or following day.