Ancient Empires - Beijing to Tokyo

Explore two ancient nations in 18 well-packed days on this unique journey that takes you from the epic lengths of the Great Wall of China to the poetic views of Mt Fuji.

Hop aboard trains and ferries and face an army of Terracotta Warriors for an historical encounter you won't soon forget.

Spend nights in a traditional ryokan and a shukubo temple lodging for an authentic Japanese experience. Our CEOs will take you off the beaten track to reveal the cultural treasures of the region’s ancient sites.

Itinerary

Day 1 Beijing
Arrive at any time.

Days 2-3 Beijing
Included visit to the Great Wall and tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Day 4 Xi'an
Fly to Xi'an and visit the Terracotta Warriors. Opt to cycle the city's ancient walls.

Day 5 Suzhou
Visit Suzhou, the 'Venice of the East'. Take in the Master of Nets performance.

Days 6-7 Shanghai
Shanghai Bund walking tour. Opt to see a Chinese acrobat show.

Days 8-9 Ferry to Osaka
Cross the East China Sea to Japan aboard a modern passenger ferry.

Day 10 Osaka
Free time to explore this vibrant and exotic city. Options include visiting the Osaka Aquarium.

Day 11 Koyasan
Visit the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Included shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) meals. Watch the monks pray in the morning.

Days 12-13 Hiroshima
Visit the Peace Park and Museum and take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate.

Days 14-15 Kyoto
Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens and the famous Kinaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Practice meditation in Daisen-in's Zen rock garden.

Day 16 Hakone and Mt Fuji
Take a cable car up Mt Owakudani for views of Mt Fuji, a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko and a walk along the Old Tokaido Highway. Staying in traditional ryokan accommodation, you will feast on a Japanese multi-course kaiseki meal, soak in the natural hot springs and sleep on a futon.

Day 17 Tokyo
Free time to explore Tokyo and do some last-minute shopping.

Day 18 Tokyo
Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking pre- or post-accommodation to fully explore this vibrant city.

What's Included

Great Wall excursion and entrance (Beijing)
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour
Terracotta Warriors excursion (Xi'an)
Master of the Nets Garden visit (Suzhou)
Shanghai orientation walk
Sea Ferry journey
Overnight in a temple on Mt Koya with traditional meals
Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
Miyajima excursion with floating Torii Gate visit
Nijo Castle and gardens visit (Kyoto)
Kinaku-ji Golden Pavilion visit
Daisen-in Temple and Zen garden visit
Mt Owakudani cable car ride (Hakone)
Lake Ashino-ko boat ride
Traditional ryokan stay with kaiseki meal
Japan Rail (JR) pass (7-day)
Internal flight
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners. (Allow USD400-590 for meals not included.)
Train, local bus, air-con bus, sea ferry, boat, walking, plane, bullet train.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout except on ferry from China to Japan, local guides.
Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12
Hotels (12 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), ferry (2 nts, multi-share), mountain monastery (1 nt), Japanese-style ryokan accommodation with hot springs (1 nt).