Signature: China's Great Wall, Xi’an & the Gobi Desert

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Upon arrival, your Expedition Leader is on hand at the hotel to assist with check-in, provide guidance, and answer questions. In the evening, enjoy an a welcome reception with wine, beer, and soft drinks, paired with an expert-led “Introduction to China” presentation and followed by a welcome dinner.

Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights and wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.

Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.

Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant run by a local farmer.

Along a Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall of China, the watchtowers get closer together, and the Wall is in its best state of repair. These watchtowers were used to store weapons and to keep an eye out for invading enemy forces, as this was getting closer to the middle of the Chinese empire. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from the "original" unrestored sections. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Join a local expert for a walk along the wall and learn first hand of its history. Take an electric car up to Shalingkou, and then walk to Xiliang Tower where the dinner is arranged.

Step behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks during an intimate encounter with an expert dedicated to the restoration of the Great Wall. Meet the local craftsmen whose families have lived alongside the Wall for generations and hear firsthand how deeply their heritage is woven into every stone they restore. Through their stories, discover not only the techniques used to safeguard the Wall’s structure, but also the profound cultural significance it holds for the communities who protect it. This immersive talk delves into the Great Wall’s rich history, the challenges of modern preservation, and the ongoing efforts to restore this extraordinary symbol of Chinese resilience and identity.

Enjoy a Beijing-style duck dinner on the Great Wall at sunset before returning back to the hotel for the evening.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Enjoy an expert talk about Dunhuang and Silk Road before dinner at the hotel rooftop restaurant with the view overlooking Mingsha Mountain.

Enjoy a visit to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inspiring a school of study called Dunhuangology. According to the Tang Dynasty records, a monk witnessed a vision of 1,000 Buddhas with golden rays. Inspired, he started the construction of the caves, which ended up spanning ten dynasties. There are 750 caves filled with different types of art depicting Buddhas, Apsaras, and daily life.

Drive back to the hotel for free time before visiting Mingsha Mountain.

Experience the breathtaking golden hues over the rolling sand dunes of the Gobi Desert. Watch as the sun slowly dips behind the dunes, casting long shadows and creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere around the Crescent Spring oasis. A truly iconic moment in Dunhuang.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Board the shuttle bus to explore three key Silk Road sites: the Ruins of the Han Great Wall, where eroded earthen walls still trace the desert horizon, Big Fangpan Castle, and the Jade Gate Pass, the historic Han-dynasty gateway that once guarded the Gobi Desert along the ancient Silk Road.

Hop on the park’s shuttle bus and travel through the vast Gobi Desert, stopping at several scenic viewpoints throughout the Yadan Geopark to take in its dramatic, wind-carved landscapes.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Stop for a quick visit to explore the West Gate, a historic gate of Xi’an’s ancient city wall. Admire its architecture, and learn about its role in the city’s history.

Witness the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show preserving the cultural heritage with a blend of ancient music, inspiring dances to various Chinese instruments, and interesting historical stories to captivate audiences. Before the show there will be a traditional banquet with the main source being the Chinese Dumplings, which are also named Jiaozi. They typically consist of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.

Discover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Enjoy a meal with your new found friends and reminisce about the fantastic adventure you've all had.

Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to areas typically closed to the public, offering a rare look at newly unearthed antiquities and ongoing research.

Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures.

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.