High Altitude: At certain places in this itinerary the altitude exceeds 3000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.

Day 1 London Heathrow to Hong Kong
Depart London on the British Airways non-stop flight to Hong Kong.

Day 2 Arrive Hong Kong
Arrive Hong Kong and proceed by car to the Marco Polo Hotel in Kowloon.

Day 3 Hong Kong to Kunming - by air
Today fly from Hong Kong to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. In the afternoon visit the Bamboo Temple and in the evening you may wish to taste Kunming’s speciality ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’. Stay at the Kai Wah Plaza Hotel.

Day 4 Kunming
Today it is a scenic drive to the Stone Forest, 120kms south east of Kunming. This exotic collection of limestone rock formations dates back over 200 millions years, the tallest are about 30m high.

Day 5 Kunming to Dali - by air
Fly to Dali, a town situated between the Cangshan Mountains and beautiful Lake Erhai. Visit the attractive Three Pagodas and spend the rest of the day cruising the waters of Lake Erhai and exploring the markets. Stay at the Asia Star Hotel.

Day 6 Dali
This region is home to the minority Bai people, therefore, this morning visit the ancient town of Xi Zhou, 20kms north of Dali and noted for its Bai architecture. The remainder of the day is spent exploring the old town of Dali.

Day 7 Dali to Lijiang - 200kms
Drive to Lijiang, China’s oldest city, situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by 5000m mountains and home to the minority Naxi people. Later wander through the old town, now a World Heritage Site, which offers a delightful maze of cobbled streets and old wooden buildings. Stay for two nights at the Grand Lijiang Hotel.

Day 8 Lijiang
A full day sightseeing around Lijiang including the village of Baisha noted for its temple frescoes. Further explore the delightful old town and see the Moon-Embracing Pavilion with its white marble bridge.

Day 9 Lijiang to Zhongdian - 220kms
Today it is a beautiful drive full of impressive scenery to Tiger Leaping Gorge and on to Zhongdian on the edge of Tibet and 3300m above sea level. Stay at Gyalthang Dzong Hotel.

Day 10 & Day 11 Zhongdian
Snow-capped peaks and immense forests of spruce and pine surround the town and the next 2 days are spent visiting the Sumtseling Monastery and exploring this remote area.

Day 12 Zhongdian to Beijing - by air
Fly via Kunming to Beijing and stay at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Day 13 Beijing
This morning visit the exquisite Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th century. Continue to Tiananmen Square to walk in to the Forbidden City. Also explore the nearby ancient alleyways known as ‘Hutongs’ by rickshaw.

Day 14 Beijing
Travel through the countryside to Mutianyu from where you can take a cable car up to the remarkable Great Wall. Continue across the mountains to visit the fascinating tombs of the Ming Emperors before returning to Beijing later in the afternoon.

Day 15 Beijing to London Heathrow
Fly back to London with British Airways.