China & Mongolia Heartlands

Fly 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.

Fly to Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Start your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Head to the heart of the city to walk around Sukhbaatar Square then view the fascinating exhibits of the Chinggis Khaan Museum. This evening, enjoy a lively folklore concert that features traditional songs, dances and music.

Leave the city and travel into the hinterland to discover the picturesque scenery of Terelj National Park, pausing en route at the impressive 46-metre-tall Genghis Khan statue. At Terelj, fuel up on lunch at a ger camp before walking through its scenic beauty to the iconic Turtle Rock and the Temple of Meditation. Return to Ulaanbaatar.

Depart Ulaanbaatar and cross the Central Mongolian Steppe. Reach the Bayan Gobi sand dunes, a ‘mini-Gobi Desert’, and explore among the 10-metre-high dunes that sit among the vast plains of the steppe. After lunch at a ger camp, continue to Karakorum where, on arrival, you’ll discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Karakorum Museum, followed by a walk to Turtle Stone Hill.

This morning, visit Erdene Zuu in time to witness the monks doing their morning chants, a deeply resonant experience. Then, visit a nomadic family who will guide you through the preparation of a traditional Mongolian dish, which you will then sit down and enjoy together. Travel to Khustai National Park, home to Mongolia’s famous takhi, or Przewalski’s horse, once extinct in the wild. Enjoy an early evening viewing of these majestic creatures before travelling on to your premium ger camp, set among the beauty of the rolling steppe.

Head back to Ulaanbaatar, watching the shift between landscapes out of the window as you go. On arrival, enjoy lunch and then a free afternoon. This evening, a farewell meal is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventures with your fellow travellers.

Transfer to the airport and fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.