Explore two ancient nations in 16 well-packed days on this unique adventure that takes you from the epic lengths of the Great Wall of China to the vibrant pulse of Osaka. Hop aboard trains and ferries and face an army of Terracotta Warriors for a 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.
Day 1: BeijingArrive at any time.
Day 2: BeijingEnjoy an included visit to the Great Wall. Later, explore Tiananmen Square.
Day 3: Beijing/Xi'anTake the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.
Day 4: Xi'an/SuzhouVisit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. Continue exploring Xi'an with a visit to the Ancient City Wall and the Muslim Quarters. Tonight, board an overnight train to Suzhou.
Day 5: SuzhouWake this morning and grab coffee and a snack on the train as you prepare to pull into Suzhou. After arrival, visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Shantang Street. Enjoy a free dinner before riding the metro back to the hotel with your CEO.
Day 6: Suzhou/ShanghaiThis morning, ride the bullet train to Shanghai. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the famed Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road before a free evening in Shanghai.
Day 7: ShanghaiThis morning, join your CEO for an orientation walk around the city to see the shops and historic buildings. Join your CEO at the Shanghai Museum or head out to venture through this beautiful city on your own. Maybe start with a visit to the nearby Yuyuan Gardens.
Day 8: Shanghai/OsakaHop on a flight from Shanghai to Osaka. Take the evening to explore the city.
Day 9: Osaka/KōyasanTravel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
Day 10: Kōyasan/HiroshimaWatch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon.
Day 11: HiroshimaThis morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.
Day 12: Hiroshima/KyotoTravel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour.
Day 13: KyotoEnjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time.
Day 14: Kyoto/HakoneTake a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs.
Day 15: Hakone/TokyoHead to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping.
Day 16: TokyoDepart at any time.
