China & Japan Trip 19 Days: The Wonders of the East

Your journey through China begins upon arrival in Beijing, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day free to rest, recover from jet lag, or begin experiencing the city’s unique energy.

Your adventure continues with an excursion to the Great Wall of China, one of the country's most impressive landmarks. You can choose between two sections, Mutianyu or Jinshanling, depending on your preferences.

• Mutianyu: a restored section surrounded by green mountains, ideal for enjoying spectacular views and exploring the wall comfortably. You can take the cable car up and, for a different experience, ride the famous toboggan back down.
• Jinshanling: a quieter, less crowded section featuring both restored and original stretches of the wall. It's ideal for those looking to enjoy natural scenery and a hike with panoramic views.

At the end of the visit, you'll return to Beijing.

Free day to explore Beijing at your own pace. We recommend visiting Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, three of the city’s most iconic landmarks, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the former imperial capital. Alternatively, you can book an optional private guided activity or shared group excursion to explore the city accompanied by a guide.

Free day to continue exploring Beijing at your own pace. We recommend visiting the Summer Palace, the Lama Temple and Jingshan Park, as well as exploring the hutongs, the city’s traditional narrow alleyways, where you can discover a more local side of Beijing.

Alternatively, you can book an optional private guided activity or shared group excursion to explore the city accompanied by a guide.

In the morning, take the train to Xi’an and enjoy the scenery along the way.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Xi’an at your own pace. You can stroll through the Muslim Quarter, full of food stalls, shops and local atmosphere, and visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the city’s best-known landmarks.

Free day to explore Xi’an at your own pace and discover the city independently. We recommend visiting the Terracotta Warriors and walking along the Xi’an City Wall, two of the city’s highlights. You can also explore the historic centre and enjoy the atmosphere of its traditional streets and neighbourhoods. If you prefer, you can also optionally book a private guided activity or a shared group excursion to explore the city accompanied by a guide.

In the morning, you’ll head to the train station to take the train to Shanghai, enjoying the journey and the scenery along the way.

Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day will be free to start exploring Shanghai at your own pace.

Enjoy free time to explore Shanghai at your own pace. We recommend visiting Yu Garden and the City God Temple, followed by a walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the city's most popular areas. Continue to the Bund to enjoy views of the Huangpu River, the Pudong skyline and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

To finish the day, head to Tianzifang, a neighbourhood full of small shops, galleries and cafés, perfect for dinner or a drink while strolling through its streets.

If you prefer, you can also optionally book a private guided activity or a shared group excursion to explore the city with a guide.

Enjoy a free day in Shanghai, with no scheduled activities, to explore the city at your own pace. You can immerse yourself in Chinese culture at the Shanghai Museum, stroll through Fuxing Park or Century Park to discover everyday life in the city, or spend a fun-filled day at Shanghai Disneyland.

If you'd like to venture beyond the city, you can also choose an optional excursion to Zhujiajiao, a picturesque water town with traditional bridges and canals, or to Suzhou, famous for its classical gardens and ancient canals.

Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Osaka, Japan's vibrant culinary capital, known for its lively neighbourhoods, street food and friendly atmosphere. After arriving at your hotel and settling in, the rest of the day is yours to relax, unwind from the journey, or head out to discover your first glimpse of Japan.

Today, you’ll explore Osaka at your own pace. You can start by visiting Osaka Castle and its gardens, continue to Umeda to enjoy the views from the Umeda Sky Building, and finish the day in Namba and Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka, surrounded by bright lights, shops, and local cuisine.

If you prefer, you can also add an optional guided tour to discover the city with a guide.

In the morning, take the train to Kyoto and enjoy the scenery along the way. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace.

We recommend visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha before heading to Kiyomizu-dera. Wander through the charming historic streets and discover the nearby temples and shrines while soaking up Kyoto’s timeless atmosphere.

Free day to explore Kyoto independently and discover some of its most picturesque spots. We recommend starting in Arashiyama, strolling through its famous bamboo grove and visiting Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge. In the afternoon, you can head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and wander through the traditional streets of Higashiyama, filled with small shops, local sweets and temples.

Alternatively, you can book an optional guided activity to explore the city accompanied by a guide.

Today, you’ll travel to Nara using the Kintetsu Rail Pass, Japan’s ancient capital, to explore independently and discover its temples and natural surroundings. You can visit Nara Park, explore Todai-ji Temple and head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, enjoying its walking paths and the city’s famous deer.

Alternatively, you can book an optional guided activity to discover Nara accompanied by a guide.

Enjoy your last day in Kyoto at your own pace. Take the opportunity to revisit a favourite spot, explore one of the city’s traditional neighbourhoods, do some last-minute shopping, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto.

For a special farewell to the city, you can also choose an optional Japanese experience, such as a traditional tea ceremony, where you can learn about this centuries-old custom and enjoy Japanese tea in an authentic setting.

This morning, take the high-speed train from Kyoto to Tokyo. Once you arrive, leave your luggage at the hotel and start exploring the city. Tokyo awaits with its unique combination of energy, modernity and tradition.

Free day to explore Tokyo independently. We recommend starting in Asakusa, visiting the traditional Senso-ji Temple, then heading to Ueno Park and the lively Ameyoko Market, where you’ll find shops, food stalls and local products. In the afternoon, you can make your way to Shinjuku to enjoy the city views and finish the day in Kabukicho, surrounded by neon lights and Tokyo’s vibrant atmosphere.

Alternatively, you can book an optional guided activity to explore the city accompanied by a guide.

Enjoy your day in Tokyo at your own pace and discover some of the areas you may not have visited yet. Wander through the colourful streets of Harajuku and Takeshita Street, enjoy the futuristic atmosphere of Odaiba, or explore the elegant shops and galleries of Ginza. For a pop-culture experience, head to Akihabara, the heart of anime, electronics and gaming.

In the evening, you can add an optional Japanese experience, such as a sumo dinner experience, combining traditional Japanese cuisine with the opportunity to learn more about Japan’s iconic national sport.