Beijing, Yunnan & Laos Discovery

Once you have arrived in Beijing, you will be met and transferred privately to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours - a good chance to settle in and, if you're up for it, take a first wander through the surrounding streets or find somewhere local for dinner.

This morning you visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of imperial architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, where you'll often find local people practising their morning exercises in the surrounding park. From here you head to Tian'anmen Square, one of the world's most impressive public plazas and the site where the People's Republic of China was founded.

After lunch, explore the Forbidden City - the largest ancient palatial complex in the world and the best-preserved imperial palace in China, its halls and gardens steeped in centuries of history. Later, take a stroll through the hutongs of the Houhai area. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Please note: entry to the Forbidden City excludes special exhibitions.

Today you drive out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a remarkable feat of Chinese engineering set against dramatic mountain scenery, and a real monument to human endeavour. There is time to take it in before lunch.

On the way back to the city you stop at a jade shop, then continue to the Summer Palace, the former retreat of the imperial family. Its beautifully decorated buildings and courtyards look out over Kunming Lake, and the grounds offer some of the finest views in the city. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Please note: the Great Wall visit excludes the cable car,the Summer Palace visit excludes the boat, theatre and Longevity Hill.

Beijing - Kunming. After breakfast, you are transferred privately to the airport for your flight to Kunming, with your economy-class ticket included in the package. On arrival you are met by your driver and taken to your hotel to check in.

The remainder of the day is free. You might use the time to rest after the journey or head out to get a first feel for the city and find somewhere nearby to eat.

Kunming - Pu'er. After breakfast, we transfer to the train station and take the fast train south to Pu'er. The journey will take around 3 hours, and we will be transferred to the village of Nakeli on arrival. This was once a critical trading route connecting Yunnan to Tibet and Central China. Known as the Tea-Horse Road, it was through this trade network that tea first spread across Asia from its humble beginnings in Pu'er.

We enjoy lunch in the village and take a stroll through the pretty area, which is full of flowers and tea fumes. Later, we enjoy a short hike along a section of the Tea-Horse Road. We won't make you walk all the way, after a short hike, we are collected and transferred back to Pu'er for the night.

Pu'er - Xishuangbanna. Today we explore the Nannuo Mountain area, known for its long history of tea production. See many tea trees aged up to 500 years and enjoy a 2-hour hike in a tea plantation. There is also an included tea-making experience before we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Leaving Pu'er, we continue south towards the border, stopping in a typical Dai minority village on our way to Xishuangbanna. This autonomous prefecture is known for its Dai minority population, tropical climate and unique culture. The evening is free in this lesser-visited city.

This morning we visit the Tropical Botanical Garden. Covering an area of more than 1,125 hectares, the gardens date to 1959 and are home to more than 13,000 species of tropical plant. We explore the eastern part of the park, reminiscent of an old growth rainforest. Wander through paved trails taking in the different species here. The more popular western part of the park is home to a series of specialized gardens. We can visit the most popular, Exotic Flower Garden to see all manner of rare and unique flowers.

We tuck into an included lunch before heading back to Xishuangbanna. This afternoon we visit Manting Park, a village-style rural park in the heart of the city. See Dai and Thai style buildings and local people in traditional dress. We also visit the General Buddhist Temple, which was built in 615 AD.

In the evening, we visit Gaozhuang night market, one of the largest night markets in Asia and dramatically located in the shadow of the impressive Dajinta Temple. We recommend trying some fresh local street food at the market for your dinner.

Xishuangbanna - Luang Prabang (Laos). Say goodbye to China today as we transfer to the railway station after breakfast and board the rapid train to Luang Prabang in Laos, via Boten port. We recommend you bring something for lunch with you on the train, and make sure you have a valid Laotian visa, should you need one.

On arrival at Luang Prabang station, we will transfer you to our hotel for the night. The evening is at leisure.

Today we explore Luang Prabang on a guided tour in a private minivan. Our adventure begins at the bustling morning market, where the vibrant colours and aromas of local produce set the tone for the day. From there, we’ll wander through the city's revered ancient temples, each a masterpiece of spiritual and architectural significance. Discover relics from a bygone era, delve into the fascinating history of the former Lao kingdoms, and admire the intricate local crafts that have been passed down through generations. We also take in the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, where the legacy of the Lao monarchy comes to life.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang is a city where time seems to stand still. Its serene atmosphere, lush tropical landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it an irresistible destination for travellers seeking both beauty and history. Lunch is included, and the rest of the day after our tour is free for you to relax at the hotel, or head out and explore the city further at your own pace.

Today is completely at leisure. Unwind at the hotel, explore independently or choose from one of the following optional excursions. You can book and pay for both of these optional tours locally.

Your first option is a cycling adventure out of Luang Prabang and into the remote countryside of the Mekong. Pedal down single tracks, pass rice paddies and rural villages as you explore. Sample local snacks, spot water buffalo and return to Luang Prabang on the ferry after a day of adventure.

Alternatively, enjoy a jungle trek. This excursion includes a transfer by private vehicle and boat to a remote area outside Luang Prabang. Here, you will hike a moderate distance through stunning jungle scenery, with a backdrop of karst mountains. Stop at a traditional Khmu village for lunch and complete your hike to the impressive Tad Sae Waterfall (water levels can run low between February - August) before returning to Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang - Vientiane. Today you travel on to Vientiane by morning train, with your driver handling the transfers to and from the stations. On arrival, the rest of the day is free - a good chance to ease into the Laotian capital, perhaps along the riverside or over a relaxed lunch.

The following day is also yours to enjoy. You could spend it visiting the city's temples, or take things slowly with a wander along the Mekong.

Please note: transfers on the travel day are with the driver only, with no guiding service.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast today. There is an included departure transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.