Urban, historic, modern, this tour seamlessly pulls together the highlights of China with private guides and private car/drivers throughout to give you flexibility when you need it.

Start in Beijing at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings. Witness the modern glamour of the Olympic Green and the ancient marvel of the Great Wall at Mutianyu - one of the most scenic stretches. Experience China by the romance of rail and explore more history in Xi'an, Tang dynasty capital of China and home to the world famous Terracotta Soldiers.

Finish in the vibrant city of Shanghai amidst the energy of its re-emergence as a global center through a city tour and visit to the World's Fair - Expo 2010 (which will be in Shanghai from May to October 2010).

Includes internal airfare, deluxe lunches per itinerary, private vehicle transfers, expert English-speaking guides, activities and entrance fees.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. All guestrooms feature Western décor, earth tone colors, dark wood-edge finishes, and are furnished with lounge chairs in sandstone colors, wooden desks, TV cabinets, and climate-controlled air-conditioning. The fitness center features panoramic views of the city and has a sauna, steam room, and massage facilities.

Beijing is China's foremost city and capital for twenty four successive emperors. Some of the major sights include: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Summer Palace. The complete range of Chinese cuisine can be found in the capital, and evening entertainment is superb.

You will be picked up from your Beijing hotel and taken on a half day private guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with a deluxe lunch. Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and was the front door of the Forbidden City. The present square stretches a vast 440,000 square meters and features Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings across 74 hectares, surrounded by a six meter deep moat and a ten meter wall, and divided into two parts. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty reigned here until 1924. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Park Plaza (Wangfujing).

You will be picked up by private car and English speaking guide for a tour of the Great Wall at MuTianYu located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. En route, pass by the site of the Olympic Green to view the grandeur of the site and architectural wonder of buildings like the "Cube" and the "Bird's Nest". The extent of access to the Olympic area depends on the status on post-Olympic development but currently includes access inside the buildings. Lunch is included Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Park Plaza (Wangfujing).

You will be picked up by private car and English speaking guide for a half day private guided tour of the Summer Palace and Temple of heaven. The Summer Palace occupies an area of 294 hectares (726.5 acres), three quarters of which is water. Classically designed as an archetypal Chinese garden, it is ranked amongst the most noted gardens of the world and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven. The most magnificent buildings are The Circular Mound Altar (Yuanqiutan), Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu) and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest (Qiniandian) - which are connected by a wide bridge called the Sacred Way. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy a transfer to/from train station with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Board your overnight train bound for Xi'an. Choose either the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks) or opt for the private 2 person berth (two lower bunks only). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 11-13 hours.

Train station to hotel or hotel to train station transfer by private car with professional tour guide. Enjoy a full day private guided city tour with the first stop on as the Terra Cotta Army. Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. Continuing with the tour is another visit to the Ancient City Wall. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers from one of the oldest and most complete city defences are still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre you can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side. The last leg of the tour is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.
Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

The Grand Mercure Xian on Renmin Square is housed in a low-rise heritage building built in 1957 on the sprawling grounds of Renmin Square Xian. With a Sino-Russian style façade fronting lush gardens, the structure is a charming blend of old, classic architecture and modern, sophisticated facilities including a stunning grand lobby. Complementing its charming ambience, Grand Mercure is a boutique hotel offering guests personalized service. Its rooms and suites are decked in contemporary Oriental décor in rich fabrics and are well equipped with complete amenities for a comfortable, convenient stay. It features a breakfast buffet restaurant and lounge; and guests have access to other facilities and services offered at its nearby sister hotel, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square.

Xi'an was the capital of China's first emperor whose tomb is guarded by the world famous terracotta warriors.

Beyond the Terracotta warriors Xian possesses a strong legacy from when it was the capital of China. This includes the walled old city with its temples, mosques and museums waiting right outside your hotel. Direct flight from Xi'an to Shanghai. Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy an airport transfer in Shanghai with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking Guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

The Astor House Hotel, also known as the Pujiang Hotel, opened in 1846 as China's first International Hotel. With an illustrious history serving guests such as Albert Einstein and hostong China's first use of electricity, this hotel offers a rare immersion in the history of Shanghai. Located right on the historic Bund, overlooking the river, the hotel has 130 luxurious guestrooms, including three types of suites with modern amenities. Though renovations have updated the amenities, the hotel maintains is original architecture. Richard restaurant serves international dishes and Shanghai specialties, while the bar is an ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail. Discover the exciting city of Shanghai, with the historic Astor House Hotel as your base.

Shanghai is the symbol of "New China", bustling and busy with excellent shopping. With an eclectic architectural mix from Asian infused Victorian and Art Deco to 21st Century avant-garde, Shanghai is an exciting, ever-changing metropolis. Popular attractions range from the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum to modern wonders like the Oriental Pearl Tower. Landmarks of the city include the French Concession and historic waterfront known as the Bund. Shanghai is an excellent base from which to explore the canal towns of the Yangtze delta as well as nearby Suzhou or Hangzhou. Shanghai will host the 2010 World's Fair.

Enjoy a half day private guided tour of Shanghai taking in the Urban Planning Museum, Nanjing Rd, Bund, a cruise on the Huangpu and the character of Yuyuan Gardens. Start with a short visit to the Urban Planning Hall, a fun and informative introduction to the exciting city of Shanghai past and future. Strolling down Nanjing Rd, once listed as one of the most interesting in the world, you will arrive at the historic Bund. Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu river that divides old Shanghai from the futuristic Pudong before venturing to the old quarter and Yuyuan gardens. Much of this tour is best done by foot. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Astor Hotel (Pujiang) .

Running from May 1 to October 31 2010, EXPO 2010 Shanghai is China's follow-up to Beijing 2008 and is going to be the place to be in 2010. For more information visit: http://en.expo2010.cn Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Astor Hotel (Pujiang) .

Transfer from central Shanghai with a driver, and English-speaking Guide to the Maglev station in Pudong from where you can complete your airport transfer in about 8 minutes at speeds of over 400 km/h. (Warning - involves a little walking). Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Shanghai international airport - end of itinerary.