Explorer-in-Residence tour featuring Oliver (Olly) Steed. Oliver is regarded as one of the most influential and pioneering explorers of his generation. Oliver formerly managed ABC News’ Asia news operations from their Beijing HQ. He went on to become an Emmy nominated investigative journalist and broadcaster. In the Discovery Channel series “Solving History with Olly Steeds”, he explores some of the great mysteries of the world including Atlantis, Ark of the Covenant, and El Dorado (Lost City of Gold). He has lived with and presented 3 acclaimed Tribal Series: ‘Living with the Kombai’ and‘ Living with the Mek’ both in New Guinea and ‘Living with the Machigenga’ in the Peruvian Amazon. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the Explorers Club, and the Scientific Exploration Society. He speaks Mandarin, French and some tribal languages. As you personal guide to China, he will give you the real 'Inside Scoop'.

Begin your journey in Beijing where you will stay at the Pangu 7 Star hotel. Enjoy private tours of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Ming Tombs. Special events include a multiple course dinner prepared for you by students of Mr Cheng Ruming (chef to Chairman Mao Zedong), Peking Opera with VIP seating, and Peking Duck dinner. In Xian, your private guide will take you past the ropes with a VIP pass into the Terra Cotta Warriors pit. Enjoy a private lecture from local experts at the nearby museum. Explore the five holy shrines on the top of Mount Hua Shan with spectacular and dizzying scenery. Relax with VIP seats at the Tang Dynasty show. Finish your tour in Shanghai at the Four Seasons, and on your first night enjoy a dinner at Elong Courg restaurant. Your private tours will take you to the Shanghai Museum, City Planning Hall, River Cruise, Bund and Yuyuan Gardens - plus a full day to visit the "Venice of China". Finish with dinner in one of Shanghai's most luxurious dining establishments: 100 Century Avenue Restaurant, located on the top floors of one of the city's tallest buildings, offers exceptional food and stunning views of the night skyline.

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.

Oliver (Olly) is the youngest of 50 of the world’s leading explorers featured in ‘Faces of Exploration’ alongside such luminaries as Buzz Aldrin, Dr. Jane Goodall, Sir Edmund Hilary, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes where he’s described as “a representative of the new generation: modern, media savvy, high-tech, digital adventurer”. He is regarded as one of the most influential and pioneering explorers of his generation. Oliver is Director of Digital Explorer and founder of the Academy of Exploration. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the Explorers Club, and the Scientific Exploration Society. He speaks Mandarin, French and some tribal languages. Oliver has travelled, explored and caused trouble in over 100 countries including expeditions in Mongolia, Mauritania, Niger, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, China, Syria, Jordan, the Amazon and New Guinea. “The Real Indiana Jones” – Meredith Viera – NBC TODAY

Oliver is also an acclaimed investigative journalist and broadcaster. In the Discovery Channel series “Solving History with Olly Steeds”, he explores some of the great mysteries of the world including Atlantis, Ark of the Covenant, Nazi Treasure (The Amber Room), Nazca Lines, El Dorado (Lost City of Gold) and even escaped from Devil’s Island (aka Papillion). Oliver has spent a large quantity of time living with and documenting some of the world’s last tribes including presenting 3 acclaimed Tribal Series: ‘Living with the Kombai’ and‘ Living with the Mek’ both in New Guinea and ‘Living with the Machigenga’ in the Peruvian Amazon. His investigative reporting has featured on ABC, Channel 4, BBC and Al Jazeera English. His work has been nominated for Emmys and Overseas Press Awards. Oliver formerly managed ABC News’ Asia news operations from their Beijing HQ. Regarded highly in his industry, Oliver is a reknowned public speaker, entertaining and challenging audiences from schools to board rooms.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Pangu 7 Star Hotel is China’s newest icon and the latest masterpiece of world-renowned architect C.Y. Lee, the man behind Taipei 101, the world’s second tallest building. The hotel is the pinnacle of Pangu Plaza, featuring breathtaking views of Beijing’s Olympic theatre of dreams as well as world class office space, restaurants, lavish residences and the breathtakingly opulent Sky Courtyards.

Overnight at Pangu 7 Star Hotel.

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Full day private guided tour of Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with a deluxe lunch (is included). Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and stretches a vast 440,000 square meters. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings. 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. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven.

Enjoy a dinner designed by Chairman Mao Zedong's chef - Mr. Cheng Ruming, and prepared by his students. Mr. Cheng Ruming has been selected as the National culinary master consultant for the Palace Museum and Imperial Kitchen. His guests have included Mao Zedong, state leaders, heads of state along with many important foreign guests. This restaurant is located in a private courtyard near the Forbidden City, and is not opened to public.

Overnight at Pangu 7 Star Hotel.

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Full day guided tour of the Great Wall at Badaling, about 50 miles north of Beijing at the highest point of Guan'gou gorge. The wall of Badaling has a total length of 3,741 meters with an average height of 8 meters. The top of the wall can permit five horses to be ridden abreast. Includes lunch at local restaurant. Drive to the Ming Tombs - the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The mausoleums and necropolis are notable for their palatial architecture. Originally built as the tomb of Emperor Zhu Di and his empresses; The succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built closely nearby in a grand complex.

Enjoy a deluxe Peking Duck dinner at DaDong restaurant. Voted by locals as the best Peking Duck in Beijing. Next visit the Huguanghuiguan Peking Opera House where you will have VIP seating for the performance.

Overnight at Pangu 7 Star Hotel.

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

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Direct flight from Beijing to Xi'an.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Enjoy a dinner buffet at the beautiful Shangri La hotel.

Shangri-La Hotel Xian has the very best of the city right on its doorstep such as the finest in shopping and entertainment. The hotel is just a 30-minute drive from Xian International Airport, and is within easy reach of many top tourist attractions. The hotel’s 386 guest rooms and suites set a new standard for deluxe accommodation in Xian and offer four trendsetting designer restaurants. With luxurious spa treatments and a fully equipped health club with heated pool, it's the perfect place to soothe mind, body and soul. Whether you're traveling for pleasure, Shangri-La Hotel, Xian offers exceptional levels of hospitality to further enhance your enjoyment of this magnificent city.

Overnight at Shangri La .

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Enjoy a full day private guided tour, your first stop is 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. Enjoy special access to the Terra Cotta Warriors Pit # 1. This is the restoration area, where you will be allowed to stand side by side with the Warriors. Listen to an expert lecture at the museum. Have a basic lunch in the area, before continuing the tour you will visit 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 ride a bicycle around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.

Enjoy your VIP seats at the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with private car transfers. At each performance there are over 100 artists who entertain with a colorful spectacle of dance and music symbolizing the splendor of the Tang Dynasty, regarded as the most progressive and prosperous era of Imperial China.

Overnight at Shangri La .

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Mt. Huashan, also called "the Great West Mountain" in the past, is one of China's five sacred mountains. It is the tallest among the five great mountains. The mountain flanked by the Yuntai (Cloud Terrace) and Yunu (Jade Maiden) peaks and fronting thirty-six minor peaks, has peculiar peaks, strange rocks, seas of clouds, purling springs as well as flying waterfalls. It is one of the famous mountains as well as a very beautiful scenic spot of China.

While the capital of China long ago moved from Xian to Beijing the culinary capital, when it comes to dumplings, remains. Experience a feast of perhaps China's most popular dish in the city it is best known for through a superb dumpling dinner at the famous Defachang Restaurant.

Overnight at Shangri La .

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 the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Direct flight from Xi'an to Shanghai.

Enjoy an airport transfer in Shanghai with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking Guide.

Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai is ideally located in Shanghai’s downtown. The 37-storey hotel is a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of the bustling metropolis, with 439 guest rooms and suites. Si Ji Xuan serves traditional Cantonese cuisine combined with Shanghainese favourites in an elegant atmosphere. At lunch, guests can choose from a wide selection of dim sum delicacies. For dinner, Chinese specialties and fresh seafood are the focus. Offering discreet, personalized service in a casual yet professional atmosphere, the spa is a tranquil retreat, away from the activity of this busy city. Also enjoy the healing effects of authentic Balinese massages, and experience the luxury of the Four Seasons Shanghai.

Overnight at Four Seasons (5*).

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Shanghai Museum is a veritable treasure house of ancient Chinese art and houses 120,000 precious relics. Bronzes, pottery, paintings and calligraphies are distinctive features of the Museum's collection. Visit 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. Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The garden has six areas, each with its own style, the most popular being the Grand Rockery in the center.

Enjoy lunch at 6 on the Bund restaurant.

Overnight at Four Seasons (5*).

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

Full day private guided tour of Tongli with deluxe lunch. This famous town with thousands of years of history dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC). The city has well-preserved groups of buildings of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is famous for its large number of covered corridors, lanes and bridges. Its flat terrain is marked by a quiet, natural environment with rivers running through it. The quiet water, handsome bridges, and the reflections in the early morning and the rosy sunset, fishing boats and the glistening lights in the evening, form an amazing poetic picture of the Yangtze River. Tonglis is also home to the China Sex Museum. We also stop in Zhouzhuang, which is located 16 miles south east of Suzhou. Zhouzhuang is surrounded and divided by lakes and rivers, 14 stone bridges cross the rivers, showing distinctive views of the water-town. Suzhou is located in the center of the Yangtze Delta, it is praised as the "Oriental Venice" since 42% of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams. Built in 514 BC, Suzhou is an ancient city with a 2500 years' history. The unique characteristics of the past are still retained; the double-chessboard layout with 'the streets and rivers go side by side while the water and land routes run perpendicular'. With its mild climate and fertile landscape making it an available destination all year round, it is no wonder that Suzhou is called 'paradise on earth'.

Enjoy a luxurious dinner at the Park Hyatt's famous restaurant 100 Century Avenue. This is the highest restaurant in Shanghai, with fantastic panoramic views of the city.

Overnight at Four Seasons (5*).

Enjoy the insights and anecdotes of your world famous Explorer-in-Residence.

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.

Overnight at Depart.