China and Laos: Two Worlds, One Journey

Then, we’ll set out to explore the city. We’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house. We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.

Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We’ll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers. Next, we’ll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai’s impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong. Our tour will continue in Shanghai’s Old City, where we’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also an explanation of traditional tea, an integral part of Chinese culture. We’ll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city’s most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. We’ll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city’s past.

Arrival. Lunch will be included. After lunch, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China’s most remarkable cultural treasures. We’ll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.

Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we’ll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.

Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We’ll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we’ll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization. Lunch will be included.

This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history. Free time for lunch.

Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Next, we’ll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city’s identity. We’ll enter the Great Mosque of Xian, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we’ll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.

Arrival at this village near Jade Lake. At the Naxi Culture Interpretation Center (entrance included), we will dress in traditional local attire and take part in calligraphy lessons. The Naxi people are known for preserving the Dongba script, a unique form of pictographic writing still used in religious rituals. Considered the only living pictographic writing system in the world, each symbol represents ideas or concepts rather than sounds. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

This is one of Lijiang’s most charming spots, offering a perfect combination of natural scenery and traditional Chinese architecture.

Here, time seems to have stood still: traditional markets, wooden architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere invite us to discover its Buddhist and caravan heritage. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

The main structure, the Qianxun Pagoda—almost 70 meters tall—is one of the highest and best-preserved Buddhist pagodas in southern China. By shuttle (included), we will ride up to the vast Chongsheng Temple complex located behind the pagodas: courtyards, ponds, stairways, Buddhist halls, and scenic viewpoints. The natural surroundings create a sense of calm and grandeur. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

We will visit Yuantong Temple (admission included), Kunming’s most important Buddhist temple, featuring ponds, ancient halls, and a serene atmosphere. We continue to Green Lake Park, a lively park filled with water lilies, bridges, music, and plenty of local life. At the Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market—an old and traditional market—we will experience a truly authentic atmosphere. We finish in the lively Kunming Laojie Old District, the historical and cultural heart of the city. This vibrant pedestrian area blends traditional architecture with modern commerce. Return to the hotel and accommodation.

We will travel more than 1,000 kilometers in approximately eight hours (not counting immigration control stops). This is one of the most modern international railway routes in Asia.

We begin the visit at the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where the treasures of the ancient Kingdom of Laos are preserved. Just a short walk away, we admire the elegance of Wat Mai Temple, with its five-tiered roof and delicate golden decorations. Afterwards, we visit Wat Xieng Thong (Temple of the Golden City), the most important Buddhist monument in Laos and a jewel of Laotian architecture, featuring roofs that slope almost to the ground and dazzling mosaics.

At dawn, barefoot Buddhist monks dressed in saffron-colored robes walk in single file through the city streets, carrying wicker baskets to receive food offerings from local residents. Visit to a local market, followed by a return to the hotel.

Nature amazes us with this spectacular multi-tiered waterfall system that flows into turquoise pools, perfect for swimming. Surrounded by tropical jungle and natural trails, it offers an idyllic and refreshing setting to enjoy nature and tranquility. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

Arrival at a local home to participate in the traditional Baci ceremony, during which the officiant calls back the spirits to attract positive influences. A white cotton string is then tied around participants’ wrists as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. You will have the privilege of taking part in this sacred experience. Dinner included. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.