Explore China & Tibet: 15-Day Tour from Istanbul

Direct Flight to the Capital of the Chinese Empire Meet with representatives from Ejder Tourism and your tour leader at 23:00 in the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport. Please note: The flight takes place after midnight (at 02:10). After ticket and passport procedures, board Turkish Airlines flight TK 20 for a direct flight to Beijing, the capital of China, departing at 02:10. Flight: THY TK 20 | Istanbul (IST) Beijing (PEK) | 02:10 16:15 | Direct, approximately 9h 05m [Entry to China - passport control with pre-obtained visa] Arrive in Beijing at 16:15 local time. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar (Beijing) Meals: Dinner included

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day panoramic city tour of Beijing. Tiananmen Square: The site where the founding of the People's Republic of China was announced and the largest city square in the world. Here you will find the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Monument to the People's Heroes. Forbidden City - A UNESCO World Heritage site, this palace complex was the center of the Chinese Empire for nearly 500 years. Spanning 72 hectares, it was home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its name translates to "the city that the people could not enter." Lunch - at a local restaurant. Temple of Heaven - A UNESCO site, this elegant structure was built during the Ming Dynasty and is where emperors prayed to the heavens. It is one of the unique examples of traditional Chinese architecture, symbolizing the philosophical concepts of circle and square (heaven and earth). Short shopping break at a local handicraft store in Beijing. Dinner at a local restaurant - experience traditional Peking Duck. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

The Greatest Structure in Human History After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off for a tour of the Great Wall of China, the most iconic structure in China. GREAT WALL (China SEDDİ) - UNESCO: 21,196 kilometers long - from east to west One of the greatest engineering projects in human history "One of the New 7 Wonders of the World" Today, we will enter one of the well-preserved sections open to visitors, either Badaling or Mutianyu. Enjoy a walk along the walls with breathtaking views - an experience of stepping on the greatest evidence of Chinese history. Lunch will be at a local Chinese restaurant. We will take a shopping break at a center showcasing traditional Chinese handicrafts and local products. Return to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy free time or join an optional guided experience featuring a traditional Chinese duck menu. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 Meals: Breakfast, lunch included

HSR Bullet Train + Ancient Capital Early morning departure from the hotel with luggage and transfer to Beijing West Station. Train: High-Speed Train G87 | Beijing to Xian North | 07:00 - 11:35 | Approximately 5 hours, 300+ km/h Upon arrival in Xian, you will be greeted by a private vehicle for a half-day panoramic city tour. Xian City Tour: Ancient City Walls - dating back to the 14th century, some of the best-preserved city walls in the world Bell Tower and Drum Tower - the traditional center of the city Muslim Quarter - the living area of the Hui Muslim community in China, showcasing Chinese Islamic architecture and traditional street food Explore the area with short walks accompanied by a guide. Accommodation: Mercure on Renmin Square Xian 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast included

The 8th Wonder of the World - 3rd Century BC Underground Army After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, one of China's most significant archaeological discoveries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Terracotta Army: Constructed in the 3rd century BC A massive underground army built to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Thousands of life-sized soldiers, officers, horses, and chariots Accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1974 Each soldier's face is uniquely different - a marvel of art and archaeology. The guide will provide detailed information about the history of the period and this incredible construction process. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will return to the city center of Xian. Free time - explore the city walls or the Muslim Quarter. Accommodation: Mercure on Renmin Square Xian 4 Meals: Breakfast, lunch included

Home of the Adorable Pandas After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Xian North train station to Chengdu at 08:45. Train: High-Speed Train | Xian Chengdu East | 08:45 12:40 | Approximately 3h 55min Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center: This center is dedicated to the conservation of giant pandas, which have become a symbol of China. It is one of the most popular places for visitors wanting to see baby pandas. Visit to the habitats of the giant pandas Baby panda nursery (seasonal and luck-dependent) Information about the pandas' eating habits and life cycle Walk through bamboo gardens In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Chengdu city center - a tasting of Sichuan cuisine (China's spiciest region: mapo tofu, kungpao chicken). Accommodation: Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Road Hotel 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Mystical Capital in the Heart of the Himalayas After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Chengdu Tianfu Airport. Domestic Flight: Air China | Chengdu to Lhasa (LXA/Gonggar) | 14:30 - 17:05 | 2h 35m [Tibet entry - Tibet Travel Permit mandatory check; included in the package] LHASA - THE CAPITAL OF THE HIMALAYAS 3,600 meters above sea level Capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region An unforgettable experience with its mystical atmosphere ALTITUDE WARNING: Upon arrival in Lhasa, altitude sickness may be felt. A low-paced city introduction and slow movement on the arrival day are important. Symptoms: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea. Altitude Recommendations: Drink plenty of water (3-4 L/day) Butter tea (local remedy) No heavy physical activity in the first 24-48 hours Diamox (acetazolamide) can be taken with a doctor's recommendation Guests with chronic heart/lung conditions should obtain medical approval before travel Meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at a Tibetan restaurant - tsampa, butter cheese, momo (Tibetan dumplings). Accommodation: Thangka Hotel Lhasa 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Potala Palace + Jokhang Temple + Barkhor Street After breakfast, enjoy a full day of exploring Tibet. Potala Palace - UNESCO World Heritage Site The former winter palace of the Dalai Lama A symbol of Tibetan Buddhism A magnificent 13-story structure perched on the city's peak, silhouetted against the mountains At an altitude of 3,700 meters - one of the highest palaces in the world Inside, discover thousands of religious artifacts, frescoes, Buddha statues, and sacred manuscripts Expanded since the 7th century to take its current form. A breathtaking structure that represents the spiritual power of Tibet. Lunch Jokhang Temple The spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. A sacred temple referred to as "the heart of Tibet" by the Dalai Lama. Every day, thousands of Tibetan pilgrims perform prayer walks - prostration rituals. Barkhor Street A traditional Tibetan market. Witness the local people's prayer walks (kora) and shop for handmade Tibetan souvenirs (prayer wheels, mandalas, Buddha statues, Tibetan carpets). Accommodation: Thangka Hotel Lhasa 4 Meals: Breakfast, lunch included

From the Himalayas to the Yangtze River After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel. Domestic Flight: Air China | Lhasa to Chongqing | 09:40 to 12:00 | 2h 20m Arrival in Chongqing. A short panoramic tour of the city center and the port area with a local guide. Check-in for the Yangtze River Cruise Ship The ship departs at 21:00. Dinner on board. Yangtze River Information: The third longest river in the world (6,300 km), the longest river in China, and the lifeblood of the country. Symbolic river of Chinese history, highlighted in Mao's poem "Swimming in the Yangtze" (1956). Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4 Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Taoist Other World + Captain's Welcome Cocktail Cruise along the Yangtze, the longest river in China. Enjoy a buffet breakfast on board while taking in the stunning river views. Fengdu Ghost City Shore Excursion: An ancient city based on Taoist beliefs. Symbols of the other world in Chinese mythology, including hell deities and demons. Traditional temples, giant statues, and a mystical atmosphere - a unique experience found in no other culture. Optional (extra): Shibaozhai Pagoda - a 12-story wooden pagoda built on a steep rock. One of the most impressive structures along the Yangtze River. Onboard Programs: Tai Chi morning exercise Chinese tea ceremony Mini presentations on Chinese culture Captain's Welcome Cocktail Dinner program + live music All meals on board (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included (full board)

World-Famous Three Gorges + Tujia Culture Today, explore the most captivating natural beauties along the Yangtze River. THREE GORGES: Qutang Gorge A narrow and dramatic passage, known for its steep cliffs and mystical atmosphere, is one of the most photogenic spots in China. It is the shortest but the most dramatic of the three gorges. Wu Gorge Offers a calm and elegant view. Misty mountain silhouettes and winding currents create a fairytale atmosphere. This gorge is a favorite among Chinese poets. Xiling Gorge Stands out with its turbulent waters and steep cliffs. It is the longest of the three gorges. (÷ . Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) Shore Excursion: Experience the immense silence and beauty of nature as you navigate through narrow valleys and high mountains on small boats. Tujia Ethnic Culture: Ancient coffins carved into cliffs (centuries-old funeral tradition) Traditional Tujia rituals Local music and dance performances Evening Captain's Farewell Party - Enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine and entertainment with fellow travelers. Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

The World's Largest Hydroelectric Power Plant + China's Modern Face In the morning, the ship docks at Maoping Port. After breakfast, disembarkation and exit procedures. THREE GORGES DAM: The world's largest hydroelectric power plant (22,500 MW capacity) A source of engineering pride for China Controls the flow of the Yangtze River Includes an observation terrace, museum, and system introduction Used for energy supply during the 2008 Beijing Olympics Optional experience (extra): A massive ship lift system that raises ships 113 meters. After the dam visit, transfer to the city center of Yichang. Proceed to Yichang Sanxia Airport (SHS). Domestic Flight: China Eastern Airlines MU 2688 | Yichang (SHS) to Shanghai (PVG) | 18:30 - 20:30 | 2 hours, Direct Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast included

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a city tour of Shanghai, one of China's most modern and populous cities, where traditional Chinese culture meets Western lifestyle. Jade Buddha Temple This temple is famous for its seated and reclining Buddha statues made from jade, offering a serene atmosphere. Visit to a Silk Workshop Experience the ancient silk craftsmanship of China with an observation of the production process and shopping opportunities. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring Shanghai cuisine, including xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and sweet and sour fish. Yuyuan Garden One of China's most famous classical gardens, built in 1559. Explore its ponds, stone bridges, dragon-themed walls, and traditional Ming dynasty architecture. Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony At an authentic tea house, sample various types of tea and learn about the intricacies of Chinese tea culture from your guide. Nanjing Road + The Bund Nanjing Road is Shanghai's most famous shopping street. The Bund is an iconic area where modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic European architecture along the banks of the Huangpu River.

Return to Home After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or exploring the streets of Shanghai. In the evening, check out of the hotel and transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Flight: THY TK 27 | Shanghai (PVG) to Istanbul (IST) | 22:50 06:05 (+1) | Direct, approximately 12h 15m Overnight: On the plane

06:05 Arrival in the Homeland You will arrive at Istanbul Airport at 06:05 local time. Our 15-day adventure through China, Tibet, and the Yangtze comes to a close here. From the Forbidden City in Beijing to the endless stretch of the Great Wall, from Xi'an's Terracotta Army to Chengdu's adorable pandas, from the Potala Palace in Lhasa to the drama of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze, and from the Bund skyline in Shanghai to the Ming artistry of Yu Garden, we thank you for choosing us for this unique journey. We hope to see you on our other tours!