China Tour , May 13

ISTANBUL - BEIJING We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing baggage drop-off and passport control procedures, we depart for Beijing on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey continues throughout the night, with overnight stay on the aircraft.

PEKIN Upon our arrival in Beijing, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting for us at the airport and begin exploring this impressive city of Beijing, which presents thousands of years of history alongside modern architecture. First, we set off for our Great Wall & Juyong Pass & Jade Factory & Traditional Chinese Foot Massage Experience tour. Our first stop will be Juyongguan (Juyong) Pass, one of the best-preserved and most important passes of the Great Wall of China. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and forming an important part of the colossal approximately 21,000-kilometre-long defence system, the Great Wall was built and reinforced by different dynasties over the centuries. During our walk on this unique structure stretching between mountains and valleys, we will closely feel the grandeur of Chinese civilization and its strategic importance throughout history. Then, we visit the Jade Factory, where we will closely get to know China's thousands-of-years-old jade-carving tradition. Here, we will have the opportunity to examine valuable jade works and watch master craftsmen applying traditional carving techniques.

BEIJING After breakfast, we set off on an unforgettable journey of discovery through Beijing's thousands of years of history and cultural heritage. On our full-day tour covering the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square, we will explore this fascinating city where ancient Chinese culture and modern life intertwine. First, we visit Tiananmen Square, one of the most important symbols of China and the world. Considered one of the largest squares in the world, this impressive area is the heart of modern Chinese history and has hosted many significant occasions. While discovering the vast square and the monumental structures surrounding it, we will have the opportunity to witness China's recent history up close. Next, we visit the magnificent Forbidden City, where Chinese emperors lived and ruled for centuries. One of the largest palace complexes in the world, this unique structure takes visitors back in time with its splendid palaces, vast courtyards, and impressive architecture. The Forbidden City, which bears traces of China's rich imperial history in every corner, is one of Beijing's most important cultural heritages.

BEIJING – XI’AN After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and begin our pleasant journey toward Xi’an to visit some of the most important heritage sites of Chinese history: the Terracotta Army & Clay Factory & Xi’an City Wall (City Wall) & Muslim Quarter (Muslim Quarter). Upon arrival, we visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological finds in Chinese history. This unique site, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” was built to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Hidden underground for approximately 2,200 years, this magnificent underground army of thousands of soldiers, horses, and war chariots showcases the military might and artistic mastery of ancient China. After our visit to the Terracotta Army, we proceed to the Clay Factory, where we will get an up-close look at the region’s traditional crafts. Here, we will learn about the production techniques of the Terracotta soldiers and have the opportunity to discover the intricacies of traditional Chinese ceramic art. Next, we visit the City Wall (City Wall), one of the most iconic landmarks of Xi’an.

XI'AN – CHONGQING After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we transfer to the train station. We depart from Xi'an to Chongqing by high-speed train. After our pleasant train journey, we arrive in Chongqing. Upon arrival, we begin our enjoyable tour covering Hongya Cave & Ciqikou Ancient Town & Liziba Light Rail Station (the wonder of a train passing through a building). First, we visit Ciqikou Ancient Town (Ciqikou Antik Kasabası), one of the important sites in Chongqing that has preserved its historic character to the present day. This traditional district, with approximately a thousand years of history, brings the atmosphere of old China to life with its stone-paved streets, historic buildings, traditional tea houses, local shops, and regional flavors. Once an important trading centre, Ciqikou is one of the ideal places to closely experience Chongqing's traditional way of life. Next, we visit Liziba Light Rail Station, one of the most fascinating engineering wonders of Chongqing. At this world-famous spot, we will witness the light rail train passing through an apartment building.

CHONGQING – FENGHUANG After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete the check-out procedures and transfer to the train station. We depart from Chongqing to Fenghuang Ancient Town by high-speed train. Following our pleasant train journey, we begin our discovery tour of Fenghuang Ancient Town & Tuojiang River Boat Tour & Thousand-Year-Old Wooden Houses & A Journey Through Time with Traditional Chinese Culture, one of China's most captivating historical settlements. Upon arrival, we first explore the traditional Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) area that stretches along the river. These unique structures, rising in harmony with the mountains and water, are among the most important architectural examples of the region's Tujia and Miao cultures. Afterwards, we take a walk through the historic streets, where we have the opportunity to get to know the traditional shops, local handicrafts, and Fenghuang's distinctive cultural texture up close.

FENGHUANG – ZHANGJIAJIE After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete the check-out procedures and head to the train station. We travel from Fenghuang to Zhangjiajie by high-speed train. After our pleasant train journey, we arrive in Zhangjiajie and set off to explore Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate Mountain), Tianmen Cave and the Glass Bridge, one of China's most impressive natural wonders. We ascend towards the summit by the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, considered one of the longest cable car lines in the world. Throughout the journey, we have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Zhangjiajie's unique mountain landscapes, deep valleys and majestic peaks rising among the clouds. Upon reaching the summit, we take a walk accompanied by impressive views shaped by thousands of years of natural formations. We visit Tianmen Cave, one of the most important highlights of our tour. Known as the "Heaven's Gate," this unique natural formation, with its massive opening within the mountain and impressive appearance, is considered one of the world's most extraordinary natural formations.

ZHANGJIAJIE After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for the captivating tour of the Avatar Mountains Discovery, covering Zhangjiajie National Park, Wulingyuan Natural Area, Bailong Elevator, Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, one of China's most striking natural heritages. First, we enter the Wulingyuan Natural Area, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Famous for its thousands of years of geological formations, majestic rock pillars rising through the mist and lush green forests, this unique area is home to one of China's most striking landscapes. As part of our tour, we will experience the Bailong Elevator. Considered one of the world's highest open-air glass elevators, this impressive structure carries us to the top of the mountain, where we have the chance to admire the majestic rock formations around us and the breathtaking views of the valley. Next, we explore the Yuanjiajie Area. The region that inspired the fantastical mountain landscapes in the world-famous Avatar film, where we visit the unique rock pillars rising toward the sky and the impressive viewpoints.

ZHANGJIAJIE – SHANGHAI After breakfast, we transfer to Zhangjiajie Airport and depart for Shanghai on a domestic flight with a local airline. Upon arrival in Shanghai, one of China’s most modern and cosmopolitan cities, we set out for the Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, Silk Factory & AP Plaza Shopping Tour. Our first stop is Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, one of Shanghai’s most enchanting and best-preserved historic settlements. With a history of around 1,700 years, this unique settlement, with its canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture, is known as the “Venice of Shanghai.” The historic buildings lining the narrow stone streets, traditional houses adorned with wooden carvings and waterside teahouses give visitors a true sense of travelling back in time. Traditional boats gliding along the town’s tranquil canals, streets decorated with red lanterns and an atmosphere unchanged for centuries transform Zhujiajiao into a world completely different from Shanghai’s modern skyline. As we cross the historic bridges, we will feel the traces of ancient Chinese life and have the opportunity to capture unique photographs of this fairytale town.

SHANGHAI After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and begin our city tour covering Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks: YU Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road and The Bund. Our first stop is Yu Garden, one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese garden art. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this enchanting garden offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere with its elegant pavilions, stone bridges, ponds and carefully arranged landscaping. We enjoy a pleasant time in this unique place where we get to closely appreciate classical Chinese garden design. Next, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai’s most significant religious sites. Named after the precious Buddha statues carved from a single piece of jade brought from Myanmar, this temple is regarded as one of the city’s most important Buddhist centres of worship. We will have the opportunity to discover the temple’s impressive architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Continuing our tour, we head to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous shopping and lifestyle street.

SHANGHAI – ISTANBUL We transfer to Shanghai Airport by our private vehicle at the transfer time to be announced by our guide at midnight. We depart for Istanbul on a scheduled flight of Turkish Airlines. Arrival at Istanbul Airport local time and end of our tour.