China Tour

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, and the overnight stay will be on the aircraft.

Beijing 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. During our panoramic city tour in Beijing, we first see the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), considered one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and notable for its magnificent architecture, from the outside. This majestic structure, which has survived from the Qing Dynasty to the present day, is regarded as one of the most impressive examples of traditional Chinese architecture. Next, we turn our route to the White Stupa Temple (Miaoying Temple), one of the important religious structures that extends from the Yuan Dynasty to the present day. This historic building, one of the important symbols of the Beijing skyline, enchants visitors with its impressive white tower and elegant architecture.

Beijing After breakfast, we set off on an unforgettable journey of discovery into 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. We begin by visiting Tiananmen Square, one of the most important symbols of China and the world. Recognized as one of the largest squares in the world, this impressive area lies at the heart of modern Chinese history and has hosted many significant events. As we explore the vast square and its surrounding monumental structures, 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 complex in the world, this unique structure, with its splendid palaces, vast courtyards, and impressive architecture, transports visitors into the past. Bearing traces of China's rich imperial history in every corner, the Forbidden City is one of Beijing's most important cultural heritages.

Beijing - LUOYANG After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and set off for our Great Wall & Juyong Pass & Luoyi Ancient City tour. Our first stop will be Juyongguan (Juyong) Pass, one of the best-preserved and most important passes of the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and forms an important part of an enormous defence system stretching approximately 21,000 kilometres, was built and reinforced by different dynasties over the centuries. During our visit along this unique structure winding between mountains and valleys, we will closely feel the grandeur of Chinese civilisation and its strategic importance throughout history. Afterwards, we make a special visit where we will learn about the deep-rooted history of traditional Chinese medicine. Here, while gaining information about the health and life philosophies practised in China for centuries, we will have the opportunity to relieve the tiredness of the day with a traditional foot massage experience. In the evening hours, we travel by high-speed train to Luoyang, one of the ancient capitals of China.

LUOYANG – ZHENGZHOU After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and set off on an unforgettable discovery programme covering the Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple & Shaolin Kung Fu Show & Zhengzhou route. Our first stop will be the Longmen Grottoes, one of China's most important historical and artistic heritages. This unique Buddhist complex, masterfully carved into the steep cliffs along the banks of the Yi River, is one of the most significant works of the period when Buddhist art in China reached its peak between the 5th and 10th centuries. It houses more than 100,000 Buddha statues, reflecting the world of faith and artistic refinement of the era in a fascinating way. The giant seated Buddha statue, especially the one standing 17 metres tall, offers visitors a deep sense of serenity and admiration with its peaceful expression. Our tour continues with a visit to the Shaolin Temple, one of China's most important spiritual centres. Built in 495 AD, this legendary structure is considered not only the birthplace of Zen Buddhism but also the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu.

ZHENGZHOU - XI’AN After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out procedures and set off for Zhengzhou Train Station. We begin our enjoyable journey toward Xi’an, covering the Terracotta Army & Clay Factory & Xi’an City Walls (City Wall) & Muslim Quarter (Muslim Quarter), one of the most important legacies of Chinese history. Upon arrival, we visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Chinese history. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and regarded as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this unique site was built to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Remaining hidden underground for approximately 2.200 years, this magnificent underground army of thousands of soldiers, horses, and war chariots showcases the military power and artistic mastery of ancient China. After our visit to the Terracotta Army, we visit the Clay Factory, where we will get to know the traditional handicrafts of the region up close. 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.

XI'AN - CHENGDU After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and head to Xi'an Train Station to begin our pleasant journey to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of the most colourful cities in China. We set off for our programme of the Charming Giant Panda Conservation and Living Park & Kuanzhai Alley & Chunxi Road. First, we visit the Giant Panda Breeding and Conservation Centre, one of the most important symbols of Chengdu and even of China. This world-famous research and conservation centre was established with the aim of preserving, breeding, and sustaining the natural lives of the endangered giant pandas. Within the lush bamboo gardens and natural habitats, we will have the opportunity to closely observe these charming creatures, considered China's national treasure. The playful moments and natural behaviour of the baby pandas in particular will be one of the most unforgettable parts of our visit. After our Panda Centre visit, we visit Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys), one of the most vibrant districts of Chengdu.

CHENGDU - SHANGHAI After breakfast, we transfer to Chengdu 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 off for our Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town & Silk Factory & AP Plaza Shopping Tour programme. Our first stop will be Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, one of Shanghai's most enchanting and best-preserved historic settlements. With a history spanning approximately 1,700 years, this unique settlement is known as the "Venice of Shanghai" thanks to its canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture. The historic buildings lining the narrow stone streets, traditional houses adorned with wooden carvings, and waterside tea houses make visitors feel as if they are 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 entirely 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 photo frames of this fairytale-like town.

SHANGHAI – ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and begin our city tour covering Yu Garden & Jade Buddha Temple & Nanjing Road & The Bund, among the most important landmarks of Shanghai. 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 a peaceful atmosphere to its visitors with its elegant pavilions, stone bridges, ponds and carefully designed landscaping. We enjoy a pleasant time in this unique place where we get to closely experience classical Chinese garden architecture. Next, we visit Jade Buddha Temple, one of the most important religious structures in Shanghai. Named after the precious Buddha statues carved from a single piece of jade brought from Myanmar, this temple is considered one of the most important Buddhist worship centres in the city. We will have the opportunity to discover the impressive architecture and spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Continuing our tour, we head to Nanjing Road, Shanghai's most famous shopping and lifestyle street.