ELEGANT LEGENDARY CHINESE EMPIRE with Emirates Airlines, 7 Nights

We will meet at Istanbul Airport’s international departures terminal three hours before departure. After baggage, ticket and boarding formalities, we will depart for Dubai on a scheduled Emirates flight.

Upon arrival in Dubai, we will connect to our scheduled Emirates flight to Beijing. We will spend the night on board. Upon arrival in Beijing, we will board our private coach waiting at the airport and depart for a panoramic Beijing city tour. Our first sight will be Lapa Temple (exterior). Housing an 18-metre Buddha statue, it is one of China’s important temples and occupies the largest area. Built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the temple is considered one of the most important centres for followers of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Our next stop will be Miaoying Temple, also known as the White Stupa Temple, an important monastery of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism (exterior). Built during the Yuan dynasty, it is one of the oldest and largest temples. With its white tower and XIII-century Chinese architecture, this magnificent structure was last restored in 2010. We will then view the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube, built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, as part of our panoramic tour (exteriors). After the tour, we will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner, followed by a transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day by exploring the city’s mystical history. As our coach takes us into the heart of the city towards the Forbidden City, we will observe how old and new Beijing coexist and gradually discover the grandeur of this magnificent palace complex, home to China’s emperors for centuries. Walking through vast courtyards, splendid palaces and historic stone paths, we will feel transported to the days of the ancient empire. Centuries-old monumental gates, golden palace roofs, spacious squares and elegant gardens will draw you into the past. Every corner of the palace holds a story, and every detail bears traces of thousands of years of Chinese culture. We will then continue to Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Square). One of the world’s largest squares, it is known both as a symbol of modern China and as a witness to historic events. Next, we will visit the Pearl Factory to discover the secrets of China’s famous freshwater pearls. As we learn how pearls are harvested from nature, expertly processed and transformed into dazzling jewellery, we will have the opportunity to observe the finer details of this unique craft. Our next stop will be the Temple of Heaven, with its magnificent domes rising towards the sky and its flawless architecture. Blending into the sky with its striking shades of blue, this exceptional structure is both a temple and a symbol of the Chinese people’s mystical connection with nature. In this sacred place where emperors prayed to heaven for centuries, we will feel the traces of the past with every step and experience the temple’s spiritual atmosphere. After the tour, we will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner, followed by a transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin by exploring the world-famous Great Wall of China in Beijing. As we step off the coach, we will see the Great Wall, stretching approximately 21.000 km, winding across slopes and hilltops against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. One of the world's most iconic and immense structures, this extraordinary defensive line is regarded not only as a military structure but also as one of the greatest engineering achievements in Chinese history. Dating back to the 7th century BC, the Great Wall was expanded and reinforced by successive dynasties over the centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent structure holds great significance for both China and world history. As we explore the Great Wall and walk between its stone walls, we will follow the traces of the past step by step on an unforgettable journey through history. We will then visit the Jade Factory to discover the fascinating world of jade, a symbol of good fortune, prosperity and elegance in Chinese culture for centuries. Here, we will watch skilled artisans delicately shape raw stones and have the opportunity to appreciate the elegance of traditional Chinese crafts and the mastery of their workmanship up close. The intricate figures and elegant designs carefully crafted by the artisans reveal jade as both a decorative material and a living part of cultural heritage. After the tour, we will head to a local restaurant for dinner. Transfer to our hotel after dinner. Free time to relax. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the railway station to travel to Xi’an. We will board our high-speed train for a journey into China's rich history. As the train glides along the tracks, silhouettes of mist-shrouded mountains, endless rice fields and pagoda temples scattered among villages will pass before our eyes like scenes from a film. Travelling at the pace of the modern world into the depths of the past, we will prepare to step into Xi’an's historic atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, we will be greeted by this ancient city's magnificent walls, narrow stone-paved streets and architecture reflecting the spirit of bygone eras. Once an imperial capital and known as one of the most important crossroads of the Silk Road, this city has welcomed merchants, travellers and historians for centuries. Here, we can sense the traces of the past whispering among the stones. We will then set off on our Xi’an City Walls (Ancient City Walls) tour. Our first stop will be the Xi’an City Walls, one of China's best-preserved and most magnificent defensive structures. Built by the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, this immense structure surrounds the city for 13,7 kilometres, bringing the splendour of the past into the present. Standing a full 12 metres high, these imposing walls are regarded as one of the finest examples of Chinese military architecture. As we walk along them, we will gain a sense of how this defensive system once protected the city and why it was one of the most strategic structures of its time. From here, we will enjoy panoramic views of Xi’an in a unique atmosphere where past and present blend together. After the tour, we will head to a local restaurant for dinner. Transfer to our hotel after dinner. Free time to relax. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a journey through history in Xi’an with a visit to the Terracotta Museum, one of the most important legacies of Chinese history, recognised by UNESCO as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. Commissioned by China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to guard his tomb, this immense underground army remained hidden beneath the earth for 2200 years before its discovery in 1974. Consisting of thousands of life-size soldiers, each with a different facial expression, as well as horses and chariots, this extraordinary ensemble is regarded as one of history's most significant archaeological discoveries. At this impressive site, which reveals the military power and artistic mastery of ancient China, we will take an unforgettable journey into the past. Next is Ancient Style Street, one of Xi’an's most authentic areas, where narrow streets lined with traditional Chinese architecture, wooden shops decorated with red lanterns and stone-paved paths bring the past into the present. This historic market offers a wealth of cultural treasures, from handmade souvenirs and antiques to elegant silk products and traditional Chinese calligraphy. Blending old and new, its enchanting atmosphere takes visitors on a journey through time with its striking details and historic character. The aromas of spices drifting along the street, the echoes of traditional music and the shops displaying exquisite craftsmanship make this more than a shopping destination: it is a living scene from history. Afterwards, we will travel to Luoyang by high-speed train. We will then enjoy a tour of Luoyi Ancient Town, in the heart of Luoyang, where the past comes to life. With streets rebuilt in traditional Chinese architectural style, narrow lanes illuminated by red lanterns and an authentic atmosphere, this area will take us on a journey through time. After the tour, we will head to a local restaurant for dinner. Transfer to our hotel after dinner. Free time to relax. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off for the Longmen Grottoes, one of China's most impressive cultural heritage sites. Carved into steep cliffs along the Yi River, this unique cave complex bears witness to a period between the 5th and 10th centuries when Buddhist art reached its peak. Here, more than 100.000 Buddha statues are intricately carved into the rock, each offering a fascinating reflection of the religious beliefs and aesthetic sensibilities of the time. The enormous seated Buddha, standing 17 metres tall, is particularly awe-inspiring, its peaceful gaze seemingly bringing time to a standstill. Each figure combines spiritual meaning with artistic elegance, and as you make your way through the grottoes, you will be surrounded by a magnificent atmosphere where history and faith intertwine. After our visit to the Longmen Grottoes, we will set off for Shaolin Temple, considered one of China's most sacred sites. Built in AD 495, this mystical structure is regarded as both the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. The temple, where legendary monks have trained in mental and physical discipline for centuries, remains a spiritual centre today. As you walk through its ancient courtyards, you will sense the traces of the monks' silent training and hear the whispers of the past within its stone walls. One of the most exciting moments of our visit will undoubtedly be the Shaolin Kung Fu Show. The monks, representing the traditional art of Shaolin, will demonstrate not only combat techniques but also harmony between body and mind, balance and spiritual depth. Breathtaking acrobatic movements, the result of years of training and discipline, offer a visual feast for the audience. This performance is more than an opportunity to watch martial arts; it is an experience of a culture, a faith and the inner strength of the human spirit. In the afternoon, we will visit a factory producing the laboratory-grown diamonds for which Henan is famous. After the tour, we will have dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to our hotel in Zhengzhou. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Zhengzhou Airport for our domestic flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will begin our Shanghai city tour. We will set off for our visit to the Jade Buddha Temple. It houses two magnificent Buddha statues carved entirely from white jade and adorned with precious stones. The seated Buddha is particularly striking, with its delicate texture softly reflecting the light and its serene expression. Considered an important symbol of the Buddhist faith, the temple offers a peaceful experience with its spiritual atmosphere. We will then visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden), one of the most stunning examples of traditional Chinese garden design. Looking as though it has emerged from a painter's brush, this garden is one of the most elegant examples of Chinese garden art. Its maze-like passageways, stone bridges reflected in the water and artistic rock formations create an impressive setting that evokes a journey through time. Afterwards, we will visit the Silk Factory to observe China's world-famous silk production process up close. Here, we will discover the intricacies of traditional Chinese silk-making as we follow the transformation from the delicate work of the silkworm to luxurious fabrics. The next stop on our tour is the famous Nanjing Road, considered the heart of commerce and shopping in Shanghai. Compared with the world's most renowned shopping destinations, this lively street is lined with luxury stores, traditional handicraft boutiques and restaurants serving local delicacies. Like Fifth Avenue in New York and the Champs-Elysées in Paris, Nanjing Road is a delightful destination for shopping enthusiasts. We will then view the Pearl Tower, a symbol of Shanghai, from the outside. Rising 468 metres into the sky, the tower becomes one of the city's most striking landmarks when its silhouette is illuminated at night. After the tour, we will head to a local restaurant for dinner. Transfer to our hotel after dinner. Free time to relax. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out and set off for Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of Shanghai's most enchanting places to discover. With a history spanning more than 600 years, Zhujiajiao Water Town, known as the “Venice of Shanghai”, is a haven that shines like a pearl suspended in time. With its narrow stone streets, centuries-old Chinese houses featuring intricate woodcarvings and elegant arched bridges, every corner resembles a work of art. Red lantern lights reflected in the still waters of the canals, the scent of incense rising into the air and the echoes of traditional music make this a place of discovery that nourishes the soul. Traditional boats gliding gently over crystal-clear water add a magical touch to the town's timeless atmosphere, while the scent of jasmine drifting from historic teahouses accompanies the echoes of the past. Antique shops lining the narrow cobbled streets draw visitors into a fairy-tale world with elegant silks, handmade ceramics and historic works of calligraphy. After our tour, we will head to AP Plaza, one of the city's liveliest and most colourful markets. Famous for its wide product range and attractive prices, this shopping destination offers countless options, from quality leather goods and electronics to luxury watches and Chinese silks. We will then head to Shanghai Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After baggage and passport formalities, departure for Dubai on a scheduled Emirates flight. Upon arrival in Dubai, we will connect to our flight to Istanbul. Our tour and services end upon arrival at Istanbul New Airport.