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Ancient Empires of China & Japan
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CAE_AU
Overview
Destination:
China,
Japan,
Start:Beijing, China
Finish:Tokyo, Japan
Finish:Tokyo, Japan
Duration:20 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
October 2025 - November 2026
The ultimate tour for those wishing to combine the very best of two ancient nations. Join us on an incredible journey from Beijing to Tokyo by road, boat, rail and air on this epic three-week tour!
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion. For guidelines on tipping in China see below. Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB520 per person (AU$113) is paid locally in China.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
- Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Standard inclusions
- Domestic transportation
- Accommodation
- Entrance fees, guides and daily tours
- All meals
- China Visa is NOT required for Australia passport holders for STAYS 30 DAYS and under. For longer periods in China Visa assist fees will apply
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDAY 1: Fly To Beijing
Fly to China’s historical capital, Beijing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of
the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 2: Walk On The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.
DAY 3: Explore The Forbidden City
Begin the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the glorious Temple of Heaven where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Next, take a leisurely stroll in a traditional hutong neighbourhood and visit a family at home, to learn about life living in the hutongs. Later, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before entering the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to explore this complex full of imperial riches.
DAY 4: Travel To Xian
Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure at Xian's Muslim Quarter, where you will find an array of food stalls selling a wealth of flavours. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner and a lively Tang Dynasty dance show.
DAY 5: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate them. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.
DAY 6: Fly To Guilin
Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Guilin, best known for its incredible natural landscapes.
DAY 7: Visit Reed Flute Cave
Begin today at the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory. Later, stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas - two towering examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.
DAY 8: Cruise the Li River
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks tower over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Here, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.
DAY 9: Fly To Shanghai
Return to Guilin by road, then fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.
DAY 10: Explore Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with
futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Start with a visit to the peaceful Yu
Garden and pass through the old town. Admire the colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and Nanjing Road, where you will also be able to enjoy some time at leisure before visiting a Silk Factory. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
DAY 11: Goodbye China, Hello Japan
It’s time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Fly to the vibrant city of Osaka.
DAY 12: Osaka Castle
Explore Osaka Castle, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through vibrant Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
DAY 13: Discover Okayama & Kurashiki
Transfer by bullet train to Okayama and visit Korakuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses). Continue to Hiroshima, a vibrant and forward-thinking city.
DAY 14: Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima
Hop on a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit Itsukushima Shrine. After lunch, return to Hiroshima and find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. Later, ascend to the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy the panoramic views.
DAY 15: Travel To Kyoto
Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for 1,000 years. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’.
DAY 16: Explore Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii gates and then head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at the traditional art of origami.
DAY 17: Bullet Train To Hakone
Transfer by bullet train to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway where the views of the surrounding landscape and Mt Fuji are breathtaking, but weather dependent of course! Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.
DAY 18: Contrasts of Tokyo
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to explore the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple and drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza. Later, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. End your tour with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
DAYS 19-20: Fly Tokyo To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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Ancient Empires of China & Japan
19 nights
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