What we rate and what we don't
80 Cultural holidays in China found
China highlights tour, tailor made
Walk along the Great Wall and relax in the stunning LiRiver
From US $2,319 to US $2,719 11 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Shanghai to Hong Kong tour, discover China
Cities, wildlife, ancient history and rolling rice paddies.
From £2,255 17 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way.
China culture & hiking holiday
A wonderful experience of real China
From US $2,830 to US $3,600 14 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
China holiday and Yangtze river cruise
A comprehensive China itinerary covering its length and breadth
From £2,979 to £3,449 20 days inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 12 Jul, 26 Jul, 9 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 11 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov
2020: 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 17 Apr, 1 May, 22 May, 24 Jul, 7 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct
2020: 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 17 Apr, 1 May, 22 May, 24 Jul, 7 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct
Late availability on these dates: 12 Jul, 26 Jul, 09 Aug, 30 Aug, 06 Sep
Travel Team
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
China on a shoestring small group holiday
Experience the real China.
From £2,293 to £2,585 22 days inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 1 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct
2020: 19 Apr, 17 May, 26 Jul, 6 Sep, 11 Oct
2020: 19 Apr, 17 May, 26 Jul, 6 Sep, 11 Oct
Late availability on these dates: 01 Sep
China 8 day tour
Discover the Great Wall, Terracotta Army and Shanghai.
From £1,315 8 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way
Silk Road adventure holiday
Follow ancient footsteps along the Silk Road
From £2,660 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 30 Aug
2020: 8 May, 4 Sep
2020: 8 May, 4 Sep
£100 per person discount off 30th August 2019 group tour
Silk Road holidays, Central Asia
Journey along the Old Silk Road
From £3,795 22 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 13 Jul, 27 Jul, 3 Aug, 31 Aug
2020: 18 Jul, 1 Aug, 29 Aug
2020: 18 Jul, 1 Aug, 29 Aug
China tailor made tour
A combination of metropolis and ancient gardens
From US $1,099 to US $3,349 8 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Essential China holiday
Encounter the essence of China
From £1,710 to £2,399 21 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 30 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 18 Oct, 20 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 15 Dec
2020: 12 Jan, 2 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 17 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 16 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 11 Oct, 16 Oct, 18 Oct, 23 Oct, 25 Oct, 8 Nov, 29 Nov, 20 Dec, 27 Dec
2020: 12 Jan, 2 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 17 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 16 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 11 Oct, 16 Oct, 18 Oct, 23 Oct, 25 Oct, 8 Nov, 29 Nov, 20 Dec, 27 Dec
China holiday, Beijing to Hong Kong
China will astonish you with its diversity and uniqueness.
From £1,685 to £1,820 20 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 3 Jul, 31 Jul, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 6 Nov
2020: 1 Jan, 11 Mar, 8 Apr, 6 May, 10 Jun, 1 Jul, 29 Jul, 14 Oct, 4 Nov
2020: 1 Jan, 11 Mar, 8 Apr, 6 May, 10 Jun, 1 Jul, 29 Jul, 14 Oct, 4 Nov
Late availability on these dates: 03 Jul, 31 Jul
The Essence of China vacation
Explore cultural & religious heritage
From £2,530 to £3,010 19 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 1 Jul, 15 Jul, 19 Aug, 23 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov
2020: 9 Mar, 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 20 Apr, 27 Apr, 4 May, 18 May, 25 May, 8 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 3 Aug, 17 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 12 Oct, 19 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 9 Nov
2020: 9 Mar, 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 20 Apr, 27 Apr, 4 May, 18 May, 25 May, 8 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 3 Aug, 17 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 12 Oct, 19 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 9 Nov
Late availability on these dates: 01 Jul, 15 Jul, 19 Aug, 23 Sep
China Silk Road tour
Cities and beautiful landscapes of China’s western expanse
From US $3,735 to US $3,984 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 27 Aug, 17 Sep, 8 Oct
2020: 12 May, 9 Jun, 15 Sep, 13 Oct
2020: 12 May, 9 Jun, 15 Sep, 13 Oct
Yunnan tailor made holiday, China
Distinctive ethnic culture and magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge
From US $1,199 to US $1,499 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
China tailor made holiday, from Beijing to Shanghai
Highlights of China private tour from Beijing
From US $789 to US $1,929 8 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
China Express adventure holiday
A fast-paced tour of China’s highlights
From £658 to £999 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 4 Sep, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov, 6 Dec, 18 Dec
2020: 10 Jan, 21 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 25 Mar, 27 Mar, 1 Apr, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 15 Apr, 17 Apr, 24 Apr, 29 Apr, 1 May, 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 Jun, 12 Jun, 19 Jun, 24 Jun, 26 Jun, 3 Jul, 8 Jul, 10 Jul, 17 Jul, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug ...
2020: 10 Jan, 21 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 25 Mar, 27 Mar, 1 Apr, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 15 Apr, 17 Apr, 24 Apr, 29 Apr, 1 May, 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 Jun, 12 Jun, 19 Jun, 24 Jun, 26 Jun, 3 Jul, 8 Jul, 10 Jul, 17 Jul, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug ...
China holiday, discover imperial China
Exploring Eastern China
From £2,449 to £2,849 12 days inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 5 Oct
2020: 4 Apr, 16 May, 18 Jul, 15 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 10 Oct
2020: 4 Apr, 16 May, 18 Jul, 15 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 10 Oct
Late availability on these dates: 14 Sep, 21 Sep
Trans Mongolian holiday, tailor made
Ride the Iconic Trans-Mongolian Railway in all it's glory.
From £2,430 16 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Bejing to Lhasa tour, by train
Beijing to Lhasa on the famous sky train
From £1,296 13 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Exciting family holiday in China
An exciting family holiday taking in the highlights of China
From £1,650 to £2,000 16 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
China and Japan holiday, Beijing to Tokyo
Sixteen days of high-speed cities, terracotta giants and a spiritual stay in the life of a monk
From £2,768 to £3,459 16 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 13 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov
2020: 10 Jan, 21 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 25 Mar, 27 Mar, 1 Apr, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 15 Apr, 17 Apr, 24 Apr, 29 Apr, 1 May, 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 Jun, 12 Jun, 19 Jun, 24 Jun, 26 Jun, 3 Jul, 8 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 2 Sep, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 9 Oct, 14 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 6 Nov, 13 Nov ...
2020: 10 Jan, 21 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 25 Mar, 27 Mar, 1 Apr, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 15 Apr, 17 Apr, 24 Apr, 29 Apr, 1 May, 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 Jun, 12 Jun, 19 Jun, 24 Jun, 26 Jun, 3 Jul, 8 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 2 Sep, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 9 Oct, 14 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 6 Nov, 13 Nov ...
Silk Road adventure tour
Seek adventure among the mountain passes of the Silk Road
From £3,860 to £3,885 22 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 5 Aug, 9 Sep
2020: 18 May, 1 Jun, 15 Jun, 3 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep
2020: 18 May, 1 Jun, 15 Jun, 3 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep
Tibetan culture tour in Sichuan, China
Explore Tibetan culture & beautiful sceneries in Sichuan
From £430 5 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
The Silk Route, Beijing to Tashkent
Travel from China to Central Asia on this historic journey
From £4,190 to £4,320 27 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 10 Aug, 14 Sep, 9 Oct
2020: 23 Mar, 22 Apr, 29 Jul, 19 Aug, 9 Sep
2020: 23 Mar, 22 Apr, 29 Jul, 19 Aug, 9 Sep
Late availability on these dates: 10 Aug, 14 Sep
What we rate and what we don't
The Great Silk Road Adventure via the Caucasus holiday
Our classic Silk Road Adventure via the Caucasus 48 day tour
From £10,595 47 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2020: 7 Apr, 18 Aug
Silk Road 30 day overland tour
Travel through Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan & China
From £6,295 30 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Luxury China tour with Yangtze river cruise
China in style with luxury Yangtze Cruise
From £9,400 12 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
China family holiday, 15 days
Perfect for a family's first trip to China
From £4,940 15 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Chinese Silk Road overland tour
Overland Silk Route tour from Xian to Kashgar
From £1,750 to £1,825 22 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 29 Jun, 24 Jul, 24 Aug, 4 Sep
2020: 3 Jun, 4 Jul, 29 Jul, 19 Aug, 29 Aug
2021: 2 Jun, 3 Jul, 28 Jul, 18 Aug, 28 Aug
2020: 3 Jun, 4 Jul, 29 Jul, 19 Aug, 29 Aug
2021: 2 Jun, 3 Jul, 28 Jul, 18 Aug, 28 Aug
Late availability on these dates: 29 Jun, 24 Jul, 24 Aug, 04 Sep
China, Laos and Vietnam overland tour
From wonders of China to tropical scenery of Laos and Vietnam
From £1,325 to £1,625 32 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 25 Jul, 5 Nov
2020: 5 Nov
2020: 5 Nov
Places available on our 25th July departure
From
US $2,319
including domestic flights only
Memorable parts?
Sanxingdui museum with 3-4000 year old bronze masks and the pandas
Tips?
Wear flat shoes there was a lot of walking
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental Impacts or supported conservation?
local restaurants used but little else.
Overall rating?
It was great, I loved China and would go again to see more of the countryside and more museums. (more)Janet Chambers
From
£2,255
excluding flights
We were amazed at how well we managed to combine two holidays into one by using two of the companies you recommended...All memories will stay with us forever. (more)Anne Hargreaves
Clearly The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Panda's, Forbidden Palace were all amazing, but for me the peace and quiet of drifting down the river on a bamboo raft at Guilon was just perfect after the frantic travelling around China. (more)Nigel Davies
From
US $2,830
including domestic flights only
Walking on the Great Wall was the most memorable part of our holiday. (more)Anne Howick
Our 5 day hike on the "great" Great Wall was memorable. We had a wonderful guide who accompanied us all the way, supplied us with all the water, laughter and encouragement needed when facing those thousands of steps. (more)Criag Knighton
Enjoy it, it's one of the best trip I have made in recent years. It's an excellent balance between an active and cultural holiday (more)Pia Rainey
From
£2,979
including UK flights
The food, the Terra Cotta warriors and the pandas were the most memorable parts of our holiday. (more)Jean Thomas
Walking the Great Wall of China was the most memorable part of the holiday (more)Heather Magowan
The time in Yangshuo was the best part of the holiday. That landscape is amazing. (more)Ruth Thompson
From
£1,296
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Seeing how the Tibetan people live, their friendliness and warm smiles. The way that welcomed us into their everyday worship in the monasteries. Just the simple things really.
Tips?
Don't have any expectations on anything. Let it happen. But on a practical level, always have loo roll handy and antibacterial stuff for toilets.
Local benefits?
Yes. Local hotels, local eating, Tibetan guide and making sure that we shopped in Tibetan stores. We used transport... (more)Sue Byrne
From
£1,650
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The itinerary planned by our operator worked out beautifully for my family of 8. A couple of the guides, especially Johnnie in Beijing and Susan in chengdu engaged with the children and helped make our time in those cities very
enjoyable. we loved that logistics were taken care of by our guides n drivers. The children loved the ice skating, the time at the Great Wall, learning to cook their own dishes, spending Christmas day at the panda research center, biking in town... (more)Kristin Baker
From
£2,660
excluding flights
Most memorable was travelling along the Karakoram Highway...Very good (more)David Finbow
The most memorable was Kasger Sunday Market. (more)Mahesh Patel
I particularity enjoyed the added insight into every day life the guides were able to give us as they were all local. It was interesting to see the three different
countries and travel through the countryside, mostly in minibuses with commentary by the guides. (more)Eva Dingwalls
From
£3,795
excluding flights
Travelling the mountains of Tajikistan and the homestay there was the most memorable. (more)Ana Maria Lopez
Most memorable? It has to be Kyrgyzstan. The landscape, the people, sleeping in yurts - even the food. All fantastic. (more)Sue Noble
Seeing the breathtaking mountain views in Kyrgyzstan was the most memorable part of this holiday. (more)Jayne Hanlin
From
£2,293
including UK flights
Memorable parts?
Knife cut noodle dishes in Xi’an were delicious. Tea houses in Peoples park
looked amazing.
Tips?
Take a free walk up to the TV tower in Yangshuo for amazing views over the
city and lime kast mountains.
Local benefits?
Not really. There is too much plastic waste in China.
Overall rating?
You cover a vast area in a decent period of time. (more)Dominic Pritchard
From
£430
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Pandas and Siguniang
Tips?
You need to be able to speak some mandarin. You need good walking shoes too.
Local benefits?
We used local hotels, shops, restaurants and street vendors.
Overall rating?
(more)Peter Kerr
From
US $3,735
including domestic flights only
Memorable parts?
The people we met, the range of places we visited, the quality of our guides. The drive through the Karakoram Mountain range from Kashgar to Tashkurgen
Tips?
Don't go with any fixed ideas about what it might be like. Be open to everything you see.
Local benefits?
Yes.
Overall rating?
The holiday was excellent and I would recommend it to others.
If I was redesigning the itinerary I would not include the Yadan National Geologic Park - too much driving... (more)Gill Forester
From
£4,190
excluding flights
We enjoyed the whole trip, but Kyrgyzstan was a highlight. Also the Labrang Monastery was lovely. Very good. It adjusted the way I think about the world. (more)Becky MacLeod
Do not hesitate!! It is very interesting trip and very well organised. (more)Ljiljana Padjen-Pajovic
Absolutely wonderful, a once in a life time experience and all the guides were extremely knowledgable, funny and helpful. The sights and experience was truly magnificient (more)Gunilla Westerlund
From
£658
excluding flights
Travelling on local transport was a great experience. Great CEO and good selection of additional activities. Really enjoyed the overnight train trip. Best meal was cooked by local farmer & his wife. Overall a great trip. Can't wait to book next trip. (more)Tony Palmer
Amazing experience! (more)Linda Anderson
Lhasa was absolutely magical, seeing the Potalla Palace for the first time from
the roof top bar of the hotel was breath taking. (more)Joan O
From
US $789
including domestic flights only
The parks were my favourite part of the trip, I also really enjoyed walking on the Great Wall and the live show in Xian.
(more)Leigh McGlone
Overall this was a fantastic trip and we feel very honoured to have been able to see all that we did, especially the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors. (more)Ewen Macnair
From
£1,685
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The terracotta warriors at Xi'an and the Great Wall. Cherry, our guide although very young, was dedicated and gave us great tips and help when choosing restaurants and outings. Our group integrated very well and everyone was on time for going places.
Tips?
Travel light, but do take toilet paper!!
Local benefits?
We certainly used local transport (busses, trains and only once taxis).
Overall rating?
Most enjoyable. The only thing that didn't work out... (more)Sheila Taylor
From
US $1,199
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The museums in Chengdu, Kunming and Shanghai (all outstanding), and the monasteries and temples particularly Ganden Sumtseling Monastery near Shangri La.
Tips?
Book your own accommodation ( in hostels or inns) and arrange all your own meals; this saved us a lot of money and enabled us to escape from the international tourist bubble.
Regard your itinerary with the holiday provider as a legal document, and make sure it specifies EVERYTHING you wish to see as there... (more)Gillian Gillanders
From
US $1,146
including domestic flights only
Memorable parts?
Visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an and seeing the amazing jade carvings and Buddha statue.
Tips?
Beijing airport is full of fairly elaborate scams - call your guide if you can't immediately see them. It's worth getting a SIM that works in China, too, for this
reason.
Local benefits?
I felt like this benefited the local people, though I don't think it specifically reduced environmental impact.
Overall rating?
Amazing experience, one of the... (more)Owen Cawley
From
£2,825
including UK flights
The most memorable moment was the trek in Tiger Leaping Gorge and having tea with a Tibetan family in their home (more)Richard Peters
Most memorable were the rice terraces at sunset and dawn, the hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge, the Stone Forest, the lake and mountains and pagodas at Dali, the Jade Dragon Mountain at Lijiang, Shangri-La... (more)John deason
From
£1,040
excluding flights
The best part of my holiday came unexpectedly on the last day, when I found myself gazing at the roofs of the Forbidden City from the top of Jingshan Temple. (more)Jennifer Jenkins
I feel that every part of the journey is memorable - I enjoyed it throughout. It is very difficult to pick a few highlights, as I feel this trip includes most of China's highlights....It was a great holiday - a lot of interesting sights, fascinating history and great people (more)Pamela Krueger
I have been on quite a few trips around the world but this has certainly been the best, largely due to the unrelenting quality of the tour leader. (more)Thomas Webb
From
£2,530
excluding flights
The Great Wall walk was the most memorable part of the holiday (more)Colin Nelson
The overall holiday was excellent, and the group we travelled with were very nice. We thought that the trip itinerary was well designed and we thank the operator management and staff for the opportunity to have this wonderful experience.
(more)Michael Barnes
I had a brilliant time, the tour was amazing, I got to see some really different parts of China and loved every day of it. (more)Lisa Calmiano
From
£1,720
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
I can honestly say that we enjoyed it all. The quality of guiding and activities was good. Our local tour leader did a great job and was responsive to our needs
- the structure and organisation enabled us to pack a lot in to the 14 days. It is really hard to pick favourites but Hong Kong was probably the least favourite
part and we would have preferred more time elsewhere. The cultural/historical visits were enough to inform and illuminate without becoming too lengthy
for... (more)Linda Mail
From
£3,950
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Finding a replica of a Tang Dynasty sancai glazed, funerary sculpture of a camel and rider, which I had first experienced as part of an exhibition of artefacts from the ancient Silk Route mounted by the British Library in 2004 in a shop in Jiayuguan at a price that I could afford.
Even though the Mogao Grottos are becoming commercialised, being able to see the frescos that are available in the caves that are open to the public was a wonderful experience.
Tips?
Be... (more)Genie Gabel-Dunk
From
£3,500
including UK flights
Memorable parts?
Loads of highlights in our 6 week holiday: seeing pandas & the Terracotta Warriors, walking the Great Wall, sound and light show in Yangshuo, the Potala Palace in Tibet. We also found the building work around us fascinating- such a massive scale, 20 skyscrapers at a time going up plus huge road and rail building programmes. The sheer scale of everything was astounding.
Tips?
Research where you want to go.
Local benefits?
Certainly supported the local population.
Overall... (more)Linda Seaton
From
£2,949
including UK flights
Memorable parts?
The great Wall, Yangzte river and Yangshoui.
Tips?
It's a tiring and very full on trip so be prepared for a fully packed
itinerary.
Local benefits?
Yes.
Overall rating?
8/10 (more)Krishna Pindoria
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