

Duration: 16 days
Begins: Beijing
Ends: Taipei
Trip Code: ACST
Allow USD390-510 for meals not included.
Arrive at any time.
Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall. Later, explore Tiananmen Square.
Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon head to Tiananmen Squarem followed by a night walk to the local market.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Shoppers get ready. The Pearl Market is great place to get souvenirs for friends and family! This market is well know for the verity of pearls but, make sure to also check out the other vendors selling goods like crafts, clothing, and silk.
Visit the striking Drum Tower for some incredible photo ops. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
After your hike on the Great Wall, opt to take a Toboggan ride back down instead of the cable car!
Toboggan Station is at Tower 6. The return ticket include a cable car up to Tower 6 and the Toboggan.
The cable car ride is about 5 minutes ride up to tower 14, from where you may walk to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall at Tower 20. The walk from ticket check to tower 10 is about 30 minutes. The cable car ride is a good option if you are hoping to save energy to challenge the Tower 20. Return ticket is recommended as you may spend more time on the wall.
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.
Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.
Get around underground via public transit.
Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. Continue exploring Xi'an with a visit to the Ancient City Wall and the Muslim Quarters. Tonight, board an overnight train to Suzhou.
Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
Visit the ancient City Wall of Xi'An. Learn of its interesting history as part of the Silk Road and admire amazing views of the city.
Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Lunch
Wake this morning and grab coffee and a snack on the train as you prepare to pull into Suzhou. After arrival, visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Shantang Street. Enjoy a free dinner before riding the metro back to the hotel with your CEO.
Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wander around Shantang Street and canal with your CEO before enjoying free time in the area for dinner.
This morning, ride the bullet train to Shanghai. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the famed Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road before a free evening in Shanghai.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.
This morning, join your CEO for an orientation walk around the city to see the shops and historic buildings. Join your CEO at the Shanghai Museum or head out to venture through this beautiful city on your own. Maybe start with a visit to the nearby Yuyuan Gardens.
Explore the famous Huangpu District in central Shanghai with your CEO.
Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.
Take advantage of your free time today to visit Yuyuan Gardens, return to the Bund, or do some shopping on Nanjing Road.
Explore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of fish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there is plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling bazaar located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
Today, you’ll fly from Shanghai to Taipei. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to settle in and take in your first impressions of Taiwan at your own pace.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Explore the amazing city of Taipei on a CEO led tour this morning. Ride the local metro around the city to visit famed spots like Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and to hike up Elephant Mountain. The afternoon if yours to continue exploring the city as you please.
Just beyond the front doors of the hotel begins a tour of the city of Taipei. We'll get acquainted with the city even more by using Taiwan's incredible public transportation system. Visit some of the city's most iconic site like the Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, and the views from Elephant Mountain.
The afternoon is yours to explore Taipei.
Visit one of Taiwan's most popular night markets, Shilin Night Market! Every day, different food vendors set up to sell their specialty, like the delicious hot-star fried chicken, pepper pork buns, and oyster omelets. Or step outside your comfort zone and try other local favourites like blood cakes and stinky tofu.
Often considered the Harajuku of Taipei, a trip to Taipei is incomplete without visiting Ximending Pedestrian District. This funky, hip neighbourhood is full of indie markets, bubble tea shops, anime cosplayers, k pop dance troupes and is a hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Breakfast
Our day begins with a high-speed train to Taichung, followed by a scenic drive to the Shuanglong Bunun Village. There, we will receive a warm welcome and participate in a meaningful Bunun Name-Giving Ceremony, guided by a local community member. Continue with a hike to the highest suspension bridge in Taiwan, offering breathtaking views of the central mountains and Shuanglong Waterfalls. We'll then return to the village for lunch and a fascinating tour, learning about the Bunun people's rich heritage through their folk legends, dances, and art. This intimate experience is a special opportunity to engage directly with an indigenous Taiwanese community. Afterward, we will bid farewell to our hosts and drive to Sun Moon Lake, where we can enjoy a peaceful evening at our leisure.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Walk across the rainbow coloured suspension bridge, the tallest in all of Taiwan. Don't forget your camera because the views of the central mountains and Shuanglong Waterfalls are spectacular - and the bridge too!
See Taiwan from a new perspective with a visit the Bunun Tribe, one of the few remaining indigenous communities in Taiwan. Participate in a traditional Bunun Name Giving Ceremony and explore the community's art, folk legends and dance on a walking tour of the Bunun traditions.
Lunch
Today is yours to explore one of the most beautiful places in all of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake. The bike trail around the lake was named as one of the top scenic bike trails in the world, so we recommend joining your CEO for an optional bike tour of the lake. Or maybe you wish to visit a tea plantation and learn of their famous local tea. Or how about a boat tour around the lake. The day is yours!
With no scheduled activities for today, use this time to see Sun Moon Lake on your terms.
See the beauty of Sun Moon Lake from two wheels. Rated as one of the top bike trails in the world, join your CEO for a fun and easy ride around the lake. Stopping at some of the most notable landmarks around the lake, we'll see the Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center and the stunning Wenwu Temple complex.
Visit one of the beautiful tea plantations around Sun Moon Lake. Learn about the history and importance of tea in Taiwan, learn to pick and dry the leaves and sample some of Sun Moon Lake's signature tea: the Ruby Black Tea.
Purchase a ferry ticket and ride the three stops along the lake, Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple Pier → Ita Thao Pier. At each stop, hop off and explore the sites and admire the incredible views. Don't forget to try Taiwan's signature Tea Egg along the way.
Breakfast
This morning we drive to historic Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and ancient capital. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring before joining a local-led walking tour of Anping Old Street, Banyan Tree House and Fort Zeelandia.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take some time to relax or explore Tainan on your own.
Explore Anping historic district and take a walking tour through the crooked lanes and alleys of this historic old town. Visit the unique tree house and the Anping Fort whose origins date back 400 years to the Dutch military.
The Dutch military captured Anping in 1624, and built Fort Zeelandia as its defensive stronghold, which was completed in 1634. In 1662, Koxinga successfully took the Dutch fort back, and changed the name to Anping. Initially the inner fort became the seat of government for Taiwan but fell into disuse. The fort was rebuilt after the Japanese Colonial Period, and then renamed Anping Fort after World War II.
Ancient Chihkan Tower was originally built in 1652 as Fort Provintia by the Dutch, and has undergone numerous refurbishments over the past 300 years. Inside are Haisheng Temple, Wengchang Pavilion and Penghu College , and the controversial statue of Koxinga accepting the surrender of the Dutch. At the south gate, note the turtle-shaped stone Bixi. The Bixi, which local legend says is one of the nine sons of the Dragon King.
Tainan's Confucius Temple is considered the “Premier Academy of Taiwan” with over three hundred years of history as the ancient capital of culture.
Breakfast
Drive to Kaohsiung, with a stop to gaze upon the massive golden Buddha. Then, visit the spectacular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Here you can also see the beautiful Lotus Pond and the Summer and Autumn Pavilions. Enjoy some time for lunch on your own before checking into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to see the coastal town of Kaohsiung.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the extravagant Buddhist complex. Walk the 1km avenue toward the 108-meter golden Buddha and eight pagodas. Feel free to be inquisitive - monastics and volunteers happily answer questions. Dress modestly, keep voices low and be sure to spend time tasting some of the delicious vegetarian delights on site.
Visit Lotus Lake for a chance to see the spectacular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Walk around the scenic area, take photos of the pagodas and pay a visit to the Summer & Autumn Pavilions.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Kaohsiung.
Take a short ferry ride to this famed beach town. Depending on the season, enjoy some time on the beach, rent a bike to ride the coastal paths or eat some yummy fresh seafood.
Breakfast
Have breakfast at the hotel before taking the high speed train to Taipei. After dropping your bags at the hotel, the day is yours to tick off your remaining must-see places in Taipei. Don’t miss the chance to hit up some of the amazing beef noodle soup shops around the city.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Explore Taipei on your terms with some free time in the city.
Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan at the famed National Palace Museum. Boasting nearly 700,000 artifacts that span 8,000 years of Chinese history, this museum is well worth the visit. Don't miss the beautiful Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stones.
Visit the tallest building in Taiwan, once the tallest building in the world. Take the speedy elevator from the 5th-floor to the 89th-floor in 37 seconds and admire the incredible views of the city. Learn about its bamboo inspired design and its architectural legacy as one of the tallest buildings intended to withstand significant seismic activity. Pre-book your tickets online to skip the queue.
Breakfast
Take a day trip to the north of the island, starting with the breathtaking Golden Waterfall on the way to Jiufen, one of the most picturesque mountain towns. Wander through the beautiful alleyways and peaceful tea houses, a perfect place to grab some lunch too if you wish. Then drive to Keelung, a historic port and fishing town. Visit Heping Island, a nature reserve boasting an incredible coastline. Before heading back to Taipei, explore the Keelung Night Market and try some incredible local treats like stinky tofu or blood cakes.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the picturesque Jiufen Village, founded during the Qing Dynasty, and a former gold-mining centre. Walking through this quaint mountain town where many buildings remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence in both architecture and culture on the island adorned with traditional teahouses and street food stalls.
Stop at the beautiful Golden Waterfalls and the Yin Yang Sea lookout point along the way. Don't forget your camera!
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
See the incredible Taiwanese coast line at Heping Island Park. Years of erosion from wind and the sea have shaped rather interesting rock formations. Wander through the walkways and admire this beautiful place.
Breakfast
Depart at any time.
Breakfast
| dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2027 | |||
| Fri, 27 Aug - Sat, 11 Sep | 7+ available | £3,529 | Request a quote |
| Sep 2027 | |||
| Fri, 10 Sep - Sat, 25 Sep | 7+ available | £3,769 | Request a quote |
| Oct 2027 | |||
| Sun, 10 Oct - Mon, 25 Oct | 7+ available | £3,769 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 13 Oct - Thu, 28 Oct | 7+ available | £3,769 | Request a quote |
| Sun, 17 Oct - Mon, 01 Nov | 7+ available | £3,769 | Request a quote |
| Nov 2027 | |||
| Sun, 07 Nov - Mon, 22 Nov | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Sun, 14 Nov - Mon, 29 Nov | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Dec 2027 | |||
| Fri, 03 Dec - Sat, 18 Dec | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Sun, 12 Dec - Mon, 27 Dec | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Mar 2028 | |||
| Sun, 05 Mar - Mon, 20 Mar | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Sun, 12 Mar - Mon, 27 Mar | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Apr 2028 | |||
| Sun, 09 Apr - Mon, 24 Apr | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Sun, 16 Apr - Mon, 01 May | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| May 2028 | |||
| Sun, 07 May - Mon, 22 May | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Sun, 28 May - Mon, 12 Jun | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |
| Jun 2028 | |||
| Fri, 16 Jun - Sat, 01 Jul | 7+ available | £3,249 | Request a quote |