Day 1: Osaka
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we´ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of the tour.
Day 2: Osaka - Mount koya
At 11:30 a.m., we’ll depart from the city and head to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with more than 200,000 graves. We’ll also explore the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.Tonight, we’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.Notes: - During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won’t be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.- Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.- We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods. Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels (half board provided).
Day 3: Mount koya - Kyoto
Japanese breakfast at the temple. Then we leave early for KYOTO, to spend the whole day in the city, which was the capital of Japan between 794 and 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. During World War II the city was the only major Japanese to escape the bombardments, and so it still preserves its wealth of artistic heritage; the famous protocol restricting greenhouse gas emissions was signed in Kyoto in 1997. The visit includes a trip to one of the most important parts of the city. We will see the marvellous Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji temple, “the golden pavilion” and its wonderful gardens. Free time before visiting GION, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha. Free time. Note: If you already visited Kyoto on your circuit, our guide will offer you information and advice on visiting the other parts of the city unaccompanied.
Day 4: Kyoto - Tsumago - Matsumoto - Nagano
We set out for TSUMAGO, passing attractive country scenery on our way. This small village with its wooden houses is one of the prettiest places in Japan. Free time to explore and lunch included. Then we continue to MATSUMOTO, a tourist city, where we will visit the impressive 16th century castle, known as the “Crow Castle”. Free time to explore this bustling tourist city. We continue to NAGANO, accommodation.
Day 5: Nagano - Monkey park - Kasatsu - Ikaho
In NAGANO we will see the Zenko-ji, a place of pilgrimage with the first Buddhist image in Japan. Our travellers will be included the Gomakuyo ceremony to bring luck. After this, we will travel to the beautiful Japanese Alps and in the mountains we will go to the JIGOKUDANI Monkey Park, where we will include lunch and stroll amidst its forests with its rivers and spa waters where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe. After this, very beautiful high mountain scenery (we go up to 2,172 metres), passing semi-active volcanoes. KUSATSU, an attractive spa town, its main square full of life. We follow this with a walk in the city park which has the open air Onsen. Then on to IKAHO, a picturesque spa town where we will stroll in its ancient centre with its staircase streets. We will stay at a RYOKAN, a Japanese style hotel where we will continue to enjoy its baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included. NB: In the autumn, depending on the amount of fruit in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys is unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may be cancelled due to the weather from November to April.
Day 6: Ikaho - Nikko - Tokyo
We continue on our way to NIKKO, and in this fantastic town we will visit the impressive Nikko-Toshogu Temple with its room with the sound of a dragon. We will also see the Taiyuinbyo mausoleum, an impressive place full of peace. After this a stroll by the river in Kanmangafuchi, Hundreds of Jizos watch us! We will have free time in the centre before leaving for TOKYO once more.- Arrival in Tokyo at around 18.30 in the evening.-
Day 7: Tokyo
In the morning, we take part in a 5-hour trip with our guide to see this amazing city, with its hustle and bustle and extremely modern districts that coexist with quiet, peaceful areas. Brief stop at the Zojoji Temple to make a beautiful photograph of the Tokyo Tower. Pay attention to the hundred of Jizos, stone traditional protecting deities who guide us on our travels, give power to those who are weak (such children) and those in dangerous places, and who are dressed including hats, robes and windmills. Then we head to the junction of Shibuya, a junction that is said to be the most crowded in the world. The Meiji Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, his wife, and their spirits. We continue on our bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. We will edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We will pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then see Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. We will also visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-metre high pagoda. Then we will have some free time to visit the traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Return to hotel.18H30.- Meeting with guide. Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating country by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel by metro with our guide.
Day 8: Tokyo - Mount fuji - Kawaguchiko - Tokyo
We travel to the beautiful area of Monte Fuji, through pretty countryside on our way. First of all we see the ARAKURAYAMA SENGEN PARK, with its beautiful pagodas, and from here enjoy the best and most well-known views of Mount Fuji. After this we go on to KAWAGUCHIKO with its tiny houses, flowers and mountains, and its beautiful lake. On our arrival, we will visit the FUJI SENGEN SHRINE set in a magical site surrounded by tall trees, and the starting point of the traditional pilgrimage to the mountain. At the shrine, we will express our thanks for being able to visit this wonderful place. The visit also includes a delightful boat trip on Kawaguchiko Lake. After lunch, we start to ascend Mount Fuji on the road that takes us to the “fifth station”, surrounded by spectacular forests and views, to a height of 2,305 metres. Return to Tokyo at the end of the day. Note: In winter, the route up to Mount Fuji is closed due to snow or other adverse weather conditions; during this season, we will ascend as far as the authorised point.
Day 9: Tokyo - Beijing
After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport by shuttle bus for our included flight to Beijing.Welcome to China! Upon arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel. In the late afternoon, we’ll have our first introduction to this impressive city, starting with a transfer to the famous Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial avenue filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.
Day 10: Beijing
An exciting day awaits us. We will discover the main points of interest in the Chinese capital. We will have a full day visit in which we will visit some of the main avenues in the city. The Great Chinese Imperial Palace, better known as "The Forbidden City", the most majestic architectural complex in China from where 24 emperors ruled for almost 500 years. We will also have the opportunity to visit Jingshan Park where the Coal Hill is located, one of the best preserved imperial gardens in Beijing. We ascend to the top of the hill to have the best views (if the day is clear) on the Forbidden City. We will walk through the immense Tiananmen Square one of the largest squares in the world, and from them, we will appreciate the Great National Theater, Beijing Opera House. Lunch is included. Today, we will also visit the SUMMER PALACE, the Imperial House of the Qing Dynasty with its beautiful gardens and lakes. In the afternoon we include a tricycle ride through the traditional neigbourhood of Beijing, known as Hutong. In this area we can see the typical life style in these popular neighborhood, visit typical shops and even a traditional house, a Siheyuan, with all its lounges around a courtyard. Return to the hotel and overnight.*Note: For reasons of heritage protection and increased visitor safety, the governing body of the Imperial Palace or Forbidden City has reduced the daily capacity of visitors for an indeterminate period of time. For this reason, we cannot guarantee that such a visit will take place. If it cannot be carried out, it would be replaced by a visit to the Confucius Temple and also the Lama Temple, both also emblematic of Chinese history and culture.
Day 11: Beijing - Shanghai
Day 12: Shanghai
In the morning, our trip includes a visit round this impressive city. We will know the area of Pudong, located across the Huangpu River, is now the financial district, with its skyscrapers as the Pearl Tower. We include a ferry crossing of the Shanghai River which will give us great views of the two parts of the city. We will stroll the Old City and the Yuyuan Garden, a private garden that was built during the Ming Dynasty. We will enjoy a demonstration of the Tea ceremony,traditional drink that plays an important cultural role in China. We will pass by one of the most fashionable neighborhoods of the capital, Xintiandi. Lunch included. Then, visit Tianzifang, a former residential area known for its narrow, labyrinthine traditional streets with its small craft shops and art galleries. We finish the visit along the Bund with its old buildings that remind us of the influence of European trade. Free afternoon. If you wish, you can enjoy a boat trip to see Shanghai at night, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Day 13: Shanghai - Luoyang
Transfer to the station. We take the high-speed train (a train is expected to leave at 07.17 h), and in a little over five hours, through many sections of pretty countryside, we cover the 1,000 km to LUOYANG. Lunch included. We see the impressive Buddhist caves of LONGMEN over more than a kilometre of the rocky walls of the river, where they sculpted more than 100,000 images of Buddha. We will include a boat trip. After this, transfer to the ancient city, where we cross its impressive wall and can enjoy the great traditional activity and its lit up streets.
Day 14: Luoyang - Longmen - Sanmexia - Xian
In the early hours, on the outskirts of Luoyang, we visit the WHITE HORSE BUDDHIST MONASTERY, a huge monastery and place of study where Buddhists from all countries of the world. We continue our route to SANMEXIA. In this historic city we will see the Yellow River and the Baoulon temple with its tall pagoda and we will visit one of the best museums in China: the Guo museum with the funeral carriages of the former state of guo. Lunch included. We continue eastwards, passing of Mount Hua, a holy mountain. XIAN, arrival at the end of the afternoon.
Day 15: Xian
We have arrived in the fascinating city where the silk route originated. First thing in the morning, we will go to see the TERRACOTA ARMY, with its thousands of life size clay soldiers that were found underground. We return to XIAN, where we will visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, we go across through the walled centre. We will cross the Muslim quarter there and we will enter the mosque, where we will be able to see the multiple cultures and religions that have left their mark on this country. Our tour will also include entry tickets to the Drum Tower where we will enjoy a short show of traditional instrument playing. Free time.-
Day 16: Xian - Chengdu
We leave Xian in a very modern high-speed train, and in just over three hours we cover the 700 km that separate us from CHENGDU. On arrival we will go to the Panda Bear research and breeding centre, a reserve where 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas live. Lunch included. In the afternoon we will take a stroll through the People´s Park, with its small lake, the local people doing Taichi, and its tea houses.-
Day 17: Chengdu
Today we include full-day tour of Sichuan Province, with its pleasant landscapes and traditional villages. In DUJIANGYAN we see the traditional irrigation system, which has been working for more than 2000 years and is a world heritage site. QUINGCHENG SHAN, “mountain of the green city” is a Taoist holy mountain. Its paths through the forests show us caves, pavilions and centuries-old wooden temples, lunch included. Finally, we will visit the ancient city of JIEZI with its alleys with over a thousand years of history. Return to CHENGDU.
Day 18: Chengdu - Miao village - Zhaoxing
We will travel by train, we get up early (our train leaves at 7.38 hrs), and we have to do almost a thousand kilometres in just over five and a half hours amidst magnificent mountain scenery (picnic lunch on the train). On arrival in Congjiang, we are in a magnificent and unknown area of China inhabited by ethnic minorities. We see the BASHA MIAO Village in the forest, with its wooden houses. This is the only ethnic group authorised to carry firearms, as they were traditional bear hunters. We continue to ZHAOXING, the most important town of the Dong minority, a beautiful place with its more than 800 traditional homes; many say that it is the most beautiful town in China. Accommodation.
Day 19: Zhaoxing - Guangxiao - Chengyang - Longsheng - Guilin
Today you will do one of the most beautiful and exciting stages of your trip. GUANGXIAO, among amazing villages of the Dong ethnic group with its beautiful wooden architecture, this charming town frozen in time is little visited by international tourism; we will see its suspension bridge, the drum tower and the opera house. We also stop at CHENGYANG, with its magnificent “wind and rain bridge”. Lunch included. In LONGSHENG we will go to the LONJI rice fields, a World Heritage Site. A small bus will take us to the viewpoints and you can walk down a sector along paths between rice paddies and wonderful scenery. After that we continue to GUILIN -Arrival at the end of the afternoon-
Day 20: Guilin
A full day in GUILIN, one of the most popular cities in China with a very pleasant atmosphere on the banks of its lake, next to the river Li, and with its busy shopping streets in the centre. We include a visit to the Cane Flutes Grotto, a magnificent cave in which there are numerous fantastically shaped stalactites and stalagmites lit up in beautiful colours, creating a spectacular world in the bowels of the earth. Afternoon free, we recommend you visit the Jingjiang Palace, the “miniature forbidden city”. Accommodation.
Day 21: Guilin - Li river cruise - Yangshuo - Huangyao - Guangzhou
We will leave Guilin by boat and take a cruise on the Li river. The countryside is spectacular with its green mountains, the villages on the banks, the amazing rocks and its mountain peaks in amazing shapes. Lunch included. We come to YANGSHUO, a very lively tourist city. A stroll before continuing through central China to the rural HUANGYAO; this ancient city is magnificently preserved with its small streets, old buildings, temples. The life and activity of its inhabitants will also take us to another time. Time for a stroll. We continue on our way to GUANGZHOU -Arrival at the end of the day-
Day 22: Guangzhou - Zhuhai - Macau
Guangzhou, we include a two-hour tour of this thriving metropolis of southern China; we will walk along Shangiaxju Street with its traditional market, see the House of the Chen Clan from the end of the 19th century and we will explore the riverside area. Free time and lunch included. In the afternoon we travel to ZHUHAI on the China Sea; we stop next to the impressive Opera House built on land reclaimed from the sea, opened in 2016 and whose impressive shape symbolises the sun and the moon. BORDER CROSSING and entry in MACAU, where we see the area of the casinos, many of which are in the same style as those in Las Vegas. Their activity is impressive. VERY IMPORTANT: If you return to mainland China on your trip after your stay in Macau and Hong Kong, you need a double entry visa.
Day 23: Macau
Our services will come to an end, hoping to leave you with wonderful lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night.
