Yunnan Discovery Tour, China

Enjoy a relaxing start to your trip with included airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Kunming in China's Yunnan province. 

Arrive in Kunming where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to rest or explore the city at your leisure.The next morning you'll embark on an excursion to the Stone Forest, a rare geological phenomenon of petrified trees and twisted limestone formations, dating back 270 million years. Back in Kunming have a stroll around the Green Lake Park, one of the most picturesque parks in Kunming, and Kunming Old Street.

Stay: Crowne Plaza Kunming (Deluxe)

After an early morning bullet train ride to Dali, home of the indigenous Bai people, and ancient capital of Nanzhao and the Dali Kingdom, around 1,300 years ago you'll be met for the start of your full day tour. You'll visit the 1000-year-old Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple, among the tallest in China, and enjoy a tour of the old city of Dali. The next day, your tour of the Dali region continues with a choice of walking or cycling at Erhai Lake. Then, visit Zhoucheng Village – famed for its tie-dye – and Xizhou Old Town with its traditional Bai-style architecture. You'll also pause here to enjoy afternoon tea.

Stay: Honglongjing Hotel (Superior)

Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang. Upon arrival, you'll visit the old city, a town of winding lanes, clear streams, stone bridges and ornate water wheels that’s considered a ’living museum’, visit the Dongba Culture Museum and the Black Dragon Pool Park. Your second day here takes you to the Yak Meadow, a plateau of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you will take a chair-lift to see panoramic views of the glacial peaks. Visit the Baisha Frescoes, ancient wall-paintings dating back to the Ming Dynasty, which reflect the cultural influences of the Naxi people before and evening Naxi Classical Music show.

Stay: LUX Tea Horse Road Boutique (Superior)

Drive through forest reserves alongside the upper reaches of the Yangtze River to Zhongdian, evocatively known as Shangri-La. Along the way, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s best known sights. High mountains soar either side of a rocky ravine, while the Yangtze flows down below. Legend has it that a tiger leapt over the gorge to escape hunters. You'll spend the next day exploring the Songzanlin Monastery, founded in the 17th century and nicknamed by locals the Lesser Potala Palace. There's also a visit to the Pudacuo National Park, a stunning area known for its clear water and peaceful environment. Bordering the lake is one the best grazing fields in Shangri-la.. A visit to a local Tibetan family is included.

Stay: Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City (Superior)

Take a morning flight back to Kunming and board an onward flight to Hong Kong. On arrival, transfer to the Marco Polo Hotel, perfectly located near the Kowloon waterfront, overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island beyond. Spend the next two days exploring this exciting city at your own pace, visiting fascinating temples, lively markets, peaceful islands and enjoying world-class dining and superb shopping that make Hong Hong one of the world's great cities.

Stay: Marco Polo Hotel (Superior)

Transfer to Hong Kong's international airport in time for your overnight flight, arriving back in the UK on day 16.