The Best of China & the Trails of Laos (2026)

Day 1

Welcome to China! Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel.In the early evening, we’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a vibrant pedestrian avenue known for its lively atmosphere, numerous shops, and diverse restaurants. This will be a great opportunity to get acquainted with the city. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

Day 2

An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of Beijing, the vibrant capital of China. We’ll embark on a full-day tour, discovering some of the city´s most iconic avenues. Our journey will take us to the Great Chinese Imperial Palace, better known as the Forbidden City, the most majestic architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years.We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of the best-preserved imperial gardens in Beijing. From its summit, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting. Next, we’ll stroll through Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, from where we can admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.Lunch will be included.Our journey will continue with a visit to the Summer Palace, the imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its picturesque gardens and serene lakes. In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in traditional Beijing life with a tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighborhoods. Here, we’ll experience the city´s rich cultural heritage, explore traditional shops, and visit a Siheyuan, a classic courtyard house that reflects the city´s architectural charm.We’ll then return to the hotel for an overnight stay.Note: Due to heritage protection measures and visitor safety regulations, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee this visit. If access is unavailable, we’ll instead explore the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both of which are emblematic sites in Chinese history and culture.

Day 3

We’ll take an excursion to the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section, a spectacular architectural masterpiece whose history spans more than 2,000 years. We’ll ride the cable car up and down to access the Wall (tickets included). We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a delicious lunch included, featuring the famous Peking duck. Afterward, we’ll transfer to the train station to board a high-speed train bound for Shanghai. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

Day 4

Our tour of Shanghai will take us through its most iconic sights. We´ll begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s modern financial district, located across the Huangpu River. This area is home to towering skyscrapers, including the iconic Pearl Tower.We’ll then take a scenic ferry ride across the Shanghai River, offering spectacular views of both the historic and contemporary sides of the city.Next, we’ll stroll through the Old City and visit the serene Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of China’s rich cultural heritage.Our tour will continue through Xintiandi, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its stylish boutiques, cafés, and vibrant atmosphere.Lunch will be included.In the afternoon, we’ll explore Tianzifang, a former residential district now famous for its maze-like alleys, charming craft shops, and contemporary art galleries.We’ll conclude our day with a walk along The Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings reflect the influence of European trade in Shanghai.Free afternoon. If you wish, you can enjoy a boat trip to see Shanghai at night, it will be an unforgettable experience.

Day 5

Transfer to the airport to board a flight (included) to Kunming, the capital of the YUNNAN region. After completing immigration and customs formalities, meet our assistant in the airport arrivals area. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 6

Departure from the city for an excursion to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, where we will encounter a series of rock formations that create scenery resembling petrified trees. Lunch included during the visit. Return to KUNMING and city tour: Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park, the Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market—an old, traditional market—and finally a visit to the lively Kunming Laojie Old District. Accommodation.

Day 7

Departure to the station to take the train (included) that connects KUNMING with the Laotian city of LUANG PRABANG. This is one of the most modern international railway routes in Asia.Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Station, meet our guide and transfer to the hotel. Nestled between green mountains and along the majestic Mekong River, this city is a jewel of Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Note: Please make sure you have all documents required for exiting China and entering Laos: passport, visa, and Yellow Fever certificate (required by authorities depending on your country of origin).Note: During the journey, we will need to get off the train twice with all our belongings. First, we will disembark at the China Border Control (Mohan), then reboard the same train. Later, we will disembark again with all our belongings at the Laos Border Control (Boten). It is always the same train, and we keep the same seat from Kunming all the way to Luang Prabang

Day 8

City tour of the former royal capital. We will begin with the Royal Palace, now the National Museum (admission included). We continue to Wat Mai Temple (admission included), known for its five-tiered roof, and then to the Temple of the Golden City (admission included), the most important Buddhist monument in LAOS, featuring roofs that slope almost to the ground and dazzling mosaics. From there, we head to the pier for a boat ride along the Mekong River, observing local life. Lunch included on board. The journey concludes with a visit to the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred sanctuary that houses thousands of Buddha statues hidden within the rock. Return by road and stop at the village of BAN XANG KHONG, well known for its cotton and silk weaving. Accommodation

Day 9

Early departure to attend the Tak Bat ceremony, where saffron-robed monks walk barefoot and in silence to receive food offerings. Traveling through lush green fields, we arrive at Living Land Farm, where we will discover the entire rice-farming process from start to finish.Nearby, at Laos Buffalo Dairy, we will have the chance to interact with the animals and sample handcrafted cheeses. Nature then takes center stage with a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, where turquoise waters cascade over terraced pools surrounded by dense jungle.Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Return to LUANG PRABANG.At the end of the day, transfer to a local home to take part in the traditional Baci ceremony, where you will have the privilege of experiencing this sacred ritual. Dinner is included. Return to the hotel.

Day 10

Transfer to LUANG PRABANG train station to board the train (included) to VANG VIENG, a town surrounded by impressive karst formations and rice fields. Arrival and lunch included at a local restaurant.After lunch, we transfer to PHOXAY to begin an approximately 1.5-hour hike. The walk starts in the small Hmong village of BAN PHATHAO. Along the way, we cross lush green rice paddies until reaching the Elephant Cave Temple (entrance included). Return by road to Vang Vieng. Arrival at the hotel and free time.Note: During the rainy season, the walking portion will be replaced by a vehicle transfer from Ban Phathao village to the Elephant Cave.Transfer to a viewpoint to enjoy the sunset from an elevated terrace. One drink is included while you take in the sunset. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 11

Departure to visit the Angel Cave (entrance included), home to impressive caverns, stalactites, and stalagmites. We then continue to VIENTIANE for a city tour.Our visit begins at That Luang Temple (entrance included), often visited by local pilgrims. We then pass by the Patuxay Monument, one of the city’s main landmarks. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, we continue to Wat Sisaket and Wat Phra Keo (entrances included), home to an impressive collection of Lao and Khmer religious art. We conclude the day with a visit to COPE (entrance included), where we learn about the tragic legacy of LAOS as one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world during the Vietnam War.Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 12

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.