TERRACOTTA WARRIORS, GREAT WALL & JAPAN

On Day 2 experience the splendour of the Great Wall, the Pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Afterwards visit a Jade Factory to learn about one of China’s most symbolic and important materials. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, savouring the idyllic landscape as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens. After breakfast on Day 3 you will begin a tour of the city, beginning at the 15th Century Temple of Heaven and walking through the famous Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of Beijing. Afterwards you will continue on to the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City before enjoying the remainder of your day at leisure. (BLD)

Transfer from your hotel to Beijing airport for your flight to Xi’an, China’s ancient capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Explore one of China’s most famous ancient and cultural cities, with a history spanning over 3,100 years. Visit the tomb of the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shihuang and the thousands of life-size statues who stand guard over it. That afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, perhaps Xi’an’s most famous landmark, which stands a proud seven storeys tall, and is a place of worship for Buddhists. (BL)

Today, explore one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century – the Terracotta Warriors. The figures were created 2,000 years ago to accompany Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. Afterwards, visit the Xi’an Arts and Ceramic Exhibition Centre which produces smaller Qin terracotta warriors, horses and lacquer products. Continue to the Muslim Quarter to experience the culture and ancient architecture and experience the Grand Mosque, which is the largest and bestpreserved in China. (BLD)

Transfer from your hotel to Xi’an airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, explore the traditional Yu Garden and visit the Silk Factory. Then, admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Shanghai. Your time is at leisure here, allowing you to delve a little deeper into the city known as the ‘Oriental Paris,’ where you will find hidden treasures both architectural and cultural. You will never get bored in this dynamic metropolis. (B)

Transfer from your hotel to the cruise port in Shanghai and embark Spectrum of the Seas® for your four night cruise of Japan. (BLD)

Experience all that Spectrum of the Seas® has to offer on your four night cruise of Japan. With all of the amenities of a modern day resort, perhaps start with an early morning stroll around the jogging track, lay by the pool and have a relaxing drink to quench your thirst, or if you are looking for something a little more adventurous, try the Flowrider® or even RipCord by iFLY® skydiving simulator. Along the way you can watch schools of colourful carp swim through the canals of Shimabara city or admire the ancient Ninja and Samurai armour and weapons at Shimabara Castle in Nagasaki. A visit to the impressive Fukuoka Art Museum in Ohori Park is a must, with works by Miro, Chagall, Warhol and Asian artists. Maizuru Park contains ruins of the 17th Century Fukuoka Castle and has stunning displays of wisteria and cherry blossom in spring. (BLD)