All the Tea in China

Begin the day at the beautiful Yu Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscape design dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its elegant pavilions, ponds and rockeries before travelling to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao. Often referred to as the "Venice of Shanghai", this charming canal town offers ancient stone bridges, narrow lanes and centuries-old buildings that provide a fascinating glimpse into traditional life in the Yangtze Delta.

Travel by high-speed rail to Hangzhou, one of China's most scenic cities. Upon arrival, cruise the tranquil waters of the legendary West Lake, whose beauty has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Later, visit the impressive Six Harmonies Pagoda, a striking octagonal structure overlooking the Qiantang River, before checking into your hotel.

Discover China's rich tea heritage with a visit to the National Tea Museum, followed by the renowned Longjing Tea Plantation. Learn about the cultivation and preparation of Dragon Well Tea and take part in a traditional tea-picking experience. This afternoon, board a high-speed train to Wuyishan, a spectacular UNESCO-listed mountain region celebrated as one of China's premier tea-producing areas.

Spend the day exploring the magnificent Wuyi Mountains, birthplace of the world-famous Da Hong Pao and Bohea teas. Visit the Royal Tea Garden, Tianyou Peak, Cloudy Nest and the Fairy Bath Pool while discovering centuries of tea traditions. This afternoon, drift through the breathtaking Nine Bend River on a traditional bamboo raft before strolling along Ancient Street and visiting historic Wuyi Palace.

Today's discoveries include the dramatic Water Curtain Cave, one of the largest natural caverns in the Wuyi Mountains, followed by a visit to an ancient tea plantation where tea bushes over 600 years old still flourish. Continue to a family-owned tea farm for an insight into traditional tea production and a tasting of locally produced teas, including distinctive wild mushroom tea.

Visit Xiamei Ancient Village, once the starting point of the famous Tea Road that linked China with Russia during the Qing Dynasty. Admire its beautifully preserved historic buildings before sharing tea in the centuries-old Zhou Family Teahouse. Later, travel by high-speed rail to the coastal city of Xiamen for a three-night stay.l.

Travel into rural Fujian Province to visit the remarkable Tianluokeng Earth Towers, among China's most extraordinary architectural treasures. These UNESCO-listed earthen fortresses, some over 700 years old, were built to house entire communities and remain one of China's most distinctive cultural landmarks.

Catch a ferry to charming Gulangyu Island, renowned for its leafy streets, colonial architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Explore Shuzhuang Garden and ascend Sunlight Rock for sweeping coastal views. Returning to Xiamen, visit South Putuo Temple, the historic Hulishan Fortress and the scenic Huandao coastal promenade.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, a city celebrated for its spectacular limestone scenery. After checking into your hotel, visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's best-known landmark, where an enormous rock formation resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River.

Board your Li River cruise for one of China's most scenic journeys. Glide through an ever-changing landscape of dramatic karst peaks, bamboo groves, riverside villages and water buffalo grazing along the shoreline while lunch is served onboard. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, continue with a guided excursion through the surrounding countryside, visiting peaceful villages and the historic Fuli Bridge.

Travel by high-speed rail to Guangzhou, one of southern China's oldest trading centres. Visit the beautifully preserved Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, admire the traditional Xiguan residences and wander through Shamian Island, where elegant European-style buildings reflect the city's international trading history.

Your memorable journey through China's tea-growing regions and cultural heartland concludes today with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in China
• 12-nights' hotel accommodation
• Breakfast daily at hotels
• 1 lunch on Li River cruise
• Arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle
• Private tour escorted by English-speaking guide/driver-private car
• Domestic flight (economy class): Xiamen / Guilin
• Domestic train at 2nd class seat: Shanghai-Hangzhou-Wuyishan-Xiamen, Guilin-Guangzhou
• Entrance fees
• China Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above