1. Day ISTANBUL – DUBAI
We will meet at the international departure terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. After luggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, our scheduled flight with Emirates Airlines to Dubai will begin.
2. Day DUBAI – BEIJING
Upon arrival in Dubai, we will transfer for our connecting flight with Emirates Airlines to Beijing. We will spend the night on the plane. After arriving in Beijing, we will transfer to our private bus waiting for us at the airport and depart for a panoramic tour of Beijing. Our first stop will be Lapa Temple (from the outside). The temple, which houses an 18-meter tall Buddha statue, is considered one of China's most significant and largest temples. Built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, it is regarded as one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism's Gelug sect. Our next stop will be the Miaoying Temple, also known as the White Stupa Temple, which is an important monastery of the Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism (from the outside). Built during the Yuan dynasty, it is one of the oldest and largest temples. The magnificent structure, featuring its white pagoda and 13th-century Chinese architecture, was last restored in 2010. Then, we will panoramically see the Bird's Nest Stadium, built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, and the Water Cube (from the outside). After the tour, we will head to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
3. Day BEIJING – FORBIDDEN CITY – TIANANMEN SQUARE – TEMPLE OF HEAVEN – BEIJING
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our day by exploring the mystical history of the city. As our bus takes us to the heart of the city, we will observe how old and new Beijing coexist while feeling the grandeur of this magnificent palace complex that has hosted China's emperors for centuries. Walking between wide courtyards, splendid palaces, and ancient stone pathways, you will feel transported to a bygone imperial era. Hundreds of years old grand gates, golden palace roofs, spacious squares, and elegant gardens will draw you into the past. Each corner of the palace holds a story, and every detail bears traces of thousands of years of Chinese culture. We will then move on to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, known as a symbol of modern China and a witness to historical events. Next, we will visit a Pearl Factory to uncover the secrets of China's famous freshwater pearls. While learning how pearls are harvested from nature, skillfully crafted, and transformed into dazzling jewelry, we will have the opportunity to closely observe the intricacies of this unique craft. Our next destination will be the Temple of Heaven, with its majestic domes and flawless architecture. With its eye-catching blue tones blending with the sky, this unique structure is not only a temple but also a symbol of the mystical bond between the Chinese people and nature. For centuries, emperors have prayed to the heavens in this sacred place, where we will feel the echoes of the past step by step, witnessing the spiritual essence of the temple. After the tour, we will head to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
4. Day BEIJING – GREAT WALL – JUYONG PASS – BEIJING
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start by exploring the world-famous Great Wall of China. Once we get off the bus, we will see the breathtaking mountain scenery as the Great Wall, approximately 21,000 km long, stretches across the slopes and peaks. This unique defensive structure, recognized as one of the most iconic and massive constructions in the world, is not only a military structure but also considered one of China's greatest engineering achievements. With its construction dating back to the 7th century BC, the Great Wall has been expanded and fortified by various dynasties over the centuries. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent structure is of great significance not only for China but also for world history. As we explore the Great Wall, we will walk among its stone walls, tracing the footsteps of the past, embarking on an unforgettable journey deep in history. Afterwards, we will visit the Jade Factory, where we will discover the enchanting world of jade, seen as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and elegance in Chinese culture for centuries. Here, we will have the opportunity to observe how raw stones are skillfully shaped into intricate designs, revealing the elegance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. The exquisite figures and elegant designs carefully crafted by artisans will remind us that jade is not just a decorative item but also a living part of cultural heritage. After our tour, we will move to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
5. Day BEIJING – XI’AN
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the train station to travel to Xi’an. We will embark on a journey through the rich history of China aboard the high-speed train awaiting us. As the train glides along the tracks, silhouettes of mountains hidden in the mist, vast rice fields, and pagoda temples sprinkled among the villages will pass by our windows like a film scene. While moving forward in the rhythm of the modern world, we are preparing to step into the history-soaked atmosphere of Xi’an. Upon our arrival in Xi’an, we will be greeted by the impressive city walls, cobblestone narrow streets, and architecture reflecting the spirit of ancient times. Once the capital of emperors and one of the most important crossroads on the Silk Road, this city has been a stopover for merchants, travelers, and historians for centuries. Here, it will also be possible to feel the traces of the past whispering through the stones. Our first stop will be the Ancient City Walls, one of the best-preserved and most magnificent defense structures in China. Built in the 14th century by the Ming Dynasty, this immense structure, with a length of 13.7 kilometers, surrounds the city and carries the glory of the past into the present. With a height of 12 meters, these magnificent walls are recognized as one of the strongest examples of Chinese military architecture. As we walk on top, we will feel how this defense system once protected the city and how it was one of the most strategic structures of its time. From here, we will enjoy the panoramic view of Xi’an, surrounded by an atmosphere where the past and the present blend together. After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
6. Day XI’AN – TERRACOTTA – ANCIENT STYLE STREET – LUOYANG
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our exploration in Xi’an with a visit to the Terracotta Museum, one of the most significant treasures of Chinese history, recognized by UNESCO as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Built to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, this enormous underground army remained hidden for 2,200 years and was discovered in 1974. Composed of thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, each having different facial expressions, this extraordinary site is considered one of history's most important archaeological finds. As we explore this impressive area that showcases ancient China’s military might and artistic craftsmanship, we will embark on an unforgettable journey into the depths of history. Afterwards, we will head to the Ancient Style Street, one of the most authentic spots in Xi’an, showcasing narrow streets adorned with traditional Chinese architecture, handcrafted wooden stores decorated with red lanterns, and cobbled pathways that bring the past to life. From handmade souvenirs and antiques to elegant silk products and traditional Chinese calligraphy, many cultural values are present in this historic marketplace. The aroma of spices rising from ancient teahouses, the echoes of traditional music, and the artisan crafts displayed in stores turn this place into not just a shopping destination but a vibrant tableau of living history. After exploring the street, we will take a high-speed train to Luoyang. Afterwards, we will enjoy a pleasant tour in Luoyang's ancient city, which carries the past into the present. Reconstructed streets with traditional Chinese architecture, narrow roads illuminated by red lanterns, and an authentic atmosphere will take us on a journey through time. After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
7. Day LUOYANG – LONGMEN CAVES – SHAOLIN TEMPLE – KUNG FU SHOW – ZHENGZHOU
After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a journey to one of China’s most remarkable cultural heritages, the Longmen Caves. Carved into steep cliffs along the Yi River, this unique cave complex witnessed a peak in Buddhist art between the 5th and 10th centuries. Over 100,000 Buddha statues carved into the stone, each reflecting the spiritual beliefs and aesthetic sense of the time, are located here. Especially the enormous seated Buddha statue, 17 meters high, leaves visitors in deep admiration with its serene gaze, seemingly freezing time itself. Each figure carries both spiritual meaning and artistic elegance, and as we progress through the caves, you will find yourself enveloped in a magnificent atmosphere where history and belief intertwine. After the Longmen Caves visit, we will head to the Shaolin Temple, considered one of the holiest sites in China. Founded in 495 AD, this mystical structure is not only the birthplace of Zen Buddhism but also the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. For centuries, monks trained in both mental and physical discipline in this temple, which still maintains its status as a spiritual center. Walking through the ancient courtyards of the temple, you will feel the remnants of monks' silent training and hear the whispers of the past etched into the stone walls. One of the most exciting moments of our visit will undoubtedly be the Shaolin Kung Fu Show. The monks, representing traditional Shaolin art, will perform not only combat techniques but also showcase harmony between body and mind, balance, and spiritual depth. The breathtaking acrobatic moves are the result of years of training and discipline, offering viewers a visual feast. This performance means not only watching martial arts but also experiencing a culture, a belief, and the inner strength of humanity. In the afternoon, we will visit a diamond factory known for its laboratory-produced diamonds in Henan. After the tour, we will have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel in Zhengzhou. Accommodation at our hotel.
8. Day ZHENGZHOU – JADE TEMPLE – YU GARDEN – NANJING ROAD – SHANGHAI
After breakfast at the hotel, we will move to Zhengzhou Airport for a local flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will begin our city tour of Shanghai. Our first stop will be the Jade Buddha Temple, which houses two magnificent Buddha statues carved from white jade and adorned with precious stones. Particularly, the seated Buddha statue attracts attention with its elegant texture and serene expression. Considered one of the important symbols of Buddhist faith, this temple offers a tranquil experience with its spiritual atmosphere. Next, we will visit Yu Garden, one of the most exquisite examples of traditional Chinese gardening. This garden, reminiscent of a painting, transforms into an impressive space with its labyrinthine pathways, stone bridges reflecting on water, and artistic rock formations. After that, we will visit a Silk Factory to closely observe China’s world-famous silk production process. Here, we will witness how silkworms gently transform into luxurious fabrics, discovering the intricacies of traditional Chinese silk craftsmanship. Our next destination will be the famous Nanjing Road, the heart of commerce and shopping in Shanghai. Compared to the world's famous shopping destinations, this bustling street is lined with luxurious boutiques, traditional handicraft shops, and restaurants offering local delicacies. Afterwards, we will visit the Pearl Tower, an iconic symbol of Shanghai (from the outside). With a height of 468 meters, this tower reaches up to the sky and becomes one of the most stunning buildings illuminated at night. After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
9./10. Day SHANGHAI – ZHUJIAJIAO WATER TOWN – AP PLAZA SHOPPING – DUBAI – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out and move to Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of the most captivating spots awaiting exploration in Shanghai. With over 600 years of history, Zhujiajiao Water Town is referred to as "the Venice of Shanghai," resembling a pearl suspended in time. Its narrow stone streets, intricately carved ancient Chinese houses, and elegant arched bridges make every corner a work of art. The reflections of red lanterns on the still waters of the canals, the incense scents swirling into the sky, and echoes of traditional music transform this place into not just a travel destination but a nourishing exploration area for the soul. Traditional boats gliding gently over the crystal-clear waters add a magical touch to the timeless atmosphere of the village, as the jasmine fragrances rising from historical tea houses accompany the whispers of the past. The ancient shops lining the cobblestone narrow streets, offering exquisite silks, handmade ceramics, and historic calligraphy pieces, envelop visitors in a fairytale world. After the tour, we will head to AP Plaza, one of the liveliest and most colorful markets in the city. Known for its wide range of products and attractive prices, this shopping spot offers countless options from quality leather goods and electronic items to luxury watches and Chinese silks. Afterwards, we will head to Shanghai Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After luggage and passport processes, we will leave for Dubai on a scheduled flight with Emirates Airlines. Following our arrival in Dubai for a connecting flight, our journey to Istanbul will begin. Upon our arrival at Istanbul Airport, we conclude our tour and services.