Tokyo Highlights: Asakusa, Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Crossing
DAY
16
Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko Excurson
DAY
17
Day at Leisure in Tokyo
DAY
18
Depart from Tokyo
Travel Itinerary
Trip Starts
Trip Stop
Trip Ends
Detailed Itinerary
DAY
1
DAY
1
Arrive in Beijing
Transfer
Beijing Capital Airport to Beijing - City Centre (2nd Ring Road)
Your Accommodation
Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town is a stylish modern hotel located in the vibrant Chaoyang District, close to shops, dining, and public transport. It offers spacious, comfortable rooms and excellent amenities, including a heated indoor pool, spa, and fitness center. The hotel provides a convenient base for exploring Beijing's top attractions while enjoying premium dining and leisure options.
Begin your city tour at Tian'anmen Square, the historic heart of China and the largest public plaza in the world, known for its role in major national events. Continue to the magnificent Forbidden City (Palace Museum) (closed on Mondays), the iconic imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Built by over 200,000 craftsmen, this vast complex once housed 24 emperors and features 9,999 rooms of ceremonial, administrative, and private spaces.
In the afternoon, explore the scenic Houhai District, with its lakes, traditional courtyard homes, and narrow hutong alleyways. Enjoy a pedicab ride through these historic lanes and visit a local family's home. Continue to the impressive Bell and Drum Towers, nationally protected cultural landmarks that once served as the official timekeepers of Beijing during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.
Day Tour
Full Day Beijing Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Hutongs with Lunch
DAY
3
DAY
3
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Meet your guide and driver at your hotel and transfer to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a rugged and less crowded stretch that offers spectacular views as it winds over the surrounding hills. The drive from Beijing takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, take a short cable car ride up to the Wall, where you can explore its ancient watchtowers, walk along the winding stone paths, and enjoy sweeping vistas of the hills and forests. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, return by cable car to meet your driver, and then stop at a restaurant for a relaxing lunch before heading back to Beijing.
Day Tour
Morning Great Wall at Mutianyu Excursion with Lunch
DAY
4
DAY
4
Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and High-Speed Train to Xi'an
Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, where locals gather to practice traditional morning exercises such as Tai Chi, creating a peaceful and lively atmosphere. A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture, the temple embodies ancient Chinese beliefs in the harmony between heaven and earth, demonstrated through its refined geometry and engineering. Once a sacred site where emperors prayed for good harvests, it remains one of Beijing's most important cultural landmarks.
Continue to the Summer Palace, Beijing's best-preserved imperial garden. Located along the tranquil shores of Kunming Lake, this expansive retreat features graceful pavilions, temples, and covered corridors set amid beautifully landscaped grounds. Designed as a summer escape for the imperial family, the palace offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and classical Chinese garden design.
Day Tour
Morning Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace Tour with Lunch
Transfer
Beijing - City Centre (2nd Ring Road) to Beijing Capital Airport
Rail
Beijing Station to Xian Station
Transfer
Xi'an Train Station to Xi'an - City Centre (1st Ring Road)
Your Accommodation
Grand Mercure On Renmin Square
The Grand Mercure On Renmin Square is located inside the Ming Dynasty Wall of the ancient city of Xi'an, surrounded by quiet courtyards and elegant gardens, emanating the unique rich historical breath of the famous "cradle of Chinese civilization". 194 guest rooms and suites in spectacular style reflect 50 years of historical soul of the Renmin Building.
Xi'an Ancient Wonders: Terracotta Warriors & Evening Tang Dynasty Show
Begin your day with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. These 2,300-year-old life-sized figures were crafted to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qinshihuang, in the afterlife. The site was accidentally uncovered by local farmers in 1974, and today, the warriors remain in their original positions, giving visitors a remarkable glimpse into ancient Chinese military organization, artistry, and funerary practices. You’ll see rows of soldiers, chariots, and horses, each uniquely detailed, reflecting the skill and dedication of the craftsmen who created them over two millennia ago.
After lunch, continue to the Ancient City Wall, one of the most well-preserved city walls in China and among the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Take a 1-hour bike ride atop the wall, experiencing panoramic views of Xi’an and gaining a sense of its historic scale and grandeur.
Day Tour
Full Day Ancient Wonders of Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Mausoleum & Cycling on the City Wall with Lunch
DAY
6
DAY
6
Fly to Guilin, and Guilin Scenic Highlights
Explore the Reed Flute Caves, a renowned scenic spot known for its enchanting display of stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, and rock formations in vivid shapes and colors, set against picturesque landscapes and rural scenery. Next, visit the stunning Fubo Hill, famously called the "Wonderland on Wave," with its striking peak rising high and its base partially surrounded by water. The hill's name, Fubo (Wave-Curbing) Hill, comes from the river at its eastern edge, which forms a deep pool.
Transfer
Xi'an - City Centre (1st Ring Road) to Xi an Xianyang Airport
Transfer
Guilin Airport to Guilin - City Centre
Your Accommodation
Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center
Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center is a modern hotel designed for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in the heart of the city. Guests can enjoy well-designed rooms, a breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, a fitness room, self-service laundry, and efficient business facilities. With attentive service, a 24-hour front desk, and close proximity to major attractions and public transportation, the hotel offers a relaxed and hassle-free base for discovering Guilin.
Duration
2 Night Stay
Meal Plan
Buffet Breakfast
Day Tour
Half Day Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill Tour with Lunch
In the morning, transfer to the pier for your Li River Cruise aboard a comfortable double-decker boat. The journey from Guilin to Yangshuo offers a landscape that is nothing short of a natural masterpiece-crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone peaks, serene farmland, smiling fishermen, and wandering water buffaloes create a scene straight out of a painting.
Relax under the blue sky as your boat glides through this enchanting scenery, a truly unforgettable experience. After approximately four and a half hours, the thousand-year-old town of Yangshuo comes into view. This charming town blends traditional Chinese culture with Western influences. Have some time to wander through the famous West Street, explore the variety of shops and restaurants, and then transfer by road back to your hotel in Guilin.
Day Tour
Full Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Lunch
DAY
8
DAY
8
Fly to Shanghai and Evening Acrobatic Show
Pick up from hotel, enjoy a amazing Acrobatic Show at ERA Theatre. It hosts one of the best acrobatic shows in town. ERA - Intersection of Time put on in the theater is a multimillion-dollar stunning acrobatic extravaganza, the first of its kind in China, ERA is a multimedia odyssey whose inspiration is a direct result of the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. The highlight of ht show includes Mirror Mirage, Magic Water, Floating Gondola, Music of ERA, Jar Juggling, Wheel of Life, Space Motorcycles. After that, transfer back to hotel.
Transfer
Guilin - City Centre to Guilin Airport
Transfer
Shanghai Pu Dong Airport to Shanghai - Xuhui District
Your Accommodation
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund is a chic hotel ideally situated near Yu Garden and just steps from the Bund and Xintiandi. Modern rooms offer city views and high-speed internet, while amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, dining options, and a Club Lounge. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Shanghai's historic sites and vibrant nightlife.
Start the day to stroll along the Bund, a waterfront area in central, there is dozens of historical buildings, lining the Huangpu River. Then visit the Nanjing Road, enjoy the reputation as China No. 1 commercial center. It was the earliest commercial street in Shanghai since the city opened to the outside world. Continue to the 400-year-old Yu Garden (closed on Monday), Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden located in Anren Jie, Shanghai. The garden was finished in 1577 by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Outside of the garden is the famous Chen Huang Miao Bazaar-- an area of shops, restaurants and recreation facilities. and after Chinese lunch at local restaurant, continue to the Jade Buddha Temple, it was built to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel. Evening is free at leisure with dinner on own.
Day Tour
Full Day Nanjing Road, The Bund, Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple including Lunch
DAY
10
DAY
10
Fly from Shanghai to Osaka and transfer to Kyoto
Transfer
Shanghai - Xuhui District to Shanghai Pu Dong Airport
Transfer
Osaka Kansai International Airport to Kyoto - City Centre
Your Accommodation
Hotel Vischio Kyoto
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia is conveniently located just a short walk from Kyoto Station. The property offers sophisticated, modern rooms with all the essentials including comfortable beds and spacious layouts. The hotel's relaxed ambiance, friendly service, and convenient amenities like a fitness center and restaurant make it a great base for exploring Kyoto.
Imperial Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & Arashiyama
Begin your journey in the cultural heart of Japan with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This breathtaking Zen temple, covered entirely in brilliant gold leaf, reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond and gardens. No matter the season - Kinkakuji offers a picture-perfect scene that captures the essence of Kyoto's timeless beauty.
Next, step back into the era of the samurai at Nijo Castle, a 17th-century fortress built for the powerful shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Wander through its elegant wooden halls, where the famous "nightingale floors" chirp softly underfoot to alert guards of approaching visitors. The castle's intricate wall paintings and beautifully landscaped gardens reflect the refined aesthetics of the Edo period. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's feudal history.
Continue your exploration at Nishiki Market, affectionately known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." Stretching over five bustling blocks, this lively market is packed with local vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and pickled vegetables to sweets, teas, and handcrafted souvenirs. Savor a few street snacks as you wander - perhaps some yuba (tofu skin), senbei (rice crackers), or freshly grilled skewers - and experience the flavors that define Kyoto's culinary heritage.
End your day in the scenic district of Arashiyama, located on the western edge of the city. Stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks of bamboo sway gently in the breeze, creating a tranquil, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Day Tour
Private Full Day Kyoto and Arashiyama Highlights by Public Transport
DAY
12
DAY
12
Hiroshima & Miyajima Island Excursion by Bullet Train
Early this morning, take the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima (2 hours). Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Miyajimaguchi for the ferry to Miyajima Island. This enchanting island is home to the Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, famous for its huge bright orange gate (tori) that rises majestically out of the sea. At high tide it is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights in Japan. The size and physical landscape of Miyajima makes it an ideal place for walking, and you can spend some time relaxing on your own here. Return to central Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum, illuminating the tragic events of World War II. Drive past the eerie A-Bomb Dome, left standing in a ruinous state after more than 70 years. This evening, return by bullet train to Kyoto.
Today you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional house and experience a classic Japanese artform. Get dressed in a beautiful casual kimono before participating in an authentic tea ceremony. Learn about tea history, various types of tea and tea ceremony etiquette from a professional instructor. You will see how every movement has a meaning and understand what the act of serving tea to guests means in Japan.
Day Tour
Shared Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience in a Traditional Machiya House
Day Tour
Private Half Day Kyoto Fushimi Highlights Tour
DAY
14
DAY
14
Bullet Train to Tokyo, Evening Food Walking Tour
Tucked beneath the tracks in central Tokyo, Yurakucho is home to one of the city's most atmospheric dining enclaves - a maze of lantern-lit alleyways and long-standing izakaya and restaurants hidden beneath the rumble of passing trains. Tonight is your chance to explore Tokyo's vibrant food scene where the city's working crowd gathers after dark for good food, flowing drinks, and lively conversation. Enjoy a relaxed evening moving between handpicked local spots where the air is filled with the hum of Tokyoites unwinding. Each stop introduces a different flavour of Tokyo's casual dining culture and is a window into a side of Tokyo often missed - unpolished, energetic, and full of character.
Rail
Kyoto Station to Tokyo Station
Your Accommodation
Shiba Park Hotel
Welcome to the best in Japanese hospitality, the Shiba Park Hotel. It is the tradition of this hotel to serve the local and overseas guests alike, with their well-trained, friendly and helpful staff. They offer many services regardless of whether you are travelling on business or pleasure.
Tokyo Highlights: Asakusa, Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Crossing
Take a day tour of fascinating Tokyo. First up is Asakusa, Tokyo's old town where you can soak in the atmosphere of old Tokyo. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.
Next, visit Hamarikyu garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district's futuristic skyscrapers, a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. Later visit Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Finish the day at Shibuya's famous 5-way 'scramble crossing'.
Day Tour
Private Full Day Tokyo Highlights Tour
DAY
16
DAY
16
Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko Excurson
Explore the stunning landscapes of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on a full-day group tour by comfortable bus. Begin with a drive from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, located at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) above sea level. From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from above the clouds. The views looking down below are quite astounding and you will begin to understand why Japan's tallest mountain is so very revered.
After a lunch stop, the tour continues to the charming lakeside town of Kawaguchiko, renowned for its sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the mountain’s near-perfect reflection on the lake’s surface. Visit Lake Kawaguchi Oishi Park, a favorite photography location where Mt. Fuji rises dramatically beyond the tranquil waters.
Next, head to Arakura Sengen Shrine, home to the iconic Chureito Pagoda. Reached by climbing 398 steps, this striking vermilion pagoda stands out against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji and is frequently featured in images representing Japan. During cherry blossom season, the scenery is especially spectacular, offering a rare composition of Mt. Fuji, the pagoda, and blooming sakura in a single frame.
Throughout the day you will have the chance to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji, however, please keep in mind that it is a notoriously shy mountain and it needs to be a clear day.
Day Tour
Full Day Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, & Mt Fuji Excursion
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
Trip Includes
Private arrival and departure airport transfers with meet, greet, and guide assistance in China
Shared arrival and departure airport transfers in Japan (arrival Kansai / departure Haneda)
3 nights' premium accommodations in Beijing
2 nights' premium accommodations in Xi'an
2 nights premium accommodation in Guilin
2 nights' premium accommodation in Shanghai
4 nights' premium accommodations in Kyoto
4 nights' premium accommodations in Tokyo
Private-guided Full Day Beijing Highlights Tour
Private-guided Morning Great Wall at Mutianyu Tour
Private-guided Morning Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace Tour
Private-guided Full Day Ancient Wonders of Xi'an Tour
Private-guided Half Day Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill Tour
Shared Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Private-guided Full Day Nanjing Road, The Bund, Yu Garden, and Jade Buddha Temple Tour
Private-guided Kyoto and Arashiyama Highlights by Public Transportation
Shared Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour (from Kyoto) by Bullet Train and Public Transportation
Shared Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience in a Traditional Machiya House
Private Half Day Kyoto Fushimi Highlights Tour by Public Transportation
Shared Evening Flavours of Tokyo Food Tour
Private Full Day Tokyo Highlights Tour
Shared Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, & Mt Fuji Excursion (from Tokyo) by Bus
Entrance fees to sites mentioned during guided tours
Tickets to the Tang Dynasty Show & Acrobatic Show (with return private transfers to your hotel)
High-speed train tickets in 1st class from Beijing > Xi'an
Bullet train tickets in Ordinary class from Kyoto > Tokyo
Luggage porter service at the train stations in Beijing and Xi'an
Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 7 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Trip Excludes
Travel insurance
International and domestic airfare, airfare taxes
Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned.
The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison M
Verified
Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way.
He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier.
I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols
Verified
Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler
Verified
A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever.
Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems.
Thank you again!!
Linda Irias
Verified
I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar!
He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri
Verified
Goway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'Neill
Verified
We entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime!
E&D
Verified
I recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals.
We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc.
We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets.
I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed.
Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy Hay
Verified
We enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow.
Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.IN
Verified
Everything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire
It is very enjoyable to travel in China by high-speed train, but you should avoid travelling during the National Holidays from October 1 to 7 and from May 1 to 4, as they get extra busy.
Jinxian Road in Shanghai is a small road but full of superb, Michelin-recognized restaurants. I highly recommend visiting here on your travels to China.
China's many beautiful natural sights and rich cultural areas are what I love most about visiting. Some of my personal favourites are Yunnan's Shangri-La, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the 5 Great Mountains.