Day 1 - Arrive Kunming

On arrival into Kunming, you will be met by your China Holidays guide and will be transferred to Shilin hotel or similar for two nights. (D)

Day 2 - Kunming
After breakfast at your hotel you will be met by your guide and depart to visit to the Stone Forest, a natural wonder of grey limestone pillars formed in earlier geological time by the sea, rain and wind. There will be a performance of singing and dancing by the Sani people, one of China's fascinating ethnic minority people. On returning to the city there will be time for a city tour taking in the sights and sounds of Kunming. (B/L/D)

Day 3 - Kunming / Dali

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Dali; where on arrival you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide and depart for a tour of Dali, home to the Bai minority. You will visit the Three Pagodas of the Chongshen Temple and view snow capped Cangshan Mountain. Dali is famous for its marble, clothes shops, jewellery and batik and there will be time to stop and browse for mementos before arriving at Landscape Hotel or similar where you will stay two nights. (B/L/D)

Day 4 - Dali
Today you have the opportunity to relax with a free day. (B)

Day 5 - Dali / Lijiang

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Lijiang, set high amongst dramatic mountain scenery near the border with Tibet. Here you will visit the ancient Lijiang town and experience the Naxi minority culture. The town is a delightful maze of cobbled streets, wooden buildings, canals and 'hurly-burly' of market life. On arrival you will be transferred to Lijiang Sanhe Hotel or similar where you will spend three nights. (B/L/D)

Day 6 - Lijiang
Lijiang's inhabitants, the Naxi people are descendants of Tibetan nomads. You will continue touring in and around Lijiang today with sightseeing that includes the Black Dragon Pool Park; the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; the Long Quan Naxi ethnic village and the Museum of Naxi Culture. (B/L/D)

Day 7 - Lijiang
Today you have the opportunity to relax with a free day or maybe explore further this enchanting town and walk the winding cobbled streets. (B)

Day 8 - Lijiang / Shangri-La (Zhongdian)

After breakfast at your hotel you will embark on a 198km coach journey, through forest reserves that follow the extreme upper reaches of the Yangtze River, taking you eventually to Zhongdian, a quiet and peaceful location close to the Tibetan border. Then proceed on with a visit to the First Bend of the Yangtze River. The entire 16km gorge rises 3900m from its base to the elevated snow-capped mountains. Late afternoon transfer to Bafangyuan Business Hotel or similar where you will stay three nights. (B/L/D)

Day 9 - Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
Your sightseeing today will take you on a full day excursion around Zhongdian, which marks the start of the Tibetan world. Take in the wonders of the Shangri-La National Park including Pu Da Cuo, Bita Lake, the Shu Du Lake and the village of Tibetan Culture. (B/L/D)

Day 10 - Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
Today you have the opportunity to relax with a free day. (B)

Day 11 - Shangri-La (Zhongdian) / Kunming
After breakfast you will relax before you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Kunming. Upon arrival, your friendly China Holidays Guide will be waiting for you and will transfer you to Shilin hotel or similar for one night. (B)

Day 12 - Depart Kunming
Today you farewell Kunming as your guide meets you and transfers you to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

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