Day 1 Beijing

Welcome to China. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. Perhaps arrive into Beijing a few days earlier to explore the city. Visit Tiananmen Square, shop for arts and crafts at Panjiayuan Flea Market or check out the Forbidden City (the largest palace complex in the world). Board an overnight sleeper train to Harbin in the early evening. The train compartments are open-plan and clean, with padded three-tiered berths (six to a compartment). Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided (although it’s recommended you bring your own sleeping sheet, as the quality and cleanliness of sheets may not be what you’re used to). Safe, hot drinking water is always available for making coffee, tea or instant meals. It’s a good idea to bring a mug and cutlery if you’ll be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train. Basic bathroom facilities are situated at the end of each carriage. As toilet paper isn't always available, it's advisable to carry some of your own. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available before the journey begins. Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the welcome meeting today, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 2 Harbin

Arrive into Harbin this morning. Make sure you pack warm clothes, as Harbin is colder than Beijing and you’ll be outside exploring the city. Transfer from the train station to the hotel, where you may be able check in early and freshen up if the rooms are ready. Enjoy a walking tour of Harbin, visiting Saint Sophia Cathedral and the busy central street of Zhongyang Dajie. Your guide will provide a history of the city during the tour, including Russia’s influence on Harbin. In the evening visit a local restaurant and try some typical northern Chinese fare, such as braised pork with vermicelli.

Day 3 Harbin

Today explore the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival with your local guide. The festival is the largest of its kind in the world. Tour the various exhibitions of sculptures made from snow and ice, which is sourced from the nearby Songhua River. The sculptures are life-size re-creations of famous buildings, structures and characters, created by master sculptors and artists. In 2015 the festival featured an ice Kremlin, enormous seated Buddha and a supersized Chinese fishermen. Observe the sculptures during the day, and engage in activities such as sledding, ice hockey and ice mini golf. Revisit the festival at night, when the ice is lit up with colourful lights, keeping warm with a coffee or hot chocolate from one of the festival stands.

Day 4 Beijing

In the morning, board a bullet train at Harbin station for the eight-hour journey back to Beijing. Transfer to your hotel on arrival and enjoy a free evening to explore the city. Perhaps catch an acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theatre or wander through busy street markets. Beijing boasts a world-class gastronomic scene. Feast on roast duck in a traditional restaurant, eat dumplings and noodles in a backstreet eatery or enjoy some of the best international dining in China. Ask your leader for local food recommendations.

Day 5 Beijing

Your Northern China adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no activities included today, so you may depart the hotel at any time. Checkout is usually around 10 am. No visit to Beijing is complete without a trip to the Great Wall of China, so we recommend staying on in the city for a few days to see the sights.