This facinating 11 day rail tour begins in Tibet's capital Lhasa and ends in Beijing, home of Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City. Your visit to Xian not only includes the 6,000 Terracotta Warriors (among the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century) but also the city’s remarkable old walls and pagodas, as well as its drum and bell towers.

Home for most of the tour will be the Shangri La Express, although you will also ride on the high altitude regular service train from Lhasa to Golmud.

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• First class, luxury travel aboard the Shangri Las Express train
• Lhasa - The world's highest capital city. Visit the 17th Century Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Containing thousands of rooms, this breathtaking structure perches high above Lhasa.
• Highest Railway in the World - Experience an extraordinary and unforgettable journey over the 701 mile 'Roof of the World' line - through the Tangula Pass (16,640 feet, 5,072m) - the world's highest railway.
• Xian - Explore the famous and restored Terracotta Warriors - one of the greatest finds of the 20th Century.

Day 1 Lhasa
Arrive at Lhasa Airport where you will be transferred to the luxurious five-star Brahmaputra Grand Hotel (or similar) for a four-night stay. You will enjoy a welcome reception dinner at the hotel, giving you the opportunity to meet fellow travellers.

Day 2 Lhasa
Situated at the foot of Mount Gephel in a small basin surrounded by mountains, Lhasa is also known as ‘place of the gods’. At an altitude of 11,975ft (3,650m), it is one of the highest cities in the world. This extraordinary capital is the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama and is the holiest centre of Tibet. Today you are at liberty to explore this mesmerising city or spend time in your hotel acclimatising.

Day 3 Lhasa
This morning, the tour takes you to Norbu Lingka, the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace. Built in the 1740’s as a retreat from the intense summer heat, its name literally means ‘jewel garden’. This tranquil dappled garden contains many valuable objects, including gold, silver, jade and Buddhist artifacts. This afternoon you wander through the vibrant streets of Lhasa, absorbing its unique atmosphere. Or you may wish to join an optional tour to Sera Monastery, dedicated to Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 4 Lhasa
Today you explore the 13th Century Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most holy shrine. This four-storey timber complex topped with a golden roof is a stunning fusion of architectural styles of the Tang Dynasty, as well as those of Tibet and Nepal. The ancient Barkhor market is next on the itinerary, where an astounding jamboree of activity greets you as you weave your way through its streets. A traditional lunch is served accompanied by traditional folk music. This afternoon you visit the 17th Century Potala Palace, former seat of the Tibetan Government and the Dalai Lama’s winter residence before he fled to India in 1959. Containing thousands of rooms, it dominates the city skyline and is one of the architectural wonders of the world. At a height of 170 metres, this breathtaking structure perches on Marpo Ri Hill, 130 metres above the Lhasa valley.

Day 5 Lhasa - Golmud, the 'Roof of the World'
At Lhasa you board the new high-altitude train (where you have reserved seats) that will take you on an extraordinary and unforgettable 14-hour daylight journey along the new 1,142km ‘Roof of the World’ line to Golmud, cresting the 16,640ft (5,072m) Tangula Pass. This is the world’s highest railway pass, reaching an unbelievable 3 miles (5km) above sea level. Due to the high altitude, supplementary oxygen is pumped in through the ventilation system. Personal oxygen masks are available if required. At Golmud, you transfer to your private train, the Shangri La Express and continue your journey to Xining.

Day 6 Xining
Today you explore this historic and multi-ethnic region which is home to an incredible 37 different nationalities. Located on the eastern edge of Qinghai Province, Xining’s history can be traced back 2,100 years to antiquity. Here you will experience some of the distinctive traditions and customs of this region. Your exploration of Xining takes you on to Dongguan Mosque. Built in 1380, its eclectic style combines both traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural influences.

Day 7 Xian - Terracotta Warriors
Your fascinating journey of discovery takes you to Xian, the former Imperial Capital of China. Here you will explore the ancient city walls and Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest in China. If there is time, you will take a stroll through the historic Muslim quarter with its quaintly winding lanes. Several hours are dedicated to visiting the world famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered by peasants only 30 years ago. The 6,000 terracotta figures and their horses, buried with the First Emperor of Qin in 210 BC, are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th Century. This evening you enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner, Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance.

Days 8 Luoyang
Your morning arrival in Luoyang, situated in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Valley, gives you a full day to explore this former ancient capital established in 4,000 BC. You travel out to Longmen Caves, one of China’s most significant artistic sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amazing network of 1,350 caves contains over 110,000 Buddhist statues. You will also visit the local museum which contains many relics from Luoyang’s glory days, including sculpted horses and camels recovered from its ancient tombs. Tonight, you enjoy your last evening onboard the Shangri La Express.

Day 9 Beijing
Today you arrive in Beijing and visit the Temple of Heaven, the grandest of the four great temples situated in Beijing. The remainder of your day can be spent bartering for souvenirs before transferring to the centrally located five-star Regent Hotel (or similar) for a two-night stay.

Day 10 Beijing
Your second day in Beijing takes you to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. As you explore the magnificently restored Forbidden City, it is easy to imagine the lives of the privileged Emperors that lived here. Your afternoon sightseeing is devoted to The Great Wall of China - one of the few man-made structures visible from outer space and perhaps the most evocative symbol of Chinese skill and precision. Your farewell banquet is hosted in an authentic Peking Duck restaurant, where you say your goodbyes to fellow travelling companions.

Day 11 Beijing
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Beijing airport to begin your journey home.