China by Rail and Luxury Cunard Voyage Through Southeast Asia

Your holiday begins as you fly from the UK to your destination.

Arriving in Beijing, you’ll transfer to the NUO Hotel for the first of four nights in China’s storied capital. With its blend of ancient monuments and modern energy, the city sets the stage for the days ahead.

A day at leisure to explore at your own pace. Wander through the hutong lanes of the old city, browse bustling markets, or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s great capitals.

Visit the Temple of Heaven, its circular halls rich in symbolism and ceremony, before lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon brings the scarlet walls and sweeping courtyards of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

The Great Wall of China stretches across the hills at Mutianyu in one of the world’s most stirring sights. After lunch, the Summer Palace’s serene lakes and imperial gardens offer a gentler but equally magnificent close to the day.

Board the high-speed train to Xi’an, one of the ancient capitals of China, and check in to the Gran Melia Hotel for two nights. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, the silent army standing guard for over two millennia, before lunch at a local restaurant and an afternoon exploring Xi’an’s ancient City Wall. This evening, a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show brings imperial China vividly to life.

Begin the morning at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and explore the flavours of the Muslim Quarter before boarding the high-speed train to Chengdu. Check in to The St. Regis Chengdu and settle in for two nights in this vibrant southwestern city.

This morning, meet the stars of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of China’s most cherished wildlife experiences. After lunch, the ancient lanes of Jinli Street offer a charming afternoon of local crafts, snacks, and atmosphere.

Travel by high-speed train to Guilin, where dramatic karst peaks and winding waterways define one of China’s most painterly landscapes. Check in to the Shangri-La Guilin for two nights and take in the scenery at your own pace.

A Li River cruise carries you gently downstream to Yangshuo, limestone peaks reflected in the water and bamboo groves lining the banks. After docking, stroll the lively shops and cafés of West Street before returning to Guilin for dinner at a mountain retreat restaurant.

Board the high-speed train to Hong Kong and transfer to the InterContinental Grand Stanford for an overnight stay, a polished five-star base from which to savour the city’s extraordinary energy before embarking tomorrow.

Hong Kong Transfer to the port and embark Queen Anne, Cunard’s flagship, to begin your ocean voyage through Southeast Asia in the line’s signature style of White Star Service and refined shipboard elegance.

Two days at Laem Chabang open the door to Bangkok, Thailand’s exhilarating capital. Ornate temples, labyrinthine markets, and rooftop bars compete for your attention, or perhaps simply wander alongside the Chao Phraya River and let the city reveal itself at its own pace.

Tropical Ko Samui offers a quieter rhythm: lush jungle interiors, cascading waterfalls, and powder-white beaches fringed with palms. Spend the day as you please, whether exploring Ang Thong Marine Park or simply unwinding at a beachfront restaurant as the afternoon drifts by.

Arrive in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, where gleaming supertrees, colonial heritage streets, and a world-class dining scene await. Take the time to explore before a final night on board.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship and head to the airport for your flight home.