by Lucy Ward

Travelling back in time to explore ancient civilisations is a rewarding change from sea and sand.

#1 -‘Paradise’ regained – in China
This two-week tour begins with a visit to the tranquil courtyards and majestic architecture of Beijing’s Forbidden City; the bustle of Shanghai’s ever-developing urban landscape provides a contrasting conclusion. In between, the guided tour moves from the Great Wall to Xi’an, the former capital of China and home to the terracotta warriors – the great thirdcentury BC wonder featuring some 13,000 uniquely moulded figures commissioned by the tyrannical emperor Qinshihuangdi. The tour moves to Guilin and Hangzhou – the favourite cities of Marco Polo and a paradise on Earth, according to a Chinese saying. Along the way, cultural experiences from a tea ceremony to dinner in a top Shanghai restaurant build a rich picture of China old and new. The group tour costs from US$9,670 (Dh35,500) per person, not including flights. Visit www.imperialtours.net, or call 00 44 845 1304090.

© April 2009, The National