Around the World in 50 Days

We fly from London to New York, for three nights at the Intercontinental Barclay, a historic hotel that has welcomed guests since 1926. On Day 2 we take a sightseeing tour of 'the Big Apple', taking in highlights such as Fifth Avenue and Central Park, before our cruise around Manhattan harbour. We have lunch on board as we spot landmarks including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Today we take the train to Washington D.C, the nation's capital. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of its iconic buildings including the White House, the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. Later we transfer to our hotel for two nights. Day 4 is at leisure for you to explore the political powerhouse.

We leave Washington on the Capitol Limited sleeper service to Chicago, arriving on Day 6. Here we take a tour of 'the Windy City', including the Little Italy neighbourhood. This afternoon we embark on a fascinating cruise exploring Chicago's diverse architecture, before enjoying the superb city views at sunset over a glass of Champagne from the Hancock Tower. Day 7 is at leisure, allowing you to explore the city further at your own pace. On Day 8 we join the overnight California Zephyr, travelling through the Great Plains of Nebraska to Denver.

Today we arrive in Denver, nicknamed the 'Mile High City' as it is exactly a mile above sea level. We take an orientation drive of the city, flanked by majestic mountain peaks, before arriving at the Brown Palace Hotel & Spa for a two-night stay.

Today we arrive in Denver, nicknamed the 'Mile High City' as it is exactly a mile above sea level. We take an orientation drive of the city, flanked by majestic mountain peaks, before arriving at the Grand Hyatt Denver for a two-night stay.

On Day 10 we take an excursion on the Royal Gorge Railroad. Travelling in restored 1950s carriages, we embark on a journey through the stunning Royal Gorge, enjoying lunch on board as we head alongside the wild Arkansas River.

We follow the route of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad - regarded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the States - into the Rocky Mountains. We arrive in Grand Junction for an overnight stay, and enjoy dinner at the popular Rockslide Brewery.

On Day 12 we board the Durango & Silverton Railroad travelling through canyons, forests and the pretty Aminas Valley to Durango.

Today's journey takes us through Monument Valley, one of the USA's truly legendary locations. Later we arrive in Flagstaff for two nights at the Little America Hotel. Day 14 is free for you to relax.

We travel by rail to the incredible Grand Canyon today. We transfer to Williams, and join the Grand Canyon Railroad for a wonderful journey in vintage carriages hauled by historic locomotives, to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most awe-inspiring sights. We arrive at the South Rim and main viewpoint to take in the dramatic vistas, enjoying free time to observe this incredible landmark. You could choose to arrange a flight across this iconic sight, for a true bird's-eye view (payable locally). Later we make our return journey on the heritage railway, enjoying dinner before we join the Southwest Chief sleeper service to Los Angeles.

Today we discover lively Los Angeles and the 'dream factory' of Hollywood on a guided tour, where we have time to see the footprints of the stars at Mann's Chinese Theatre or to take a stroll along the legendary Hollywood Boulevard. Experience the most luxurious shopping street in the world - Rodeo Drive. This evening, we board the RMS Queen Mary, a former U-boat dodging ocean liner, and a unique base from which to explore Los Angeles from her moorings in Long Beach.

This evening we enjoy dinner in the ship's glamorous Sir Winston Chirchill restaurant. Leaving Los Angeles on Day 17, we travel on board the Coast Starlight for a journey along the stunning Pacific coast shoreline. Relax and enjoy the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. On arrival in San Francisco we transfer to the elegant Palace Hotel, located in the city's Downtown area.

Today we take a tour of San Francisco, admiring landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Tonight we mark our fi nal evening in the USA in style, with a farewell dinner cruise around San Francisco Bay.

Today you have the option to fly from San Francisco to Hong Kong, arriving on Day 20; otherwise you may choose to return to London.

Arriving in Hong Kong on Day 20, we spend the next three nights at the Royal Garden Hotel, and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant tonight. On Day 21 we embark on an introductory tour of Hong Kong, with a full day of sightseeing, starting with a breathtaking tram-ride up to the tip of Victoria Peak, and ending this evening at Kowloon, where we watch the 'Symphony of Lights.' Day 22 is free. On Day 23 we fly to Chengdu, where we visit protected pandas and explore the city's ancient heritage on Day 24.

Today we fly to Xi'an, where we enjoy a special dumpling banquet this evening. On Day 26 we visit the superb Terracotta Warriors, 6,000 life-sized statues modelled on the Emperor's army. After time to explore, we enjoy a tour of Xian's ancient landmarks such as the Grand Mosque and the Muslim Quarter. On Day 27 we fly to Shanghai, where we take an insightful guided tour on Day 28. On Day 29 we travel by high-speed rail to Beijing.

On Day 30 we explore the icons of the Chinese capital, from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City and the mesmerising Summer Palace. We visit the Temple of Heaven and discover the majestic Great Wall of China on Day 31. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner. Day 32 is free, and on Day 33 we see the Lama Temple, the Temple of Confucius, and the Imperial College, which once educated China's elite. On Day 34 you can transfer to the airport for the journey back to London, or continue your adventure by sleeper train through the Gobi Desert, arriving at the Mongolian border on Day 35.

We board the Tsar's Gold Private Train on Day 35, beginning our incredible journey to Moscow. On Day 36 we arrive into the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. We enjoy a guided tour of the city, and on Day 37 we visit the Tibetan-style Gandan Monastery, before venturing into the heart of 'Mongolian Switzerland'. We reach Russia on Day 38, where we disembark at Ulan Ude for a city tour.

Today we take the coach to a typical Siberian village before continuing to Lake Baikal for a boat ride. Later (weather permitting) we stop for a local picnic dinner on the shore. We arrive in the city of Irkutsk for a guided tour on Day 40, before overnighting here.

We re-join our train today, crossing Siberia, and arriving in Novosibirsk on Day 42 for a guided tour. Yekaterinburg is our destination on Day 43.

Crossing the Asia-Europe divide, today we reach Kazan, where we take a guided tour. On Day 45 we arrive in Moscow, where we disembark the Tsar's Gold. We explore with a guided tour today and on Day 46, and on Day 47 we fly to Venice.

Today we enjoy a guided tour of the Floating City. On the morning of Day 49 we join the world-famous The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Relax and watch the stunning scenery as we eventually pull into Paris after breakfast on Day 50. From here we continue by rail to Calais, enjoying brunch on board. Emerging from the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone, we board the steam-hauled Belmond British Pullman for the final leg of our epic adventure. Our journey of almost 23,000 miles around the globe then concludes in style as we pull into London Victoria station.