See Olympic Beijing without the crowds

Bales Worldwide is launching a trip to post Olympic Beijing – for those who want to soak up the Olympic vibe without the crowds. As the games kick off all eyes are on the city which has undergone incredible regeneration in preparation and is now home to some of the world’s most dramatic modern architecture. The six day package takes in a tour of these breathtaking edifices.

Explore the surreal ‘Water Cube’ that is the National Swimming Centre – a semi-transparent ‘cube’, with ‘bubbles’ spread out all over its surface. This is one of three landmark buildings located inside the Beijing Olympic Park. Another is the awe inspiring ‘Bird’s Nest’ which is the main stadium for the games. This 258,000 square metre structure, which will host the opening and closing ceremony as well as many of the athletics events, is shaped like a bowl with a nest-like steel roof. The tour also takes you to another iconic structure, the unique tower that will be the new headquarters for China’s main TV station, CCTV. At 230 metres high this amazing building is a continuous loop of horizontal and vertical sections, rather than a traditional tower.

Frequent departures from London Heathrow for Beijing from 1 September – on arrival you will transfer to the Prime Hotel in the city. Day 3 is a full day tour of the Olympic sites, allowing you to experience first hand the cool and cutting edge transformation of the city. After marvelling at these modern wonders, Day 4 takes you to Mutianyu and a visit to a far older architectural gem - the Great Wall of China. The next day experience the classical architecture of the Forbidden City and Tian’amen Square, before returning to the UK on Day 6.

This exciting package costs from £1,365 per person, including flights, based on two sharing.

For reservations and more information, log on to Balesworldwide.com.