8 DAY LUXURY TOURS NEXT DEPARTING JANUARY 2026
day 1: DEPARt new zealand
Day One the journey begins at Auckland International Airport, where you will be greeted by the Direct Design team and board your flight to China. Travelling through Hong Kong connecting via high speed train and transfer service to our tour destination, and hotel. After a big day of travel, take time to settle in, refresh, and enjoy the comfort of your surroundings.
DAY 2: FLOORING, TILES, MARBLE & SURFACES
Begin the day with a group breakfast alongside fellow travellers and the Direct Design team - your opportunity to connect, share expectations, and receive a full orientation for the week ahead. Your hosts will outline the schedule, partner visits to finalise your custom creations.Today is dedicated to flooring and surface materials, with an immersive experience in premium showrooms and production facilities. You will explore a curated selection of timber, stone, tile, and engineered solutions, comparing textures, finishes, and durability firsthand. Expert consultants will guide you through final design and pattern selections, ensuring each choice meets both aesthetic and functional needs. By day’s end, all flooring and surface selections will be confirmed and approved for production.
day 3: KITCHEN & laundry SOLUTIONS
Day Three begins with a review of your detailed 3D kitchen and laundry plans, bringing your vision to life. You will then visit showrooms featuring an exceptional range of premium fixtures, fittings, and finishes. Guided by expert hosts, you will experience each element up close - examining tapware, sinks, cabinetry, benchtops, and lighting to ensure every detail feels just right.This interactive process allows you to fine-tune your selections. By day’s end, your kitchen and laundry will be fully resolved - sophisticated spaces that balances luxury, practicality and your unique personal style.
DAY 4: bathrooms
Day Four you will get to explore showrooms featuring an extensive range of premium bathroom fittings, fixtures, and finishes. Accompanied by expert hosts, you will review each selected element up close - from showers and vanities to essential accessories - assessing quality, texture and performance firsthand.This immersive experience allows time to refine and finalise your choices with confidence. By the end of the day, your bathrooms will be fully resolved, combining refined luxury, everyday functionality, and your personal design vision.
DAY 5: BEDROOM, LIVING INTERIORS, LIGHTING
Day Five you will work closely with our expert design team, you will review and finalise your 3D visualisations, shaping walk in wardrobes, furnishings, and spatial layouts tailored specifically to your home. Through private, one-on-one consultations, you will have the opportunity to adjust design details, layer in personal style, and ensure cohesion across all living and sleeping spaces.This considered process allows each element to be thoughtfully aligned - from storage solutions to furniture placement - creating interiors that feel both luxurious and effortless. By the end of the day, your bedroom and living area designs will be clearly defined, with bespoke selections confirmed, documented, and ready to progress into production.
day 6: DOORS, EXTERIOR products AND MANUFACTURING TOUR
Day Six, the focus shifts to exterior products like, pergolas, decking and fencing. You will visit partner facilities and showrooms showcasing premium materials and architectural finishes. Guided by design specialists, you will review and confirm your selections.Each element is available for hands-on inspection, allowing you to assess texture, durability, and finish to ensure the highest standards are met. Material comparison sessions enable you to evaluate different options side by side, while consultants provide advice on suitability and seamless integration with your overall design. By the end of the day, you will have confidently approved all selections for production, assured that your exterior and architectural finishes meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
As well as a behind-the-scenes visit to partner factories and production houses, where you will see your selected designs move from concept to customised production. Guided by our expert team, you wilgain insight into the craftsmanship, technology, and quality control behind each piece. Engineers will be available to explain precision processes, answer questions, and confirm finishes, measurements, and material integrity. This firsthand experience ensures confidence in your final approvals and a deeper appreciation of the expertise behind your bespoke interiors.
day 7: OPTIONAL SHOPPING, tourism or supplier
Relaxing day shopping in Guangzhou, electronices markets, clothing and textile shopping and we will then head to Beijing Road Pedestraian Street for lunch and a stroll, and maybe get one of the famous chinese "ear cleans". Visit the Baiyun World Leather Centre. Before, returning to the hotel, we will have dinner at one of our favourite restaurants. This is an experience in itself - make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and a back pack for water is a great idea too. .
DAY 8: depart china
As able (flight timings dependent) on the final day of your journey, you will have an enjoyable curated morning relaxing at a spa. Spending a few hours before the long flight deeply relaxes tired muscles after such a busy week and improves circulation. Therapeutic massages, hot pools, saunas, and calm lounges restore energy, ease jet-lag symptoms and improve sleep later onboard. A proper meal, showers and quiet rest help you feel refreshed and mentally prepared for the journey home.
Cultural highlights
Depending on how busy your days are, we have carefully selected our accommodations for its convenient location, with lots of opportunities to explore the surrounding area at your own pace, from historic landmarks and vibrant local markets to delicious regional cuisine and traditional crafts that showcase the area’s culture and character.
***NoteDirect Design reserves the right to vary the duration of a sourcing tour by one to two days where required due to travel, operational, or logistical considerations. The daily itinerary is indicative only and may be amended at any time to accommodate supplier availability, travel requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances. Final tour dates and arrangements will be confirmed in advance and reflected in the advertised date range and supporting promotional material.
TOUR TYPES
luxury Group Tour
Our standard group tours are designed for a maximum of 12 clients, ensuring an intimate and personalised experience while allowing you to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded design enthusiasts. Travel is in economy class with comfortable seating, and the option to upgrade to premium or business class is available at your own cost.
Throughout the tour, you will enjoy carefully curated itineraries, private access to design houses, factories, and showrooms, and hands-on guidance from our expert team. Breakfast, accommodation, and ground transfers are included, with opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine during free moments.
This format provides a perfect balance of affordability, personal attention, and immersive design experiences - giving you insider access to China’s premier design and manufacturing world.
VIP EXCLUSIVE TOUR
Our VIP tours are designed for one-on-one, fully personalised experiences for discerning clients. Travel is in business or first-class, with every comfort and luxury provided - including premium lounges, priority boarding, and in-flight services tailored to your needs. A dedicated Direct Design Guide / Concierge and chauffeur will escort you throughout your journey, ensuring seamless transfers, private access to all luxury design houses, factories, and showrooms, and a truly rich, immersive, hands-on design experience.
You will receive expert guidance from senior consultants at every stage - selecting bespoke kitchens, bathrooms, furnishings, cladding, and finishes - while reviewing 3D renderings and approving production in real time. Fine dining, luxury accommodations, and curated cultural experiences are included, creating a flawless blend of luxury travel, insider access, and world-class design opportunities.
You will receive expert guidance from senior consultants at every stage - selecting bespoke kitchens, bathrooms, furnishings, cladding, and finishes - while reviewing 3D renderings and approving production in real time. Fine dining, luxury accommodations, and curated cultural experiences are included, creating a flawless blend of luxury travel, insider access, and world-class design opportunities.
other activities
Throughout the week, we also recommend a range of group activities to enrich your experience beyond the shopping tours. These may include cultural excursions, sightseeing, local dining experiences, and visits to sites of historical or artistic significance. Activities will be tailored to the season and carefully scheduled to complement your design itinerary, allowing you to enjoy the best of China while making the most of your time with fellow travellers. Full details and recommendations will be provided closer to your booked tour, ensuring a balanced and memorable journey that combines world-class design sourcing with authentic cultural experiences.
ADD ONs
If you would like to extend your journey beyond the scheduled 8 day tour, we are delighted to assist with tailored arrangements. Whether it is a visit to another city, exploring a different region of China, or adding bespoke experiences not directly connected to our programme, our team will work with you to design and organise these additions seamlessly. Every detail will be coordinated to the same high standard, ensuring your extended travel experience matches the quality and comfort of the tour itself