Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
Your itinerary
Start Location Visited Location
Plane End Location
Cruise Train
Over night Ferry
Day 1 afternoon to relax, explore further or perhaps take the opportunity to do some Say Ni hao to China shopping.
Journey to the "Northern Capital" - a land of emperors, epic monuments and the Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch cultural heart of China. On arrival in Beijing, you'll be transferred to your hotel Day 9 where you can relax before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers. Board your Yangtze River Cruise Rub shoulders with the locals during a visit to People's Park with its beautiful Hotel - Novotel Peace Chinese gardens, lake and tea houses. Gain insights into the day-to-day lives of the locals who spend their free time in tranquil surrounds indulging in a leisurely Included Meals - Welcome Reception game of mah-jong, a quiet nap or neck massage. Venture to lively Jinli Old Street Day 2 next, crossing beneath the imposing archway into a world of intricate handicraft, Journey to the Great Wall paintings and calligraphy. Stroll along the narrow street whose façades were modelled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Visit the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan this morning - its stone Province, then transfer to the railway station for a high-speed bullet train ride to ramparts and walls snaking thousands of miles into the distance to defend the Chongqing. Here, you'll enjoy a city orientation tour with dinner before boarding empire against nomadic invaders since 5th century B.C. Enjoy an afternoon at your Yangtze River Cruise. leisure and this evening for dinner indulge in a Regional Dinner of succulent Peking Duck - a must during any visit to Beijing. Hotel - Victoria Jenna / Victoria Sabrina (cruise ship)
Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 3 Day 10 Discover the Icons of Beijing Cruise the Great Yangtze River
Surround yourself with the grandeur of Beijing's landmark Great Hall of the Disembark this morning for a short visit to Shibaozhai to admire its 12-storey cliff- People, Qianmen Gate and the mausoleum of Mao Zedong as you walk through top temple, built in the 19th century. Stretch your legs and climb up to the one of the world's largest public areas, Tiananmen Square. Delve into China's temple, tackling the red pavilion which leans against the side of the steep peak, imperial heritage, passing the south gate into the frozen-in-time Forbidden City - now an island due to the rising waters of the Three Gorges Dam. Return to the once home to emperors and their households and today a UNESCO World Yangtze, cruising to Fengdu's 'Ghost City' to explore the mystical shrines, temples Heritage Site. After lunch, indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot and monasteries that are dedicated to the afterlife. Reflexology Centre to ease you into an evening at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience. Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch Sail through the imposing Three Gorges Day 4 Explore Beijing's hutong and onwards to Connect with your exquisite natural surrounds as you cruise gently down the Yangtze to the imposing Three Gorges. Squeeze through the narrow Qutang Xi'an Gorge, admiring its dramatic vistas, before your journey takes you through Wu
Navigate the ancient alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences, weaving Gorge, renowned for its quiet beauty, forest-clad mountains, and cliffs so sheer through lively neighbourhoods on the back of a traditional rickshaw. Stop at the the sun barely penetrates their precipices and finally, Xiling Gorge. A small motor home of a local family where you'll 'Connect With Locals', enjoying a 'Be My Guest' boat will ferry you through the magical landscape of the Goddess Stream, a lunch of traditional Chinese cuisine, then visit a nearby tea house. Here, you'll tributary of the Yangtze - its limestone cliffs covered in greenery provide a tranquil delve into the art of chayi, joining a 'Local Specialist' who'll share first-hand the backdrop for your relaxing encounter with this mighty river. age-old ritual of tea-making. Leave Beijing behind, bound for Xi'an, an ancient Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner departure point on the Silk Road. Day 12 Hotel - Wyndham Grand Xi'an South Onwards to Shanghai
Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest View the engineering marvel that is the world's largest hydroelectric project, the Day 5 Three Gorges Dam, before disembarking your cruise ship and transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival into China's biggest city, check Marvel at the legendary Terracotta into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Warriors Hotel - The Kunlun Jing'An Engage with the children and teachers of a local primary school (during term-time) where you will learn a few words of Chinese and 'Make a Difference' by donating Included Meals - Breakfast much-needed supplies. Next, descend into the subterranean tomb of Emperor Day 13 Qin Shi Huang to view his legendary army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, followed by a delicious traditional meal of Chinese noodles. Your final stop today Discover Vibrant Shanghai is to a Jade factory where you'll admire the favoured stone of emperors, more Shanghai's famous 'Bund' waterfront is the first stop on a day of sightseeing with precious to the Chinese people than gold. a 'Local Specialist'. Admire the ornate neoclassical colonial buildings and skyscrapers that have sprung up from this former marshland, then 'Dive Into Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch Culture' during a visit to a silk museum. Embrace the tranquillity of the famous Yu Day 6 Garden next, with its pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. Then, enjoy Take the Bullet Train to Chengdu some free time for a local lunch of soup dumplings perhaps and shopping in the Old Town, a treasure trove of winding streets and vibrant markets that was once This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to join a 'Local enclosed by the ancient walled city of Shanghai. Our final stop this afternoon is a Specialist' in their T'ai Chi practice or embark on a cycle tour around part of the visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, built in 1928 after the original temple was ancient City Wall of Xi'an. Get stuck in to the ancient art of dumpling making next, destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Admire the with an opportunity to sample the juicy results for lunch, then transfer to the beauty of its precious jade Buddha statues made out of crystal-clear white jade, railway station for your high-speed bullet train trip to Chengdu. On arrival in the before you settle into an evening performance by the world-renowned Shanghai hometown of the giant panda, you'll check in to your hotel and savour the Acrobatic Troupe. leisurely pace of local life on your terms. Included Meals - Breakfast Hotel - Crowne Plaza Day 14 Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch More Treasures of Shanghai
Day 7 Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that See the Giant Pandas of China loom over the most populous city on earth. Then embark on a walking tour with a 'Local Specialist' through the Shanghai French Concession, for an exhilarating Witness the ground-breaking work being done by the Chengdu Research Base of encounter with the opulent age of French colonial China. Wander through the Giant Panda Breeding this morning. Join a Local Specialist and learn how this narrow alleyways, past elegant villas and apartments dating back to the early MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports the non-profit research breeding 1900s when the territory was proclaimed a French settlement. Later this morning, facility which rescues and protects the endangered giant panda, of which fewer you'll see where the First Conference of the Communist Party took place in Xin than 2,000 remain. Afterwards return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tian Di, whose charming antique façades hide a 21st century world of bars, cafés, Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch boutiques and theme restaurants. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, letting the sights and sounds of Shanghai infuse every sense or consider joining Day 8 an Optional Experience. Say a fond farewell to newfound friends this evening Discover the cuisine of Sichuan during a Farewell Dinner.
Indulge in the bold and spicy flavours of local cuisine as you 'Dive Into Culture' Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner and learn about regional cooking practices at the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine. Day 15 Learn how to crush chilli into powder using a Qing Dynasty pestle and mortar, then view ancient kitchenware, books and manuscripts faithfully recording the Farewell to China history of Sichuan culinary cultures. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating scents Our epic encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to the airport for your wafting through Restaurant Alley then, pay tribute to the Kitchen God before onward flight. attempting to create your own culinary magic with the guidance of a local chef. Stomach and soul sated after a delicious encounter with Chengdu, you'll have an Included Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip Book with your travel director when you travel civilization and the civilization of ancient Shu State which is now known as Sichuan Province. Later visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage; a shrine to Chinese literature and commemorative museum of Du Fu, a famous poet during AVAILABLE ON DAY 3 the Tang Dynasty. During his stay there he wrote around 270 poems which Legend of Kung Fu Show are considered to be precious national treasures and some of which are The Legend of Kung Fu Show is a mix of traditional martial arts and modern currently being taught in schools. Discover the life of this famous poet in theatre. It is presented by a group of marvellous Kung Fu artists from all his cottage and take a stroll around the traditional style garden. The price over China whose average age is only 17 but they have studied Chinese shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Kung Fu for many years. The story tells of a young boy who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master and attaining enlightenment. He takes the Adult Price: ¥395.00* path of a monk in which he must face many obstacles both from this world * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and and his own mind to overcome his fears and to become a true master of subject to change. Kung Fu. During the 80-minute show, the artists do not speak but perform daring acrobatics and Kung Fu dance but there are English subtitles above the stage explaining the story line. Transfers to and from the Red Theatre are included. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥350.00* AVAILABLE ON DAY 8 Sichuan Opera * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and Spend the evening at the ShufengYayun Sichuan Opera House to enjoy a subject to change. colourful authentic Sichuan opera performance. There are many separate performances, all of which are introduced in English and these include a comedy show, fire spitting, a puppet show and the famous face changing show where actors switch between different masks to portray different characters. There is live music featuring a host of traditional Chinese AVAILABLE ON DAY 5 instruments and it all takes place in a beautiful semi-outdoor courtyard Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner setting. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Enjoy a sumptuous Tang dumpling banquet followed by a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance which has graced the region for Adult Price: ¥385.00* centuries. The show consists of 8 parts filled with vibrant costumes, * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and colourful dances and traditional music. Under the ruling of the Tang subject to change. Emperors from 618 to 907, China became the most powerful and prosperous country in the world. During this time the economy, politics and military strength reached an unprecedented level which influenced the culture of its neighbouring countries. It was during this flourishing and peaceful period that exquisite Tang imperial feasts with music and dance AVAILABLE ON DAY 14 emerged and developed. Step back in time and enjoy the delightful hospitality and performances of the Tang Dynasty. The price shown is in Visit the Shanghai Museum and Former Jewish Ghetto Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Visit the Shanghai Museum; a large museum divided into eleven different galleries which cover most of the major categories of Chinese art. Your Adult Price: ¥400.00* Travel Director will give a brief introduction to the museum and then take some free time to walk around the museum and visit your choice of * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and galleries with the help of a personal Audio Guide. Afterwards visit the subject to change. Shanghai Ghetto; an area of approximately one square mile and home to about twenty thousand Jewish refugees from Europe before and after WWII. Walk the streets of the former Jewish neighbourhood where local people now live and visit the Jewish Refugee Museum. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. AVAILABLE ON DAY 7 Adult Price: ¥380.00* Jinsha Site Museum and Du Fu Cottage Take a guided tour of Jinsha Site Museum. It was built to protect, study and * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and display the archaeological finds discovered on the Jinsha site dating back subject to change. 3000 years. Precious relics including gold articles, jade objects, bronze wares, stone tools and ivory carvings are on display and signify the exquisite technical craftsmanship of the Ancient Shu people. It is a rare site museum among Chinese museums because of its combination of modern Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
Your itinerary
Start Location Visited Location
Plane End Location
Cruise Train
Over night Ferry
Day 1 afternoon to relax, explore further or perhaps take the opportunity to do some Say Ni hao to China shopping.
Journey to the "Northern Capital" - a land of emperors, epic monuments and the Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch cultural heart of China. On arrival in Beijing, you'll be transferred to your hotel Day 9 where you can relax before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers. Board your Yangtze River Cruise Rub shoulders with the locals during a visit to People's Park with its beautiful Hotel - Novotel Peace Chinese gardens, lake and tea houses. Gain insights into the day-to-day lives of the locals who spend their free time in tranquil surrounds indulging in a leisurely Included Meals - Welcome Reception game of mah-jong, a quiet nap or neck massage. Venture to lively Jinli Old Street Day 2 next, crossing beneath the imposing archway into a world of intricate handicraft, Journey to the Great Wall paintings and calligraphy. Stroll along the narrow street whose façades were modelled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Visit the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan this morning - its stone Province, then transfer to the railway station for a high-speed bullet train ride to ramparts and walls snaking thousands of miles into the distance to defend the Chongqing. Here, you'll enjoy a city orientation tour with dinner before boarding empire against nomadic invaders since 5th century B.C. Enjoy an afternoon at your Yangtze River Cruise. leisure and this evening for dinner indulge in a Regional Dinner of succulent Peking Duck - a must during any visit to Beijing. Hotel - Victoria Jenna / Victoria Sabrina (cruise ship)
Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 3 Day 10 Discover the Icons of Beijing Cruise the Great Yangtze River
Surround yourself with the grandeur of Beijing's landmark Great Hall of the Disembark this morning for a short visit to Shibaozhai to admire its 12-storey cliff- People, Qianmen Gate and the mausoleum of Mao Zedong as you walk through top temple, built in the 19th century. Stretch your legs and climb up to the one of the world's largest public areas, Tiananmen Square. Delve into China's temple, tackling the red pavilion which leans against the side of the steep peak, imperial heritage, passing the south gate into the frozen-in-time Forbidden City - now an island due to the rising waters of the Three Gorges Dam. Return to the once home to emperors and their households and today a UNESCO World Yangtze, cruising to Fengdu's 'Ghost City' to explore the mystical shrines, temples Heritage Site. After lunch, indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot and monasteries that are dedicated to the afterlife. Reflexology Centre to ease you into an evening at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience. Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch Sail through the imposing Three Gorges Day 4 Explore Beijing's hutong and onwards to Connect with your exquisite natural surrounds as you cruise gently down the Yangtze to the imposing Three Gorges. Squeeze through the narrow Qutang Xi'an Gorge, admiring its dramatic vistas, before your journey takes you through Wu
Navigate the ancient alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences, weaving Gorge, renowned for its quiet beauty, forest-clad mountains, and cliffs so sheer through lively neighbourhoods on the back of a traditional rickshaw. Stop at the the sun barely penetrates their precipices and finally, Xiling Gorge. A small motor home of a local family where you'll 'Connect With Locals', enjoying a 'Be My Guest' boat will ferry you through the magical landscape of the Goddess Stream, a lunch of traditional Chinese cuisine, then visit a nearby tea house. Here, you'll tributary of the Yangtze - its limestone cliffs covered in greenery provide a tranquil delve into the art of chayi, joining a 'Local Specialist' who'll share first-hand the backdrop for your relaxing encounter with this mighty river. age-old ritual of tea-making. Leave Beijing behind, bound for Xi'an, an ancient Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner departure point on the Silk Road. Day 12 Hotel - Wyndham Grand Xi'an South Onwards to Shanghai
Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest View the engineering marvel that is the world's largest hydroelectric project, the Day 5 Three Gorges Dam, before disembarking your cruise ship and transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival into China's biggest city, check Marvel at the legendary Terracotta into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Warriors Hotel - The Kunlun Jing'An Engage with the children and teachers of a local primary school (during term-time) where you will learn a few words of Chinese and 'Make a Difference' by donating Included Meals - Breakfast much-needed supplies. Next, descend into the subterranean tomb of Emperor Day 13 Qin Shi Huang to view his legendary army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, followed by a delicious traditional meal of Chinese noodles. Your final stop today Discover Vibrant Shanghai is to a Jade factory where you'll admire the favoured stone of emperors, more Shanghai's famous 'Bund' waterfront is the first stop on a day of sightseeing with precious to the Chinese people than gold. a 'Local Specialist'. Admire the ornate neoclassical colonial buildings and skyscrapers that have sprung up from this former marshland, then 'Dive Into Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch Culture' during a visit to a silk museum. Embrace the tranquillity of the famous Yu Day 6 Garden next, with its pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. Then, enjoy Take the Bullet Train to Chengdu some free time for a local lunch of soup dumplings perhaps and shopping in the Old Town, a treasure trove of winding streets and vibrant markets that was once This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to join a 'Local enclosed by the ancient walled city of Shanghai. Our final stop this afternoon is a Specialist' in their T'ai Chi practice or embark on a cycle tour around part of the visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, built in 1928 after the original temple was ancient City Wall of Xi'an. Get stuck in to the ancient art of dumpling making next, destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Admire the with an opportunity to sample the juicy results for lunch, then transfer to the beauty of its precious jade Buddha statues made out of crystal-clear white jade, railway station for your high-speed bullet train trip to Chengdu. On arrival in the before you settle into an evening performance by the world-renowned Shanghai hometown of the giant panda, you'll check in to your hotel and savour the Acrobatic Troupe. leisurely pace of local life on your terms. Included Meals - Breakfast Hotel - Crowne Plaza Day 14 Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch More Treasures of Shanghai
Day 7 Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that See the Giant Pandas of China loom over the most populous city on earth. Then embark on a walking tour with a 'Local Specialist' through the Shanghai French Concession, for an exhilarating Witness the ground-breaking work being done by the Chengdu Research Base of encounter with the opulent age of French colonial China. Wander through the Giant Panda Breeding this morning. Join a Local Specialist and learn how this narrow alleyways, past elegant villas and apartments dating back to the early MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports the non-profit research breeding 1900s when the territory was proclaimed a French settlement. Later this morning, facility which rescues and protects the endangered giant panda, of which fewer you'll see where the First Conference of the Communist Party took place in Xin than 2,000 remain. Afterwards return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tian Di, whose charming antique façades hide a 21st century world of bars, cafés, Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch boutiques and theme restaurants. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, letting the sights and sounds of Shanghai infuse every sense or consider joining Day 8 an Optional Experience. Say a fond farewell to newfound friends this evening Discover the cuisine of Sichuan during a Farewell Dinner.
Indulge in the bold and spicy flavours of local cuisine as you 'Dive Into Culture' Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner and learn about regional cooking practices at the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine. Day 15 Learn how to crush chilli into powder using a Qing Dynasty pestle and mortar, then view ancient kitchenware, books and manuscripts faithfully recording the Farewell to China history of Sichuan culinary cultures. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating scents Our epic encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to the airport for your wafting through Restaurant Alley then, pay tribute to the Kitchen God before onward flight. attempting to create your own culinary magic with the guidance of a local chef. Stomach and soul sated after a delicious encounter with Chengdu, you'll have an Included Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip Book with your travel director when you travel civilization and the civilization of ancient Shu State which is now known as Sichuan Province. Later visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage; a shrine to Chinese literature and commemorative museum of Du Fu, a famous poet during AVAILABLE ON DAY 3 the Tang Dynasty. During his stay there he wrote around 270 poems which Legend of Kung Fu Show are considered to be precious national treasures and some of which are The Legend of Kung Fu Show is a mix of traditional martial arts and modern currently being taught in schools. Discover the life of this famous poet in theatre. It is presented by a group of marvellous Kung Fu artists from all his cottage and take a stroll around the traditional style garden. The price over China whose average age is only 17 but they have studied Chinese shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Kung Fu for many years. The story tells of a young boy who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master and attaining enlightenment. He takes the Adult Price: ¥395.00* path of a monk in which he must face many obstacles both from this world * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and and his own mind to overcome his fears and to become a true master of subject to change. Kung Fu. During the 80-minute show, the artists do not speak but perform daring acrobatics and Kung Fu dance but there are English subtitles above the stage explaining the story line. Transfers to and from the Red Theatre are included. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥350.00* AVAILABLE ON DAY 8 Sichuan Opera * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and Spend the evening at the ShufengYayun Sichuan Opera House to enjoy a subject to change. colourful authentic Sichuan opera performance. There are many separate performances, all of which are introduced in English and these include a comedy show, fire spitting, a puppet show and the famous face changing show where actors switch between different masks to portray different characters. There is live music featuring a host of traditional Chinese AVAILABLE ON DAY 5 instruments and it all takes place in a beautiful semi-outdoor courtyard Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner setting. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Enjoy a sumptuous Tang dumpling banquet followed by a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance which has graced the region for Adult Price: ¥385.00* centuries. The show consists of 8 parts filled with vibrant costumes, * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and colourful dances and traditional music. Under the ruling of the Tang subject to change. Emperors from 618 to 907, China became the most powerful and prosperous country in the world. During this time the economy, politics and military strength reached an unprecedented level which influenced the culture of its neighbouring countries. It was during this flourishing and peaceful period that exquisite Tang imperial feasts with music and dance AVAILABLE ON DAY 14 emerged and developed. Step back in time and enjoy the delightful hospitality and performances of the Tang Dynasty. The price shown is in Visit the Shanghai Museum and Former Jewish Ghetto Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Visit the Shanghai Museum; a large museum divided into eleven different galleries which cover most of the major categories of Chinese art. Your Adult Price: ¥400.00* Travel Director will give a brief introduction to the museum and then take some free time to walk around the museum and visit your choice of * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and galleries with the help of a personal Audio Guide. Afterwards visit the subject to change. Shanghai Ghetto; an area of approximately one square mile and home to about twenty thousand Jewish refugees from Europe before and after WWII. Walk the streets of the former Jewish neighbourhood where local people now live and visit the Jewish Refugee Museum. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. AVAILABLE ON DAY 7 Adult Price: ¥380.00* Jinsha Site Museum and Du Fu Cottage Take a guided tour of Jinsha Site Museum. It was built to protect, study and * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and display the archaeological finds discovered on the Jinsha site dating back subject to change. 3000 years. Precious relics including gold articles, jade objects, bronze wares, stone tools and ivory carvings are on display and signify the exquisite technical craftsmanship of the Ancient Shu people. It is a rare site museum among Chinese museums because of its combination of modern Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
Your itinerary
Start Location Visited Location
Plane End Location
Cruise Train
Over night Ferry
Day 1 afternoon to relax, explore further or perhaps take the opportunity to do some Say Ni hao to China shopping.
Journey to the "Northern Capital" - a land of emperors, epic monuments and the Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch cultural heart of China. On arrival in Beijing, you'll be transferred to your hotel Day 9 where you can relax before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers. Board your Yangtze River Cruise
Rub shoulders with the locals during a visit to People's Park with its beautiful Hotel - Novotel Peace Chinese gardens, lake and tea houses. Gain insights into the day-to-day lives of the locals who spend their free time in tranquil surrounds indulging in a leisurely Included Meals - Welcome Reception game of mah-jong, a quiet nap or neck massage. Venture to lively Jinli Old Street Day 2 next, crossing beneath the imposing archway into a world of intricate handicraft, Journey to the Great Wall paintings and calligraphy. Stroll along the narrow street whose façades were modelled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Visit the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan this morning - its stone Province, then transfer to the railway station for a high-speed bullet train ride to ramparts and walls snaking thousands of miles into the distance to defend the Chongqing. Here, you'll enjoy a city orientation tour with dinner before boarding empire against nomadic invaders since 5th century B.C. Enjoy an afternoon at your Yangtze River Cruise. leisure and this evening for dinner indulge in a Regional Dinner of succulent Peking Duck - a must during any visit to Beijing. Hotel - Victoria Jenna / Victoria Sabrina (cruise ship)
Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 3 Day 10 Discover the Icons of Beijing Cruise the Great Yangtze River
Surround yourself with the grandeur of Beijing's landmark Great Hall of the Disembark this morning for a short visit to Shibaozhai to admire its 12-storey cliff- People, Qianmen Gate and the mausoleum of Mao Zedong as you walk through top temple, built in the 19th century. Stretch your legs and climb up to the one of the world's largest public areas, Tiananmen Square. Delve into China's temple, tackling the red pavilion which leans against the side of the steep peak, imperial heritage, passing the south gate into the frozen-in-time Forbidden City - now an island due to the rising waters of the Three Gorges Dam. Return to the once home to emperors and their households and today a UNESCO World Yangtze, cruising to Fengdu's 'Ghost City' to explore the mystical shrines, temples Heritage Site. After lunch, indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot and monasteries that are dedicated to the afterlife. Reflexology Centre to ease you into an evening at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience. Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch Sail through the imposing Three Gorges Day 4 Explore Beijing's hutong and onwards to Connect with your exquisite natural surrounds as you cruise gently down the Yangtze to the imposing Three Gorges. Squeeze through the narrow Qutang Xi'an Gorge, admiring its dramatic vistas, before your journey takes you through Wu
Navigate the ancient alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences, weaving Gorge, renowned for its quiet beauty, forest-clad mountains, and cliffs so sheer through lively neighbourhoods on the back of a traditional rickshaw. Stop at the the sun barely penetrates their precipices and finally, Xiling Gorge. A small motor home of a local family where you'll 'Connect With Locals', enjoying a 'Be My Guest' boat will ferry you through the magical landscape of the Goddess Stream, a lunch of traditional Chinese cuisine, then visit a nearby tea house. Here, you'll tributary of the Yangtze - its limestone cliffs covered in greenery provide a tranquil delve into the art of chayi, joining a 'Local Specialist' who'll share first-hand the backdrop for your relaxing encounter with this mighty river. age-old ritual of tea-making. Leave Beijing behind, bound for Xi'an, an ancient Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner departure point on the Silk Road. Day 12 Hotel - Wyndham Grand Xi'an South Onwards to Shanghai
Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest View the engineering marvel that is the world's largest hydroelectric project, the Day 5 Three Gorges Dam, before disembarking your cruise ship and transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival into China's biggest city, check Marvel at the legendary Terracotta into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Warriors Hotel - The Kunlun Jing'An Engage with the children and teachers of a local primary school (during term-time) where you will learn a few words of Chinese and 'Make a Difference' by donating Included Meals - Breakfast much-needed supplies. Next, descend into the subterranean tomb of Emperor Day 13 Qin Shi Huang to view his legendary army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, followed by a delicious traditional meal of Chinese noodles. Your final stop today Discover Vibrant Shanghai is to a Jade factory where you'll admire the favoured stone of emperors, more Shanghai's famous 'Bund' waterfront is the first stop on a day of sightseeing with precious to the Chinese people than gold. a 'Local Specialist'. Admire the ornate neoclassical colonial buildings and skyscrapers that have sprung up from this former marshland, then 'Dive Into Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch Culture' during a visit to a silk museum. Embrace the tranquillity of the famous Yu Day 6 Garden next, with its pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. Then, enjoy Take the Bullet Train to Chengdu some free time for a local lunch of soup dumplings perhaps and shopping in the Old Town, a treasure trove of winding streets and vibrant markets that was once This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to join a 'Local enclosed by the ancient walled city of Shanghai. Our final stop this afternoon is a Specialist' in their T'ai Chi practice or embark on a cycle tour around part of the visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, built in 1928 after the original temple was ancient City Wall of Xi'an. Get stuck in to the ancient art of dumpling making next, destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Admire the with an opportunity to sample the juicy results for lunch, then transfer to the beauty of its precious jade Buddha statues made out of crystal-clear white jade, railway station for your high-speed bullet train trip to Chengdu. On arrival in the before you settle into an evening performance by the world-renowned Shanghai hometown of the giant panda, you'll check in to your hotel and savour the Acrobatic Troupe. leisurely pace of local life on your terms. Included Meals - Breakfast Hotel - Crowne Plaza Day 14 Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch More Treasures of Shanghai
Day 7 Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that See the Giant Pandas of China loom over the most populous city on earth. Then embark on a walking tour with a 'Local Specialist' through the Shanghai French Concession, for an exhilarating Witness the ground-breaking work being done by the Chengdu Research Base of encounter with the opulent age of French colonial China. Wander through the Giant Panda Breeding this morning. Join a Local Specialist and learn how this narrow alleyways, past elegant villas and apartments dating back to the early MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports the non-profit research breeding 1900s when the territory was proclaimed a French settlement. Later this morning, facility which rescues and protects the endangered giant panda, of which fewer you'll see where the First Conference of the Communist Party took place in Xin than 2,000 remain. Afterwards return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tian Di, whose charming antique façades hide a 21st century world of bars, cafés, Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch boutiques and theme restaurants. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, letting the sights and sounds of Shanghai infuse every sense or consider joining Day 8 an Optional Experience. Say a fond farewell to newfound friends this evening Discover the cuisine of Sichuan during a Farewell Dinner.
Indulge in the bold and spicy flavours of local cuisine as you 'Dive Into Culture' Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner and learn about regional cooking practices at the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine. Day 15 Learn how to crush chilli into powder using a Qing Dynasty pestle and mortar, then view ancient kitchenware, books and manuscripts faithfully recording the Farewell to China history of Sichuan culinary cultures. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating scents Our epic encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to the airport for your wafting through Restaurant Alley then, pay tribute to the Kitchen God before onward flight. attempting to create your own culinary magic with the guidance of a local chef. Stomach and soul sated after a delicious encounter with Chengdu, you'll have an Included Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip Book with your travel director when you travel civilization and the civilization of ancient Shu State which is now known as Sichuan Province. Later visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage; a shrine to Chinese literature and commemorative museum of Du Fu, a famous poet during AVAILABLE ON DAY 3 the Tang Dynasty. During his stay there he wrote around 270 poems which Legend of Kung Fu Show are considered to be precious national treasures and some of which are The Legend of Kung Fu Show is a mix of traditional martial arts and modern currently being taught in schools. Discover the life of this famous poet in theatre. It is presented by a group of marvellous Kung Fu artists from all his cottage and take a stroll around the traditional style garden. The price over China whose average age is only 17 but they have studied Chinese shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Kung Fu for many years. The story tells of a young boy who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master and attaining enlightenment. He takes the Adult Price: ¥395.00* path of a monk in which he must face many obstacles both from this world * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and and his own mind to overcome his fears and to become a true master of subject to change. Kung Fu. During the 80-minute show, the artists do not speak but perform daring acrobatics and Kung Fu dance but there are English subtitles above the stage explaining the story line. Transfers to and from the Red Theatre are included. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥350.00* AVAILABLE ON DAY 8 Sichuan Opera * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and Spend the evening at the ShufengYayun Sichuan Opera House to enjoy a subject to change. colourful authentic Sichuan opera performance. There are many separate performances, all of which are introduced in English and these include a comedy show, fire spitting, a puppet show and the famous face changing show where actors switch between different masks to portray different characters. There is live music featuring a host of traditional Chinese AVAILABLE ON DAY 5 instruments and it all takes place in a beautiful semi-outdoor courtyard Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner setting. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Enjoy a sumptuous Tang dumpling banquet followed by a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance which has graced the region for Adult Price: ¥385.00* centuries. The show consists of 8 parts filled with vibrant costumes, * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and colourful dances and traditional music. Under the ruling of the Tang subject to change. Emperors from 618 to 907, China became the most powerful and prosperous country in the world. During this time the economy, politics and military strength reached an unprecedented level which influenced the culture of its neighbouring countries. It was during this flourishing and peaceful period that exquisite Tang imperial feasts with music and dance AVAILABLE ON DAY 14 emerged and developed. Step back in time and enjoy the delightful hospitality and performances of the Tang Dynasty. The price shown is in Visit the Shanghai Museum and Former Jewish Ghetto Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Visit the Shanghai Museum; a large museum divided into eleven different galleries which cover most of the major categories of Chinese art. Your Adult Price: ¥400.00* Travel Director will give a brief introduction to the museum and then take some free time to walk around the museum and visit your choice of * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and galleries with the help of a personal Audio Guide. Afterwards visit the subject to change. Shanghai Ghetto; an area of approximately one square mile and home to about twenty thousand Jewish refugees from Europe before and after WWII. Walk the streets of the former Jewish neighbourhood where local people now live and visit the Jewish Refugee Museum. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. AVAILABLE ON DAY 7 Adult Price: ¥380.00* Jinsha Site Museum and Du Fu Cottage Take a guided tour of Jinsha Site Museum. It was built to protect, study and * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and display the archaeological finds discovered on the Jinsha site dating back subject to change. 3000 years. Precious relics including gold articles, jade objects, bronze wares, stone tools and ivory carvings are on display and signify the exquisite technical craftsmanship of the Ancient Shu people. It is a rare site museum among Chinese museums because of its combination of modern Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
Your itinerary
Start Location Visited Location
Plane End Location
Cruise Train
Over night Ferry
Day 1 afternoon to relax, explore further or perhaps take the opportunity to do some Say Ni hao to China shopping.
Journey to the "Northern Capital" - a land of emperors, epic monuments and the Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch cultural heart of China. On arrival in Beijing, you'll be transferred to your hotel Day 9 where you can relax before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers. Board your Yangtze River Cruise
Rub shoulders with the locals during a visit to People's Park with its beautiful Hotel - Novotel Peace Chinese gardens, lake and tea houses. Gain insights into the day-to-day lives of the locals who spend their free time in tranquil surrounds indulging in a leisurely Included Meals - Welcome Reception game of mah-jong, a quiet nap or neck massage. Venture to lively Jinli Old Street Day 2 next, crossing beneath the imposing archway into a world of intricate handicraft, Journey to the Great Wall paintings and calligraphy. Stroll along the narrow street whose façades were modelled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Visit the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan this morning - its stone Province, then transfer to the railway station for a high-speed bullet train ride to ramparts and walls snaking thousands of miles into the distance to defend the Chongqing. Here, you'll enjoy a city orientation tour with dinner before boarding empire against nomadic invaders since 5th century B.C. Enjoy an afternoon at your Yangtze River Cruise. leisure and this evening for dinner indulge in a Regional Dinner of succulent Peking Duck - a must during any visit to Beijing. Hotel - Victoria Jenna / Victoria Sabrina (cruise ship)
Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 3 Day 10 Discover the Icons of Beijing Cruise the Great Yangtze River
Surround yourself with the grandeur of Beijing's landmark Great Hall of the Disembark this morning for a short visit to Shibaozhai to admire its 12-storey cliff- People, Qianmen Gate and the mausoleum of Mao Zedong as you walk through top temple, built in the 19th century. Stretch your legs and climb up to the one of the world's largest public areas, Tiananmen Square. Delve into China's temple, tackling the red pavilion which leans against the side of the steep peak, imperial heritage, passing the south gate into the frozen-in-time Forbidden City - now an island due to the rising waters of the Three Gorges Dam. Return to the once home to emperors and their households and today a UNESCO World Yangtze, cruising to Fengdu's 'Ghost City' to explore the mystical shrines, temples Heritage Site. After lunch, indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot and monasteries that are dedicated to the afterlife. Reflexology Centre to ease you into an evening at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience. Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch Sail through the imposing Three Gorges Day 4 Explore Beijing's hutong and onwards to Connect with your exquisite natural surrounds as you cruise gently down the Yangtze to the imposing Three Gorges. Squeeze through the narrow Qutang Xi'an Gorge, admiring its dramatic vistas, before your journey takes you through Wu
Navigate the ancient alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences, weaving Gorge, renowned for its quiet beauty, forest-clad mountains, and cliffs so sheer through lively neighbourhoods on the back of a traditional rickshaw. Stop at the the sun barely penetrates their precipices and finally, Xiling Gorge. A small motor home of a local family where you'll 'Connect With Locals', enjoying a 'Be My Guest' boat will ferry you through the magical landscape of the Goddess Stream, a lunch of traditional Chinese cuisine, then visit a nearby tea house. Here, you'll tributary of the Yangtze - its limestone cliffs covered in greenery provide a tranquil delve into the art of chayi, joining a 'Local Specialist' who'll share first-hand the backdrop for your relaxing encounter with this mighty river. age-old ritual of tea-making. Leave Beijing behind, bound for Xi'an, an ancient Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner departure point on the Silk Road. Day 12 Hotel - Wyndham Grand Xi'an South Onwards to Shanghai
Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest View the engineering marvel that is the world's largest hydroelectric project, the Day 5 Three Gorges Dam, before disembarking your cruise ship and transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival into China's biggest city, check Marvel at the legendary Terracotta into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Warriors Hotel - The Kunlun Jing'An Engage with the children and teachers of a local primary school (during term-time) where you will learn a few words of Chinese and 'Make a Difference' by donating Included Meals - Breakfast much-needed supplies. Next, descend into the subterranean tomb of Emperor Day 13 Qin Shi Huang to view his legendary army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, followed by a delicious traditional meal of Chinese noodles. Your final stop today Discover Vibrant Shanghai is to a Jade factory where you'll admire the favoured stone of emperors, more Shanghai's famous 'Bund' waterfront is the first stop on a day of sightseeing with precious to the Chinese people than gold. a 'Local Specialist'. Admire the ornate neoclassical colonial buildings and skyscrapers that have sprung up from this former marshland, then 'Dive Into Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch Culture' during a visit to a silk museum. Embrace the tranquillity of the famous Yu Day 6 Garden next, with its pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. Then, enjoy Take the Bullet Train to Chengdu some free time for a local lunch of soup dumplings perhaps and shopping in the Old Town, a treasure trove of winding streets and vibrant markets that was once This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to join a 'Local enclosed by the ancient walled city of Shanghai. Our final stop this afternoon is a Specialist' in their T'ai Chi practice or embark on a cycle tour around part of the visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, built in 1928 after the original temple was ancient City Wall of Xi'an. Get stuck in to the ancient art of dumpling making next, destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Admire the with an opportunity to sample the juicy results for lunch, then transfer to the beauty of its precious jade Buddha statues made out of crystal-clear white jade, railway station for your high-speed bullet train trip to Chengdu. On arrival in the before you settle into an evening performance by the world-renowned Shanghai hometown of the giant panda, you'll check in to your hotel and savour the Acrobatic Troupe. leisurely pace of local life on your terms. Included Meals - Breakfast Hotel - Crowne Plaza Day 14 Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch More Treasures of Shanghai
Day 7 Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that See the Giant Pandas of China loom over the most populous city on earth. Then embark on a walking tour with a 'Local Specialist' through the Shanghai French Concession, for an exhilarating Witness the ground-breaking work being done by the Chengdu Research Base of encounter with the opulent age of French colonial China. Wander through the Giant Panda Breeding this morning. Join a Local Specialist and learn how this narrow alleyways, past elegant villas and apartments dating back to the early MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports the non-profit research breeding 1900s when the territory was proclaimed a French settlement. Later this morning, facility which rescues and protects the endangered giant panda, of which fewer you'll see where the First Conference of the Communist Party took place in Xin than 2,000 remain. Afterwards return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tian Di, whose charming antique façades hide a 21st century world of bars, cafés, Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch boutiques and theme restaurants. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, letting the sights and sounds of Shanghai infuse every sense or consider joining Day 8 an Optional Experience. Say a fond farewell to newfound friends this evening Discover the cuisine of Sichuan during a Farewell Dinner.
Indulge in the bold and spicy flavours of local cuisine as you 'Dive Into Culture' Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner and learn about regional cooking practices at the Museum of Sichuan Cuisine. Day 15 Learn how to crush chilli into powder using a Qing Dynasty pestle and mortar, then view ancient kitchenware, books and manuscripts faithfully recording the Farewell to China history of Sichuan culinary cultures. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating scents Our epic encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to the airport for your wafting through Restaurant Alley then, pay tribute to the Kitchen God before onward flight. attempting to create your own culinary magic with the guidance of a local chef. Stomach and soul sated after a delicious encounter with Chengdu, you'll have an Included Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip Book with your travel director when you travel civilization and the civilization of ancient Shu State which is now known as Sichuan Province. Later visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage; a shrine to Chinese literature and commemorative museum of Du Fu, a famous poet during AVAILABLE ON DAY 3 the Tang Dynasty. During his stay there he wrote around 270 poems which Legend of Kung Fu Show are considered to be precious national treasures and some of which are The Legend of Kung Fu Show is a mix of traditional martial arts and modern currently being taught in schools. Discover the life of this famous poet in theatre. It is presented by a group of marvellous Kung Fu artists from all his cottage and take a stroll around the traditional style garden. The price over China whose average age is only 17 but they have studied Chinese shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Kung Fu for many years. The story tells of a young boy who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master and attaining enlightenment. He takes the Adult Price: ¥395.00* path of a monk in which he must face many obstacles both from this world * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and and his own mind to overcome his fears and to become a true master of subject to change. Kung Fu. During the 80-minute show, the artists do not speak but perform daring acrobatics and Kung Fu dance but there are English subtitles above the stage explaining the story line. Transfers to and from the Red Theatre are included. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
Adult Price: ¥350.00* AVAILABLE ON DAY 8 Sichuan Opera * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and Spend the evening at the ShufengYayun Sichuan Opera House to enjoy a subject to change. colourful authentic Sichuan opera performance. There are many separate performances, all of which are introduced in English and these include a comedy show, fire spitting, a puppet show and the famous face changing show where actors switch between different masks to portray different characters. There is live music featuring a host of traditional Chinese AVAILABLE ON DAY 5 instruments and it all takes place in a beautiful semi-outdoor courtyard Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner setting. NB. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Enjoy a sumptuous Tang dumpling banquet followed by a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance which has graced the region for Adult Price: ¥385.00* centuries. The show consists of 8 parts filled with vibrant costumes, * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and colourful dances and traditional music. Under the ruling of the Tang subject to change. Emperors from 618 to 907, China became the most powerful and prosperous country in the world. During this time the economy, politics and military strength reached an unprecedented level which influenced the culture of its neighbouring countries. It was during this flourishing and peaceful period that exquisite Tang imperial feasts with music and dance AVAILABLE ON DAY 14 emerged and developed. Step back in time and enjoy the delightful hospitality and performances of the Tang Dynasty. The price shown is in Visit the Shanghai Museum and Former Jewish Ghetto Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Visit the Shanghai Museum; a large museum divided into eleven different galleries which cover most of the major categories of Chinese art. Your Adult Price: ¥400.00* Travel Director will give a brief introduction to the museum and then take some free time to walk around the museum and visit your choice of * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and galleries with the help of a personal Audio Guide. Afterwards visit the subject to change. Shanghai Ghetto; an area of approximately one square mile and home to about twenty thousand Jewish refugees from Europe before and after WWII. Walk the streets of the former Jewish neighbourhood where local people now live and visit the Jewish Refugee Museum. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. AVAILABLE ON DAY 7 Adult Price: ¥380.00* Jinsha Site Museum and Du Fu Cottage Take a guided tour of Jinsha Site Museum. It was built to protect, study and * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and display the archaeological finds discovered on the Jinsha site dating back subject to change. 3000 years. Precious relics including gold articles, jade objects, bronze wares, stone tools and ivory carvings are on display and signify the exquisite technical craftsmanship of the Ancient Shu people. It is a rare site museum among Chinese museums because of its combination of modern