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8 Day Yangtze River Explorer

Chongqing - Yichang

Return international flights with full-service carriers

Relaxing luxury Yangtze River cruise

Local English-speaking guide

From $1,998 Include flight pp twin share

Description


Explore China's spectacular landscapes with a luxury cruise down the Yangtze River.

Your tour will begin in the major Yangtze River Port city of Chongqing where you can try the city's infamous tongue-numbing chili pepper hotpot - if you dare. The next day, you will board your ship and home for the next 4 nights and sail down the historic Yangtze River while soaking in its famous sights.

Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary


Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8

Day 1

Australia Chongqing

Begin your journey with your international flight to Chongqing (subject to the flight schedule, some flights will depart one day earlier). Upon arrival at the Chongqing International Airport you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. Why not enjoy a relaxing massage treatment (at own cost).

Accommodation: Athestel Hotel (formerly Sofitel) or similar, Chongqing

Meals included: inflight only

 

Day 2

Chongqing

After breakfast you will visit the famous Giant Panda Reserve Zoo in Chongqing and get a close distance to watch the giant pandas and their offspring. Afterwards you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, you can join an amazing optional tour to take an inside look of this exciting city (not included).

Accommodation: Athestel Hotel (formerly Sofitel) or similar, Chongqing

Meals included: breakfast

Optional Activities:

CHONGQING LOCAL TOUR: Pay a visit to Ciqikou Old Town, one of Chongqing’s most historic conservation districts. Constructed from 998 to 1003, most of the buildings were made in the Ming or Qing architectural styles. This pleasant pedestrian thoroughfare is home to a fascinating mix of classic Chongqing architecture and modern cafes and boutiques. At lunch, enjoy the local Chongqing Hot Pot. In Chongqing this south-western megacity with 30 million people, hotpot is not just food but a lifestyle.

 

Day 3

Chongqing Yichang

After breakfast, transfer to Chongqing Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Yichang (approx. 4 hours train ride). You will be met at Yichang Railway by your tour guide and transferred to the Yangtze Victoria ship, where you will begin your memorable four night cruise down the Yangtze River. Yichang, renowned as the “Gateway to the Three Gorges” and the “Throat between Sichuan and Hubei”, is an important trading port and a transportation hub along the Yangtze River.

Accommodation: Victoria Cruise or similar, Yangtze River

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

Day 4

Yangtze River Cruise

Today’s activities include: a morning Tai Chi lesson and an optional shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site (not included). The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. You may also want to visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges (not included), the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorged Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba and Shu cultures. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy the evening entertainment with a Chinese dancing ball.

Accommodation: Victoria Cruise or similar, Yangtze River

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Optional Activities:

TRIBE OF THE THREE GORGES: Explore the ancient past by visiting the historical village on the water, the brook-side tribe, and the mountain-top tribe.

THREE GORGES DAM SITE: It is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. You may also upgrade this excursion to experience the world’s largest ship lock lift.

 

Day 5

Yangtze River Cruise

Today you may enjoy an optional shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges (not included) - a shining pearl hidden in remote mountains. You will leave your cruise ship and board smaller vessels to sail through the narrower and breathtaking Lesser Three Gorges region, lined by sheer cliffs and mountains. Along the Yangtze River you will appreciate the beauty of the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge and visit the ancient plank road, Mengliang Stairway and the Hanging Coffins. You may also want to visit the White Emperor City (not included), an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County. You will then return to the ship and continue sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Victoria Cruise or similar, Yangtze River

Optional Activities:

  • SHENNONG STREAM: The stream flows through three beautiful gorges including the Mianzhu Gorge, Parrot Gorge and Longcangdong Gorge. Each gorge is renowned for its unique and stunning scenery. The Shennong Stream is also home to the Hanging Coffins, which are ancient coffins containing the remains of descendants of the Tujia people.
  • WHITE EMPEROR CITY: It is an ancient temple that is located a top Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County, and it is the best viewing point to appreciate the entrance of Three Gorges.

 

Day 6

Chongqing

Today you may choose to join the optional excursion to visit the Fengdu Ghost City (not included) to see why it’s regarded as the “City of Ghosts”. The temples built on Ming Mountain depict the punish instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell. Return to the ship and continue to pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Tonight enjoy the farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Victoria Cruise or similar, Yangtze River

Optional Activities:

  • SHIBAOZHAI PAGODA: This site had a history of over 400 years when it was built into the side of a 200-metre-tall hill. The striking nine stories red pagoda was built in 1819 to make it easier for people to reach the Buddhist temple at the very top of the hill.
  • FENGDU GHOST CITY: Fengdu Ghost City in Chongqing is a hot destination for many visitors and Yangtze River cruise travellers. This extremely old place is featured with the culture of “ghost” in China, and also a treasurable storage of the folk culture about Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism together.

 

Day 7

Chongqing  Australia

This morning you will disembark the cruise in the magnificent city of Chongqing. You can explore this beautiful city at your own pace before travel to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can join our well planned optional day tour and be transferred to the airport as per your flight time.

Meals included: breakfast and inflight

Optional Activities:

  • CHONGQING INSIGHT TOUR: On this sightseeing tour you’ll explore the many landmarks of Chongqing including Hongyadong Folk Custom Scene Area, local wet market and the famous Huguang Assembly Hall.

 

Day 8

Australia

Arrive in Australia

Meals included: inflight only

 

Inclusions & Exclusions


Inclusions

  • Return economy class airfare from Melbourne, Sydney, *Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth (*surcharge applies)
  • International flights with China Southern, Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Hainan Airlines  or similar full service airline (subject to availability)
  • 2 nights premium accommodation on twin share basis
  • 4 night Yangtze River cruise on twin share basis
  • Meals as indicated in itinerary
  • Intra-China transportation
  • Local English-speaking guides
  • Tours, transfers and admissions as per itinerary

 

Accommodation

Chonqing - Athestel Hotel (former Sofitel) or similar
Yangtze River - Victoria Cruise or similar


All Traveldream deals are backed by a 14-day refund guarantee! 

 

Exclusions

  • Tipping (industry standard AU$15 per person per day is recommended)
  • Surcharges, i.e. optional activities, single supplement etc.
  • Anything not listed in the itinerary, i.e. laundry, personal items, alcoholic drinks, etc.
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Visa to China

 

Child Policy

No child discounts apply. A full priced voucher must be purchased for all children travelling. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

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