15 Day Small Group Luxury China Tour with Yangtze Cruise and Flights

Beijing

Today you will explore the world-famous Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the former seat of the emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a true architectural masterpiece and home to the National Palace Museum. Next, get a taste of the past by exploring the winding alleys, or ‘hutongs’, of local Beijing neighbourhoods.

Accommodation: Shangri-La’s China World Hotel Beijing or similar, Beijing

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

The Great Wall

Today’s highlight is an excursion to the majestic Great Wall (Juyongguan Section), one of the Seven Wonders of the World, recognised by UNESCO, and get a chance to climb a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. After climbing the wall, enjoy some lunch before visiting the Summer Palace. The evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Shangri-La’s China World Hotel Beijing or similar, Beijing

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Beijing  Xi'an

Immerse yourself in local culture by starting the day with a Tai Chi class during a visit to the Temple of Heaven. Later in the day, we’ll travel to the ancient city of Xi'an, home to the famous Terracotta Warriors.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Xi’an or similar, Xi'an

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Terracotta Warriors

Today another highly anticipated icon of the country awaits - the famous and awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. We will visit the enigmatic ranks of the Terracotta Warriors in the company of our professional and experienced local guide. Be humbled as you stand among one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. Afterwards, head to the famous Moslem Street to sample local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Xi’an or similar, Xi'an

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Xi'an Shanghai

Explore the incredible Wild Goose Pagoda. This temple was originally used to keep the Buddhist scripts which were carried by the great monk Yi Jing from the Indian area and over time it has become a holy place for pilgrims. Following this, you visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in all of China built in 194BC. Later in the day, we will travel to Shanghai where you are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: Regal International East Asia or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Shanghai

Today, discover the wonders of Shanghai on a guided city tour, taking in the stunning Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, the Xin Tian Di entertainment district with its plethora of restaurants, boutiques and galleries, and the famous waterfront strip The Bund, a melting pot of architectural influences. Spend the evening at your leisure or speak to our tour guide for recommended local activities. 

Accommodation: Regal International East Asia or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Shanghai  Yichang - boarding in Yichang

Today you will travel to Yichang to board your Yangtze River Cruise. Please note flights to Yichang operate on limited/seasonal schedules, so depending on your travel date you will either fly in the morning (arriving into Yichang at approx. 10 am) or in the evening (arriving into Yichang at approx. 10 pm). This schedule will determine how your day is spent - either at leisure in Shanghai or Yichang.

Accommodation: Victoria Anna Ship or similar on twin share basis with private bathroom facilities

Meals included: breakfast

Yangtze River Cruise - Three Gorges

Enjoy your first day on the Yangtze River as your ship winds its way through spectacular scenery. Enjoy a beautiful breakfast buffet on board before joining a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Project. One of the largest construction projects undertaken by man, it is the biggest hydro project in the world. You may also choose an optional visit to the Tribe of the Three Gorges (additional cost) - the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project – which showcases the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture. In the evening, you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy an

evening of dancing.

Accommodation: Victoria Anna Ship or similar on twin share basis with private bathroom facilities

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 Yangtze River Cruise - Shennong Stream

Today you will enjoy a shore excursion to the mesmerising 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. Optionally, you can take a visit to the ancient White Emperor City (additional cost) overlooking the Qutang Gorge during the day – just let your leader know if you’re interested. In the afternoon, you will return to the ship in time for lunch and enjoy the crew’s magnificent evening performance.

Accommodation: Victoria Anna Ship or similar on twin share basis with private bathroom facilities

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

 Yangtze River Cruise - Fengdu

Today’s shore excursion will take you to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area in Fengdu. The sacred site lies on the northern side of the Yangtze, west of Mingshan Mountain and east of the Shuangguishan National Forest. It features a 100-foot-tall statue depicting the Jade Emperor, an important deity in Chinese Taoism, as well as more than 200 additional Taoist and Buddhist sculptures. You can also join the Fengdu Ghost City (additional cost) 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 a farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow.

Accommodation: Victoria Anna Ship or similar on twin share basis with private bathroom facilities

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Chongqing  Chengdu

Relax and enjoy your final breakfast before disembarking in Chongqing ready for your onward journey to Chengdu. Upon arrival check into your hotel before heading to the city’s largest public park, the People’s Park. Immerse yourself in the local culture as residents play traditional instruments and practice tai chi and calligraphy.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Panda Garden Hotel or similar, Chengdu

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Chengdu

Today you’ll come face to face with beautiful giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. In addition to this national treasure, the centre is also home to black-necked cranes, white storks and other varieties of panda. Afterwards, we head to Kuanzhai Alley, a popular folk-art street lined with buildings created in the historic Qing Dynasty style.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Panda Garden Hotel or similar, Chengdu

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Chengdu Australia

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Chinese adventure comes to an end. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home, unless you choose to extend your stay and continue to explore other mesmerising cities. You’ll be returning home with the knowledge of a new culture, connections with new friends and memories to last you a lifetime.

Meals included: breakfast

Australia

Arrive home today!

Meals included: inflight only