Majestic Yangtze

Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and visit a fascinating silk factory. Sightseeing today involves a full day of touring around the centre of the city including 3-4 hours on foot. In the evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic river cruise. Dine on a delicious Shanghainese meal in the evening.

Visit the financial district of Pudong, before transferring to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Yichang. You will then transfer to the docks, located near the Three Gorges Dam to board the ship and check in to your cabin for the next 4 nights. Flights in this region are subject to change and can often be changed last minute, we aim to ensure passengers are transferred direct to Yichang. However, it may be necessary to fly to Wuhan and transfer 5-6 hours by road. The Yangtze River cruise section of your itinerary will not be confirmed by the cruise operators until after you commence your tour as it is subject to local river conditions and water levels. Your local guide will do their utmost to keep you informed of any changes but cannot guarantee against delays or – in rare cases – cancellations of sections of your itinerary. Shore excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions. A detailed itinerary will be handed out on the vessel each day. If you do not wish to take part in a shore excursion but you still wish to disembark the cruise ship, there is a mandatory port tax which must be paid by each customer. The port tax amount is approx. USD20-USD30 per person; however, this amount can vary and for security reasons, it is not always possible to disembark at all ports of call. Please be aware that there are a number of steps involved in embarking and disembarking your Yangtze River Cruise Ship, particularly during low tide. If you think this may be an issue, please inform us in advance. There are amenities package, deck and cabin upgrades available to pre-book – please enquire with our Reservations team.

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

Check out of your cabin this morning and disembark in Chongqing. Take a tour around Ciqikou, a centre of cobbled streets and porcelain wares. Next, transfer around 5 hours to Chengdu. Enjoy a Sichuanese meal in the evening. There is an optional Sichuan Opera Show this evening (time permitting, payable locally).

Today you will see China’s most famous resident, the giant panda. Visit the Panda Conservation Centre where you can learn about China’s celebrated bear. See these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. Later, board your bullet train to Xian, a journey of 3-4 hours. This evening, dine on delicious Shui Jiao dumplings and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense. This evening, there is an optional night tour of the city (time permitting, payable locally).

This morning, visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda, which involves approximately 1 and a half hours on foot. Afterwards, browse through the exotic Muslim Quarter, before transferring to the railway station for your 5-hour bullet train to Beijing. On arrival, transfer to your hotel to check in.

Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Sightseeing here will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven for about 1 hour. Tonight, watch a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched around so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day.

Rise early this morning to avoid the crowds and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass to take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit involves walking from the bus to the first section. Once your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, visit the Jade Factory before strolling through the Summer Palace. This evening, dine on Peking duck, a favourite of the Chinese emperors.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book.