Magical China & the Yangtze River

Itinerary Details

Day 1 (Wed) UK – Beijing.

Depart the UK

Day 2 (Thu) Beijing.

Welcome to Chinas capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 3 (Fri) Beijing.

Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of Chinas great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIANANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. After lunch, enjoy some time at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER in an award-winning restaurant in your hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 4 (Sat) Beijing

The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across Chinas barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved, and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Tonight, attend a performance of the PEKING OPERA, a traditional form of Chinese theater, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful makeup being applied to the performers. Alternatively, you may choose to attend the LEGEND OF KUNG FU SHOW. Here, performers use a fusion of kung fu, dance, and acrobatics to tell the story of a monk who studies Buddhism and kung fu his whole life and eventually becomes a Zen master. (B, L)

Day 5 (Sun) Beijing-Xi’an

This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN and enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighbourhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family’s home for tea. Later, fly to Xi’an. (B, D)

Day 6 (Mon) Xi’an

One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. You will also enter the VIP VIEWING AREA for an up-close view of these life-size statues. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Next, visit the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. This evening, enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances. (B, L, D)

Day 7 (Tue) Xi’an-Chongqing (Embarkation)-Yangtze River Cruise

This morning, visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS; you may even see some locals practising their morning Tai Chi. Next, fly to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. Visit a local ZOO to see pandas and eat dinner at a local HOT POT restaurant before boarding the Century Paragon for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. Join your travelling companions for a PRIVATE WELCOME RECEPTION including cocktails and snacks. (B, D)

Day 8 (Wed) Cruising: Shibaozhai

The morning is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of on-board activities. You may choose to start your day with a Tai Chi session on the Sun Deck, take a swim in the pool, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. After lunch, take a WALKING TOUR of Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story, red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side. This evening, the Captain hosts a welcome party, followed by dinner and a special performance by the ship’s crew.
NOTE:
Depending on river conditions, an alternate shore excursion may be offered. (B, L, D)

Day 9 (Thu) Cruising: Qutang Gorge-Wu Gorge-Shennv Stream

Again, enjoy the morning at your leisure on the ship. You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Baidi Cheng, known as the “White Emperor City,” to see the Baidi Temple. Later in the morning, sail downstream through the first and second of the three gorgesQutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your Captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down Shennv Stream. Along the way, see picturesque scenery and the mysterious hanging wooden coffins. Before returning to your ship you will also board a wooden boat on a smaller section of the stream, where the crew will sing songs as you glide across the stunning deep emerald-green waters surrounded by densely forested hills. This evening, join the Captain for a special Chinese-style farewell banquet.
NOTE:
Depending on river conditions, the boat excursion may be on the Daning River. (B, L, D)

Day 10 (Fri) Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site-Xiling Gorge-Yichang (Disembarkation)-Shanghai

This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest dam of its kind in the world. Afterwards, sail through Xiling Gorge, the last of the three gorges, before bidding farewell to your ship’s crew in Yichang. After lunch in Yichang, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and centre of trade and industry. (B, L)

Day 11 (Sat) Shanghai

Start your day with a stroll along the Bund, the citys riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and a SILK FACTORY to learn about the silk-making process. For lunch, a traditional DIM SUM feast awaits. Meaning to touch your heart, dim sum was originally a snack but has transformed into a full meal with a wide variety of steamed dumplings, spring rolls, and more. Afterward, enjoy time at leisure. This evening, be entertained by a spectacular ACROBATIC SHOW (B, L)

Day 12 (Sun) Shanghai

This morning, visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, featuring stunning displays of ancient bronze, jade, and ceramics. Then, take a WALKING TOUR of the former French Concession, once Shanghais leading residential and retail area. Today, the qualities that made the area so popular endurefrom quaint, tree-lined streets and exquisite architecture to charming shops and fashionable restaurants and bars. Along the way, see the famous Art Deco Cathay Theatre, explore the narrow lanes of Xintiandi, and visit Fuxing Park, where locals play chess, dance, practice tai chi, and more. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 13 (Mon) Shanghai

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)