Magnificent China with Yangtze Cruise - 11 Days

Day 1

Beijing
Our intrepid adventure begins in the bustling capital Beijing. We will receive a warm welcome from our guide at the airport before transferring to the hotel. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
Discover Beijing’s rich heritage as we step back in time to an era when mystery and incredible power reigned. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China’s communist history. This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years. After local lunch, continue with Temple of Heaven which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth – the god’s world and the human world – and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital’s past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side. Breakfast is at the hotel. Peking Duck Lunch is at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
We embark on a 90 minutes scenic drive to the Mutianyu section of the wall (Cable car is excluded), which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch. Mutianyu is more rugged and covered in expansive greenery. Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 km. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Mutianyu section holds a prominent place in Chinese military history and this area is now equipped with cable cars to offer a different perspective (surcharge applies) of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Beijing - Xi'an (Breakfast)
We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class.
Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China’s Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch)
We explore Xi'an’s ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terra Cotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues. In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Local Specialty of Dumpling Banquet Lunch at local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Xi'an - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the high-speed train to Chongqing in second class. Arrival in Chongqing, a vibrand metropolis at the conflulence of Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, famous for its dramatic hilly landscapes, spicy cuisine and as the departure point of Yangtze River Cruise.
Transfer to pier for embarkation on the Yangtze River Cruise.
16:30-20:00 Board the cruise in Chongqing
18:30-20:00 Embarkation buffet dinner
Free flow house wine, local beer, soft drinks are included.
20:00-20:45 Embarkation & Safety Briefing
21:00-21:30 Captain’s Welcome Reception (Smart Casual Dress Code is Required)
21:00 Cruise anchor aweigh from Chongqing

Day 7

Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning coffee,tea and pastries.
Tai Chi morning exercise.
Breakfast.
08:30 – 11:30 Shore Excursion - Choose between Fengdu Ghost City and Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park (Fengdu Ghost City - Cable Car Self-paid)
Lunch Buffet.
Afternoon cultural activities.
Dinner Buffet.
18:15 – 21:15 Shore Excursion - War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show (Approx. 70 mins. In the event of cancellation, the schedule will be adjusted to visit White Emperor City on the morning of Day 3).

Day 8

Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning coffee,tea and pastries.
Tai Chi morning exercise.
Breakfast.
10:00 Cruising through the spectacular Qutang Gorge.
Lunch Buffet.
13:00 Cruising through the magnificent Wu Gorge.
14:30 - 16:30 Shore Excursion - Shennv Stream.
Dinner Buffet.
20:30 - 21:30 Crew Cabaret / Talent Show.

Day 9

Yichang - Shanghai (Breakfast)
Breakfast.
08:00 - 11:00 Disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang. Join the Shore Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam project site (River Closure Memorial Park and the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum).
12:30 Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang.
Take the high speed train to Shanghai, in second class. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel to check-in. Overnight in Shanghai.

Note:
All the times on the schedule are estimated ones which are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions. All shore excursions departure times and duration are approximate and may subject to change if considered unsafe to operate.

Day 10

Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams. Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time. Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar. Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Shanghai (Breakfast)
All good things must come to an end and today sees our 12 day adventure draw to a close. Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing.