Highlights of China

You will stay in hotels such as the Golden Jade Sunshine or similar in Shanghai, the Le Gardens or similar in Xian, the Mishan Lhasa in Chengdu, and the Rainbow Hotel or similar in Beijing. All rooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning or heating as required, TV, telephone and a constant supply of tea as is the custom in Chinese hotels. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

You will cruise aboard one of the American Victoria Fleet. All have twin cabins with private facilites and balconies. They feature a restaurant, bar, viewing deck and are fully air-conditioned. Service on the ship is excellent. Please note: There is a mandatory one-off tip payment. The price will be confirmed in your final documentation.

Breakfast is of Western Continental style, followed by chinese lunches and dinners, each consisting of a variety of chinese dishes.

Day 1: UK/Shanghai

Depart on your scheduled flight to Shanghai.

Day 2: Shanghai

Arrival in Shanghai, where you will be met by your Chinese guide, before transferring to your hotel for a three night stay.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and exciting city. Our included sightseeing programme includes busy Nanjing Road, the traditional Forbidden City Old Town, with its ancient Wu Xing Ting Teahouse, and the Yu Yuan Gardens. You will also visit the beautiful Jade Buddha Temple and stroll along The Bund, the city’s famous riverside boulevard, which was restored for the 2010 Shanghai Expo. This evening enjoy an included visit to an Acrobatic Show.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 4: Suzhou

Join a full-day tour to Suzhou, situated on China’s historic Grand Canal. This beautiful, 2,500 year old city is famous for its landscaped gardens, narrow channels and traditional Chinese architecture. Many of the sites of the famous gardens of Suzhou, known as far back as the 10th century, are still intact and some have been restored to their former glory, with a few being listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As you wander around, you’ll see narrow canals with cobblestone walks where rickety wooden houses lean against each other. Highlights include the Lingering Garden, the Humble Administrators Garden plus a canal cruise.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 5: Xian

Transfer to Shanghai Airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel where two nights’ accommodation has been arranged. Dinner is included. The evening is free for you to explore Xian.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 6: Xian

Xian was once the capital of China and the most important city in Asia. We include a visit to the site of the Terracotta Army at Li Shan Mountain. During the day you will also visit the nearby small Wild Goose Pagoda. Our optional evening Tang Dynasty folklore show.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 7: Chengdu

Included morning guided tour of Xian, Han Tombs and city walls. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu followed by a short city sightseeing tour before transferring to your hotel for a two night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 8: Chengdu

Today you will visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre. This afternoon explore Jinli Street, sampling some local delicacies and visit traditional tea houses and silk workshops.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 9: Yangtze

Transfer by train to Chongqing, where you will board your cruise ship for a three night Yangtze cruise.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Days 10 - 11: Yangtze

You will cruise to the Three Gorges Dam, where you will pass through the locks. Proceed downstream through Xiling Gorge. Continue through the Wuxia and Qutang Gorges. A stop will be made to take a side trip up the Shennong Stream.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 12: Beijing

Morning arrival in Yichang. Transfer to Wuhan for your flight to Beijing for a four night stay.

Day 13: Beijing

Beijing is an extraordinary city. The most modern architecture can be seen with the iconic Olympic buildings. These include the National Aquatics Centre, better known as the Water Cube and the National Stadium, better known as the Bird’s Nest. Today we include a visit to Tiananmen Square, bordered by the Qianmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the Gate of Heavenly Peace, which forms the entrance to the incredible Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Palace, which we visit next. Optional Kong Fu show in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 14: Great Wall

This morning we include a visit to the Great Wall, which passes within 40 miles of Beijing at Badaling, where it is wide enough to let five horsemen ride abreast. Here you will have plenty of time to walk along the historic ramparts. Lunch is followed by a visit to the remarkable Ming Tombs Museum where thirteen emperors are buried.

This evening we invite you to join us on an included excursion to Donghuamen Night Market. Located in the heart of Beijing, you’ll find all sorts of culinary delicacies at this famous market. Whether you want to be adventurous and try some of the more exotic snacks, such as silk worms or scorpions, or you’d prefer to play it safe with dumplings or noodles, there’s certainly plenty of choice here.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 15: Beijing

Included morning excursion to visit the magnificent 800-year-old Summer Palace. Afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 16: Beijing/UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. As you are flying westwards your arrival in the UK is later the same day.

Meals: Breakfast