PERFECT FOR:
- Nature Lovers & Photographers
- History & Architecture Buffs
- Seeing China at a relaxed pace
- First time travelers to China
A LUXURY China CRUISE Tour – Beijing, Xian, Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai
13 Days / 11 Nights – Tour Code (CGY) – Departs Monday / Wednesday / Saturday / Sunday
Our Golden Yangtze Explorient tour features a memorable river journey along China’s longest and most revered waterway – the Yangtze River. This remarkable 12-day expedition showcases China’s most popular tourist destinations spanning a distinctive array of natural beauty, dazzling landmarks, inspiring cultures and sensational cuisines – all in the comfort of China’s finest luxury hotels and Explorient’s signature private service.
Your introduction to China begins with two of its greatest ancient capitals, where you’ll experience first-hand China’s storied past, legendary landmarks and national treasures. Stroll the massive grounds of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. Trace the footsteps of mankind atop the magnificent Great Wall. Marvel the incredible Terracotta Army that laid beneath the earth for over two thousand years. Admire the intricate architectural masterpiece of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, formerly privy only to the Great Emperor himself. Beijing and Xian never cease to amaze the visitor.
Next, embark on a fantastic river journey on board one of the Yangtze’s finest floating hotels for an unforgettable cruise along Asia’s longest river. Cruising in style, passengers are rewarded with amazing sights of the mighty Yangtze, including the impressive Three Gorges, the invigorating Shennong Stream and the massive Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest construction project since the Great Wall. After a few days of total relaxation, we continue on to Shanghai, an international city of glam and sophistication that boasts the country’s trendiest fashion, finest cuisine, latest technological marvels and a skyline that is out of this world.
From ancient landmarks to unspoiled Mother Nature, bustling metropolises to tranquil countrysides, its all part of your unforgettable China vacation.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Economy class air via Cathay Pacific Airways from USA
- All air & ground transportation within China
- 11 nights hotel and cruise accommodations of your choice
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Other meals per itinerary, including full board on Yangtze Cruise
- Private Tour: Transfers and sightseeing provided by private car, driver and professional guides
BEIJING (3 nights)
- 3 nights at The Regent Beijing (Deluxe) OR Waldorf Astoria Beijing (Premium)
- 2 full days of private sightseeing, including the Great Wall at Mutianyue (with cable car ride), Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven and Hutongs by rickshaw
- Evening “Legends of Kung Fu” Performance
XIAN (2 nights)
- 2 nights at The Westin Xian (Deluxe) OR Sofitel Legend (Premium)
- Full day of private sightseeing, including the Terracotta Army excavation site, City Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall
- Evening Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show
YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (3 nights)
- 3 nights aboard the Century Sky | Century Sky (Deluxe) OR Century Paragon | Century Legend (Premium)
- Daily Shore excursions+
- 3 meals daily while on board (food only)
SHANGHAI (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Hyatt-on-the-Bund (Deluxe) OR Peninsula Shanghai | The Waldorf Astoria (Premium)
- Full-day private sightseeing, including the Bund, Old Town, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum and the unique art district of Tianzifang
- Morning private excursion to the Ancient Water Town of Zhujiajiao
- Evening ERA Acrobatics Performance
+Premium package features private shore excursion on board the Century Legend/Paragon. Join basis for deluxe package.
Day 1 Depart North America
Depart USA for Beijing via Cathay Pacific Airways, connecting in Hong Kong.
Day 2 Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations.
Day 3 Beijing
Today, visit the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with cable car ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Beijing City and enjoy a tour of its Old Quarters (Hutongs) by rickshaw, visiting a local family residence and the Bell & Drum Tower. This evening, enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner followed by a Legends of Kung Fu Show. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Beijing
A full-day tour today includes visits to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square. Includes lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)
Day 5 Beijing / Xian
Board a high speed train for Xian. Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of Xian that includes visits to City Museum and the City Wall before transferring to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a tour of the bustling Night Market at Muslim Quarters. (B)
Day 6 Xian
Today’s full-day tour includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Terracotta Museum, tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di with its Terracotta
Army. Tonight, enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Xian / Chongqing
This morning, enjoy a tour of the Yangling Tombs before boarding your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, commence brief sightseeing of the city with dinner at a local restaurant (time permitting). Transfer to your cruise ship and enjoy your river journey downstream. (B,D) ****Cruise Sailings: Please enquire for cruise ship schedule, as different fleets leave on different days of the week.***
Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise (Shibaozhai)
Soak up the spectacular scenery on board your cruise. Today’s shore excursion takes you to Shibaozhai Pagoda, an architectural masterpiece built in the Ming Dynasty. Built into the side of a 220 meter hill along the Yangtze River, the pagoda is 12 stories high and is the tallest specimen of ancient architecture in China. It is reputed as one of the eight fantastic examples of architecture in the world. Today, due to effects of the Three Gorges Dam and rising water levels, Shibaozhai can be reached just steps from the dock. (B,L,D) ***Note: all shore excursions operate on join basis with other cruise participants.***
Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise
Today, cruise through the legendary Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu and Xiling. This afternoon, enjoy an unforgettable experience by journeying along Shennong (or Shennv) Stream. A tributary of the Yangtze River, the crystal clear stream flows swiftly from north to south through deep gorges, and a sampan tour will allow you to experience the breathtaking scenery along this newly unspoiled river. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Yangtze River Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai
Today, visit the site of the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the World’s largest reservoir and electricity-generating facility. After disembarking from the cruise ship, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 11 Shanghai
Full-day city sightseeing of Shanghai features the Old Town and its Yu Garden, Urban Planning & Exhibition Center, the Bund, Shanghai Museum and the art district of Tianzifang, famed for its Old Shanghai Shikumen houses in a laid back atmosphere with cobbled streets lined with art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Enjoy a Western lunch at one of Shanghai’s exclusive restaurants located on the Bund. This evening, enjoy a breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatics Performance. (B,L)
Day 12 Shanghai
Enjoy a morning excursion to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, famous for its remarkably well-preserved bridges dating back to the 11th century. Enjoy a sampan ride through its quiet canals, stroll about the bustling morning markets, and explore the countryside way of life amidst its picturesque setting. Return to Shanghai and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 13 Return Home
Transfer to the Shanghai airport for your departure flight home. (B)
| 2021 Air and Land Price Chart (Tour operates between March – November) | |||||
| Set Departures | Land Only | West Coast | East Coast | Single Supplement | |
| March | D | 4,325 | 5,375 | 5,475 | 1,625 |
| P | 5,825 | 6,875 | 6,975 | 2,395 | |
| Apr. – May* | D | 4,425 | 5,475 | 5,575 | 1,705 |
| P | 5,875 | 6,925 | 7,025 | 2,615 | |
| Jun. – Aug. | D | 4,275 | 5,775 | 5,975 | 1,575 |
| P | 5,725 | 7,225 | 7,425 | 2,475 | |
| Sep. – Oct. | D | 4,425 | 5,475 | 5,575 | 1,745 |
| P | 5,875 | 6,925 | 7,025 | 2,615 | |
| November | D | 4,385 | 5,435 | 5,535 | 1,725 |
| P | 5,825 | 6,875 | 6,975 | 2,575 | |
| Tour Requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | |||||
|
D = Deluxe | P = Premium West Coast: LAX/SFO/SEA East Coast: JFK/EWR/BOS/IAD/ORD |
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- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages during included lunches & dinners, gratuities to guides and drivers
- **Tour departure correspond with the following cruise sailings:
- Deluxe Package: Century Sky: Monday | Century Sun: Saturday
- Premium Package: Century Paragon: Wednesday | Century Legend: Sunday
- For Air & Land Option
- U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $200 – subject to change)
- When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Fri-Sun), add $50 per person each direction.
- *June-August rates apply for departures between May 24-31
- Land-only price includes China Domestic Airfares
- China visa required for entry. Not included in package. Passport must NOT expire within 6 months from end of trip
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Yangtze River Cruise with daily shore excursions
- Great Wall & Forbidden City
- Beijing’s Old Quarters by Rickshaw
- “Legends of Kung Fu” & Shanghai acrobatics Shows
- Terra Cotta Museum & Yangling Tombs
- Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Village
- Shanghai’s Bund & Yu Garden
Price Starting From:
$5,295
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Beijing – The Regent Hotel
Xian – Sofitel Legend
Shanghai – The Peninsula Hotel
Beijing – Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Shanghai – Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Yangtze Cruise – Century Sky
Xian – The Westin Hotel
Shanghai – Hyatt on the Bund
Yangtze Cruise – Century Paragon
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
