A LUXURY China CRUISE Tour – Beijing, Xian, Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai

Day 1 Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, be met by your personal guide and transferred to your hotel by private car for your next 3 nights’ accommodations.

Day 2 Beijing (The Great Wall)
This morning, journey northwest bound by road to the less crowded and best preserved section of the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Here, enjoy a cable car ride, followed by a trek on the wall comprised of 22 watch towers stretching over two kilometers. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the city and enjoy a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s Old Quarters (Hutongs), visiting a local family residence, and the Bell & Drum Tower. This evening, enjoy one of Beijing’s specialties – Peking Duck at one of the city’s famed restaurants. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Beijing
Enjoy a full day tour of the ancient capital’s most revered sites. Visits include the Forbidden City (closed Mondays*), the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties built in 1420; and Temple of Heaven (closed Mondays*), the largest temple compound and one of the most strictly protected and preserved cultural heritages of China. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)

*Note: City tour will be switched to the day prior in case this day lands on a Monday due to venue closures. 

Day 4 Beijing / Xian
This morning, board a super-fast high speed Train, with speeds up to 300km/hour, for an exhilarating 4.5 hour ride for Xian. Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of Yangling Tombs, the mausoleum of the Han Dynasty Emperor Liu Qi and his Empress, dating back to 153 A.D. Its intricate relics of miniature figures and burial objects offer revelations to the strict hierarchical social structure during this period. Afterwards, visit the City Wall, one of the oldest and best preserved city walls of China, as well as one of the most comprehensive ancient defensive systems in the world. This evening, enjoy a stroll through Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City (a.k.a. The Great Tang All Day Mall), a 1.5km pedestrian street lined with buildings featuring Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) architecture, street performances, and array of of food stands and shops. Check in to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. (B)

Day 5 Xian
Today’s highlight takes you to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Museum, the excavated tomb of Qin Shi Huang Di, China’s first Emperor. Discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers, this massive burial site is comprised of 7,000+ life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, constructed to protect the emperor in his afterlife. Return to the city for lunch followed by a visit of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening, enjoy a Hot Pot dinner for which Shaanxi Province is famous followed by a Tang Dynasty Show. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Xian / Chongqing / Yangtze River Cruise
This morning, enjoy a tour of the Yangling Tombs before boarding your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief city tour to explore its unique urban landscape and vibrant atmosphere. Later, board your vessel for your river journey down the mighty Yangtze. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant or on board the cruise. (B,D)

Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise (Fengdu)
Soak up the spectacular scenery on board your cruise.  Today’s shore excursion takes you to Fengdu Ghost City, a legendary site rich in Chinese mythology and folklore. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party aboard the cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise (The Three Gorges)
 Journey through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze River as it carves its way through a breathtaking series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest, and most dramatic of the three major gorges. Next, board a smaller boat for an excursion along the Shennv Stream, sailing through awe-inspiring canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way, witness fascinating historical sites, including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliff-side. Continue sailing through Wu Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery and misty peaks. (B,L,D)

Day 9 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)

Day 10 Shanghai 
Full-day city tour of Shanghai, visiting Old Town and its revered Yu Garden (closed on Mondays), one of China’s most famous classical gardens built in the 1500s; the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s most impressive museums of ancient Chinese art, with relics representative of its thousands years’ history. We sample some of Shanghai’s world famous Soup Dumplings at a local joint before continuing on to the Art District of Tianzifang, famed for its Old Shanghai Shikumen houses in a laid back atmosphere of eclectic art galleries and chic cafes; Time permitting, take a stroll along the Bund for spectacular views of the city’s iconic skyline. Capping off your trip, enjoy a breathtaking ERA Acrobatics Performance this evening. (B,L)

Day 11 Shanghai (Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Village)
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 12 Return Home
Transfer to the Shanghai airport for your departure flight home. (B)

• 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
• 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