Highlights of China and the Yangtze

Day 1 (Door to Door)

In-flight

Enjoy your luxury private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your scheduled flight to Beijing.

Day 2

Arrive Beijing

We arrive in Beijing and are greeted by your Trafalgar Tour Director who will escort you to your hotel
Hotel: Hilton (D)

Day 3

Beijing

Start your day in Tiananmen Square - the heart of Beijing - before visiting the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. We then continue on to the Summer Palace, the best-preserved imperial garden in China. Admire the enchanting natural elements and the graceful design of the temples, pavilions, halls, palaces and bridges. (BB, L, HD)
Hotel: Hilton (D)
Dining Highlights: Top off your fabulous day with an authentic Peking Duck Dinner.

Day 4

Beijing - Great Wall of China

We visit the sites of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and then walk along China's Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly one of the man-made wonders of the world. On the way back to Beijing, walk along the tree-lined Sacred Way, flanked on both sides by giant statues of animals guarding the entrances to the Ming Tombs. End your day with a performance at the magnificent Beijing Opera. While attending the opera, be treated to a traditional Chinese tea service. (BB, L, D)
Hotel: Hilton (D)

Day 5

Beijing to Xi'an

Ride in a traditional rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the hutongs, the ancient alleyways of the old residential area of Beijing, and enjoy a Chinese Home-Hosted Highlight Lunch with a local family. Then fly to Xi'an and be greeted with a Traditional Dumpling Dinner. (BB, HL, HD)
Hotel: Sheraton (D)

Day 6

Xi'an sightseeing

Xi'an is the site of one of the 20th-century's greatest archaeological discoveries - the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. During your visit, you will be amazed by these masterpieces of realism, each soldier with a different figure, alongside horses, chariots and weapons. Next, you'll visit Xi'an's ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved fortification walls in China. (BB, L, HD)
Hotel: Sheraton (D)
Dining Highlights: This evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show.

Day 7

Xi'an - Chongqing - Cruising the Yangtze

Today we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient holy place for Buddhists. We then fly to Chongqing, where we visit the giant pandas at the zoo before boarding your Victoria Cruises ship for the spectacular journey down the Yangtze River. (BB, L, D)
Hotel: Standard stateroom on the Victoria Anna

Day 8

Cruising the Yangtze River

Depending on river conditions, visit either the "Ghost City" of Fengdu, or Shibaozhai, home to a twelve-story wooden pagoda, or the new relocation village for families which were displaced as a result of the Three Gorges Dam. This evening, join the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party. (BB, L, D)
Hotel: Standard stateroom on the Victoria Anna

Day 9

Cruising the Yangtze River

We sail through the Three Gorges, starting with Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest, but also the most dramatic. We board a small riverboat and explore one of the enchanting Lesser Gorges of either the Daning River or Shennong Stream. Back on board the ship, we continue through the splendid scenery of the Wu Gorge, framed by the Twelve Peaks of the Wushan Mountains. Later, sail through the Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest with cliff walls rising to 4000 feet. Finally, we sail through the amazing Three Gorges Dam ship locks. (BB, L, D)
Hotel: Standard stateroom on the Victoria Anna
Dining Highlights: This evening attend the Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Day 10

Cruising the Yangtze River - Yichang - Shanghai

Today we visit the monumental work of civil engineering of the Three Gorges Dam: a 17-year, $70 billion project, involving the transportation of more than 350 billion cubic feet of rock and earth and the displacement of over 1 million people from the 150,000 acres of land which will gradually be flooded by the resulting 397-mile long reservoir. We then disembark in Yichang and fly to Shanghai. (BB, L, D)
Hotel: Regal International (D)

Day 11

Shanghai sightseeing

Embark on a Shanghai city tour featuring visits to Old Town, the Bund promenade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for superb city views and the Old Shanghai Museum. Also included as part of your tour is a delicious Traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant. This evening, enjoy a performance of the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. (BB, HL, D)
Hotel: Regal International (D)

Day 12

Depart Shanghai

Say farewell to China as we transfer to Shanghai International Airport for your return scheduled flight back to the UK. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting luxury private car for your door to door transfer to your home. (BB)

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Please note: Substitute visits to other sights along the Yangtze may be necessary depending on water levels or other factors.

Dates and prices

Destination Info