Legendary Yangtze Cruise
18 Days from just £2,230 per person
Sites Visited: Temple of Heaven; Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; The Great Wall; Ming Tombs; Silk Market; Bell Tower; Terracotta Warriors; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Xian Ancient City Wall; Jade Buddha Temple; Panda Research Centre... and much more!
Mountains over the Yangtze River
Day 1 - London Heathrow to Shanghai
Depart from London Heathrow airport for international scheduled flight to Shanghai. We can also arrange departures from your local airport.
Day 2 - Shanghai
Arrive at Shanghai Pudong Airport and transfer to 4* hotel in city centre. Later visit the Old Town and the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai.
Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner. After dinner your tour manager will take you for a leisurely walk along the Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront. (L/D)
Day 3 - Shanghai / Suzhou
This morning travel by coach to Suzhou - China's garden city renowned for it's canals, arched stone bridges and silk products. We will visit two of it's most popular gardens - Humble Administrator's Garden and Garden of the Master of the Nets. Also visit the city's famous Silk Museum and Panmen Gate.
Return to Shanghai in the evening. (B/L/D)
Day 4 - Shanghai to Yichang
This morning we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, originally built in 1882 to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen.
In the afternoon we take a short flight to Yichang. Upon arrival we transfer to the 5* Legendary Yangtze Cruise ship for a late evening departure. (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Yangtze River*
Our cruise starts today with a visit to the Three Gorges Dam construction site. We sail through the Three Gorges Shiplocks and Xiling Gorge. (B/L/D)
*Cruise schedule may be subject to change, depending on the water level.
Day 6 - Yangtze River
Our cruise today takes an excursion to the beautiful Daning River through its lesser Three Gorges, or a small boat trip to the Shennong Stream - drift along the crystal clear water and be dazzled by the strength and bravery of boat-trackers. You will pass through Wu Gorge/Qutang Gorge. (B/L/D)
Day 7 - Yangtze River
Today we have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Stronghold) - first built during the Qing Dynasty in 1650. Depending on water levels, the shore excursion may visit Wanzhou (Wanxian) instead. (B/L/D)
Day 8 - Chongqing to Chengdu
This morning we disembark the ship at Chongqing and transfer by coach to Chengdu. First we tour to the Panda Research Centre to experience a close encounter with the rare and cute panda bears. Later we visit a typical Sichuan teahouse, giving us the opportunity to sip Chinese tea and enjoy the warmth of local culture.
After a sizzling Sichaun style dinner (full of spices and flavours), we will enjoy a traditional Chuan Opera. Be amazed by the skilful demonstration of changing masks. (B/L/D)
Day 9 - Chengdu to Guilin
This morning we fly to Guilin - one of the most picturesque cities in China. Today we will visit Fubo Hill and the Reed Flute Cave.
After dinner, Emperor Tours will treat every customer to a refreshing traditional Chinese foot massage - a truly sensual experience! (B/L/D)
Day 10 - Guilin to Yangshou
This morning we take a boat cruise along the scenic Li River to Yangshuo - a small town near Guilin which boasts of stunning landscapes. After lunch on the boat we will check into the 4* hotel in the city centre, and then you will have plenty of time to browse around Yangshuo's lively local market.
After dinner we will see cormorant fishing by local fishermen. (B/L/D)
Day 11 - Yangshou
This morning we will explore the beautiful surrounding area on bicycle, first visiting Moon Hill and then the Big Banyan Tree. The afternoon is time to take a well deserved rest!
A Chinese Cooking Lesson will be arranged for those who are interested, where you will have the opportunity to learn how to cook authentic Chinese dishes. (B/L/D)
Day 12 - Guilin to Xian
This morning we fly to Xian, the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival we will transfer to the 4* hotel in city centre.
Later your tour manager will take you to visit the Bell Tower and Ancient City Walls. Also browse around the colourful local food market in the Muslim quarter. (B/L/D)
Day 13 - Xian
Today our tour begins with another highlight of the entire journey - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of emperor Qinshihuang. Over 7,000 life-size figures unearthed since 1974, this is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
In the afternoon we continue to visit the Huaqing Hot Spring and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/L/D)
Day 14 - Xian to Beijing
This morning we transfer to Xian airport for short flight to Beijing. Upon arrival we will visit the Temple of Heaven - built in 1420, it was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for a good harvest for the year.
Later we will take a rickshaw tour around old Beijing's Hutong (alleyways) area - visit a typical Beijing family in courtyard house; also stop by a local school. (B/L/D)
Day 15 - Beijing
Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall. You will be given plenty of time to explore this magnificent monument and climb to the top.
In the afternoon we visit the enchanting and mysterious Ming Tombs - the burial site for 13 Ming emperors!
This evening after dinner we will take a closer look into Beijing people's night life by visiting the trendy Shichahai bar street - experience the Chinese pub culture. (B/L/D)
Day 16 - Beijing
Start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square - the largest public square in the world. Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (late Chairman Mao's huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City - which served as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since 15th century. This massive palace compound never fails to impress.
In the afternoon the tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace – the largest imperial garden in the world, where late Qing emperors and empresses stayed between May and October, seeking escape from the pollution inside the city. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B/L/D)
Day 17 - Beijing
Day time free to explore or relax. For those who are interested, your guide will take you to visit the Silk Market for some last minute shopping.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner in a famous Peking duck restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day 18 - Beijing to London Heathrow
Today transfer to airport for flight home. End of itinerary. (B)
Hong Kong Extension (extra nights are available upon request):
Day 18 - Beijing to Hong Kong
This morning transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to 4* hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)
Day 19 - Hong Kong
Half day Hong Kong tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village, etc. Rest of day free. (B)
Day 20 - Hong Kong to London Heathrow
Day time free to either relax or explore the amazing east west culture of Hong Kong. Late evening transfer to airport for travel home. (B)
Day 21 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
18 Days Package Price from just £2,230 per person (Single supplement £450, or £240 if share cabin on cruise)
21 Days Package Price (with Hong Kong) from just £2,530 per person (Single supplement £510, or £300 if share cabin on cruise)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Shanghai / Beijing (or Hong Kong) - London
- 4-star hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
- 5* Yangtze River Cruise
- Meals as described (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)
- Daily supply of bottled water
- Fully escorted tours with English speaking guides
- All domestic flights
- All airport taxes and service charges
Price excludes:
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details)
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Chinese visa
| Date (depart - return) | Price | *with Hong Kong extension |
|---|---|---|
| 11 - 28 / 31* Jul 2010 | £2,330 per person | £2,630 per person |
| 25 Jul - 11 / 14* Aug 2010 | £2,330 per person | £2,630 per person |
| 01 - 18 / 21* Aug 2010 | £2,330 per person | £2,630 per person |
| 05 - 22 / 25* Sep 2010 | £2,330 per person | £2,630 per person |
| 19 Sep - 06 / 09* Oct 2010 | £2,330 per person | £2,630 per person |
| 03 - 20 / 23* Oct 2010 | £2,330 per person | £2,630 per person |
| 17 Oct - 03 / 06* Nov 2010 | £2,330 per person | £2,630 per person |
| 31 Oct - 17 / 20* Nov 2010 | £2,280 per person | £2,580 per person |
| 14 Nov - 01 / 04* Dec 2010 | £2,230 per person | £2,530 per person |