Description
Small Group Tour to highlights of China including Yangtze River Cruise
Journey to the capital city of Beijing on our Classic China tour. See the iconic Tian An Men Square, catch a glimpse of life in the Hutongs and amble on the Great Wall of China, a World Heritage site. Take a day train to Xi'an, to explore the bustling Muslim Quarter and to visit the Terracotta Warriors and Museum of Horses.
Holidays types: Group Tours, Cultural Holidays, Family Holidays, Landscape & Nature Holidays
Itinerary
➕ Day 1 Beijing
On arrival in Beijing, transfer to Howard Johnson Paragon hotel or similar for three nights. Enjoy a Peking Duck welcome dinner in the evening.
➕ Day 2 Beijing
Start the day off at Tian An Men Square before spending a few hours exploring The Forbidden City with your guide. Afternoon visit to see the pavilions, prayer halls and gardens of the Summer Palace; built for the Emperors to escape the summer heat.
➕ Day 3 Beijing
Another day spent in Beijing to visit the Temple of Heaven which comes alive each morning when elderly locals gather to practise Tai Chi. In the afternoon, drive out to see the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic sights in Asia.
➕ Day 4 Beijing, Xi'an
Take a high-speed Bullet train to Xi'an this morning (5-6 hours). On arrival, check-in at the Grand Dynasty Culture hotel or similar for two nights. In the afternoon, visit the sights of Xi'an including the Big Goose Pagoda, Great Mosque and the bustling Muslim Quarter.
➕ Day 5 Xi'an
Start off the day with the amazing Terracotta Warriors and Museum of Horses, learning about this incredible archaeological treasure from your guide. Explore the city walls in the afternoon. Enjoy a dumpling dinner banquet in the evening.
➕ Day 6 Xi'an, Chengdu
This morning take a short flight to Chengdu. Stay at Tianfu Sunshine hotel or similar for two nights. Later, visit Leshan Big Buddha and take a boat ride on the river. Optional: Sichuan opera performance.
➕ Day 7 Chengdu
Visit the Panda Breeding Centre in the morning followed by a very special vegetarian lunch at the Wen Shu Temple. Later on, walk along the famous Jin Li Street and explore the city on your own in the evening.
➕ Day 8 Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze Cruise
In the morning, take the train to Chongqing to visit the Dazu Grottoes. In the evening, check-in to a private, en-suite cabin aboard a modern river vessel for a three-night cruise towards Shanghai on the mighty Yangtze River. Dinner in a local restaurant or on the cruise.
➕ Day 9 Yangtze Cruise
The morning starts with a briefing of the river and safety instructions. After lunch, disembark at Shibaozhai for an excursion to this pagoda. Enjoy the captain's welcome party in the evening.
➕ Day 10 Yangtze Cruise
The scenery is simply stunning when passing the Wu and Qutang Gorges. Stop for an excursion at the Shennong stream to see the Lesser Three Gorges and the mysterious Tujia tribal coffins.
➕ Day 11 Yangtze Cruise, Yichang, Shanghai
Visit the Three Gorges Dam and pass the eastern section of the Xiling Gorge, before disembarking at Yichang. Fly to Shanghai and stay at Greeland Jiulong Hotel or similar for two nights.
➕ Day 12 Shanghai
Walk along the famous 'Bund' in the morning. Afterwards, visit the Jing'an Temple and the World Financial Centre. In the evening enjoy a performance by Chinese acrobats.
➕ Day 13 Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.