This tour will provide you, in a relatively short time, insights into major cities with truly remarkable sites, notably Beijing and Xian both richly endowed with historical and archaeological monuments of world significance. In Chongqing and Shanghai you will see and feel the vitality of two enormous cities that play a crucial role in the Chinese economy. On your cruise down the Yangtze River you will marvel at the beauty of the Three Gorges scenery along the way. In all, you will experience China’s highlights and marvel along the way.
You transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast you will visit Tiananmen Square, look across the vast space to the Great Hall of the People and stand before the massive Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace) Gate bearing a huge portrait of Mao Zedong, where he proclaimed the establishment of the People’s Republic on 1 October 1949. Lying behind is the Forbidden City, as the former imperial palace is called, where the magnificent marble courtyards, huge halls, gilded temples and ornate pavilions, the residence of the emperors and their families, are now open to your wonderment. After lunch there will be a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s old Hutong District, a fascinating maze of narrow alleys, old houses and hidden courtyards dating from Yuan Dynasty times (14th century), where people who live and work here welcome you into their homes. (B/L)
You will be taken north today to pace the ramparts of China’s famed Great Wall, originally constructed over 2000 years ago to keep northern invaders at bay. This evening a traditional Peking Duck dinner completes a very special day. (B/L/D)
Today you will visit the Summer Palace, the famed pleasure garden of the Qing emperors. Beautiful ornamental plantings, languid willows and painted pavilions surround a scenic lake, across which are enchanting views to the pagoda-capped Jade Spring Hill and the mountains beyond. Finally you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors for the good of the empire, carried out the most important sacrifices and ceremonies of the year. Set in a huge park planted with conifers, the beautiful blue-tiled buildings represent the epitome of Ming architecture. (B/L)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian and on arrival settle into your hotel. Over 1,000 years ago, Xian was the capital city of the Tang Dynasty and the largest then most cosmopolitan city in the world. This evening you will enjoy the lavish spectacle of the Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show. (B/L/D)
Today you will visit the army of some 6000 life-size terracotta warriors and their horses made and buried, lined up facing east in battle array, over 2000 years ago to guard the tomb of Qinshihuang, the first emperor who died in 210 BC. Later you will walk along Xian’s massive City wall, one of the best preserved in China. (B/L)
You fly to Chongqing Chongqing is an enormous modern city of over 30 million on the banks of the Yangtze. After the orientation tour, you will be transferred to your luxurious Yangtze River cruise ship. (B/L/D)
You cruise the famous Yangtze River in a superbly appointed cruise ship as it winds its way through the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. For many people a cruise along this famous river is a lifelong dream. At 6300 km, the Yangtze is the third longest river in the world, made famous today by its spectacular Three Gorges and the controversial Three Gorges Dam. The Three Gorges stretch for 193 km, along which are many historic sites such as Baidi City, cliff inscriptions, suspended coffins of the Bai Tribe, tombs of the Han Dynasty (prior to 220 AD), and battlefields of the Three Kingdoms period. (All meals on board)
You disembark at Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, transferring to your hotel on arrival. (B/L)
Dominating the Yangtze Delta, Shanghai is the pulsating commercial heart of China. Walk along the famous Bund past the facades of the colonial buildings lining the Huangpu River and look across to the fantastic skyscrapers of the Pudong district on the opposite side. After lunch you will visit the beautifully maintained Yu Garden, an outstanding example of a classical garden dating from the 16th century, now surrounded by a bustling market area. Later you will ascend the Shanghai World Financial Centre Observatory Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings, for an astonishing view over the whole city. This evening you will be entertained by one of Shanghai’s famous acrobatic troupes. (B/L)
You transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
| Daily Departure | **** | ***** | ||
| Twin Share | Single Supplement | Twin Share | Single Supplement | |
| Apr, Nov 11 | $3415 | $1020 | $4075 | $1630 |
| May, Sep-Oct 11 | $3620 | $1160 | $4385 | $1870 |
| Jun-Aug 11 | $3415 | $1020 | $4075 | $1630 |
| Dec 11, Jan-Feb 12 | $3060 | $760 | $3695 | $1350 |
The prices of above tour are based on the basis of a minimum of 2 persons travelling together.
For more details on what is included in this tour please click here