China Essentials plus Yangtze 14 days

See for yourself the ancient and modern aspects of this fascinating and flourishing country. To stand on the Great Wall or to sail down the Yangtze River are dreams shared by many. Accomplish these, and more, on our very affordable tour.

Beijing  •  Great Wall  •  Xian  •  Yangtze River Cruise  •  Suzhou  •  Shanghai

• Group Tour Itinerary

  Day 1 – Arrive Beijing
  Arrive Beijing and transfer to your hotel.
  Stay three nights at the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel in Beijing.
  Day 2 – Great Wall excursion
  Travel north from the city to the Great Wall of China where you can walk on top of the wall and appreciate the scale of this remarkable structure as it snakes down valleys and along ridge lines as far as the eye can see. On the way back to Beijing stop at the Ming Tombs and stroll along the Sacred Way lined with animal statues. This evening be entertained by a Kong Fu Show. (B,L,D)
  Day 3 – Beijing
  Today you will visit the famous sights of Beijing including the majestic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Olympic Green to see the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”. In the evening enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner. (B,L,D)
  Day 4 – Depart Beijing
  In the morning tour the Hutongs, Beijing’s ancient, narrow streets. Stop at one of the courtyard homes for lunch. See the panda house at Beijing Zoo, then visit the Summer Palace, the summer retreat of the imperial court set in beautiful gardens with lakes and pavilions. Transfer to the rail station to board the overnight train to Xian. (B,L)
  Day 5 – Arrive Xian
  Arrive Xian early this morning and transfer to your hotel for breakfast. Visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best museums in China, the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house Buddhist scriptures.
  Stay two nights at the Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel. (B,L)
  Day 6 – Xian
  Today you will see another amazing sight; the Terracotta Warriors and Horses still standing in battle formation as placed 2000 years ago. Visit the large exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work is on going. Later walk along the top of 500 year old City Wall. This evening try a Dumpling Banquet and see the colourful Tang Dance Show. (B,L,D)
  Day 7 – Xian to Chongqing
  Transfer to the train station for the high speed train (0830/1344) to Chongqing on the Yangtze River. Tour the city visiting Erling Park and Ciqikou Ancient Town before boarding your five star cruise boat, the Century Sun, for a three night Yangtze River cruise. All cabins on board this luxurious vessel have their own balconies. All meals, entertainment and shore excursions are included. Settle in and become familiar with the ship’s facilities and sailing schedule, which may differ slightly to the cruise described below.
  Stay three nights aboard the Century Sun cruise ship. (B,D)
  Day 8 – Yangtze River Cruise
  The shore excursion today is to the striking wooden structure on the cliff face at Shibaozhai, or perhaps the ‘Ghost City’ of Fengdu with its temple devoted to the king of the underworld. (B,L,D)
  Day 9 – Yangtze River Cruise
  Sail through Qutang and Wu Gorges, the first two of the famous Three Gorges. Transfer to row boats for an excursion along the Shennon Stream. Back on board, enter Xiling Gorge, the last of the Three Gorges. (B,L,D)
  Day 10 – Yichang to Suzhou
  Disembark the cruise at Maoping this morning then visit the massive Three Gorges Dam site. Transfer by the cruise company’s coach to Yichang late this morning, then fly to Shanghai and travel by road to Suzhou, a city famous for its exquisite gardens and traditional canal living.
  Stay two nights at the Holiday Inn Express in Suzhou. (B,L)
  Day 11 – Suzhou
  Cruise on the Grand Canal, learn about silk production and see highly skilled textile work at a silk factory. Visit the classical Lingering Garden. (B,L)
  Day 12 – Suzhou to Shanghai
  Travel back to Shanghai visiting Tongli, the ancient canal town, en route. Take a guided stroll along Shanghai’s Bund and see the lights along the thriving waterfront on an evening Huangpo River cruise.
  Stay two nights at the Bund Riverside Hotel in Shanghai. (B,L)
  Day 13 – Shanghai
  Enjoy a panoramic view over the city from the sightseeing floor in the 2^nd Sphere of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and visit the history museum at the base of the tower. There’s time for shopping along Nanjing Road and in the evening attend a thrilling acrobatic show. (B,L,D)
  Day 14 – Depart Shanghai
  Time at leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
   

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• Group departure dates and prices

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  Prices are per person, in Australian dollars.  Please confirm prices when booking.

• Price Includes:
  • 9 nights in quality, well located 4 star hotels.
  • 1 night on overnight train, soft class, four-share sleeping compartments.
  • 3 night Yangtze River cruise on a 5 star ship
  • 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 7 dinners, plus a glass of local beer, tea or bottled water with lunch and dinner
  • All transfers, sightseeing, entrance fees, evening entertainment
  • Flights Xian-Chongqing, Yichang-Shanghai, airport and airline taxes and fuel surcharges
  • High speed train Xian-Chongqing, second class seat

  Price Excludes:

  • Visa fees
  • Gratuities

  Tour prices and inclusions based on a minimum of 2 passengers. Hotel surcharges may apply during local holidays and events.
  Surcharge for two berth compartment on overnight train Beijing-Xian: $132 pp
  Surcharge for first class seat on high speed train Xian-Chongqing: $58 pp