Inspirational China & Yangtze Cruise

Location: Shanghai, Huangpu River, The Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Pudong Business District

Make your way to Shanghai. Shanghai by night is dazzling and at its heart is the Huangpu River, with its constant and extraordinary stream of water traffic and the famous riverside boulevard, the Bund, which is lined with magnificent former colonial buildings. <br/>This evening, you could join the optional Huangpu River cruise to enjoy Shanghai by night. Sights you'll see include the Yangpu and Nanpu Bridges, the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Wu Song ancient gun fort relics and the Pudong Business District, which boasts a dramatic skyline.

Accommodation Name: Jin Jiang Tower Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Location: Shanghai, Nanjing Road, Shanghai, Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai

We'll take a tour of Shanghai this morning including the world's longest shopping thoroughfare namely Nanjing Road, the miniature of Chinese residential wonders Yuyuan Gardens, the pilgrim-crowded Jade Buddha Temple and the panoramic and popular boulevard, The Bund, which is lined with magnificent colonial-style buildings. This evening you have a chance to explore the city in your own time.

Accommodation Name: Jin Jiang Tower Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Shanghai, Yichang, Yangtze River

This morning we’ll catch a high-speed train to Yichang, which is a good opportunity to sit back, relax and appreciate the views of the midlands of China. On arrival we will travel to the pier where we embark on a scenic Yangtze River cruise journey. <br/>

Accommodation Name: Victoria Jenna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Xiling Gorge

Today you'll cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges region, where we will stop for shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. You could join an optional excursion, available to book on the ship, to the world's largest ship lock with ship lift. Later, you'll experience the spectacular scenery of the Xiling Gorge, the deepest and longest of the three stretching for 41 miles. If river conditions are favourable you could join another optional 'Tribe of the Three Gorges' which will give you a fascinating insight into the traditions and culture of this part of China. Enjoy the captain's welcome dinner and entertainment onboard the ship this evening.

Accommodation Name: Victoria Jenna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Yangtze River, Goddess Stream, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City

If you wish you could start the day with a Tai Chi lesson on board the ship. We'll then transfer to another vessel, which will enable us to cruise through the picturesque Goddess Stream, which flows into the Yangtze. Back on the ship, we'll sail into the tranquil beauty of the Wu Gorge, famed for its forest-covered mountains and sheer cliffs, then through the Qutang Gorge. Although this is the smallest of the three, measuring just 500 feet wide and five miles long, its also the most dramatic. River conditions permitting you may choose to join an optional excursion to White Emperor City. This ancient temple located on the top of a mountain affords spectacular views. Round off the day with dinner.

Accommodation Name: Victoria Jenna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Yangtze River, Fengdu Ghost City

It's your last day sailing on the Yangtze. You might choose to visit Fengdu Ghost City, known for its shrines, temples, statues and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife. This evening join your captain for a farewell dinner.

Accommodation Name: Victoria Jenna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Chongqing, Ciqikou Old Town, Chengdu

Today you'll disembark in Chongqing. We continue our tour with a visit to Ciqikou Old Town - its history can be traced back more than 1,700 years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties it was known for its production of porcelain, and more than 20 ancient kiln sites have been discovered here. Its houses also date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, so admire incredible architecture made from bamboo and timber. The village is also a great place to watch local locals at work in embroidery workshops and to stop for tea, as there are more than 100 tea bars to choose from. You'll also see the Guild Hall, a magnificent complex of houses, prayer houses and shops built by immigrants during the Qing Dynasty. Later we'll travel to the railway station for our high-speed train journey to Chengdu.

Accommodation Name: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Chengdu, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Street, Chengdu

<br/> Your day begins with a fantastic excursion to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to view these lovely but endangered creatures. <br/>This afternoon we'll stroll along Jinli Street, where you will find tea houses, silk workshops as well as local delicacy restaurants and snack vendors. <br/>This evening you could choose to attend the optional Face Changing Show, which features a number of different acts performing opera, music, comedy, fire-breathing, puppetry and the famous face-changing act, which has to be seen to be believed. The show is performed in a traditional tea house, dinner is also included with this optional excursion.

Accommodation Name: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Chengdu, Xian, Hangyangling Museum, Xian City Wall, Bell Tower, Xian, Drum Tower, Xian, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian, Muslim Market, Xian

We make our way by high-speed train to Xian today, the 'City of Eternal Peace' and home of the famous Terracotta Army. Your sightseeing begins right away with a visit to the Hangyangling Museum, also known as the tomb of Emperor Jingdi, where you can see small clay figures of people, animals and warriors discovered here. Next we'll visit the ancient and beautifully preserved City Wall. <br/>After a special and authentic Dumpling dinner, you will enjoy the Xian by night excursion. You will see the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower which are both beautifully illuminated, providing a lovely setting for the many traditional restaurants and modern shopping malls of the area. You will also visit the west gate of Xian’s City Walls before we drive to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Here you'll be able to watch the locals who come to dance here in the squares, as well as a colourful dancing fountain. We also include a visit to the Muslim Market, famous for its many food stalls, each selling its own specialties, so why not try one of the dishes on offer.

Accommodation Name: Grand Dajing hotel Xian

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Li Shan Mountain, Xian

Today's the day that you are going to see one of the world's most remarkable sights, the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum at Li Shan Mountain. Discovered in the 1970s by farmers digging a well, this collection of at least 6,000 life-size terracotta figures was interred in 200 BC with the first Qin emperor. The warriors, representing individuals of the Imperial Guard, are grouped in battle order, rank by rank. Some are mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others are armed with spears, swords and crossbows. This dazzling display of Chinese military power is quite simply breath-taking. After lunch we will return to Xian where the rest of the day is at leisure. This evening is free to explore or take the opportunity to see a stunning Tang Dynasty show, which is listed as one of the top 10 things to do in Xian and is performed by the world-renowned Shaanxi Song and Dance Troupe, so comes highly recommended.

Accommodation Name: Grand Dajing hotel Xian

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Beijing, Summer Palace

We will travel by bullet train, to the nation’s legendary capital city - Beijing. A city of bustling street markets, ancient temples and exquisite palaces, which stand beside the vast 20th century civic buildings created by Chairman Mao and his people. With three nights here, there's plenty of time to discover all its highlights. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to visit the Summer Palace and, if weather conditions are favourable, enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake.

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Beijing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutongs, Beijing

You can tick off another one of China's highlights today - Tiananmen Square. This magnificent square is bordered by the Qianmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the Gate of Heavenly Peace. We'll go through the gate, which forms the entrance to the incredible Forbidden City, to admire the magnificent buildings that house the Imperial Palace. This afternoon you will join a Hutong tour to discover the city's Hutongs by rickshaw. These narrow streets are formed by ancient residences built around courtyards and we'll have the chance to visit local families to see how they live in this traditional way. <br/>This evening we have free time or join an optional excursion to the breath-taking Beijing acrobatic show with dinner.

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Beijing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Mutianyu, Beijing

A walk along part of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu is an amazing start of today. One of the world's most iconic sights, this lesser-known section of the wall boasts wonderful architecture and is possibly the best restored section. <br/>We also include a leisurely cable car ride to the highest part of this section, for amazing views of the surrounding woodland. Once there you can explore at your own pace, walk between the wall's watch towers or simply take in the breath-taking scenery. Later this evening we'll meet up again for a Peking duck farewell dinner.

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Beijing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Beijing, Great Wall of China

Today, say goodbye to your traveling companions as your tour comes to an end in Beijing.

Meals: Breakfast