Itinerary
- Day 1
Beijing
You'll arrive in Beijing and connect with your Travel Director at the hotel. This evening you'll have dinner with your travel companions as you get settled into China's capital, which really is a dynamic mix of ancient traditions and modern energy.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven)
- Day 2
Beijing
Start with Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public spaces, then head into the Forbidden City to see the massive palace complex where 24 emperors ruled during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The afternoon is yours to wander through the city's charming hutongs or you can opt for the Legend of Kung Fu show instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven)
Included Activities
- Visit Tiananmen Square
- Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City
Optional Activities
- Explore hutong alleyways
- Legend of Kung Fu show
Landmarks/POIs Tiananmen Square Forbidden City - Day 3
Beijing
You'll visit the Great Wall at Juyongguan, this iconic structure stretches across 21,000 km and offers impressive views of the Ming Dynasty fortification. After that, there's a jade factory to check out and lunch at a local restaurant. You can relax this afternoon or choose the optional Peking Duck dinner in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven)
Included Activities
- Visit the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan
- Visit a jade factory
- Lunch at local restaurant
Optional Activities
- Peking Duck banquet dinner
Landmarks/POIs Great Wall of China Juyongguan - Day 4
Beijing to Xi'an
The morning is free in Beijing, though you can join a choice experience to the Temple of Heaven if you'd like to see the vast religious complex and traditional Chinese architecture. Later you'll catch a flight to Xi'an, then explore the Muslim Quarter at your own pace this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Bell Tower Xi'an), Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Xi'an Bell Tower)
Included Activities
- Flight from Beijing to Xi'an
Optional Activities
- Choice Experience: Temple of Heaven
- Explore Muslim Quarter
Landmarks/POIs Temple of Heaven Muslim Quarter - Day 5
Xi'an
You'll see the Terracotta Army, thousands of life-sized warriors that have guarded China's first emperor for 2,000 years. After a local-style lunch, you'll visit Yaodong cave dwellings carved into hillsides. Optional experiences include Gao's Grand Courtyard or the Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Local-style lunch)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Bell Tower Xi'an), Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Xi'an Bell Tower)
Included Activities
- Visit the Terracotta Army
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Visit traditional Yaodong cave dwellings
Optional Activities
- Choice Experience: Gao's Grand Courtyard
- Choice Experience: Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet dinner
Landmarks/POIs Terracotta Army Yaodong cave dwellings - Day 6
Xi'an to Chongqing
Take a high-speed train to Chongqing, one of earth's most densely populated cities. As you arrive you'll see the Yangtze River, Asia's longest river. After dinner you'll board your river cruise ship for the next three nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Victoria Lianna (cruise ship)), Hotel (Victoria Isabella)
Included Activities
- High-speed train from Xi'an to Chongqing
- Board Yangtze River cruise ship
Landmarks/POIs Yangtze River - Day 7
Yangtze River Cruise
You'll drift along the Yangtze and take in views from deck, then stop at Shibaozhai, a 12-storey wooden pagoda on a cliff face accessible through a striking red pavilion built into rock. Optional experiences include Fengdu's Ghost City or the Three Kingdoms Show with equestrian stunts and acrobatics.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Victoria Lianna (cruise ship)), Hotel (Victoria Isabella)
Included Activities
- Cruise along Yangtze River
- Visit Shibaozhai
Optional Activities
- Choice Experience: Fengdu Ghost City
- Choice Experience: Three Kingdoms Show
Landmarks/POIs Shibaozhai Fengdu Ghost City - Day 8
Yangtze River Cruise
Another day on the Yangtze brings choices: wander through ancient White Emperor City or hike up Chijia Mountain for panoramic views. You'll cruise through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. Later you'll swap to a small motorboat and glide along Goddess Stream with limestone cliffs all around.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Victoria Lianna (cruise ship)), Hotel (Victoria Isabella)
Included Activities
- Cruise through Three Gorges
- Motorboat excursion on Goddess Stream
Optional Activities
- Choice Experience: White Emperor City
- Choice Experience: Chijia Mountain hike
Landmarks/POIs White Emperor City Chijia Mountain Qutang Gorge Wu Gorge Xiling Gorge Goddess Stream - Day 9
Chongqing to Shanghai
Get up to the top deck early to see the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest. You'll disembark at Maoping Port for photos of the dam, then head to Yichang Airport to catch your flight to Shanghai.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ocean Hotel), Hotel (Ocean)
Included Activities
- View Three Gorges Dam
- Flight from Yichang to Shanghai
Landmarks/POIs Three Gorges Dam - Day 10
Shanghai
Start your Shanghai sightseeing at The Bund, the city's famous waterfront hub lined with art deco, neoclassical buildings and modern skyscrapers. You'll visit a Silk Factory Outlet then shop at Nanjing Road, which stretches over three miles with more than 600 businesses. An acrobatics show is available this evening if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ocean Hotel), Hotel (Ocean)
Included Activities
- Visit The Bund
- Visit Silk Factory Outlet
- Visit Nanjing Road
Optional Activities
- Acrobatics show
Landmarks/POIs The Bund Nanjing Road - Day 11
Shanghai
Your last full day in Shanghai gives you options to explore. Check out one of the world's most revered cultural scenes with museums and galleries, or visit the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, Old Town Shanghai, or Yuyuan Garden. Sample local delights throughout the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ocean Hotel), Hotel (Ocean)
Optional Activities
- Choice Experience: Ancient water town of Zhujiajiao
- Explore Old Town Shanghai
- Visit Yuyuan Garden
Landmarks/POIs Zhujiajiao Yuyuan Garden - Day 12
Shanghai
Your adventure through China ends today. After saying goodbye to your fellow travelers, you'll head to the airport and catch your onward flight to your next destination.
- Meals
- Breakfast
