17Days Great China

Prices from: $5623 per person on Twin sharing basis

Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Chengdu - Yangtze River Cruise – Shanghai – Zhujiajiao – Shanghai  

Small Group Tour

Departures 2019: Mar 22, Apr 05, 12; May 10, 17; Jun 07

This tour offers unforgettable experiences of China, from the incredible landscapes and beautiful countryside, including Yangshuo, Guilin and Hangzhou to the modern and vibrant cities. Enjoy a 5 star cruise along the Yangtze River, Asia’s longest and arguably most scenic river. Spend time with China’s most famous and adorable animal, The Giant Panda, in Chengdu. In addition to this, you will visit the classic sights Beijing, Xian and Shanghai have to offer.

Day 01: Arrive Beijing (D)

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will have time to relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. Your guide will be pleased to advise on what you can do at your leisure. In the early evening your guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet your fellow group members.

Day 02: Beijing (B/L/D)
This morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped and prayed for good harvest for the year. Here, you can observe the tradition of practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard. This will be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and a visit to the Forbidden City, a grand imperial palace for centuries.

Day 03: Beijing (B/L/D)
Starting off with a visit to the Great wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall which offers all round stunning views. Built mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. In the evening there will be a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional delicacy in Beijing.

Day 04: Beijing - Xi'an (B/L)
After breakfast, a visit to the Summer Palace, full of lakes, gardens and palaces with lovely views and walks. Afterwards, you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. Followed by a stop at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube. The final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, before finally, catching a flight to Xian.

Day 05: Xi’an (B/L/D)
Today your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of ten thousand life size statues of the Chinese army made over two thousand years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. This will be followed by a visit to the ancient city wall in Xian in the afternoon, which can be enjoyed through a peaceful stroll or a bike ride. This evening you will try a dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.

Day 06: Xi’an – Guilin (B/L/D)
Today, you will visit to the Shaanxi museum which houses over a quarter of a million artefacts on display, including treasures from many periods of China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, will explore China’s unique architecture style. Visit the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin.

Day 07: Guilin (B/L/D)
This morning transferr to Zhujiang quay for a four hour boat cruise on the breathtaking Li River towards Yangshuo. On the Li River, there are opportunities to enjoy the tranquil rural scenes of buffalo farming, the rice terraces and the towering karst mountain peaks. In the evening there is the optional spectacular ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show actually staged in the Li River itself!

Day 8 Yangshuo, Guilin (B/D)
This morning is free at leisure. Explore this beautiful area independently, or perhaps join an optional cookery class or take a walk or cycle ride to explore the countryside. Return to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Caves, a remarkable collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. In the evening, you will see the fascinating Cormorant Fishing Show.

Day 09: Guilin - Chengdu (B)
Morning flight to Chengdu.  Transfer to your hotel upon arrival, remainder of the day at leisure to explore Chengdu independently.   

Day 10: Chengdu - Cruise (B/L/D)
After breakfast, the first stop will be at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, just 6 miles from downtown Chengdu. Here naturalistic habitats have been created to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding pandas. Afterwards take 2 hours bullet train to Chongqing, and join your cruise.

Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
On the first day of the cruise, you can relax while the ship meanders throughout the Yangtze, allowing you to enjoy its scenic views.

Day 12: Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Today’s excursion will be Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. The final excursion of the last day will be an enjoyable journey on a small motorboat through the tranquil Goddess Stream while marvelling at the soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water.

Day 13: Yichang - Shanghai (B/L)
You have nearly arrived at the end of your cruise. Before arriving at Yichang you will visit The Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station site. Disembark Disembark at Yichang at noon and our guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai.

Day 14: Shanghai (B/L/D)
The first attraction of the day will be the Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens is home to beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and flowers, perfect for the horticulturist. At the Jade Buddha Temple, one can expect impressive temples, both historical and modern, sporting large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai museum, there will be an opportunity to visit the waterfront attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis. Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city.

Day 15: Shanghai – Zhujiajiao (B/L)
Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town with a history of over 1,700 years known as the Pearl Stream.You can expect to see the Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient and historic buildings and the Ma family Garden before heading back to Shanghai for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 16: Shanghai (B)
Full day is at leisure or join an optional tour to Hangzhou.

Day 17: Shanghai (B)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.