12Days Essential Plus Cruise
Price from: $4805 per person on Twin sharing basis + domestic flight price to be advised at time of booking
Beijing – Xian – Yangtze – Shanghai
See the sights in the illustrious capital of Beijing, followed by the historical city of Xian, the ancient capital, offering stunning attractions including the Terracotta Warriors. Finally, the vibrant city of Shanghai will bring you to China’s present.
Day 1 Beijing (D)
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay. You will have a chance to relax before your guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet and greet your fellow group members.
Day 2 Beijing (B/L/D)
In the morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven - this was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year, where you can observe the tradition of practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard. This will be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, the biggest square in the world. Finally, there will be a visit to the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs. Here, you can have a personal insight into the everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens.
Day 3 Beijing (B/L/D)
Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall offering breathtaking views in a less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built in the mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. This will be followed by an opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, which hosted the memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 World Championships. In the evening enjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional delicacy and a culinary must.
Day 4 Beijing – Xian (B/L)
In the morning visit the Summer Palace, which includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. After lunch, you will catch a bullet train to Xian.
Day 5 Xian (B/L/D)
In the morning 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. In the afternoon spend time at the Ancient City Wall in Xian, which can be enjoyed through a peaceful stroll or a bike ride. It is the most complete city wall that has survived in China. This evening you will try a dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.
Day 6 Xian – Chongqing (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, with the day ending on a visit to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chongqing, the starting point for the Yangtze River Cruise. Overnight in Chongqing
Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Today, before boarding your cruise, you can enjoy the adorable pandas in Chongqing Zoo before taking a brief city tour. The day will end upon boarding your 5 star cruise ship.
Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Today, you can relax while the ship meanders throughout the Yangtze, allowing you to enjoy its scenic views. Today’s excursion will be Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”.
Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Today 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 10 Yichang – Shanghai (B/L/D)
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 to a smaller specially-designed sightseeing vessel and travel through the ship elevator. Continue to Yichang by coach and our guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai.
Day 11 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 12 Shanghai (B)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Includes: Accommodation for 11 nights, meals as per itinerary, transfers and sightseeing as mentioned, local English speaking guides, entrance fees
Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2023. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.