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Scenic Yangtze Discovery

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Overview

Scenic Yangtze Discovery

  • 16 Days / 14 Nights
  • CODE: RDR
  • From: $4100

Capture China’s stunning landscapes, iconic cities, and historical wonders in one journey with this comprehensive 16-day tour, complete with a 4-night cruise along the legendary Yangtze River. Wander through Beijing’s labyrinthine Forbidden Palace, stride along the Great Wall of China, see the pandas at Chongqing Zoo, and admire the sheer gorges, mountain vistas, and extraordinary Three Gorges Dam on a comfortable cruiseboat voyage on the Yangtze. From there, it’s on to Xian to view the Terracotta Warriors, sail through the dream-like landscapes of Guilin’s River Li, and soak in the energy, glamour, and towering skyline of Shanghai.

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Itinerary at a glance:

DAY 1
USA – Beijing, China
DAY 2
Arrive in Beijing
DAY 3
Beijing
DAY 4
Beijing
DAY 5
Beijing-Yichang-Yangtze River Cruise
DAY 6
Yangtze River Cruise
DAY 7
Yangtze River Cruise
DAY 8
Yangtze River Cruise
DAY 9
Yangtze River Cruise - Chongqing - Xian
DAY 10
Xian
DAY 11
Xian - Guilin
DAY 12
Guilin
DAY 13
Guilin - Shanghai
DAY 14
Shanghai
DAY 15
Shanghai
DAY 16
Shanghai – USA

Itinerary

Beijing (3 nts) Yangtze river (4 nts) Xian (2 nts) Guilin (2 nts) Shanghai (3 nts)
day
1

USA – Beijing, China

Fly to Beijing, China’s capital and one of the world’s most populous cities.


day
2

Arrive in Beijing

Meet your guide at the airport and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.


accommodation:

day
3

Beijing

Ancient and modern sit side-by-side in China’s remarkable capital in the form of genteel teahouses, stark Mao-era monuments, tiny backstreets and imposing palaces. Today, discover the principal sights of Beijing, including immense Tiananmen Square and the fascinating Forbidden City, a walled maze of palaces, halls and gardens that kept the Ming and Qing emperors hidden from outside world. Also, visit the Summer Palace, whose wonderful gardens circle the serene Kunming Lake, and stop for photos at two of Beijing’s 2008 Olympic stadiums — the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube Aquatic Centre. Enjoy the dinner at hotel.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

accommodation:

day
4

Beijing

This morning brings a tour highlight as we travel toward China’s mountainous north and arrive at the Great Wall. Take a walk along a section of this world-famous edifice, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and learn how it was constructed to defend China from Mongol invaders. Next, drive onward to the Sacred Way, a curving road bordered by astonishing marble statues of animals and humans, and once thought to provide a route to heaven for China’s dead emperors. Tonight, indulge in the famous Peking Duck dinner at the local restaurant.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Special Dinner

accommodation:

day
5

Beijing-Yichang-Yangtze River Cruise

After breakfast, visit the Temple of Heaven, whose medieval halls, temples and gardens were the scene of animal sacrifices and prayers for successful harvests. Afterward, take a short flight to Yichang. Shuttle from Yichang to the ship in Maoping. Board your Yangtze cruise ship, the Victoria Sabrina. Settle into your Superior cabin for your four-night cruise.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

accommodation:

day
6

Yangtze River Cruise

Your river odyssey begins with a visit to the incredible Three Gorges Dam, the world’s biggest hydroelectric dam. Wonder at the magnitude of the dam and the breathtaking Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

accommodation:

day
7

Yangtze River Cruise

Depending on the weather today, enjoy a memorable excursion to cruise along the serenely beautiful gorges of the Shennong Stream or the Goddess Stream , two tributaries of the Yangtze. Afterward, rejoin your main ship to glide past the sheer cliffs of mountainous Wu Gorge and navigate the slender Qutang Gorge through its terraced hillsides.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

accommodation:

day
8

Yangtze River Cruise

After breakfast, visit Xiaoguanshan in  Fengdu is where the devil lives, according to Chinese legend,


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

accommodation:

day
9

Yangtze River Cruise - Chongqing - Xian

Disembark your cruise ship this morning at Chongqing. See the rare pandas at Chongqing Zoo and admire the city’s People’s Grand Hall before flying to Xian, once the capital of the Middle Kingdom.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

accommodation:

★★★★★
day
10

Xian

Best known for its Terracotta Warriors, Xian is a bustling city whose origins go back 3,000 years. Today, begin your explorations with a viewing of the remarkable clay-carved warriors, buried with China’s first Qin emperor in 200 BC. Marvel at the individually sculpted figurines, which include archers, infantrymen and chariots. Later, see Xian’s Big Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy an exhilarating Tang Dynasty Dinner Show tonight.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner and show

accommodation:

★★★★★
day
11

Xian - Guilin

Follow breakfast with trips to Xian’s City Wall and later, fly to Guilin, whose surrounding countryside is described by the Chinese as ‘unmatched under heaven’. Check in at your hotel for two nights and enjoy the rest of the day free.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

accommodation:

day
12

Guilin

Admire Guilin’s magical landscapes as you cruise on the Li River today. Pass rice fields, conical-shaped karsts and waters dotted with bamboo fishing rafts — some with fishermen who use cormorants to catch their prey. After lunch on board, disembark at Yangshuo to take in the quintessential Chinese buildings along its main thoroughfare, West Street. Back to Guilin late in the afternoon and dinner is served at the hotel.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

accommodation:

day
13

Guilin - Shanghai

Today, travel to the remarkable Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone cavern named after the nearby beds of reeds that can be sculpted into melodious flutes. Explore the dramatic caverns and chambers to witness their beautifully illuminated stalagmites, stalactites and other bizarre rock formations. Afterward, fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

accommodation:

day
14

Shanghai

Shanghai was once known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, a heritage built on its important trading role in goods such as tea, silk and opium. Today, immerse yourself in this pulsating city, a mass of glass skyscrapers, colonial-era architecture, teahouses and temples. Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights, including the handsome Bund waterfront, busy shopping boulevard of Nanjing Road, City God Temple Bazaar and Shanghai Museum. Tonight, enjoy the farewell dinner with your group members.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Special Dinner

accommodation:

day
15

Shanghai

Free at leisure for the whole day. You may enjoy shopping or relaxing or join one day Suzhou excursion tour.


Included: Breakfast at hotel

day
16

Shanghai – USA

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.


Included: Breakfast at hotel

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Inclusion

What's included

14 hotel or cruise ship buffet breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 Chinese or Western dinners

Services of an expert tour manager throughout China (for groups of 10 or more)

Specialist English-speaking local guides

Deluxe air-conditioned coach touring

Comprehensive sightseeing tours including entrance fees as per itinerary

3 shore excursions on board: The Three Gorges Dam, Shennong Stream and Xiaoguanshan

Airport transfers on arrival and departure in China with purchase of Land+Air Package

Special entertainment: Xian - Tang Dynasty Dinner Show 

All hotel taxes, duties and surcharges, airport taxes (for China domestic flights only)

Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 guests

Upgrade to Private Tour

Private tour for 10+ Passengers: No Additional cost. Please Contact US for booking

Hotels

Beijing: Grand Hyatt Beijing or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Located on Wangfujing, within walking distance of The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, Grand Hyatt Beijing is part of Oriental Plaza with direct access to the adjacent shopping mall. Blending both western and oriental traditions encompassing contemporary design and classic standards of service and excellence, our hotel allows you to experience Beijing in our own way.

Yangtze River: Victoria Cruises Lines or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Established in New York City in 1993, Victoria Cruise Lines has been the leader in luxury cruising on China’s majestic Yangtze River. Celebrating 30 Years. Over two million satisfied passengers have sailed with us. We have become the Yangtze’s preeminent cruise line because of the quality of our fleet, our outstanding service, and innovative itineraries. Victoria Cruises is an allied member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), an associate member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), and a member of the New York Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

Xian: Hilton Xian or similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Find us within the ancient city walls of Xi'an, directly opposite the popular Dongxin Street Night Market. Wulukou metro station is 900 meters from our hotel, and historic sites such as the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are within seven kilometers. We have landscaped roof gardens, an indoor pool, and a spa.

Guilin: Shangri-La Guilin or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shanghai: The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The award-winning Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is a landmark located in a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the famous West Nanjing Road. Situated in the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of the city, our luxury hotel features unparalleled service, exquisite dining experiences and spacious accommodations. 

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Get in Touch

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DATE & PRICES

Scenic Yangtze Discovery (RDR)

OPTION 1 Fixed Departures Choose from a selection of fixed dates
OPTION 2 Fixed Departures (Private) For groups of 9 or less

Fixed Departures

Choose from a selection of fixed dates