Yangtze Essence 2027

13 days - From $3100

13 DAYS

FROM $3100

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Early booking discount

CODE: RDV

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Yangtze Essence 2027

FromPrices From $3100
13 Days / 11 Nights

Experience the rich diversity of China on this 13-day trip through the country’s most famous cities and the mystical Yangtze River. Retrace the steps of ancient warriors as you walk along the Great Wall and step into the future among gleaming skyscrapers in Shanghai. Snap a photo with pandas in Chongqing and marvel at the inspiring Three Gorges. This journey showcases the manmade wonders and natural highlights of this unforgettable country

Beijing (3 nights)
Xian (2 nights)
Chongqing
Yangtze River (3 nights)
Yichang
Shanghai (3 nights)

Escorted

Moderate

Itinerary at a glance

DAY 1

USA – Beijing, China

DAY 2

Arrive in Beijing

DAY 3

Beijing

DAY 4

Beijing

DAY 5

Beijing – Xian by flight

DAY 6

Xian

DAY 7

Xian – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise

DAY 8

Yangtze River Cruise

DAY 9

Yangtze River Cruise

DAY 10

Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai

DAY 11

Shanghai

DAY 12

Shanghai

DAY 13

Shanghai - USA

Full Itinerary

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DAY
1

USA – Beijing, China: Fly to China

DAY
2

Arrive in Beijing: Arrival & Leisure Time in Beijing

DAY
3

Beijing: Full Day City Tour

Today enjoy an introductory tour of Beijing, whose origins extend back 3,000 years. The seat of the Ming and Qing emperors until the early 20th century, China’s capital fuses gleaming temples with austere public monuments built by Chairman Mao. Ogle Tiananmen Square, the world’s biggest public square, and visit the Forbidden City, the secret-steeped residence of 24 emperors. This UNESCO World Heritage site is girded by 10-metre high walls and consists of more than 8,000 rooms, all exuding imperial mystique. Later, visit the gorgeous UNESCO-protected Summer Palace. Walk around this entrancing park, a vision of Chinese landscaping, to view the elaborate bridges, temples and pagodas that flank Kunming Lake. In the evening, savor a traditional Peking duck dinner, a dish once reserved for the imperial court.

Included

Accommodation

New Otani Hotel or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
4

Beijing: Great Wall & temple of heaven tour

After breakfast at your hotel, venture to the legendary Great Wall a Mutianyu, a UNESCO site and enduring symbol of China’s resilience. Built over 2,000 years ago to stave off nomadic invasions from the north, the gargantuan wall trails for over 5,500 miles across China like an imperial dragon. Stride along the battlements and behold the views over the mountains and valleys stretching into the distance. Next, continue to visit Temple of Heaven, a fascinating complex of imperial cult buildings centered on a sacrificial altar pavilion. Constructed in the early 15th century, the temple compound was used by China’s emperors to perform animal sacrifices that they believed would secure bountiful harvests.

Included

Accommodation

New Otani Hotel or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY
5

Beijing – Xian by flight: Fly to Xian + City Wall

Fly to Xian in the morning, one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before visiting the 14th-century City Wall, one of the best-preserved and most formidable military fortifications in the country. In the evening, savor local specialties at a local restaurant.

Included

Accommodation

Hilton Xian or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

DAY
6

Xian: Full Day Xian Tour

Once the capital of multiple dynasties and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, Xian boasts over 3,000 years of history. It is perhaps most renowned for the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors—an army of more than 6,000 life-sized soldiers and horses unearthed in 1974. Buried in battle formation to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient military might and imperial ambition. After lunch, visit the elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in the 7th century to house sacred Buddhist scriptures brought from India. In the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show, a vibrant performance that brings to life the grandeur of imperial China.

Included

Accommodation

Hilton Xian or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner and show

DAY
7

Xian – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise: Fly to Chongqing + Board Yangtze Cruise

Fly to Chongqing, the vibrant gateway to the Yangtze River. Visit the famous Liziba Station, where the city's monorail passes directly through a residential building, creating one of Chongqing's most iconic sights. Continue to Hongya Cave, a spectacular riverside complex inspired by traditional Bayu architecture and illuminated with dazzling lights. Then visit Chongqing Zoo to see the beloved giant pandas. Afterwards, transfer to the pier and board your Yangtze River cruise. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a delightful welcome dinner on board as your memorable river journey begins.

Included

Accommodation

Victoria Cruises (Isabella) or Similar (Superior Cabin RDV)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
8

Yangtze River Cruise: Yangtze Cruise Shore Excursion

Enjoy a shore excursion to Shuanggui Mountain, a sacred Buddhist site with centuries-old temples and lush scenery. Depending on conditions, you may instead visit Shibaozhai, known for its remarkable 12-story wooden pagoda built without nails.

Included

Accommodation

Victoria Cruises (Isabella) or Similar (Superior Cabin RDV)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
9

Yangtze River Cruise: Yangtze Cruise Excursion + Gorge Views

Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Today passes through the first two—Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream. Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges.

Included

Accommodation

Victoria Cruises (Isabella) or Similar (Superior Cabin RDV)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
10

Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai: Disembark Cruise + Shanghai by high speed train

Disembark in Yichang and visit the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project and a modern engineering marvel. Board the high speed train to Shanghai, China’s dynamic coastal metropolis.

Included

Accommodation

The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel

DAY
11

Shanghai: City Tour: Bund & Nanjing Road

Once a bustling treaty port in the 19th century and long known as the "Pearl of the Orient," Shanghai has evolved into a dazzling fusion of East and West, old and new. Begin your exploration at the Bund, where grand neoclassical buildings from the colonial era line the Huangpu River, facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Stroll down Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, before continuing to the historic City God Temple Bazaar and the fashionable Xintiandi district, where restored Shikumen architecture meets chic boutiques and cafes. In the evening, enjoy a flavorful Shanghai-style farewell dinner.

Included

Accommodation

The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
12

Shanghai: Leisure Day or Optional Suzhou Tour

Today is free for you to explore dynamic Shanghai at your own pace—browse its stylish boutiques, sample local cuisine, or stroll through vibrant neighborhoods. For a deeper cultural experience, join our optional full-day excursion to Suzhou, a historic city famed for its silk heritage and scenic waterways. Known as the "Venice of the East," Suzhou charms visitors with its stone bridges, classical gardens, and winding canals. Highlights include a cruise along the ancient Grand Canal and a visit to the serene Master of the Nets Garden, a masterpiece of Ming-era design. Return to Shanghai in the late afternoon.

Included

Accommodation

The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel

Optional Tours & Extras

Suzhou One Day tour with lunch (min 10 pax)

$86 per person

DAY
13

Shanghai - USA: Depart from Shanghai

Inclusions

Tour Guide

Specialist English-speaking local guides

Air

Beijing to Xian flight economy class

Xian to Chongqing flight economy class

Tour Highlights

Beijing : Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Great Wall

Xian : Terracotta Warriors Museum, City Wall

Shanghai : The Bund, Nanjing Road

Special entertainment: Xian - Tang Dynasty Dinner Show

Transfer

Yichang - Shanghai Highspeed train

Deluxe air-conditioned motor-coach touring

Tour Inclusions

Comprehensive sightseeing tours including entrance fees as per itinerary

All hotel taxes, duties and surcharges, airport taxes (for land & air packages)

3 general shore excursions on the cruise ship

Important Notes

Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 guests

Locally hosted for groups under 6-9 guests

Meals

11 hotel buffet breakfasts at hotel or on board the cruise
7 lunches at the local restaurants or on board the cruise
7 dinners at the local restaurants or on board the cruise

Upgrade to Private Tour

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

Where you could stay

Beijing

New Otani Hotel or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, a five-star international hotel with a distinctive exterior, is located in the heart of Beijing, China. A long history of exceptional service assured by the New Otani Hotel Management of Japan, your Beijing experience begins at the moment you enter the oriental garden designed courtyard adjacent to the lobby.

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.

Yangtze River

Victoria Cruises (Isabella) 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). For 2026 departures, guests will enjoy the new Isabella superior cabins.

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.

Optional Tours

view tour

Suzhou One Day tour with lunch (min 10 pax)

Suzhou is nicknamed the "Venice of the East''. Strategically situated on the ancient trade route, this lovely city has been a center of silk production for centuries and offers picturesque canals, stone bridges and ornamental gardens. Witness its highlights on our tour, which includes a boat ride on the Grand Canal and visit the UNESCO

DAY 12: Shanghai $86 PP