HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA
13 days | US$2959 | Deluxe Small Group Journeys in China
Highlights of China is the ideal China experience with our small group journey explore the vibrant city of Shanghai, cruise the mighty Yangtze river onboard Victoria Cruises with balcony cabins, visit Xian's Terracotta Warriors before concluding in the historical and cultural heart of Beijing, take in the magnificent sights of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China
Day 1 Arrive Shanghai
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and take in the vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai.
Day 2 Shanghai
A delightful day is spent exploring this diverse and cosmopolitan city, the largest in China and the countries economic
heart. You will see narrow historic lanes and bustling street markets on your tour of old Shanghai and visit the exquisite
Yu Yuan Gardens established during the Ming Dynasty. We also take in the “Bund”, Shanghai’s Wall Street,
situated on the city’s elegant river front. Lastly visit the Shanghai Museum, which houses the world’s
greatest collection of Chinese art. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant followed by a
performance of the world renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe (BLD).
Day 3 Shanghai - Suzhou
Today travel to Suzhou, and explore the beauty and serenity of one of its many classical gardens,
treasure troves of Chinese art, architecture and Bonsai. This afternoon discover the art of silk making (BLD).
Day 4 Suzhou – Shanghai –Yichang
This morning cruise the canals of Suzhou, experience the tranquillity of this quaint little town
before travelling back to Shanghai and boarding an afternoon flight to Yichang.
We then embark on Victoria Cruises for our four night cruise up the Yangtze River.
For centuries the Yangtze has been an essential part of Chinese life.
We visit the ancient temples along its route and witness the stunning scenery and gorges that line its banks (BL).
Day 5 Three Gorges Dam
Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam and learn about the immense engineering masterpiece and what it means for the
Chinese people and the Yangtze. This afternoon sail through the shiplocks and Xiling Gorge,
the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges (BLD).
Day 6 Yangtze Cruise
A spectacular day travelling through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a
spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges (BLD).
Day 7 Yangtze Cruise
Today there will be a shore excursion to ShibaoZhai or Fengdu (BLD).
Day 8 Chongqing – Xian
This morning arrive in Chongqing, a municipality that is situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers
and is the largest industrial centre of South West China. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian.
This evening enjoy a dumpling banquet dinner (BD).
Day 9 Xi’an
Enjoy a guided tour to the Terracotta Warriors see more than 6000 life size figures that were discovered in 1974
by a local farmer. The Warriors are over 2000 years old and were created to protect the tomb of China’s first Emperor.
The moulded soldiers, horses and wagons, which all form part of the underground army, protected the Emperor
in his after life and are truly an archaeological wonder. Afterwards, we stop at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda,
built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. Evening at leisure (BL).
Day 10 Xi’an – Beijing
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing.
After lunch, sit back and relax on your rickshaw as you explore the narrow alleyways known as ‘Hutongs’ to
experience traditional Chinese life. This evening enjoy a night at the Peking Opera (BL).
Day 11 Beijing
Today we visit the famed Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world.
From here we enter the Forbidden City – which houses the best preserved group of ancient buildings in all of China.
This afternoon is free to enjoy Beijing at leisure (B).
Day 12 Great Wall – Mutianyu,
Today we journey to the Great Wall of China the magnificent man made structure built more than 2500 years ago
and stretching for more than 6000km. It is one of the most spectacular fortifications of the ancient world.
It is said that you can only truly experience the vastness of China and the essence of Chinese spirit when you
stand on the Great Wall. Tonight enjoy Peking Duck Dinner (BLD).
Day 13 Beijing
After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to Beijing International Airport for your onward or homebound flight.
Tour Inclusions
Tripcode: IECH13D09G
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