China in Style - a combination of tranquil scenery, unforgettable visits to historical treasures and the hustle and bustle of major cities, all with the luxurious comfort of five star hotels and five star Yangtze cruise ship, and some tantalizing dining experiences.
Day 1 (Thursday) – Arrive Shanghai
Arrive Shanghai airport where you will be met by your local guide and transferred by super-fast Maglev train to the city and then to your hotel.
Stay three nights at the Fairmont Peace Hotel.
Day 2 – Shanghai
Stroll along the historic Bund and get a panoramic view over the city from the sightseeing floor in the 2nd Sphere of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Learn about Shanghai’s development from a small village to the preset metropolis at the History Museum at the base of the tower. In the afternoon visit the classical Yu Garden and its adjoining bazaar. Dinner tonight is a welcome banquet at M on the Bund. (B,D)
Day 3 – Zhujiajiao excursion
Travel to the quaint canal town of Zhujiajiao this morning to wander amongst the old workshops and stone houses. Return to Shanghai for an afternoon at leisure. See a spectacular acrobatic show before dinner at the Lost Heaven restaurant. (B,D)
Day 4 – Shanghai – Yichang
Take a guided walk through the former French Quarter and have a lunch at the French style café, if time permits, before a transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Yichang. Take a tour of the city with your local guide if time permits. After dinner, transfer to Maoping port to board your five star Yangtze River cruise ship. A variety of entertainments and shore excursions are included during the cruise. Settle in to your deluxe cabin with balcony and become familiar with the ship’s facilities and sailing schedule, which may differ slightly to the cruise described herein.
Stay four nights onboard the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Cruising
Visit the massive Three Gorges Dam, the largest engineering project of modern times, and gain some insight to the impact of the dam project on China’s economy and people. This afternoon, relax on deck as you begin cruising through the famous Three Gorges. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Cruising
Transfer to smaller vessels for an excursion through the Lesser Three Gorges, or, depending on the cruise schedule, the Shennong Stream. Experience river vistas of towering cliffs and tumbling waters, interspersed with glimpses of farm life and small villages. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Cruising
Visit the striking wooden structure on the cliff face at Shibaozhai, or perhaps the ‘Ghost City’ of Fengdu with its temple devoted to the king of the underworld. (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Chongqing – Chengdu
Disembark at Chongqing for a city tour that includes the Ciqikou Ancient Town and Erling Park. Then transfer to the railway station for your bullet train to Chengdu. On arrival in Chengdu, transfer to your hotel.
Stay two nights at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (B,L)
Day 9 – Chengdu
Morning visit to Panda Breeding Centre to learn about the efforts being made to preserve these amazing creatures. Further sightseeing includes the Jinsha Relics Museum. (B)
Day 10 – Chengdu – Xian
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Walk on the imposing City Wall this afternoon.
Stay two nights at the Sofitel on Renmin Square or Hilton Xian Hotel. (B)
Day 11 – Xian
Today you will see another amazing sight; the Terracotta Warriors and Horses still standing in battle formation as placed 2000 years ago. Visit the large exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work continues. Later visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its northern square before ending the day with an Imperial Banquet and the entertaining and colourful Tang Dance Show. (B,D)
Day 12 – Xian – Beijing
Visit the Grand Mosque and Muslim Quarter then transfer to Xian airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred by private car to your hotel. Dinner tonight is at TRB Forbidden City with stunning views of the Forbidden City.
Stay three nights at the Raffles or Ritz Carlton or Hilton Wangfujing. (B,D)
Day 13 – Beijing
Today you will visit the famous sights of Beijing including the majestic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven and tour the Hutongs, Beijing’s ancient, narrow streets. Lunch is at a restaurant in the Houhai Lake area. In the evening attend a performance of the Chinese Kong Fu Show. Dinner is at Xi He Ya Ju Restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Great Wall excursion
Learn about the craft of cloisonné at a local factory before travelling north of the city to the Great Wall of China. Visit the section known as Badaling where a cable car will whisk you to the top. You can walk along the wall and appreciate the scale of this remarkable structure as it snakes down valleys and along ridge lines as far as the eye can see. Back in Beijing visit the peaceful gardens and pavilions of the Summer Palace. Dinner tonight is a farewell banquet of Peking Duck at Da Dong Restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 15 – Depart Beijing
Free time until transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
