Classic China & Yangtze Cruise - 13 day tour

We begin our day travelling to Tiananmen Square, one of the oldest and largest city squares in the world, and the heart of Beijing. We take some time to walk through and admire the square, home of the mausoleum of Chairman Mao and striking Monument to the People’s Heroes. Dominating the square is the world-famous Forbidden City, the largest collection of ancient wooden structures, and the centre of power for five centuries. Step back in time as you wander through the magnificent courtyards and admire the impressive interiors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This afternoon we have the chance to explore the city’s Hutongs on a rickshaw ride along the banks of Houhai Lake and through the network of alleys and old back lanes of Beijing's former courtyard houses to gain insight to the city’s traditional way of life. We stop for a traditional lunch hosted by a local family before exploring the nearby Drum Tower. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we head north of Beijing to Mutianyu to walk the best-preserved section of the famous Great Wall, a cultural icon stretching some 6700 kilometers and constructed by at least 20 dynasties. Walk the northward route for the most spectacular scenery of verdant forests and sloping hillsides or the southward route for the grand Big Corner Tower & Zhengguan Terrace.

Afterwards, we stop at a local Jade Carving Factory to get an insight into the history of Jade in China and see some impressive carvings, before stopping at a farmer’s restaurant nearby for a spot of lunch. Return to Beijing for a short visit of the 798-art zone in the northeast corner of the city, admiring the work of local artists and passing the many galleries and art centres. Remainder of the day is free to continue exploring or sit back and relax with a beer at one of the local bars.
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we take a guided tour of one of the 20th century’s greatest finds – the Terracotta Warriors. Comprising over 8000 life size clay warriors and horses, standing in military formation, built to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife. We also visit the Terracotta Warrior factory to learn more about the complex and lengthy production process of these incredible figurines. We stop for lunch before returning to the city to walk along the ancient city walls and take in the incredible views of the cityscape (a bike ride can be arranged for an additional fee).

Continue to the Great Mosque, China’s oldest and largest mosque combining Chinese and Middle Eastern designs into elegant structures and serene gardens, before finishing our afternoon with a stroll from the Muslim Quarter to Yongxingfang, browsing the bustling markets and sampling local street food along the way. Yongxingfang is famous for Shaanxi food and home to the bowl breaking ceremony. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Xi'an  |  Breakfast, Lunch

We have some free time this morning to explore the local neighbourhood close to the hotel before we meet in the afternoon for a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in the country, soaring 64 meters high, and housing religious artefacts taken from India. This evening we learn the art of making Chinese dumplings, a particular favourite in Xi’an, before enjoying the fruits of our labour for dinner.
Overnight: Xi'an  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Xi’an – Chengdu. Board the bullet train to Chengdu this morning, home to China’s fury mascot. On arrival, we are met by a local guide and begin exploring this quaint city, witness locals playing Mahjong in the local tea houses or the footpaths, learn some traditional dancing and try some of the local tea. Take a stroll through Jinli Street to taste some traditional snacks before spending the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps watch a local shadow puppet show or some traditional performance art.
Overnight: Chengdu  |  Breakfast

Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise. Chengdu, famous as the world leading, nonprofit organisation focusing on the research, breeding and conservation of endangered pandas. We are escorted through the centre by one of the keepers, who teaches us about the behaviour and health of the centres 80 fury residents. After lunch we board a bullet train to Chongqing, where we then board the Victoria cruise down the Yangtze River, the greatest river in China, at 9pm. Before boarding the cruise (if time permits) we can stroll along Chongqing’s People’s Square, in the city centre.
Overnight: Yangtze River Cruiser  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Good morning from the River Yangtze! At 6340km in length, the Yangtze is the 3rd longest river in the world, neatly dividing China into north and south and wending its way through eight very different provinces. Today there is a shore excursion at no additional expense to Shibaozhai, a 200-meter hill standing tall along the bank of the river, to marvel at the incredible wooden pagoda. Depending on river conditions, an excursion to Fengdu can also be arranged for an additional fee. Take a stroll around this village which was built for families who moved here as a result of the rivers rising waters brought on by the Three Gorges Dam.
Overnight: Yangtze River Cruiser  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Three Gorges, the water control project on Yangtze River and a breathtaking sight is ours to explore today. The first gorge we pass, Qutangxia Gorge is the shortest and narrowest yet the most impressive. Here, the dramatic 1200m limestone peaks are often shrouded in mist and the river shoots through the narrow entrance with great haste.

Next comes Wuxia Gorge, which straddles Sichuan and Hubei Provinces. Lined by twelve sheer peaks, Wuxia offers a spectacular vista for some 45km. Finally, is Xiling Gorge, the longest at 75km and which comprises seven smaller gorges
Overnight: Yangtze River Cruiser  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A city with a turbulent history and a promising future, Shanghai offers the best of old and new with grand colonial architecture engulfed by soaring skyscrapers. Today we embark on a guided tour, starting at the Bund we walk along the waterway until we reach Yuyuan Garden, a pristine classical Chinese garden and one of the four national cultural markets in the old town area. Stroll through the garden influenced by the classical Suzhou garden design as well as the traditional halls, towers, pagodas and pavilions.

After lunch, we visit a silk factory to learn about the life-cycle of the silk worm and how the silk is harvested and woven into fabric, before enjoying a leisurely walk down the cobblestone alleys of Xintiandi, where classical architecture meets modern aesthetics. This evening we enjoy a Chinese acrobatic performance.
Overnight: Shanghai  |  Breakfast, Lunch