Breakfast will be followed by your transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Essential Plus Cruise
Essential Plus Cruise
Experience China on land and water
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia, and arguably the most picturesque. See the sights in the illustrious capital of Beijing, followed by the historical city of Xian, the ancient capital, and the spell-binding Terracotta Warriors. Finally, the vibrant city of Shanghai will bring you to China’s present.
Locations you will be visiting
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Beijing, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Beijing with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
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Xian, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Xian with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Chongqing, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Chingqing with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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The Yangtze River, China
Discover the sights and traditions for the Yangtze River with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
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Shanghai, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Shanghai with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Essential Plus Cruise
12 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Fly to Beijing
Take your scheduled flight from London to Beijing. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport.
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival, our representative will meet and arrange your transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon, there is time to relax, or explore the surrounding area.
DAY 3 Beijing City Tour
Your tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Temple of Heaven – where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year. Here you can witness the tradition of Tai Chi being practiced in the courtyard, which is followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and continues to the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs. Here, you will gain a personal insight into the everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Great Wall
Enjoy a good breakfast at the hotel before your visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a part of the wall with breathtaking views in a less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built in the mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. Back to the city and an opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, venues for the memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 World Championships. In the evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking Duck Dinner, in the place that gave it its name!
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Beijing to Xian
This morning visit the Summer Palace, which includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views, followed by a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake, before catching your bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes) and checking into your hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Bullet Train
DAY 6 Terracotta Warriors
Today your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese army, made over 2,000 years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. This will be followed, in the afternoon, with a visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, best enjoyed as a peaceful stroll or lei- surely bike ride. This evening you will sample a delicious dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 Xian to Chongqing
Following breakfast, visit China’s unique architectural style at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, before your last stop in Xian in the Muslim Quarter, and your chance to witness local life in the community. In the evening enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before boarding your 5* ship for the start of your cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 8 Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise
On the first day of the cruise, you can relax while the ship meanders along the Yangtze, and enjoy the scenic views. There is an excursion to see the impressive wooden pagoda Shibaozhai, and an enjoyable journey on a small motorboat through the tranquil Goddess Stream included. All meals will be served on board the vessel.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 9 Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy the cruise.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 10 Yangtze River Cruise and to Shanghai
As you make your way to Yichang, there is a chance to visit The Three Gorges Dam, before lunch on board. On arrival, transfer to the station for your bullet train to Shanghai, and a two night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Cruise, Bullet train
DAY 11 Shanghai City Tour
Enjoy a hotel breakfast before the start of your Shanghai City Tour. The stops include the Yu Yuan Gardens, a horticulturists dream, followed by the impressive Jade Buddha Temple, and the fascinating Shanghai Museum. Then there is the opportunity to admire the city’s contrasting architectural styles on a stroll along the Bund, before marvelling at the cityscape from the observatory at the top of the Shanghai World Financial Centre.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12 Fly to UK
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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View this packageChina
China: Beijing Opera
Delight at a performance of traditional Beijing Opera
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View this packageChina
China: Tai Chi Lesson
Practise this ancient martial art with a Tai Chi lesson
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View this packageChina
China: Tea Tasting
Appreciate the varying blends of Chinese tea at a tasting
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View this packageChina
China: Calligraphy Lesson
Create your own piece with a class in Chinese caligraphy
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2024 and 2025
Single supplement from £675
Land only from £2,475
(without international flights)
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
This tour itinerary is also available as a Private Tour. Please ask for more details.
China: Essential Plus Cruise
price
from£3,425
Make an enquiry
from£3,425
What's included:
- International flights in economy class departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades are available on request
- Domestic flights in economy class
- Bullet train in first class
- 4★ accommodation based on twin share
- Transfers
- English speaking guides
- Meals as stated
- Entrance fees to the sites listed
- Airport taxes
- Local tips: RMB525 (approx. £59) per person,
- RMB150 (approx £18 ) per person tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise,
- Personal spending
- Travel insurance
- China visa and fees
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
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