China's Grand Dynasties with Yangtze River Cruise

Day 1 - UK - Shanghai

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Shanghai, China.

Day 2 - Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to the locally rated 4-star Broadway Mansions Hotel for a three-night stay. After breakfast, enjoy time to relax before gathering with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3 - Shanghai

Discover the contrasts of old and new Shanghai on a guided sightseeing tour. Stroll along the famous Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings overlook the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Continue to the Jade Buddha Temple, before visiting a traditional silk factory to learn about one of China's most important historic industries. Later, explore bustling Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, before returning to the hotel or spending more time exploring independently. This evening, there is the opportunity to join an optional Huangpu River cruise and see Shanghai illuminated after dark.

Day 4 - Shanghai

Spend the day at leisure in Shanghai. Perhaps explore the city's museums, parks and vibrant neighbourhoods at your own pace. Alternatively, an optional excursion visits Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town often referred to as the 'Venice of Shanghai', known for its canals, stone bridges and centuries-old architecture.

Day 5 - Shanghai to Yichang

Travel by high-speed rail to Yichang, the gateway to the Yangtze River. China's impressive high-speed network allows you to watch the landscapes of eastern and central China unfold outside your window during the six and a half long journey. On arrival, visit a local market before continuing to a riverside pagoda. After dinner in a local restaurant, board your Yangtze River cruise vessel and settle into your cabin as your four-night cruise begins.

Day 6 - Yangtze

Visit the remarkable Three Gorges Dam, one of the largest engineering projects ever undertaken and the world's biggest hydroelectric power station. Later, return to your ship and begin cruising through Xiling Gorge. The longest and deepest of the Three Gorges, this dramatic stretch of river winds past rugged mountain scenery that has inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries. This evening, enjoy a Captain's dinner on board. Optional excursions may include travelling through the giant ship lift at the Three Gorges Dam or visiting local cultural sites in the surrounding region.

Day 7 - Yangtze

Transfer to a smaller vessel for an included excursion through the spectacular Shennong Stream, where towering cliffs and forested slopes create some of the Yangtze's most memorable scenery. Depending on river conditions, an alternative excursion through Goddess Stream may operate. Back on board, sail through the dramatic landscapes of Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Though the shortest of the Three Gorges, Qutang is often considered the most dramatic, with sheer cliffs narrowing around the river. Optional excursions are available today, including visits to White Emperor City, panoramic viewpoints above the gorges and an evening performance of the acclaimed 'Return to the Three Gorges' show.

Day 8 - Yangtze

Today's included excursion explores either the scenic Snow Jade Cave and Xionguan Mountain Folk Culture Park or, depending on river conditions, Shibaozhai, famous for its striking 12-storey wooden pagoda built against a steep hillside. Enjoy your final full day on the Yangtze before joining the crew for a farewell dinner this evening. An optional excursion visits Fengdu's legendary 'Ghost City', a site associated with Chinese folklore and the afterlife.

Day 9 - Chongqing

Arrive in Chongqing, a sprawling mountain city where rivers, bridges and skyscrapers combine to create one of China's most striking urban landscapes. Built on steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is often called China's 'Mountain City'. During today's tour, enjoy sweeping views from Changjiahui Viewing Platform, stroll through the historic lanes of Xiahaoli Old Street and take in the city skyline from Eling Park. At Liziba Station, witness one of Chongqing's most famous sights as a monorail train passes directly through a residential tower block before continuing its journey across the city. Later, check in at the locally rated 4-star Glenview ITC Plaza where you stay overnight. This evening, enjoy a traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner.

Day 10 - Chengdu

Travel by high-speed rail to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and renowned for its relaxed pace of life. Visit People's Park, where locals gather to socialise, play games and enjoy tea in traditional teahouses. Afterwards, stroll through the beautifully restored Wide and Narrow Alleys, where historic Qing Dynasty architecture sits alongside modern cafés, boutiques and restaurants. Transfer to the locally rated 4-star Tianfu Sunshine Hotel where you stay for the next three nights. The remainder of the day is free to explore at leisure.

Day 11 - Chengdu

Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre, one of China's leading conservation centres. Observe these much-loved animals in thoughtfully designed habitats while learning about efforts to protect and increase wild panda populations. Return to the hotel later and enjoy a free afternoon.

Day 12 - Xian

Board another high-speed train and take the four-hour journey to Xian, one of China's ancient capitals and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road. On arrival, walk along Xian's impressive city walls, among the most complete ancient fortifications in China. After, check in at the locally rated 4-star Xian Dajing Castle Hotel for a three-night stay. Later, join an interactive dinner experience where you'll learn how to make traditional dumplings before enjoying them as part of your evening meal. This evening, there is the option to attend the colourful Tang Dynasty Show, celebrating the music and dance of China's golden age.

Day 13 - Xian

Today's highlight is one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries: the Terracotta Army. Buried for more than 2,000 years and only uncovered by farmers in 1974, this vast underground army was created to guard China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Explore the excavated pits and see thousands of life-sized warriors, horses and chariots, each with unique facial features and expressions. After, visit a local workshop where skilled craftspeople recreate the famous figures before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. Later, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, where Chinese and Islamic influences have blended for centuries.

Day 14 - Beijing

Travel by high-speed train to Beijing, China's capital and political heart. After arriving, transfer to the locally rated 4-star Kuntai Royal Hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 15 - Beijing

Set out to discover the heart of China's capital. Begin at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, before entering the magnificent Forbidden City. For almost 500 years, this vast palace complex served as the seat of imperial power, housing 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties behind its imposing red walls. With nearly 1,000 surviving buildings, it remains the largest ancient palace complex anywhere in the world. After lunch, visit a traditional tea house and learn about China's rich tea culture during a tea ceremony. The evening is yours to spend as you wish.

Day 16 - Beijing

Today's excursion takes you to one of the most extraordinary feats of engineering ever created: the Great Wall of China. Stretching more than 13,000 miles across northern China, the wall was built and expanded over centuries to protect successive Chinese dynasties from invasion. Visit the scenic Mutianyu section, renowned for its watchtowers, forested surroundings and fewer crowds than some other sections of the wall. A cable car carries you up to the wall itself, where you can walk along its ancient stone ramparts and take in panoramic views of rolling hills stretching towards the horizon. Standing atop this UNESCO-listed wonder, it's easy to appreciate why the Great Wall remains one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Later, visit a jade workshop and discover the significance of this prized stone in Chinese culture and craftsmanship. This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner featuring Beijing's famous Peking duck.

Day 17 - Beijing - UK

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight from Beijing to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.