Classic China with Yangtze

Description
Famous in China and beyond, the Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world. Much like the other Chinese icon – The Great Wall – the Yangtze not only traverses a great distance but also attracts countless visitors each year. As one of the highlights of China’s vast and diverse natural landscape, the Yangtze offers a gentle pace much at odds with the often frenetic flow of modern Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Experience this contrast and come to appreciate just some of the many facets of the Chinese nation with nights in modern Shanghai, the mix of old and new in Beijing and the ancient and enchanting Xi’an. From world class nightlife to ancient history, the appeal of modern day China grows by the day.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Forbidden City: Discover the majesty of the walled imperial precinct, which was exclusively reserved for China’s royalty for centuries.
Great Wall: Stroll along the restored Mutianyu section and see how the undulating wall disappears into the horizon in front of you.
Terracotta Army: A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang (the first Emperor of China), the eighth wonder of the ancient world.
The Yangtze River: The longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, the Yangtze carries you on an eternal journey through China’s heartland.
Shanghai: A city of contrasts where China’s traditional past meets modern technology and futuristic design.
Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English or German-speaking local guides during the activities
- Operated with English-speaking guide for the Yangtze Cruise
ACCOMMODATION:
- 8 nights' accommodation
- 3 nights cruise cabin accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-3 Beijing:
Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*
Day 4-6 Xi´an:
Standard Hotel Category = Tianyi Commercial Hotel or similar 3*
Day 7-9 Yangtze River Cruise:
Standard Hotel Category = President No.8 Cruise or similar
Day 10-11 Shanghai:
Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei or similar 3*
MEALS:
- 11 Breakfasts
- 7 Lunches (Day 2-5, 8, 9 and 11)
- 3 Dinners on board
TRANSPORT:
- Arrival private transfer from Beijing Airport to hotel in Beijing (Day 1)
- Shared air-conditioned transfers throughout the tour
- 2nd class seat on a high-speed train from Beijing – Xi’an (Day 4)
- 2nd class seat on a high-speed train from Xi’an – Chongqing (Day 7)
- 2nd class seat on a high-speed train from Yichang – Shanghai (Day 10)
- Departure private transfer from hotel in Shangai to Shangai Airport (Day 12)
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Forbidden City Tour and Temple of Heaven visit (Day 2), Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall Tour and Summer Palace Visit (Day 3), Terracotta Warrior Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Jade factory visit (Day 5), Xi’an City Wall and Muslim Quarter visit (Day 6), Chongqing city tour (Day 7), Yangtze River Cruise (Day 7-10), Shanghai city tour (Day 11)
Excluded
- Airport transfer surcharge if arriving/departing before 8 am or after 10 pm
- International flight tickets and airport taxes or China visa fees (if any)
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses or items not stated explicitly in the programme
- Any visit not mentioned in the programme
- Optional tours and activities
- Tips for guides and drivers
Know before you go
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.