Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise

20 days - from $3030

A comprehensive China itinerary covering its length and breadth
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors and Giant Pandas - China's iconic sights need little introduction and we visit them all on this comprehensive and varied journey. Equally inspiring are China's great scenic attractions including the breathtaking Three Gorges on the Yangtze River and the serene limestone mountains around Yangshuo. China remains one of the world's 'must-see' destinations; from ultra-modern Shanghai to the wizened faces of ancient Chinese villagers, this trip reveals a country as fascinating and beguiling as ever.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Beijing; traditional Beijing Duck dinner. 2-4 Three full days sightseeing in China's capital; including the Forbidden City, Hutongs, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, plus an unforgettable visit to the Great Wall; overnight train to Xi'an on day four. 5 Walking tour visiting the Old City Wall, local markets, Grand Mosque and Muslim area. 6 Visit the Terracotta Warriors; overnight train to Chengdu. 7 Drive to Leshan and visit the Grand Buddha; on to Emei Shan. 8 Sightseeing including a trip to the summit of Mt Emei, one of China's four holy Buddhist sites; return to Chengdu. 9 Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre; to Chongqing, board cruise boat. 10-11 Two full days cruising the spectacular Yangtze River including the Three Gorges and a visit to the dam. 12 Disembark; overnight sleeper train to Liuzhou. 13 Arrive Liuzhou; transfer to Yangshuo; free afternoon. 14-15 Two free days in Yangshuo, surrounded by towering limestone scenery; various optional activities available. 16 To Guilin for flight to Shanghai; drive to Tongli water town for orientation walk. 17 Free morning; drive to Suzhou, famous for its canals and silk industry; tour of gardens; late afternoon return to Shanghai. 18 Morning city tour; afternoon free. 19 Free day; chance to visit the French Quarter, Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Museum. 20 End Shanghai.

Mode of travel: Travel by train, private minibus, cruise boat and internal flight. Some long journeys.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16, plus local leader, local guides and drivers.
Accommodation: 13 nights comfortable hotels, 3 nights comfortable 4 star cruise boat with outward facing 2 berth air-conditioned cabins, all en suite. 3 nights 1st class sleeper train, soft-bed berths.
Food: 18 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 4 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $437.50
Trip Reference: ACE
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: ACE