Yangtze River Cruises & Tours through the Three Gorges,Cruise & Tour Yangtze River

China Grand

- Guaranteed Weekly Departure

14 - 20 days from £1795 - privately escorted tour

Beijing (4), Xian (2), Shanghai (2), Yangtze River Cruise (3), Mount Emei (1), Leshan (1), Bifengxia Panda Reserve (1), Chengdu Panda Base (1), Hong Kong (3)

Yangtze River Cruises and tours through the Three Gorges and the Dam from Wuhan to Chongqing.
The Mighty Yangtze River originates from the Tibetan Plateau, cleaves China into North and South. Yangtze River flows from west to east, pumping through Chongqing, cutting Wuhan in two, then straddled by Nanjing’s great bridge, and finally emptying into the East China Sea just north of Shanghai. The fertile land in the Yangtze River valley nourished by the River for thousands of years is the centre of Chinese civilization.
The Three Gorges refer to the Qutang Gorge, the Wu Gorge and the Xiling Gorge, starting at Baidicheng (White Emperor Town) of Chongqing in the west and ending at Nanjinguan of Hubei province in the east. The Three Gorges are altogether 193 kilometres (120 miles) long, separated by Daninghe, Ziangxi and Miaonan broad valleys. Cruise through the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River offers dramatic experience, stunning views and numerous historical and cultural relics along the route.

The first part of the China Grand tour covers Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, which presents the best examples of China's historical and cultural aspects together with those of modern day charms. The second part is the highlight of the tour with 3 days cruise on the mighty Yangtze River. The dramatic river cruise offers a remarkable experience of the most scenic reaches of the river and sails through the spectacular Three Gorges downstream in comfort. Along the sailing route, you will visit the ancient towns, villages, and historical sites. You could also take the optional Panda extension, which covers both Bifengxia Panda Reserve (BFX) and the Chengdu Panda Base, as well as the magnificent Giant Buddha in Leshan and the holy mountain Mount Emei. The tour offers economical group rate as well as guaranteed weekly departure on tailor made privately escorted tour and arrangement. And it only requires the minimum booking of two person for each departure.

Day 1 London

Direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Beijing with Air China.

Day 2 Beijing

Arrive at Beijing, met by our tour representative and transfer to the 5 star standard hotel Four Points by Sheraton Beijing for 4 nights stay.

Day 3 Beijing

Tour the Imperial Winter Palace also called the Forbidden City in the heart of the Capital. Walk in the world’s largest public square the Tiananmen Square. The tour then takes you to the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial encampment of temples, pavilions and halls set in a park around the vast Kunming lake. Take a boat ride on the Lake. (B, L)

Day 4 Beijing

Full day excursion to the Great Wall. Here you’ll have plenty time to walk along the historic ramparts and marvel at its size and grandeur. After that, stroll along “The Sacred Path” which leads to the Ming Tombs where 13 Emperors were buried, and visit the Emperor’s resting place through a series of under-ground passageways and chambers. On return, stop by the landmark 2008 Olympic venues the “Bird Nest” Stadium and “Water Cube” Aquatics Centre for viewing and picture takings. (B, L)

Day 5 Beijing

In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful ornate wood structure built in 1420 and used by the Emperors to perform sacrificial rituals for good harvests. After lunch tour Yonghe Lamasery, which was built in 1694 and later occupied by Emperor Yongzheng as his official residence before he came to the throne. It’s the largest Lamasery in Beijing and served as the centre for the Imperial Court to administer the nation’s Lamaism affairs. It was also served as the official residence for the visiting Dalai Lama from Tibet and the Kings from Mongolia. (B, L)

Day 6 Beijing/Xian

Transfer to airport for flight to Xian, the city of eternal peace, once the flourishing capital of China of 11dynasties. Upon arrival, transfer to the 4 star Mercure Hotel on Renmin Square for 2 nights stay. Take a tour to the enormous city walls, sensing the immense scale and enduring impregnability, and then guided walk through the Muslim quarter of the Old Town and the local market. (B, L)

Day 7 Xi'an

Excursion to Qin Emperor’s Tomb, where 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1974. They were interred within the outer wall of the Emperor’s mausoleum as his eternal imperial guards. The scale of the endeavour is awe-inspiring and the image of warriors solemn and moving. Lunch at Terra Cotta Warriors Museum with noodle-making demonstration. The day also includes a visit to Xian History Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. (B, L)

Day 8 Xian/Shanghai

Transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai, Upon arrival, transfer to the 4 star Greenland Jiulong Hotel for 2 nights stay. Free time at own leisure for the rest of the day. (B)

Day 9 Shanghai

Full day tour in Shanghai to include Nanjing Road, Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Yuan Garden, and the Children’s Palace. Stroll along the Bund, enjoying its elegant sweep of European architecture and landmarks, and immersing yourself in the location’s history and unique character. (B, L)

Day 10 Shanghai/Yangtze River cruise

Free time at own leisure in the morning. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight from Shanghai to Chongqing. Upon arrival, transfer to pier and board the 5 star deluxe President No.1 Cruiser. The sailing starts during the night. (B, D)

*3-day dramatic river cruise downstream from Chongqing to Yichang along the Yangtze or Changjing, the China’s longest. It’ll funnel you past magnificent rock formations, mist-shrouded peaks, the fragments of ancient settlements, and swirling eddies. Among them are the most famous Three Gorges. The cruise ship will also pass the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest, through a series of locks and lifts, experiencing in first-hand the functions and power of the Dam. The cruise ship will stop at towns and historical sites along the route, allowing you time to relish the colourful tales as they unfold.

Day 11 Yangtze River cruise

Sailing and other onboard program:

09:00 – 12:00 Shore excursion to Fengdu to Fengdu, the famous ghost town of after-life modelled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology.

18:00 – 19:00 Captain’s Welcome Party. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Yangtze River cruise

07:30 – 09:30 optional shore excursion to White King Town.

19:00 – 20:30 Captain’s Farewell Dinner banquet

Entering Kuimem Gate and sailing through Qutang Gorge, the first and the narrowest of the Three Gorges with the mountains on either side reach as high as 4,000 ft. This combination of narrow canyons among high mountains with several switch backs creates spectacular vistas. The rolling River then twists and turns and carries the ship zigzagging along the way through Wu Gorge, the middle section of the Three Gorges, gifted with exquisite peaks and lush mountains and ranges. The delightful gorge is flanked by oddly shaped mountain peaks, many of which are connected with beautiful legends. At Badong, transfer to a small boat for an exciting excursion to Shen Nong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze River, traversing a tortuous alignment flanked by almost vertical limestone cliffs with breathtaking view often referred to as the Lesser Three Gorges. Early history of settlement in the Gorges is evinced by the hanging coffins stowed in the clefts on the high vertical limestone cliffs. The cruise then sails through Xiling Gorge, the last and the longest one among the Three Gorges, famous for its frightening whirlpools and strong rapids. After that, the cruise will navigate through the dramatic Three Gorges Ship Locks. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Yichang/Beijing

In the morning, shore excursion to tour the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Then sails to Yichang and disembark. Transfer to Yichang airport for flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to the 3 star airport hotel for overnight stay. (B, L)

Day 14 Beijing/London

Transfer to airport for direct flight from Beijing to London with Air China. The flight arrive London in the late afternoon on the same day. (B)

Panda Extension (Optional and for Wednesday departures only):

Day 10 Shanghai/Chengdu

Free time at own leisure in the morning. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province, famous for its fine temple architecture, teahouse atmosphere and searing Sichuan cuisine. Met at the airport, visit Kuanzhai-Lanes, and then transfer to the 3 star Xinhua Hotel in the centre of Chengdu for overnight stay. (B)

Day 11 Chengdu/Bifengxia Panda Reserve

Transfer to Bifengxia Panda Reserve in Ya’an, where the first giant panda was discovered in the 1920s. Tour the Panda Reserve, explore the natural habitat of the giant pandas, visit the research and breeding centres, and discover the magnificent animals in the wild. In the evening, transfer to Mount Emei, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China. 2-night stay at the 3 star Phoenix Lake Hotel at the foothill. (B, L)

Day 12 Mount Emei

Take the cable car up to the top of Mount Emei, enjoying the spectacular landscape all the way. If you’re lucky you may see Buddha’s Glory, an ethereal light effect in the clouds below being regarded by the pilgrims as the appearance of Divine. Visit the highest summit, the Golden Summit of the mountain and the surrounding areas including Huazang Temple. (B, L)

Day 13 Mount Emei/Leshan

Car travel to Leshan, famous for its huge Buddha statue carved from the rock face 1,200 years ago at the junction of two rivers with a height of 233 feet. Tour the Giant Buddha and adjacent attractions including a boat ride to view the statue. In the evening, return to Chengdu for overnight stay at Xinhua Hotel in Chengdu. (B, L)

Day 14 Chengdu/Chongqing/Yangtze River Cruise

Tour Chengdu Giant Panda base. After lunch, transfer to Chengdu train station for express service to Chongqing. Upon arrival, transfer to pier and board the 5 star deluxe President No.1 Cruiser. The sailing starts during the night. (B, L, D)

Hong Kong Extension (Optional):

Day 13 Yichang/Shanghai/HongKong

In the morning, shore excursion to tour the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Then sails to Yichang and disembark. Transfer to Yichang airport for flight to Shanghai, and connect to onward flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to the 3 star Nathan Hotel in central Kowloon for 2 nights stay. Free time at own leisure for the rest of the day. (B)

Day 14 Hong Kong

Half-day Hong Kong Island tour – duration: 4 to 5 hours.

Pick up from the hotel. The tour starts with a Tram-ride up to the Victoria Peak (1, 810 ft above the sea level) for a panoramic view of the city's famous skyline, magnificent Victoria Harbour and the romantic South China Sea and the surrounding islands. Then travelling along the scenic coastline and visit the picturesque Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. Proceed next to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen and have a close look at the local fishermen and their boat community. An optional sampan ride can be arranged on site. A short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory and take a behind the scene look at the fine art that has made Hong Kong the best in Asia. The tour ends in the famous Stanley Market. (B)

Day 15 Hong Kong

Free time at own leisure during the day. In the evening, transfer to airport for late night direct flight to London with Virgin Atlantic Airways. (B)

Day 16 London

Flight arrives at London in the early morning.

Flight with Emirates from the following UK airport and

Stopover at Dubai could be arranged:

London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow.

Price Includes:

Guaranteed weekly departure on every Sunday; *International scheduled direct flights from London with Air China & Virgin Atlantic Airways; All internal flights and transfers; Airport tax throughout; Standard cabin with private balcony on Yangtze River cruise with **shore excursions (5 star Deluxe Cruise MV President No.1 with private balcony based on twin sharing cabin and en-suite toilet/shower facilities, single supplement available); ***Privately escorted tours and arrangement; Comprehensive sightseeing with English-speaking tour guides and all entrance fees en route; Twin sharing or double room accommodation in the 4 and 5 star hotels as listed below (Hotel in Hong Kong is a 3 star); Meal arrangement as shown (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner);
*Flight from other UK airport could be arranged, please ask for details.
** Cruise shore excursion is subject to weather and water level conditions.
***Activities and shore excursions on the cruise are organised by the cruise company on group arrangement.

Not included

Tips and personal consumption; Travel insurance; Visa fee & service.

Optional Service

Travel insurance, visa service (please refer to the page "general info");

You could extend your stay in each area or add extra tours and extensions, please ask for details.

Evening dinner arrangement as following at an extra cost of £70 per person:
Day 3 – Chinese dinner at a local restaurant;
Day 4 – Chinese dinner at a local restaurant;
Day 5 – Chinese dinner at a local restaurant;
Day 6 – Western type set dinner at a local restaurant;
Day 7 – Western type set dinner at a local restaurant;
Day 9 – Western set dinner at the hotel in Shanghai;

Evening dinner arrangement for the Panda Extension at an extra cost of £43 per person:
Day 10 - Chinese dinner at a local restaurant;
Day 11 - Chinese dinner at the hotel restaurant;
Day 12 - Chinese dinner at the hotel restaurant;
Day 13 - Chinese dinner at a local restaurant;

Hotels Arranged

Beijing, Four Points by Sheraton Beijing 5 star standard;
Xian, Mercure Hotel on Renmin Square 4 star;
Shanghai, Greenland Jiulong hotel 4 star;
Chengdu, Xinhua Hotel 3 star;
Mount Emei, Phoenix Lake Hotel 3 star;
Hong Kong, Nathan Hotel 3 star;

Cruise Ship

Deluxe 5 star MV President No.1 cruiser with private balcony. Please visit www.yzpresidentcruise.com for further details.

What our clients say...

"It is only a few weeks since we returned from our wonderful tours of China arranged by your company but already it seems like a wonderful dream. From the moment when we landed in Beijing to the sadder moment when we took off from Hong Kong for home, the whole tour went like a well oiled machine. At every airport we were met by a highly trained friendly courier and a safe dependable driver who could not do enough to make our holiday a great success. Lisa in Beijing took us around Tienanmen Square and then the Forbidden City and then the next day along the Great Wall. Also she organised tickets for an acrobatic show and entrance to a Beijing Duck Restaurant with instructions to the staff to ensure we had a taxi back to the hotel. In Xi'an Christina brought us the delights of the Terracotta Warriors, the Muslim Quarter and a walk along the Walls of the city. And in Shanghai Rebecca showed us the delights of a wonderful modern city with an historic centre. Also a second acrobatic show even more spectacular than the first if that was possible. Sandwiched between these cities was a memory laden trip along the Yangtze River from Chongching to Yichan. The hosts on the boat provided splendid scenery during the day and excellent food and entertainment in the evening. Finally to Hong Kong for a tour by coach up to the highest peak and then around the markets for shopping. In the afternoon we toured the harbour by boat as well as sampling some of the many restaurants. This was always going to be a holiday to remember. We planned it to celebrate a wedding anniversary and we were not disappointed. Please accept our thanks for the whole tour. I have been boring anyone I meet with how great the holiday was and I am dropping the name "China Tours" to as many people as possible. Onen hag Oll, (One and All) "
Nigel & Janet Hicks, Edinburgh (October 2009)

"James Please allow me to pass you and your company my sincere thanks for such a superb tour that we enjoyed in China. At every step of the way we were met and assisted by friendly, helpful and knowledgeable tour guides as well as safe and responsible drivers. The planning, organisation and efficiency of all concerned was really first class. It was an excellent private tour and my mother was very pleased with all aspects of it. We would recommend your services and company to anyone. "
Paul Marsh & Family, Ruislip Middlesex (August 2010)

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Telephone:

01932 828997