Day 1  London

Direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Shanghai with Virgin Atlantic Airways or British Airways.

Day 2  Shanghai

Arrive at Shanghai, met by our tour representative and transfer to 4 star hotel for 2 nights stay. 

Day 3  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 4  Shanghai/Yichang

Free time at own leisure for the morning. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Yichang, the starting point of the Yangtze River cruise. Transfer to pier and board the 5 star MV President No.3 – “Splendid China” Cruise. (B, D)

*3-day dramatic river cruise upstream from Yichang to Chongqing 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 5  Yangtze River cruise

Set sailing in the early morning. Stop at Sandouping and shore excursion to tour the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Then navigate through the dramatic Three Gorges Ship Locks. Continue the sailing through Xiling Gorge, the first and the longest one among the Three Gorges, famous for its frightening whirlpools and strong rapids. (B, L, D)

Day 6  Yangtze River cruise

The rolling River 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 Daning River or 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 inaccessible cliffs. Entering Kuimem Gate and sailing through Qutang Gorge, the last 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. (B, L, D)

Day 7  Yangtze River cruise

Continue the sailing and shore excursion to Fengdu, the famous ghost town of after-life modelled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology. Alternate shore excursion to Shibaozhai, a magnificent 12 -story wooden pavilion, known as" the pearl of Yangtze". (B, L, D)

Day 8  Chongqing/Xian

Cruise arrives at Chongqing in the morning. Disembark and visit the Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo. After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Xian, the city of eternal peace, once the flourishing capital of China of 11dynasties. Upon arrival, transfer to 4 star hotel for 2 nights stay. Guided walk through the Muslim quarter of the Old Town and the local market. (B, L)                         

Day 9  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 10  Xian/Beijing

In the morning in Xian, take a tour to the enormous city walls, sensing the immense scale and enduring impregnability. After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to 4 star hotel for 4 nights stay. (B, L)

Day 11  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 12  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 13   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 14  Beijing/London

Transfer to airport for direct flight to London with Air China or British Airways. The flight arrives back London in late afternoon on the same day. (B)

Hong Kong Extension (Optional):

Day 14  Beijing/Hong Kong

Transfer to airport for flight from Beijing to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to 3 star hotel in central Kowloon for 2 nights stay. Free time at own leisure for the rest of the day. (B)

Day 15  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 16  Hong Kong

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

Day 17  London

Flight arrives at London in the early morning.