Day 1. Depart UK

Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Beijing.

 Day 2. Arrive Beijing

Be met on arrival at the airport. Special Stay – transfer to Jianguo Hotel, a green oasis in the middle of the city next to the Silk Market. Enjoy a Welcome Reception later this evening.

Three Nights: Beijing, Jianguo Hotel

Day 3. Beijing, Forbidden City

Your sightseeing begins with a half-day tour of Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest city square. Continue to the World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, an well-preserved site of Chinese architecture that was home to 24 Chinese emperors between 1420 and 1924. Enjoy free time this afternoon, with your Travelmarvel Tour Director on hand to recommend optional activities. A Taste of China – indulge in a Peking Duck banquet at a local restaurant this evening.          BD

Day 4. Beijing, Great Wall of China

After breakfast, head to the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea into the Gobi Desert. Board a cable car and take in the views on the way to the Mutianyu section, one of the best-preserved parts of the wall. After, visit the Sacred Way of the Ming Dynasty Tombs, then stop at a jade factory for lunch, and gain an insight into the 6,000 year-old craft of grinding and polishing jade. On the way back to the city, see Beijing’s Olympic Village, including the Bird’s Nest stadium.        BL

 Day 5. Beijing, Yichang, Embark Cruise

Like a Local – this morning hop on a pedicab for a tour through the hutongs (narrow streets) of Old Beijing. Explore the maze of historic alleyways and visit the home of a local family. Then transfer to the airport and fly to Yichang, enjoying lunch during the flight. On arrival, board your river ship for your Yangtze cruise. Tonight, enjoy the first of several delicious dinners on board.

Four Night Cruise: Victoria Katarina or Victoria Jenna.   BLD

Day 6. Three Gorges Dam, Xiling Gorge

Take in the breathtaking scenery today as you cruise through the Three Gorges region, considered to be China’s most picturesque region. On arrival at the Three Gorges Dam, you’ll disembark for a guided tour, before continuing on cruising through the longest of the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge.           BLD

Day 7. Daning River, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge

Early risers may like to commence the day with a Tai Chi class on board. Today’s excursion is to the crystal-clear waters of the Daning River, home to the smaller but equally stunning Three Lesser Gorges: Dragon Gate; Misty; and Emerald Green. Afterwards, continue on to Wu Gorge, noted for its quiet beauty, sheer peaks and towering cliff faces. After lunch, pass between two mountains on the way into Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges.        BLD

Day 8. Shibao Zhai, Fengdu

After breakfast this morning, disembark your ship for a tour of Shibao Zhai tower, an impressive wooden structure built atop a large hill that overlooks the river. Also known as the ‘Precious Stone Fortress’, this ancient pagoda stands an astonishing12 storeys high and houses many cultural relics including fine examples of calligraphy and painting. After exploring, continue along the Yangtze to Fengdu (subject to river conditions). Disembark and wander through this graceful little ‘Ghost City’, noted for its bustling markets and the many Buddha and Tao temples gathered on Ming Mountain. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner to signify your final night on board.           BLD

 Day 9. Chongqing, Disembark Ship, Xi’an

 Disembark your ship this morning in Chongqing, a strategic port established in the 11th century that played a key role in World War II due to its mountainous landscape. Head to the Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the famous Giant Pandas. This beautiful creature is fast replacing the dragon as China’s emblem and has been kept in zoos since the early Han Dynasty – over 2,000 years ago. Later, transfer to the airport and fly to Xi’an. A Taste of China – marvel at a Tang Dynasty performance of song and dance whilst enjoying a dumpling banquet.

Two Nights: Xi’an, Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza Hotel   BD

 Day 10. Xi’an, Terracotta Army

On the way to the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, visit a clay factory where Terracotta soldiers are still made today. At the museum, visit the three excavation pits where the sculptures were buried over time and marvel at the Bronze Chariot. Like a Local – this evening, step out for a visit to the Muslim Quarter. Explore the numerous food stalls filled with exotic treats, peruse through the souvenir markets and visit the Great Mosque.          BL

 Day 11. Xi’an, Shanghai, Wuzhen

Enjoy the morning at leisure before flying to Shanghai. From here, travel to the ancient water town of Wuzhen and see where Marco Polo roamed, as you discover the beautiful canals and charming cobblestone streets. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Special Stay – relax at the Tong’an Guesthouse, an enchanting Ming and Qing Dynasty-style hotel.

Wuzhen, Tong’an Guesthouse         BL

Day 12. Shanghai

This morning, enjoy a boat ride on the canals of Wuzhen before returning to Shanghai, then transferring to the Broadway Mansion Hotel, famed for its classic colonial architecture. Enjoy dinner at your leisure this evening.

Two Nights: Shanghai, Broadway Mansion Hotel             BL

 Day 13. Shanghai

Like a Local – discover why China was ‘built on tea’, as you partake in a traditional tea ceremony at a pagoda within the majestic Yu Yuan Gardens. Enjoy the peaceful surrounds and learn about the ceremony’s significance and traditional range of teas with their cultural significance. Afterwards, continue to explore the lavish gardens, including its impressive Jade Rock boulder, then take a tour of Shanghai’s Old City. For your final afternoon, embark on a cruise along the Huangpu River. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Ding Tai Fung, famed for its local steam dumplings.        BLD      

Day 14. Depart Shanghai, Arrive UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight home and arrive back in London.         B