Yangtze and Beyond

- 18 Days

China Tours - great for history

Tour Highlights

  • Take in an age-old ritual at the Drum Tower
  • Get a relaxing foot massage in Xian
  • Soak up the quaint atmosphere of Yangshuo
  • See passing boats and stunning gorges as you cruise the Yangtze
  • Visit ultra-modern Pudong in Shanghai

Soak up the stunning mountain scenery on the Li River in Guilin and see the impressive Three Gorges of the Yangtze. In between we visit some of China’s other world famous sights including the Great Wall, Xian’s Terracotta Warriors, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. A journey that covers China’s major historic and scenic features at a relaxing pace.

Included: 17 night tour with accommodation and breakfast, 2 lunches plus all meals on Yangtze cruise, Shanghai Chinese Quarter walking tour, all road transport by modern air-conditioned vehicles, flights within China, overnight train, English speaking guide and transfers if arriving and departing on day of tour. Entrance fees of approx. US100 to pay locally. An average level of fitness is required.

Not Included: International flights. For additional expenses see trip details.

Accommodation: Novotel Xinqiao - Beijing plus overnight train to Xian. Bell Tower - Xian. Universal Hotel - Guilin. Paradesa - Yangshuo. Cruise ship Victoria 5 - Yangtze River Rendezvous Merry - Shanghai

Crusing down the Yangtze was an amazing experience, just taking in the sights and sounds of the surroundings.

Mrs A.Quaker

Prices:

Please call for 2009 prices.

Prices based on twinshare.

Full Tour Itinerary

Day 1-4: Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and explore her fascinating backstreets by rickshaw, where you will get to meet a local family for lunch in their home and see an age-old ritual at the Drum Tower. A picnic at the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a wander through the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, and a view of the 2008 Olympic Games sites are sure to fascinate.
Stay 3 nights: Novotel Xinqiao plus overnight train to Xian

Day 5-6: Xian & Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors are Xian’s crowning glory, but you will also make memories in the colourful Muslim Quarter and pagodas, and enjoy delicious regional cuisine. Take some time atop the ancient city walls and see the Big Goose Pagoda, as well as Calligraphy Street.
Stay 2 nights: Bell Tower

Day 7-8: Guilin & Longsheng

In Guilin you will take in the beautiful limestone mountains set on the banks of the Li River, an inspiration to poets and painters for centuries. This is only the beginning; a relaxing foot massage at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute is a great warm-up for an evening walking tour through Central Square and to the Night Market.
Stay 2 nights: Universal Hotel

Day 9-10: Yangshuo

Cruise the picturesque Li River. You can cycle through Yangshuo’s verdant rice paddies and absorb this quaint town’s atmosphere and culture as well. You will have plenty of free time to soak up your surrounds. Enjoy a Tai Chi lesson with a local master to get an understanding of this centuries-old tradition.
Stay 2 nights: Paradesa

Day 11-14: Yangtze River

Cruise away from busy Chongqing and take in the view of passing boats and stunning gorges. Along the way you will come across Fengdu, Fengjie, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennong Stream, and Xiling Gorge. The Three Gorges Dam is an incredible undertaking that will leave you in awe. If time allows, visit the Sturgeon Farm near Yichang before you fly to Shanghai.
Stay 4 nights: On the cruise ship Victoria 5

Day 15-18: Shanghai & Zhujiajiao

In Shanghai experience the regal Bund on a walking tour, as well as ultra-modern Pudong. The Old Quarter has thankfully been preserved and offers you a glimpse into the China of old. Prepare to be amazed by an acrobatics performance, and relax into a day-trip to the canal town of Zhujiajiao. Depart on day 18.
Stay 3 nights: Rendezvous Merry