We Love —
- Enjoy a 5* river cruise for 7 nights along the majestic Yangtze, followed by an exciting tour with excursions to some of the world’s most famous landmarks.
- Experience the wonders of ancient and modern China in Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing and Xian.
- We've included a complimentary VIP Home Chauffeur Service for our members who live within 50 miles of departure airport
Here to Help —
Booking 80 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email [email protected]
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 to 17:30.
Our Offers —
14 nights: This trip is 2 nights in a hotel in Shanghai followed by a 7 night cruise down the Yangtze River followed by 5 night stays in Xian & Beijing
Your Destination —
This classic itinerary visits the three most famous cities of China: cosmopolitan Shanghai, historic Xian and bustling Beijing. Included are the must-see sights of the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
Shanghai
Here, visitors can find the perfect blend of cultures - the modern and the traditional, and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen stand side by side to draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwine and form the city's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.
Yangtze River
But The Yangtze River is more than just jaw dropping scenery, it is also one of the world’s largest and most famous waterways, flowing through China’s dramatic and varied scenery. From its source in Qinghai Province, the Yangtze travels almost 4,000 miles into the East China Sea at Shanghai, dividing China into north and south.
Xian
Beijing
A visa is required to travel on this tour. Please refer to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice prior to departure for the latest requirements and how to apply.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: Depart the UK
Day 2: Arrive in Shanghai
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for 2 nights.
Overnight at Regal Shanghai East Asia with dinner included.
Day 3: Shanghai
Sometimes known as 'Hu', Shanghai is a bustling, fast-paced metropolis that offers a rich tableau for sightseers. This morning's tour takes in the lively old town, exquisite Yu Yuan Gardens and the fascinating Shanghai Museum. We also walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style Shikumen buildings. In the evening, enjoy a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River.
Overnight at Regal Shanghai East Asia with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 4: Shanghai - Chongqing - Yangtze River
Visit the developed district of Pudong before flying to Chongqing where you will board the Victoria Selina for a seven-night stay on the magnificent Yangtze River. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on board Victoria Selina with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 5: Shibaozhai
Today, enjoy an included excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, visiting the newly relocated village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam.
Overnight on board Victoria Selina with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 6: Three Gorges
Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Pass through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. Cruise through the 25-mile long Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and sheer cliffs. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing ride through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Later enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and the deepest - its cliff walls rise to 4,000 feet. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks.
Overnight on board Victoria Selina with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 7: Three Gorges Dam
This morning, enjoy an included visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping and admire the beautiful scenery. The Dam is the largest project of its kind in the world.
Overnight on board Victoria Selina with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 8: Three Gorges Tribe
Today, perhaps join an optional excursion to the Three Gorges Tribe where you can take an interesting glimpse into local life in the Xiling Gorge region.
Overnight on board Victoria Selina with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 9: Shennong Stream & Wu and QuTang Gorges
Enjoy an included excursion to the Shennong Stream, before passing through the magnificent, cloud encircled peaks of Wu and QuTang Gorges, said to embody supernatural spirits.
Overnight on board Victoria Selina with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 10: White Emperor City
Today, perhaps take the excursion to this ancient site overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge. White Emperor City has long been a refuge for would-be kings and poets who have travelled here to be inspired by its majestic views. Legend has it that in 25AD, white vapour in the shape of a dragon rose from a well here, and Gong Sunshu, a soldier who had his headquarters here, declared himself the White Emperor. Remains of the city wall can be seen on the hill behind Baidi Mountain, and a temple built to commemorate Gong's reign dates back over 1,950 years.
Overnight on board Victoria Selina with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 11: Chongqing - Xian
After you disembark this morning in Chongqing, visit the lovable Giant Pandas at the Chongqing Panda House. Later, fly to Xian, the ancient capital of China.
Overnight at Grand New World Hotel with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 12: Xian
Come face to face with the terracotta warriors, China’s most enigmatic sight, built to protect the first emperor of China in the afterlife. Visit the Xian Art and Ceramics exhibition centre to see life-sized models of the warriors being made before taking a walk on the Ming-dynasty city walls.
Overnight at Grand New World Hotel with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 13: Xian - Beijing
Visit the exotic Muslim Quarter and see the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, fly to Beijing, the capital of China.
Overnight at Jiangxi Grand Hotel with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 14: Beijing
Walk across the magnificent Tiananmen Square before heading into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City, former home of the Ming and Qing emperors. Stroll through the grounds of the Temple of Heaven and dine on delicious Peking Duck.
Overnight at Jiangxi Grand Hotel with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 15: Beijing
Walk on the Great Wall of China, China’s most iconic sight, before visiting the Jade Factory. Stroll through the grounds of the Summer Palace, former holiday home of the Qing emperors. Watch a thrilling acrobatic show this evening.
Overnight at Jiangxi Grand Hotel with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 16: Beijing - UK
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Day 17: Arrival in the UK
Your Ship —
Our members can enjoy an 7 night full board stay (breakfast, lunch and evening meal - excludes drinks).
Our members may choose from a Main Deck Cabin, Prom Deck Cabin or a Bridge Deck Cabin all of which feature a balcony
Offering comfortable, elegant public areas, a choice of amenities and impeccable personal service, Victoria Sophia accommodates just 208 passengers in 108 cosy, well-appointed cabins, each with a balcony and river views.
- Dining room
- Lounge
- Bar
- Library
- Massage room
- Beauty salon
- Fitness room
- Gift shop
- Mahjong room
- Internet access
- Safety deposit box
- Hairdryer available at reception.
Your Hotels —
You will stay in the below hotels (or similar) in Twin Room throughout.
Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel 4* - Shanghai (2 nights)
Situated within the shopping district of Xu Jia Hui, Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel features 24-hour room service and an indoor heated pool. It is within a 10-minute walk of Shanghai Stadium Subway Station so it is easy to navigate your way around the city. You can also try some traditional Cantonese dishes at The Peak Chinese Restaurant or the Stadium Cafe offers a daily buffet or a la carte menu of Asian and Western meals.
Grand New World Hotel 4* - Xian (2 nights)
Grand New World Hotel is located in central Xian City, a few minutes’ walk from the Ancient City Wall and Islamic Mosque. It offers an indoor pool and a café. A daily buffet or a la carte breakfast awaits guests every morning at Grand New World’s café. In-room dining is available with room service.
Jiangxi Grand Hotel 5* - Beijing (3 nights)
Jiangxi Grand Hotel Beijing is located a 15-minute walk from Liujiayao Subway Station (Line 5). The property offers a well-appointed fitness centre, 2 dining options and accommodation with free wired internet access. It is a 10-minute walk from China Opera and a 10-minute drive from Temple of Heaven Park. He Wei Yuan Chinese Restaurant serves a fine selection of local flavours and Jiangxi dishes. International food can be found at the western restaurant.
Your Journey —
Flights: Are included with British Airways with 23kg of hold luggage.
Outbound
Depart London Heathrow: 13:50
Arrive at Shanghai: 07:55
Inbound
Depart Beijing: 11:15
Arrive at London Heathrow: 15:20
All flight times are local
Transfers: Shared transfers between overseas airports, hotel and cruise ship are included.
Just for you: Complimentary VIP Home Chauffeur Service for those living within 50miles of Heathrow, those living more than 50miles will be charged £1.70 per mile over 50miles
Please note: flight details are given as a guide only and may change. We will however notify you in advance if flights are more than 2 hours outside the time range given. Specific flights cannot be selected and confirmed timings will be shown on your official documentation from the tour operator.
Flights are non-changeable and non-refundable at time of booking.
