Magnificent China with Yangtze Cruise

Descrizione

Categoria
Group Tour Hotel 4* (Tour di gruppo) Pasti come da programma en
La quota include - Hotel accommodation as per selection with daily breakfast - Lunches and dinners as described in program, with food only - All transfers and transportation for sightseeing by air conditioning vehicle - Domestic air tickets in economy class as indicated in the program including airport tax and fuel surcharge - Train tickets in second class (for high-speed trains) or soft sleeper (for overnight trains) where indicated in the program - All tours and entrance fees indicated in the program - Service of an English-speaking guide in each city - Tips for services of local guides and drivers - Mandatory tips during the cruise La quota non include - Ticket(s) for international flights - Porterage at the airports and at hotels (in and out) - Visa fee for China - Excess luggage surcharge - Optional tours - Any personal expenses - Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day

Programma

Day 1:
Beijing
Our intrepid adventure begins in the bustling capital Beijing. We will receive a warm welcome from our guide at the airport before transferring to the hotel. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings. Overnight at Beijing.

Day 2:
Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Discover Beijing’s rich heritage as we step back in time to an era when mystery and incredible power reigned. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China’s communist history. This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years. In the afternoon, we take a 40 minute transfer and explore the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises walkways, gardens, palaces and lakes, stroll around and admire the beauty of the setting along with the ancient architectural structures and collections of cultural relics.
Breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Welcome Dinner with famous Beijing Roast Duck. Overnight at Beijing.

Day 3:
Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
We embark on a 90 minute scenic drive to the Juyongguan section of the wall, which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch. Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 kilometres. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. After local lunch, continue with Temple of Heaven which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth - the god’s world and the human world - and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital’s past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side. Dinner free at leisure. Overnight at Beijing.

Day 4:
Beijing - Xi’an (Breakfast)
We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class.
Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China’s Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Xi’an.

Day 5:
Xi’an (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We explore Xi'an’s ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terra Cotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Continue with a visit to the Great Mosque, founded in 742 and considered the oldest in China. Then explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively maze of alleys, market stalls, colorful lanterns, and spice-scented shops. Local specialty of Dumpling Dinner, another essential experience before leaving Xi’an. Overnight at Xi’an.

Day 6:
Xi’an - Chongqing (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the high-speed train to Chongqing (second class). Arrival in Chongqing, a vibrand metropolis at the conflulence of Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, famous for its dramatic hilly landscapes, spicy cuisine and as the departure point of Yangtze River Cruise. Evening Drone Light Show. An impressive night-time spectacle where hundreds of synchronized drones light up the sky over Chongqing, forming dazzling 3D patterns, animations, and messages. Set against the backdrop of the city’s illuminated skyline and rivers, this high-tech performance blends art, technology, and storytelling, offering a unique way to experience the vibrant spirit of Chongqing. Transfer to hotel and free time at leisure. Overnight in Chongqing.

Note:
The show is regularly held every Saturday, starting at approximately 21:00 and lasting about 20 minutes, in case of cancellation due to force majeure, no refund will be provided.

Day 7:
Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Dinner)
Visit of Chongqing’s bustling city center and the charming ancient town of Ciqikou, renowned for its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional teahouses and artisan shops. Continue for visiting the Liziba rail line as it’s a unique engineering marvel where the train passes directly through a residential building. Continue with a visit to Jiefangbei Pedestrain Street.
In the afternoon, transfer to pier for embarkation on the Yangtze River Cruise.
16:30 - 20:00 Board the cruise in Chongqing.
18:30 - 20:00 Embarkation buffet dinner.
Free flow house wine, local beer, soft drinks are included.
20:00 - 20:45 Safety Welcome Briefing.
21:00 - 21:30 Captain’s Welcome Reception (Smart Casual is required).

Day 8:
Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning coffee, tea and pastries.
Tai Chi morning exercise.
Breakfast.
08:30 - 11:30 Shore Excursion - Fengdu Ghost City.
Lunch Buffet.
Afternoon cultural activities.
Dinner Buffet.
18:15 - 21:15 Shore Excursion - War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show.
If canceled the White Emperor City visit will be rescheduled to the third day of the cruise.

Day 9:
Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning coffee, tea and pastries.
Tai Chi morning exercise.
Breakfast.
10:00 Cruising through the spectacular Qutang Gorge.
Lunch Buffet.
13:00 Cruising through the magnificent Wu Gorge.
14:30 - 16:30 Shore Excursion - Shennv Stream.
Dinner Buffet.
20:30 - 21:30 Crew Cabaret / Talent Show.

Day 10:
Yichang - Shanghai (Breakfast)
Breakfast.
08:00 - 11:00 Disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang. Join the Shore Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam project site (River Closure Memorial Park and the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum).
12:30 Complete the trip at downtown of Yichang.
Take the high speed train to Shanghai, in second class. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel to check-in. Overnight in Shanghai.

Note:
All the times on the schedule are estimated ones which are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions. All shore excursions departure times and duration are approximate and may subject to change if considered unsafe to operate.

Day 11:
Shanghai (Breakfast)
Full day free at leisure. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 12:
Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams. Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time. Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar. Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 13:
Shanghai (Breakfast)
All good things must come to an end and today sees our 13-day adventure draw to a close. Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing.

La quota include

- Hotel accommodation as per selection with daily breakfast
- Lunches and dinners as described in program, with food only
- All transfers and transportation for sightseeing by air conditioning vehicle
- Domestic air tickets in economy class as indicated in the program including airport tax and fuel surcharge
- Train tickets in second class (for high-speed trains) or soft sleeper (for overnight trains) where indicated in the program
- All tours and entrance fees indicated in the program
- Service of an English-speaking guide in each city
- Tips for services of local guides and drivers
- Mandatory tips during the cruise

La quota non include

- Ticket(s) for international flights
- Porterage at the airports and at hotels (in and out)
- Visa fee for China
- Excess luggage surcharge
- Optional tours
- Any personal expenses
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day

Itinerario

Sistemazioni previste in ciascuna località