Itinerary for: Classic China (WWCLSC )
| China | Shanghai |
| Beijing | Xian |
| Yangtze River Cruise | Chongqing |
| Li River Cruise | Kunming |
| Lijiang |
Days 1-2 : UK – Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.
Day 3 : Shanghai
Sightseeing
today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old
Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum and Silk 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 cruise on the panoramic Huangpu
River.
Days 4-5 : Shanghai – Beijing
Fly to
Beijing and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening meal includes
the local delicacy, Peking Duck. The next day, walk on the historic
Great Wall which stretches over 3,000
miles to the Gobi Desert and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven.
Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.
Day 6 : Beijing
Sightseeing
today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s
Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest
and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in modern China.
Day 7 : Beijing – Xian
Indulge in some shopping at the bustling markets before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.
Days 8-9 : Xian
Arrive in
Xian in the morning. Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned
Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also
stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and
explore the Islamic food markets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional
Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty
dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological
discoveries of
the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors and walk along the Ancient
City Wall.
Day 10 : Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise
Fly to Wuhan
and transfer by coach to Yichang (approx 4.5 hours) to board our Yangtze
River Cruise vessel for the next four nights.
Days 11-13 : Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy a tour
of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the
most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, we will
take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat or
visit the Lesser
Three Gorges and enjoy various shore excursions along the way.
Day 14 : Chongqing – Guilin
Disembark
from our cruise vessel this morning and visit the Panda House at
Chongqing Zoo, before flying to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Day 15 : Li River day tour
Cruise the
stunning Li River and enjoy the tranquil fishing scenes, picturesque
villages and lush green rice paddies. The river is set against a
backdrop of beautiful limestone hills that tower above, creating a
breathtaking landscape. Return to Guilin later in the day.
Days 16-17 : Guilin – Kunming
Visit the
colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Caves and explore Mt
Diecai. Fly to Kunming, also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ and
sample the famous Across the Bridge Noodles. The next day, explore the
picturesque Stone Forest.
Day 18 : Kunming – Lijiang
Fly to
Lijiang, a UNESCO world heritage site and wander through the quaint
cobbled streets and along the meandering waterways of the Old Quarter.
We also visit Black Dragon Pool. In the evening, enjoy the acclaimed
Naxi Ancient Music Show and admire the traditional and colourful
costumes.
Day 19 : Tiger Leaping Gorge day tour
Visit Tiger
Leaping Gorge, one of the most dramatic and deepest gorges in the world
and enjoy the surrounding breathtaking scenery before returning to
Lijiang.
Day 20 : Lijiang – Kunming
Visit the
impressive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which soars to a height of 5500m,
where we will take a chairlift to explore one of the highest meadows and
enjoy the amazing scenery before flying back to Kunming.
Days 21-22 : Kunming – UK
Fly overnight to the UK via Hong Kong, arriving home the following day.