Xian + Yangtze River 5N6D Tour

Your guide will meet you at the airport or train station on your arrival in Xian. On the way to your pre-booked four or five star inner city hotel, your guide will point out the highlights and history of Xian. Spend the rest of the day exploring this ancient capital city.

Meals included: None

The highlight of your tour today is the world-renowned Terracotta Army. Be amazed by the scale and detail of the thousands of individual terracotta warriors, horses and chariots that stand guard in the underground tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin, to protect him in the afterlife. Other archeological finds can be viewed at the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses a huge collection of artifacts dating from the prehistoric to the relatively recent past. You may have an opportunity to enter at the top of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most significant Buddhist pagodas in Xian, you can observe Xian’s 1,400 years of history, while locals can be seen going about their daily activities on a peaceful walk in the temple.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: As the Shaanxi History Museum is closed each Monday, the tour may be altered.

Your tour resumes exploring the ancient Xian City Wall, running 13.75 km enclosing the old capital. In the middle of the old block of Xian stands the Great Mosque, the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in the country, believed to have been built in the mid-7th century. The peaceful Drum and Bell Tower Square offers a chance to relax and get some great photos.

You will then be driven to the airport to catch the flight to Chongqing. On arrival, time permitting, you will be taken to visit Ciqikou Old Town, a microcosm of ancient China once famous for its porcelain. Later you will embark on the luxury Yangtze River Cruise ship which will weigh anchor at 9.00pm. A necessary presentation covering safety, orientation and river briefing will be conducted upon embarkation.

Meals included: Breakfast

As you cruise along the Yangtze River today, take the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and go ashore for an excursion to Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai, depending on the water level or cruise. Fengdu holds importance in Chinese mythology as the final resting place for all souls, represented in the series of temples and grotesque images found in the town. In the evening, sit back and enjoy the Captain’s welcome party and be entertained by a Chinese folk dancing and music performance.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Note: Shore excursions may vary due to different cruise lines and some are optional tours.

Cruising continues today sailing along the Yangtze River where you will encounter the spectacular Qutang Gorge and the pretty Wu Gorge. Information about the three gorges area, including the ancient Plank Road, Mengliang Stairway and Hanging Coffins will be provided by a knowledgeable river guide. Dock at Badong where you can enjoy the natural beauty along the crystal Shennong Stream by taking a small wooden boat tour, or take a shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges in Wu county. Resume the cruise, sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge. Tonight at the ship’s farewell party you are welcome to join a performance by the cruise staff.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Note: Shore excursions may vary due to different cruise lines and some are optional tours.

After breakfast, disembark at Maoping Pier in Yichang, where a shore excursion will take you to one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world, the Three Gorges Dam. Indulge yourself with a tour around the colossal dam and the awesome scene of millions of tons of water being discharged (if it is the rainy season). A shuttle bus will carry you to the Yichang Three Gorges Tourism Center. Transfers will then take you to the airport or train station for travel to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note 1: An optional excursion is available: disembark at Maoping Pier then board sightseeing ferry sailing through the TGP Ship’s elevator to join the tour of the Three Gorges Dam. Payment needs to be made on board should you choose to join this excursion.

Note 2: Flight or train to other destinations is available upon request at a surcharge. Optional tours to other cities are also available.