This tour is designed for the visitor to experience the majesty of the Yangtze River and see the dramatic natural landscapes of the Three Gorges as we sail along the world’s third longest river. The tour also uncovers the treasures of cosmopolitan Shanghai, ancient Xian, the capital Beijing and the Panda Reserve in Chengdu.

Days 1-3 : UK - Shanghai

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai and in the evening sample traditional Shanghai cuisine. Visit the beautiful Yu Gardens, Old Town, the Bund, Shanghai Museum, cross the Great Nanpu Bridge and tour the Pudong area. Also explore Xintiandi with its 1920’s style shikumen buildings and end your stay in Shanghai with a stunning Huangpu River evening cruise.

Days 4-7 : Shanghai - Yangtze River Cruise

Fly to Yichang and transfer (approx one hour) to board your Yangtze River cruise vessel for the next four nights. Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty Yangtze River, passing through the spectacular Three Gorges. We take a side trip to the Lesser Three Gorges or travel up the equally dramatic Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat and enjoy various shore excursions along the way.

Day 8 : Chongqing - Chengdu

Disembark in Chongqing and drive to Chengdu for an overnight stay.

Days 9-10 : Chengdu - Xian

Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these endearing animals in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We then fly to the historic city of Xian for two nights stay and enjoy traditional Shui Jiao cuisine. Next day, explore one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by the ancient City Wall and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 11 : Xian - Beijing

Visit Little Wild Goose Pagoda and see the priceless reclics at the renowned Shaanxi Provincial Museum before walking through the lively Muslim Quarter to see the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. Later fly to Beijing for three nights stay and sample the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Days 12-13 : Beijing

During our stay in Beijing, we stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China, and visit the exquisite Summer Palace. The next day we take a walk on the Great Wall, tour the unique Temple of Heaven and enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Day 14 : Beijing - UK