Combine the imperial cities with a cruise through the Three Gorges of the mighty Yangtze.
Combine the imperial cities with a cruise through the Three Gorges of the mighty Yangtze.
This journey pairs China's greatest imperial cities with the serenity of a Yangtze River cruise. Begin in Beijing, where the Forbidden City and the Great Wall open your story of empire; travel to Xi'an to meet the silent ranks of the Terracotta Army; then board a river cruise and drift through the dramatic gorges of the Yangtze — past sheer cliffs, ancient trails and misty peaks. The journey ends in cosmopolitan Shanghai, a fitting contrast of old and new.
This is a relaxed, well-paced private journey — ideal for first-time visitors who want the icons plus the romance of river travel, without feeling rushed. Your private English-speaking guide and vehicle are with you throughout, and the cruise cabin includes all meals on board. We can adapt any day to your pace and interests, and confirm your preferred hotel category and cabin deck before booking.
Arrive in Beijing. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to rest or take a first stroll.
Evening: welcome briefing and an optional Peking Duck dinner.
Morning: explore the Forbidden City with your guide.
Afternoon: stand in Tiananmen Square, then wander the hutongs by rickshaw.
Evening: free time to explore the city's nightlife.
Morning: drive to a quieter section of the Great Wall and walk its restored battlements.
Afternoon: visit the Temple of Heaven — the blue-roofed Hall of Prayer.
Evening: return to the city and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Morning: fly to Xi'an and check in.
Afternoon: visit the Terracotta Army and the ancient city walls.
Evening: enjoy the Muslim Quarter's street food and bazaar.
Morning: explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an's history.
Afternoon: free time for shopping or a cycling tour of the city wall.
Evening: transfer to the airport and fly to Chongqing.
Morning: explore Chongqing, China's mountain city on the Yangtze.
Afternoon: board your Yangtze river cruise.
Evening: enjoy the first dinner on board as the ship sets sail.
Cruise through the dramatic Three Gorges — Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge.
Afternoon: optional shore excursion to a riverside village.
Evening: cultural performance on board.
Morning: drift through the Shennong Stream in a small boat.
Afternoon: pass the towering Three Gorges Dam.
Evening: farewell dinner on board.
Morning: disembark at Yichang and fly to Shanghai.
Afternoon: walk the famous Bund waterfront.
Evening: free time to explore Nanjing Road.
Morning: visit the serene Yu Garden and the old town.
Afternoon: free time for last-minute shopping.
Evening: transfer to the airport for departure.
Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel. Please contact us for an exact quotation for your dates.