Golden Waterway Voyage
13 Days from just £1,990 per person
Sites Visited: Temple of Heaven; Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; The Great Wall; Ming Tombs; Bell Tower; Terracotta Warriors; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Xian Ancient City Wall; Jade Buddha Temple; ... and much more!
The Yangtze River
Day 1 - London Heathrow to Beijing
Travel from London Heathrow airport for scheduled flight direct* to Beijing. We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.
*Emperor Tours will always book direct flights - however during peak periods (eg. Christmas, Easter and summer holidays) airlines charge considerably more, so a small supplement may apply. Alternatively we will book indirect flights.
Day 2 - Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport and transfer to hotel in city centre.
Later visit the Temple of Heaven – built in 1420, it was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for a good harvest for the year. Time permitting, we will visit the Olympic Village, Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
Conclude today with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant. (L/D)
Accommodation - 5* Beijing Xinhai Jinjiang Hotel or similar
Day 3 - Beijing
Start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world. Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (late Chairman Mao’s huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City – which served as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since 15th century.
In the afternoon the tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace – the largest imperial garden in the world. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B/L)
Day 4 - Beijing
Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall at Badaling. You will be given plenty of time to explore this magnificent monument and climb to the top.
Afternoon is spent visiting the Ming Tombs – 13 Ming Emperors were buried in the basin surrounded by Tiger and Dragon Mountains.
This evening after a traditional Peking duck banquet, we will take a closer look into Beijing people’s night life by visiting the bar street, giving you the opportunity to experience the Chinese pub culture. (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Beijing to Xian
This morning you have your own leisure time before an early afternoon flight to Xian.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in the city centre. Later we visit the Ancient City Wall, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being on of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Our final destination today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex, the Temple was initially built in 589, during the Sui Dynasty (581-618).
Tonight enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. (B/D)
Accommodation - 5* Grand Noble Hotel
Day 6 - Xian
Today our tour begins with yet another highlight of the entire journey – Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. With over 7,000 life-size figures unearthed since 1974, this is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Day 7 - Xian to Chongqing
This morning we fly to Chongqing, the “Mountain City”. Reputed for its wonderful scenery, it is surrounded by water on 3 sides. Today we will visit the local market and old town, giving you an insight to traditional China, before we board our 5* Yangtze River Cruise ship after dinner. (B/L/D)
Accommodation - 5* Century Cruise or Victoria Cruise
Day 8 - Yangtze River*
Early birds among us can take the opportunity to learn Taichi on the upper deck. After breakfast there will be a shore excursion to Fengdu - the ghost city (or Shibaozhai or Wanxian County, depending on the water level). (B/L/D)
*Cruise schedule may be subject to change, depending on the water level.
Day 9 - Yangtze River
Excursion to the beautiful Daning River through its Lesser Three Gorges or a small boat trip to the Shennong Stream - drift along the crystal clear water and be dazzled by the strength and bravery of boat-trackers. Cruise staff will prepare a scrumptious farewell dinner and cabaret for us this evening. (B/L/D)
Day 10 - Yichang to Shanghai
After breakfast we will visit the Three Gorges Dam construction site - the largest water engineering project in history, which will create millions of migrants and generate enough power to feed the country's fast developing economy.
Noon disembark cruise at Yichang. After lunch, take a short flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival transfer to hotel in city centre. (B/L)
Accommodation - 5* Majesty Plaza Shanghai or similar
Day 11 - Shanghai
We start our tour today to the Jade Buddha Temple, originally built in 1882 to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. Later we visit the Old Town and the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. We will then take a leisurely walk on the Bund – Shanghai’s famous waterfront, where you will be treated with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of Huangpu River. Finally today we visit the Shanghai Museum, which possesses a collection of over 120,000 precious works of art.
This evening enjoy the famous Shanghai Acrobatic show. (B/L/D)
Day 12 - Shanghai
Today is your last full day in China, and you have the whole day free to catch up on some last minute shopping or exploring.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 13 - Shanghai to London Heathrow
Morning transfer to airport for flight home. End of itinerary. (B)
ADDITIONAL ADD-ON OPTIONS:
OPTION 1 - Chengdu tour including the Giant Panda Research Centre from £150 per person
OPTION 2 - Guilin tour (2 days including Li River Cruise, Yangshou etc) from £380 per person
Hong Kong Extension (extra nights are available upon request):
Day 13 - Shanghai to Hong Kong
This morning transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Rest of day free at leisure. (B)
Accommodation - 4+* Harbour Plaza Metropolis
Day 14 - Hong Kong*
Whole day free to relax or feel the rush as you indulge in shopping and savour the culinary delicacies that Hong Kong has to offer. (B)
*Half day Hong Kong city tour available upon request.
Day 15 - Hong Kong to London Heathrow
Day time free to either relax or explore the amazing east west culture of Hong Kong. Late evening transfer to airport for travel home. (B)
Day 16 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival in London. End of itinerary.
13 Days Package Price from just £1,990 per person (Single supplement £440, or £240 if willing to share cabin on cruise)
16 Days Package Price (with Hong Kong) from just £2,290 per person (Single supplement £560, or £360 if willing to share cabin on cruise)
Price includes:
- International flight London - Beijing / Shanghai (or Hong Kong) - London
- 4*/5* hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
- 5* Yangtze River Cruise
- Meals as described (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)
- Daily supply of bottled water
- Fully escorted tours with English speaking guides
- All domestic flights
- All airport taxes and service charges
Price excludes:
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details)
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Chinese visa
| Date (depart - return) | Price | *with Hong Kong extension |
|---|---|---|
| 05 - 17 / 20* Nov 2011 | £1,990 per person | £2,290 per person |
| 24 Mar - 05 / 08* Apr 2012 | £2,120 per person | £2,420 per person |
| 07 - 19 / 22* Apr 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,490 per person |
| 21 Apr - 03 / 06* May 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,490 per person |
| 05 - 17 / 20* May 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,490 per person |
| 19 - 31 May / 03* Jun 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,490 per person |
| 02 - 14 / 17* Jun 2012 | £2,120 per person | £2,420 per person |
| 07 - 19 / 22* Jul 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,490 per person |
| 21 Jul - 02 / 05* Aug 2012 | £2,260 per person | £2,560 per person |
| 28 Jul - 09 / 12* Aug 2012 | £2,260 per person | £2,560 per person |
| 11 - 23 / 26* Aug 2012 | £2,260 per person | £2,560 per person |
| 01 - 13 / 16* Sep 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,490 per person |
| 15 - 27 / 30* Sep 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,490 per person |
| 06 - 18 / 21* Oct 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,560 per person |
| 20 Oct - 01 / 04* Nov 2012 | £2,190 per person | £2,560 per person |
| 03 - 15 / 18* Nov 2012 | £2,120 per person | £2,420 per person |
