Best of China

13 days
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8 reviews  
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USTOA

Cancellation Policy
River Cruise
Be prepared to enjoy 13 days with 3 nights along the Yangtze River on board the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, small-group shore excursions, and exclusive access to local attractions beyond the tourist trail. 
From$5,455
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Dine At The Great Wall:Be the envy of your friends with a private chef-prepared buffet lunch on a quiet stretch of the Great Wall of China
    • Summer Palace Cruise:Glide across Kunming Lake aboard a traditional vessel to admire the gardens and ancient pavilions of the Summer Palace
    • See The Terracotta Warriors:Descend into dark excavation pits to glimpse the life-sized clay soldiers of the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi'an

What's this trip about?

    Be prepared to enjoy 13 days with 3 nights along the Yangtze River on board the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, small-group shore excursions, and exclusive access to local attractions beyond the tourist trail. 

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityBeijing
End CityShanghai

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Beijing
  • Great Wall of China
  • Shanghai
  • Three Gorges Dam
  • Xian

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • River cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Trip includes

    • Three-night Yangtze River cruise aboard the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
    • Small-group shore excursions and onboard entertainment during your cruise
    • Enjoy unique moments and exclusive access to local attractions beyond the tourist trail on included Signature Experiences
    • All flights within China
    • 32 fine meals, as well as beer and wine with lunch and dinner on your cruise
    • The services of an APT Tour Director and local guides
    • Customise your holiday with a range of APT Freedom of Choice inclusions
    • Airport transfers, port charges and tipping

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Beijing 

Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Later this evening, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Stay: Three Nights: Raffles Beijing Hotel 

Day 2:
 

Beijing 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Board a traditional vessel for a cruise around the World Heritage-listed Summer Palace in Beijing. Here you will find a variety of palaces, gardens and pavilions, as well as Longevity Hill and manmade Kunming Lake. Admire the scenery as yo...

Day 3: Beijing, Great Wall Of China 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Indulge in a private lunch at the Great Wall of China.

Today, set out for the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea up into the Gobi Desert for more than 6,000 kilometres. Travel back to Beijing this evening and indulge in an authentic Peking Duck banquet served with all the traditional accompaniments. 

Day 4: Beijing, Yichang, Embark Ship 

After the morning at leisure, transfer to the airport and fly to Yichang. On arrival, transfer to your luxury river ship and settle in for your cruise along the Yangtze River.

Stay: Four Nights: the luxurious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer 

Day 5: Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam 

Cruise along the Yangtze River through China’s most picturesque area, the spectacular Three Gorges region. Pass through the longest of the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge, cruising through Yellow Ox Gorge and under Huangling Temple, built around 770 BC – 476 BC and set ami...

Day 6: Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge

Disembark your ship at Badong and transfer by ferry to a traditional Chinese sampan (longboat). As you cruise on this longboat, poled by a local Tujia boatman, you’re able to absorb the serenity of the river and take in the rich surrounding forest and towering rock fo...

Day 7: Fengdu Or Relocation Tour 

Rise early to participate in a tai chi class atop the ship’s Observation Deck for a relaxing start to your day. Following breakfast, disembark for a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little ‘Ghost City’ that lies in the foothills of the mountains by the river. Fengdu is note...

Day 8: Chongqing, Xi'an 

Disembark your ship for the final time in Chongqing this morning. A strategic port since ancient times, Chongqing was established in the 11th century and has a dramatic history, having played a key role in World War II due to its mountainous landscape. Head to the Cho...

Day 9: Xi’an, Terracotta Army 

Today you will discover the attractions of Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China with more than 3,000 years of history. The city was one of China’s Four Great Capitals and is the eastern point of the famous Silk Road. Visit the ancient city wall, one of the largest...

Day 10:
 

Xi’an, Shanghai 

Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, ride the high-speed Maglev train and watch the kilometres race towards an exhilarating 300 kilometres. Once predominantly a fishing and textiles town, rapid growth has seen Shanghai transform into a globally sig...

Day 11: Shanghai 

This morning, be joined by a local guide for an orientation tour through downtown Shanghai. Stop at the Oriental Pearl Tower and take an elevator to the viewing deck, where you will delight in panoramic views of the city. Standing at 468 metres high, it is one of the ...

Day 12: Shanghai 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing

Choose your activity this morning. Perhaps cruise the Huangpu River through the heart of the city, then explore Yu Garden and enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Regarded as one of the most lavish gardens in China, Yu Gard...

Day 13: Depart Shanghai 

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,455
Price per day$420
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with APT Touring.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Ship & cabin information
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
Cancellation policy

For all holiday packages the following APT cancellation fees apply: Days of Notice:            Fee Per Person 100 days or more       Loss of deposit 99-61 days                  50% of holiday package price 60 days or less         100% of holiday package price All cancellations must be received in writing by APT and are not effective until this notification has been received. If your holiday has commenced, 100% of the full holiday package price is charged. There is no refund for unused services or if portions of the holiday package are missed.  Additional cancellation fees may also be charged in respect of accommodation reserved outside the holiday package dates. These cancellation fees are in addition to any fees that may be levied by APT and your travel agent (if any). You acknowledge that the amounts estimated under the Cancellation Policy are reasonable and represent a genuine pre-estimate of APT’s loss. If you request changes after APT has issued your documents, APT may charge you a fee of AUD$70 per person in addition to any applicable cancellation fees.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Optional Activities

Customise your holiday with a range of APT Freedom of Choice inclusions.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing

Personalise your holiday with a choice of included sightseeing options sure to leave you with lifelong memories

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Dining

Choose from a variety of included dining options sure to tantalise the tastebuds of every guest 

 

Additional Information
Trip ID
apttou-BesOfChi

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