China, Tibet & the Yangtze

17 days
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Small Ship Cruise
Explore remarkable cultures with an intriguing tour of Asia, travelling from China's Beijing and Chengdu to Lhasa, in the heart of Tibet, where you visit Potala Palace, before cruising through the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River.

Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Embark on a three-night cruise on the Yangtze River aboard all-balcony Sanctuary 'Yangzi Explorer'
    • Discover Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet's spiritual capital
    • Visit the less-crowded and well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall
    • Enjoy a private tour with an on-site archaeologist at the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit
    • Visit the Panda Research Center, where you learn about China's unofficial national symbol in its natural habitat
    • Experience the narrow winding lanes and courtyard residences of a traditional hutong

What's this trip about?

    Explore remarkable cultures with an intriguing tour of Asia, travelling from China's Beijing and Chengdu to Lhasa, in the heart of Tibet, where you visit Potala Palace, before cruising through the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age range10 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBeijing
End CityShanghai

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Family Friendly
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Beijing
  • Chengdu
  • Chongqing
  • Great Wall of China
  • Lhasa
  • Shanghai
  • Terra Cotta Warriors
  • Tiananmen Square
  • Tibet
  • Xian
  • Yangtze River
  • Yichang

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Kid-friendly activities
  • River cruise
  • Short Cruise

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 18

Trip includes

    • Meals
    • Accommodation

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive Beijing, China

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, China’s capital and cultural hub, where you are transferred to your luxurious hotel.

Day 2: Beijing | Imperial Beijing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

After a morning welcome briefing, participate in a tai chi lesson at the Temple of Heaven, one of the iconic sites of Beijing and a classic example of Ming architecture. After l...

Day 3: Beijing | Walking the Great Wall

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

Travel to the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Walk or ride a cable car to the top and view the countryside. Return to Beijing this afternoon, where you Ride Like a Local on a pedicab through a hutong — a neighborhood of small winding alleyways.

Day 4: Xian | In the Heart of China’s Eternal City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Xian

Fly to Xian, made famous by Marco Polo. Once a vital stop on the Great Silk Road, Xian has become a melting pot of Asian and Middle Eastern influences. This afternoon, view the Grea...

Day 5: Xian | Terra Cotta Warriors, Army for the Afterlife

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Xian

Today, view the incomparable Terra Cotta Warriors, lost to the world for two millennia until accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1974. Explore them with an on-site archaeologist at your ...

Day 6: Chengdu | Spicy Sichuan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu

Fly to Chengdu. Visit the People’s Park, the city’s largest public park, where you immerse yourself in local life and culture, watching area residents play traditional Chinese in...

Day 7: Chengdu | Up Close with Pandas

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu

Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center and observe giant pandas roaming in their natural habitat. Then, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore Chengdu, a city renowned for its thriving music scene and nightlife.

Day 8: Lhasa | Gateway to Tibet

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

Fly to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet, one of the highest cities on earth at 12,000 feet and your home for the next three nights. Relax and acclimatize.

Day 9: Lhasa | Buddhist Treasures and Monk Debates

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

Visit the vibrant Ani Tsankhung Nunnery and experience the spiritual heart of Tibet at the sacred Jokhang, a 1,300-year old temple. Wander Lhasa’s Barkhor Bazaar, and visit the Dro...

Day 10: Lhasa | Footsteps of the Dalai Lama

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

Visit Sanggye Dhunghor, where some 200 statues are carved into a dramatic rock face. Next, venture beyond the towering walls of the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama.

Day 11: Chongqing | Board ‘Yangzi Explorer’

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sanctuary 'Yangzi Explorer'

Fly to Chongqing to board your river cruiser for a three-night journey through the Three Gorges region. Tonight, view a documentary on the Three Gorges Dam Project.

Day 12: Cruising the Yangtze | Asia’s Great River

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sanctuary 'Yangzi Explorer'

Disembark for a shore excursion to Fengdu where you visit a village relocated by construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Meet a local family, visit a kindergarten and take in a kaleidoscope of sights at a farmers market. This evening, attend the Captain’s Reception.

Day 13: The Three Gorges | China’s Ultimate Scenery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sanctuary 'Yangzi Explorer'

Early this morning, ‘Yangzi Explorer’ navigates the Qutang and Wu Gorges before anchoring at Badong, where you board a ferry and travel up the Shennong Stream. Disembark to boa...

Day 14: Yichang to Shanghai | Disembark ‘Yangzi Explorer’

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: The Peninsula Shanghai

Explore the Three Gorges Dam Site and Exhibition Center this morning. Then, disembark and fly to Shanghai. On arrival this evening, transfer to your elegant hotel, on the city’s historic Bund.

 

Day 15: Shanghai | Exhilarating Metropolis

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Peninsula Shanghai

Explore Shanghai, visiting Zhujiajiao, a water village evoking China’s medieval past. Cruise its main canal in a sampan (wooden boat). Enjoy a Scenic Sundowner at the House of Roosevelt, taking in skyline views of Shanghai. Then, attend a Shanghai Acrobatic show.

Day 16: Shanghai | Thriving Waterfront

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Peninsula Shanghai

Stroll the Bund, Shanghai’s popular promenade. Then, wander the streets of Old Town and visit the 16th-century Yu Garden. Later, explore the M-50 Contemporary Art District, and gather for a festive farewell dinner.

Day 17: Depart Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or to depart for a post-tour extension.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,295
Price per day$488
Single supplement (single occupancy)$1,348
Last Updated: 10/18/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Abercrombie & Kent.

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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At Abercrombie & Kent, we strive at every turn to redefine your notion of what is possible on a vacation. Our approach combines singular service — such as a private passage by road and lake through the Andes, or a maximum group size of only 12 guests on each Galápagos shore excursion — with insider-access opportunities unlike any you have experienced before. A&K lets you discover Machu Picchu through the eyes of its former resident archaeologist, and introduces you to Mayan culture firsthand, through an exclusive meeting with a Mayan family.

In these and myriad other ways, Abercrombie & Kent consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty — and no A&K journey is complete without that extra, unexpected "and" that makes your experience unique and unforgettable.

Choose from a Luxury Small Group Journey, the finest group travel experience in the world; a Connections journey, which combines A&K’s renowned service with unbeatable value; A Marco Polo Club Invitational Journey to an exotic locale; a private Signature Series itinerary; or a custom independent journey created just for you. When it comes to discovering the world, the possibilities are endless.

Making these extraordinary journeys possible are the handpicked experts in our 50 offices worldwide, on call around the clock. Chief among them are our resident A&K Tour Directors and local guides. The Tour Director leads each group departure, providing unmatched on-the-ground expertise with A&K local guides contributing along the way.

With expertise in not only luxury but culture, wildlife and history as well, Abercrombie & Kent reveals your destination with an authenticity beyond the reach of any other travel company.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International Flights
    • Passport and Visa Charges
    • Personal Expenses

Accommodation

Ship & cabin information
Sanctuary ‘Yangzi Explorer’
With luxurious staterooms and public areas, expert onboard guides and a peerless staff and crew, ‘Yangzi Explorer’ is ideal for cruising the mighty Yangtze. Yangzi Explorer’s’ spacious and elegant staterooms range from a roomy Deluxe Cabin — at 333 square feet, the largest cabin of its kind on the river — to the palatial Imperial and Celestial suites at 1,183 square feet. Some suites feature a private sun deck/balcony, king-size bed and separate lounge with panoramic views. All cabins and suites include private balconies with al fresco sitting area, private bathroom, minibar, air conditioning and flat-screen TV.
38 deluxe cabins, 20 suites and four specialty suites Private balcony in all cabins and suites Viewing lounge with bar International restaurant offering a wide array of menu options Double-decker theater area with bar Spa and beauty salon
Cancellation policy

Cancellation fees per person

Luxury Small Group Journeys, Marco Polo Journeys, Connections Land Journeys, and related Group Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions

  • If 91 days prior to departure or more cancellation fee is $500
  • Is 90-61 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 20% of program price
  • If 60-31 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 50% of program price
  • If 30 days prior to departure or less cancellation fee is 100% of the program price
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 .
Meals Included

16 Breakfasts,13 Lunches and 9 Dinners

Age Requirements
10 years and up
Additional Information
  • Extend Your Journey | Enhance your journey with a pre-tour extension to Mongolia (5 days from $3,995) and a post-tour extension to Guilin & Hong Kong (4 days from $1,995).

Pre-Tour Extension: Mongolia, Days: 5 | From: TBA

Internal Air Routing: Ulaanbaatar/Gobi Desert/Ulaanbaatar/Beijing

Available to add to select departure dates. See Dates & Prices tab for details.

Day 1

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Three Camel Lodge

Fly to the vast Gobi Desert, visit scenic mountain gorges lined with glaciers, and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Three Camel Lodge

Stop at Bayan Zag, where dinosaur egg fossils were found amid the Flaming Cliffs. Visit a camel-breeding family and ride a Bactrian camel.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar. Tour Gandan Monastery and visit Zanabazar Fine Art Museum and Sukhbaatar Square.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, fly to Beijing, China.

 

Post-Tour Extension: Guilin & Hong Kong, Days: 4 | From: TBA

Internal Air Routing: Shanghai/Guilin/Hong Kong

Available to add to select departure dates. See Dates & Prices tab for details.

Day 1

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin

Fly from Shanghai to Guilin and transfer to your hotel. Visit Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Enjoy bamboo rafting from Yangdi to Xingping, transfer to Yangshuo, ride a bicycle or golf cart in the country. Fly to Hong Kong.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Depart for Sheung Wan, visit a local herbal medicine market and Man Mo Temple. Ride a sampan to a floating village in Aberdeen. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with fellow guests.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.

 

  • 5 Things That Will Surprise You in China | From Beijing to Shanghai, ancient and modern still collide in five magical places.
  • Suite Upgrade Package | Upgrade to suites at all hotels throughout your journey from $1,765.
  • Take This Journey Private | This itinerary is also available as an independent journey, Signature China, Tibet & the Yangtze, with A&K local guides.
  • Customize This Journey | If you would like to customize this itinerary and create a Tailor Made Journey just for you and your companions, click here to inquire, or speak to your travel professional.
Trip ID
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