Majestic China With Yangtze River Cruise

Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, Our private tour guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name on it. Our guide will greet you warmly, assist you with your luggage, and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel.Once you arrive at your hotel, our guide will assist you with the check-in process, making it hassle-free for you. After the check-in, you'll have some free time to relax and freshen up in your hotel room. Later in the evening, you will meet other travelers  in the hotel lobby. Our tour guide will brief you on your China itinerary.After the briefing, you will head out for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant nearby. This will be a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and our tour guide, and to try some delicious local cuisine.After the dinner return to your hotel and rest for the night, as you'll have an exciting itinerary ahead. Overnight in Beijing

Begin your day in Beijing by visiting Tian'anmen Square, one of the country's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of new China. This vast public square has witnessed many significant events in Chinese history.Explore the square's grandeur and learn about its historical and cultural significance from our knowledgeable tour guide.Next, head to the Forbidden City:Enter the impressive complex of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.Unlike other tours that typically focus on the central axis, our private guide will take you to twelve specially selected locations within the Forbidden City, allowing you to delve deeper into its rich history and experience more of this magnificent site.Marvel at the intricate architecture, stunning courtyards, and exquisite imperial gardens as you immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient Chinese culture.In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, originally built as a retreat for the imperial court during the summer months.Stroll through the beautiful gardens, admire the traditional Chinese architecture, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.Explore iconic structures such as the Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, and the famous Kunming Lake, which offer picturesque views and photo opportunities.Our guide will share fascinating stories and historical insights, allowing you to appreciate the significance and beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.After the tour, you'll have the evening free to explore the city at your leisure, try local cuisine, or simply relax and unwind at your hotel.Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast at your hotel, get ready for an exciting day by visiting one of the most famous and awe-inspiring landmarks in the world: The Great Wall of China.Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to a section of the Great Wall, such as Badaling or Mutianyu, depending on your preferences and the current conditions.Upon arrival, prepare to be amazed by the sheer magnitude and historical significance of this remarkable structure. Walk along the ancient stone pathway, marvel at the stunning vistas, and capture memorable photos of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Our guide will provide historical insights and share fascinating stories about the Great Wall, giving you a deeper understanding of its importance in Chinese history and culture.After exploring the Great Wall, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing. Retrieve your luggage and prepare for your departure from Beijing to Xi'an. Your guide will assist you with the transfer to the airport, ensuring a smooth transition.Fly from Beijing to Xi'an:Board a domestic flight from Beijing to Xi'an, which usually takes approximately 2 hours.Upon arrival in Xi'an, you'll be greeted by our local Xi'an tour guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Xi'an and help you with the check-in process.Overnight in Xi'an.

Start your day by visiting the renowned Terracotta Army Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world. Our guide will accompany you to the museum, where you'll delve into the mysteries of the underground army that dates back to 206 BC. Be awestruck by the thousands of life-sized terracotta statues, each with its own unique facial expressions, hairstyles, and armor.Learn about the history, purpose, and preservation efforts of the Terracotta Army as your guide provides fascinating insights into this remarkable archaeological wonder.After exploring the Terracotta Army Museum, continue your cultural journey by visiting a local craftsman's cave dwelling.Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior yourself. Get hands-on with history as the craftsman shares the techniques and secrets used to create these incredible works of art. This unique and interactive experience will give you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the terracotta warriors.Next, explore the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an:Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, located in the heart of Xi'an.This bustling neighborhood is known for its rich culinary culture and diverse street food scene.Embark on a delicious food adventure as your private guide takes you through the most typical and popular Xi'an dishes.Indulge in savory roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), delicious biangbiang noodles, refreshing steamed cold noodles, succulent pita bread soaked in lamb soup, and more.Experience the flavors and aromas of these incredible dishes, and savor every bite on your culinary journey.Overnight in Xi'an.

After breakfast at your hotel, start your day by visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (also known as Dayanta) in Xi'an.The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a historic Buddhist pagoda that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It is known for its impressive architecture and cultural significance. Explore the pagoda and its surrounding area, learning about its history and enjoying the serene atmosphere. You can also visit the nearby Da Ci'en Temple, which is closely associated with the pagoda.After the morning excursion, it's time to leave Xi'an and head to Chongqing for the Yangtze River Cruise.Your guide will assist you with the transfer to the train station, where you'll board a bullet train from Xi'an to Chongqing. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfortable high-speed train ride, taking in the scenic countryside views along the way.Transfer to the Cruise Port:Upon arrival in Chongqing, Our local guide will be waiting for you at the train station and will assist you with the transfer from the train station to the cruise port, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition.Embark on the Yangtze River Cruise:Once you arrive at the cruise port, you'll embark on the Yangtze River Cruise, a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Three Gorges region. After you’ve settled into your cabin you can join your fellow guests in the Explorer Bar for the

Captain’s Welcome Reception. The large windows allow you to enjoy the night-time cityscape of

Chongqing.16:00 - 20:30 Board at Chaotianmen Port

19:00 - 21:00 Buffet dinner on board

21:15 Safety Briefing in the Explorer Bar

21:30 Captain’s Welcome Reception in the Explorer BarOvernight on Yangzi Explorer.

Start your morning with a traditional Tai Chi lesson, led by our Tai Chi Master and work up an appetite for the

buffet breakfast.This morning, visit the Fuling 816 nuclear engineering site. Hidden in the Wuling Mountains of Fuling, the 816

underground nuclear project is the world’s largest known man-made military cave. Over 50 years ago, more

than 60,000 constructors, came to Jianzishan, an uninhabited place among mountains and forest, to start work

on a top-secret construction of a monumental scale. The work continued for 17 years and was nearly completed

when the government decided to suspend it, before any nuclear material could be produced. Now as the secrets

of military caves are revealed, you will be able to look at the true face of 816 project hidden for 50 years.Alternatively, you can choose to visit 816 Town, where the workers of Project 816 lived for 30 years while

working on the number one top-secret project of Republic. The gate of 816 Town still retains the appearance of

the 1970s and 1980s. Walking in it, the green bricks, red walls, and green windows seemto have their own

stories. You will see the old factories, canteens, auditoriums, and more than 40 old buildings which became the

best carriers of than period of history.In the evening, enjoy VIP seats at an epic, large-scale live performance of The Beacon of Three Kingdoms. The

performance will be a cultural feast with the Three Gorges Harbour as the stage, the culture of The Three

Kingdoms as the theme, and the spirit of loyalty and righteousness as the soul. Based on the famous 14thcentury

novel ‘The Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, the story is part historical, part legend, and part mythical.

The dreamlike performance includes horseback battles, lighting and water effects, 3D holographic projects and

fireworks.Overnight on Yangzi Explorer.

Today, we sail across Qutang Gorges in the morning glow. Qutang Gorge, also known an Kui Gorges and

Ba Gorge, is the first gorge of the Three Gorges Yangtze River. Admire the splendor of the green peaks

and tranquility of the river.After breakfast, start a full-day tour of Wushan.Drive to Dachang Ancient Town, built in the Western Jin Dynasty with a history of more than 1,800

year. It used to be an important distribution center for salt, medicinal materials, and mountain

products in the region. The town was relocated with more than 30 ancient residential buildings, 3 city

gates, and 2 ancient temples It has become the only completely preserved ancient town in the Three

Gorges reservoir area.After the tour, take a two-hour boat ride down the Daning River and return to Yangzi Explorer. Along

the way, you will pass through the essence of Emerald Gorge, which is rarely visited by tourists, and

enjoy the beauty of Wushan Lesser Three, namely Emerald Gorge, Bawu Goge and Longmen Gorge.

Look at the towering peaks, the verdant hillsides, the scattered springs and waterfalls, the hanging

coffins of Ba people in mysterious caves and ancient villages.After lunch, join the tour to explorer the Wushan Goddess Sky Road. Embark on the Yangzi Explorer

Trail, named after Yangzi Explorer, stroll among the cliffs at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, and

overlook Goddess Peak and the Yangtze River. Going deeper, you will board the private lookout of

Yangzi Explorer. The 12 peaks of Wushan will be right in front of you. A champagne reception awaits

you here, exclusive to Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer passengers.In the evening, drive back to the ship and enjoy the dinner on board.Overnight on Yangzi Explorer.

Enjoy a tea or coffee this morning and you can continue to practice your Thai Chi.

This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam, the Great Steel Wall on the Yangtze River, and enjoy a

lecture onboard from an expert explaining the story behind this great project.Lunch will be held at the world-famous cave restaurant - Fang Weng Restaurant - in Xiling Gorge, one

of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. Fang Weng Restaurant is known as one of the “nine cave

restaurants of the world”. The restaurant is built in the middle of the steep hill, located in the cave.

You can enjoy the famous Xiakou scenery, the Three Gorges and the beauty of the stalactites in the

cave.In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Yichang Airport to fly to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, you'll be greeted by our local Beijing tour guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Beijing and help you with the check-in process.Overnight in Beijing

As your China trip comes to end, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.