On this exclusive tour you will visit the major highlights of China, feast on local delicacies and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Yangtze from onboard your 5 star cruise. Start in Beijing, with the Great Wall and Peking Duck. Head to Xian where you will visit the Terra Cotta Warriors. Fly to Chongqing to board the Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer, for 5 days of relaxed cruising down one of the world's most famous rivers. Arrive in Shanghai where you can stroll the bund, and watch acrobats in action. Take a side trip to Hangzhou, a popular and peaceful vacation spot for local Chinese. Throughout you will eat at some of the best restaurants, and in the evenings enjoy cultural performances.

Beijing is China's foremost city and capital for twenty four successive emperors. Some of the major sights include: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Summer Palace. The complete range of Chinese cuisine can be found in the capital, and evening entertainment is superb.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

The Regent Beijing is in the heart of China's dynamic metropolis, an exclusive sanctuary that elegantly interweaves contemporary concepts of luxury with the exquisite charm of historic China. Luxurious accommodation, the ultimate in modern comforts, state of the art facilities, gracious hospitality and intuitive service seamlessly come together to create an inspired, indelible and distinct experience. Five restaurants and lounges featuring Italian, Chinese and Western cuisines provide guests with a variety of culinary styles and the finest in dining environments.

Overnight at Regent.

Full day private guided tour of Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with a deluxe lunch (is included). Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and stretches a vast 440,000 square meters. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty reigned here until 1924. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven.

Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at Da Dong restaurant. Voted by locals as the best Peking Duck in Beijing.

Overnight at Regent.

Enjoy a full day private guided tour with lunch at the Great Wall at Mutianyu located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. This section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles. Construction was started in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Built mainly from granite with 8m walls and 5m wide at the top, it is notable for its 22 watchtowers. Lunch is included.

Enjoy a private deluxe dinner at a fine local restaurant. Then transfer by private car to your VIP seat at Liyuan Theatre Pekin Opera show.

Overnight at Regent.

Xi'an was the capital of China's first emperor whose tomb is guarded by the world famous terracotta warriors.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Fly from Beijing to Xi'an.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Enjoy your VIP seats at the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with private car transfers. At each performance there are over 100 artists who entertain with a colorful spectacle of dance and music symbolizing the splendor of the Tang Dynasty, regarded as the most progressive and prosperous era of Imperial China.

Shangri-La Hotel Xian has the very best of the city right on its doorstep such as the finest in shopping and entertainment. The hotel is just a 30-minute drive from Xian International Airport, and is within easy reach of many top tourist attractions. The hotel’s 386 guest rooms and suites set a new standard for deluxe accommodation in Xian and offer four trendsetting designer restaurants. With luxurious spa treatments and a fully equipped health club with heated pool, it's the perfect place to soothe mind, body and soul. Whether you're traveling for pleasure, Shangri-La Hotel, Xian offers exceptional levels of hospitality to further enhance your enjoyment of this magnificent city.

Overnight at Shangri La .

Take a full day private guided tour of the Terra Cotta Army, Banpo Museum and the Buddhist Wild Goose Pagoda with a deluxe lunch. China's greatest archaeological excavation - over 7,000 terra cotta life size warriors and horses arranged in battle formations symbolically guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of the Qin dynasty (246-209 BC). The Neolithic Banpo Village has nearly 10,000 production tools and the remains of 45 houses on display.

Enjoy a dinner buffet at the beautiful Shangri La hotel.

Overnight at Shangri La .

Yangtze River cruises are either downstream from Chongqing to Yichang (4 days/3 nights), or upstream from Yichang to Chongqing (5 days/4 nights). There are typically 3-4 shore excursions on a cruise, which vary between different ships. Ironically, the shorter 4 day downstream cruise is more expensive than the longer 5 day upstream cruise due to higher demand.

Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

Fly from Xi'an to Chongqing.

Transfer between airport and pier with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

This evening you will board your luxury cruise ship in Chongqing. By 10pm all passengers will have checked in, and you will overnight on the ship.

The newly renovated Yangtze Explorer (formerly East Queen) sets new standards for luxury on the river, and is operated by Orient Royal Cruise the premier cruise company. 180 passengers luxuriate in 80 cabins, including standard, Jade, and Imperial suites - the largest available on the Yangtze River. Large picture windows in each beautifully appointed stateroom offer breathtaking views. Breakfast is usually served at 7:30 a.m., lunch at 12:30 a.m. and dinner at 7:00p.m. at a pre-assigned table number. In-cabin dining is also available 24hrs a day.

Overnight at Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Downstream.

Today you will visit Shibaozhai, a gem of Chinese architecture. From a distance the protruding 220-meter hill resembles a jade seal. Located on the south bank of the Yangtze River, it was first built during the Qing Dynasty in 1650. As one of the most spectacular sites along the river, this 12-story 56m wooden red pavilion hugs a sheer rectangular cliff.

Overnight at Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Downstream.

This morning you will visit Wu Gorge, which is the most beautiful section of the Yangtze River, flanked by high peaks that are often capped by fog or clouds. The steep slopes of the gorge are green with trees and bushes. Also see Qutang Gorge, which is famous for its sheer and spectacular precipices, with uniquely beautiful rock formations in every direction. Visit the Shennong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze River. With crystal clear water, this stream flows swiftly from north to south through deep gorges. A sampan tour will allow you to experience a high speed adventure along this unspoiled river. An arrow-like sampan glides through the four-kilometer-long Mianzhu Gorge and then enters the main stream of the Shennong. Next pass by Xiling Gorge, which starts at Badong County and zigzags for 76 kilometers down to the Nanjin Pass in Yichang. It is the longest part of the Three Gorges system with dangerous rapids like Xietan, Qintan and Kongling, collectively known as the Three Rapids of Xiling. The swift current carries boats down river at the rate of seven meters per second. It is a thrilling ride.

Overnight at Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Downstream.

Hangzhou, the southern terminus of the Grand Canal, is located on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in southeast China, a superior position in the Yangtze Delta and only 180 kilometers from Shanghai. It's most famous attraction it the West Lake, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. Solitary Hill, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple are probably the most frequently visited attractions.

This morning you will take a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project, which is one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by mankind. This great dam, the largest of its kind in the world, provides China with tremendous power generation and flood control services. Visitors see the panorama of Three Gorges from the highest point of the building site, the exhibition house, natural scenic spot Maogongshan and Huangling Temple. Arrive into Yichang for disembarkation around 11:30am. Continue on your journey through China!

Airport/hotel/pier transfers with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Fly from Yichang to Shanghai.

Enjoy an airport transfer in Shanghai with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking Guide.

Transfer between Shanghai and Hangzhou by bullet train.

Transfer from hotel to train station or vice versa, with private vehicle and guide to assist.

In China’s most picturesque setting, Four Seasons reveals an intimate lakeside village, melding centuries of tradition with chic contemporary style. Convenient to business and shopping, discover a tranquil enclave, woven with ponds, streams and lagoons. Experience the gentle spirit of Chinese hospitality in exclusive private dining rooms and resort-style recreation, including two swimming pools and a cutting-edge designer spa. Deftly sophisticated Four Seasons care instills confidence and delight.

Overnight at Four Seasons (5*).

Cruise on the West Lake which is situated on the west edge of Hangzhou city. West Lake is the symbol of Hangzhou as well as one of the most beautiful sights in China. Next stop is the Lingyin Temple/ Monastery of the Hidden Souls. Lingyin Temple is one of the ten most famous ancient Buddhist temples in China. It also houses various Buddhist literature and treasures situated in front of Lingyin Temple. It is famous for its more than 470 stone carvings of Buddhist figures, which dated from the 10th to 14th centuries. And finally the Dragon Well Tea Plantation. It is one of the most famous brand in China, in this Tea Plantation, you can try to pick the tea leaves, taste a nice cup of tea and learn the history and processing procedure of tea. Private vehicle, lunch and driver included.

Overnight at Four Seasons (5*).

Shanghai is the symbol of "New China", bustling and busy with excellent shopping. With an eclectic architectural mix from Asian infused Victorian and Art Deco to 21st Century avant-garde, Shanghai is an exciting, ever-changing metropolis. Popular attractions range from the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum to modern wonders like the Oriental Pearl Tower. Landmarks of the city include the French Concession and historic waterfront known as the Bund. Shanghai is an excellent base from which to explore the canal towns of the Yangtze delta as well as nearby Suzhou or Hangzhou. Shanghai will host the 2010 World's Fair.

Transfer from hotel to train station or vice versa, with private vehicle and guide to assist.

Transfer from Hangzhou to Shanghai.

Transfer to/from train station with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Half day private guided tour of Jade Buddha Temple and Yuyuan Garden with deluxe lunch. The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most popular sights in Shanghai containing rare white jade Buddhas brought from Burma in the nineteenth century. One is seated while the other is in the recumbent position of Sakyamuni symbolizing the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment or nirvana. Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The garden has six areas, each with its own style, the most popular being the Grand Rockery in the center.

The Fairmont Peace Hotel (5*), overlooking Shanghai’s Huangpu River, boasts a history that overshadows that of any other hotel in the Far East. With its origins dating back more than a century, this beloved landmark served as a glamorous playground for the elite of Shanghai. Each spacious guest room and suite is inspired by the original art deco influence married to the rich blending of cultures that gave rise to Shanghai’s fame as the Pearl of the Orient. All has been luxuriously decorated with opulent furnishings and modern amenities - providing the guest with an experience that is both indulgent and exquisite. Experience extraordinary cuisine, innovative bars, headlining entertainment and attentive service at the most iconic address on the Bund. Watch heritage and haute cuisine blend to reflect the new spirit of Shanghai at one of their six dining destinations including the endeared Jazz Bar. Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Peace Hotel is relaxing, comfortable and sensorial.

Overnight at Fairmont Peace Hotel (5*).

Experience a full day private guided tour of Shanghai taking in the Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Museum, Nanjing Rd, Bund, a cruise on the Huangpu and the views from the Oriental Pearl Tower. The museum is a veritable treasure house of ancient Chinese art and houses 120,000 precious relics. Bronzes, pottery, paintings and calligraphies are distinctive features of the Museum's collection. The nearby Urban Planning Hall is a fun and informative introduction to the exciting city that Shanghai past and future. Strolling down Nanjing Rd, once listed as one of the most interesting in the world, you will arrive at the historic Bund. Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpud river that divides old Shanghai from the futuristic Pudong before venturing across the river for a trip up the Oriental Pearl Tower to view the city from above. Much of this tour is best done by foot.

Enjoy a luxurious dinner at the Park Hyatt's famous restaurant 100 Century Avenue. This is the highest restaurant in Shanghai, with fantastic panoramic views of the city.

Overnight at Fairmont Peace Hotel (5*).

Transfer from central Shanghai with a driver, and English-speaking Guide to the Maglev station in Pudong from where you can complete your airport transfer in about 8 minutes at speeds of over 400 km/h. (Warning - involves a little walking).

Depart from Shanghai international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.