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China & Grand Yangtze Discovery Cruise

13 Days from $3,577 pp*

Highlights: China (Shanghai, Beijing) , Asia Cruises (Yangtze River Cruise)

Trip Start/End: Shanghai / Beijing

* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

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Explore Shanghai with your private cruise before you embark on a 7 night cruise on the Yangtze River, the third longest river on Earth, and lifeblood of China. Sail through thousands of years of Chinese history, culture and economy, all firmly rooted in the waters of the Yangtze. Your time on board between Shanghai and Chongqing will be enhanced by daily group excursions, exploring intriguing cultural and historic sites of the Yangtze River basin in Nanjing, Huangshan and Wuhan, not to mention cruising the incredible Three Gorges Scenic Spot, one of China's forerunners for UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit Chongquing before you fly to Beijing and discover the city with your private expert guide.

Available Cruise Dates (2012):
Shanghai-Chongqing: Aug 5,19, Sep 2,16,30, Oct 14,28, Nov 11.
Chongqing-Shanghai: Aug 13,27, Sep 10,24, Oct 8,22, Nov 5.

Available Cruise Dates (2013):
Shanghai-Chongqing: May 3,17,31, Jun 14, Sep 13,27, Oct 11,25
Chongqing-Shanghai: May 11,25, Jun 8, Sep 7,21, Oct 5,19.

Overview

Day	Activities	Hotel
Day 1 Shanghai	Transfer - Airport (Arrival into Pudong - PVG) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver	The Langham Yangtze Boutique (5*) Art Deco () 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 2 Shanghai	Private - City Tour Shanghai Museum, Bund, Cruise Oriental Pearl & Urban Planning Hall (with lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver	The Langham Yangtze Boutique (5*) Art Deco () 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 3 Shanghai - Shanghai, China - Yangtze River Cruise	Private - 1/2 Day Zhujiajiao Excursion - Vehicle/Guide/Driver Transfer - Private - Pier - Vehicle/Guide/Driver1 Embarkation Departure: 5PM Dinner on Board	Victoria Sophia (8N) Main Deck Superior Cabin (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 4 Nanjing - Yangtze River Cruise	Shared: Nanjing Tour Breakfast on Board Lunch on Board Dinner on Board	Victoria Sophia (8N) Main Deck Superior Cabin (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 5 Huangshan - Yangtze River Cruise	Shared: Huangshan Tour Breakfast on Board Lunch on Board Dinner on Board	Victoria Sophia (8N) Main Deck Superior Cabin (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 6 Wuhan - Yangtze River Cruise	Shared: Wuhan's Guqin Terrace Breakfast on Board Lunch on Board Dinner on Board	Victoria Sophia (8N) Main Deck Superior Cabin (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise	Sailing the Yangtze River Breakfast on Board Lunch on Board Dinner on Board	Victoria Sophia (8N) Main Deck Superior Cabin (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 8 Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise	Shared: Three Gorges Dam Visit Breakfast on Board Lunch on Board Dinner on Board	Victoria Sophia (8N) Main Deck Superior Cabin (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 9 Wu Gorge - Yangtze River Cruise	Shared: Daning River Small Gorges Breakfast on Board Lunch on Board Dinner on Board	Victoria Sophia (8N) Main Deck Superior Cabin (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 10 Fengdu Ghost City - Yangtze River Cruise	Shared: Fengdu Tour Breakfast on Board Lunch on Board Dinner on Board	Victoria Sophia (8N) Main Deck Superior Cabin (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 11 Beijing - Chongqing	Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver Breakfast on Board Disembarkation Private - Dazu Excursion - Vehicle/Guide/Driver Transfer - Airport/Pier - Vehicle/Guide/Driver Air - Chongqing - Beijing [Direct (2,5 hrs)] - Economy Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver	Grand Hyatt (5*) Standard Room (B) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 12 Beijing	Private - Great Wall Mutianyu & Ming Tombs with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver Lunch (included) Dinner (not included)	Grand Hyatt (5*) Standard Room (B) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 13 Beijing	Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver	Depart (Int`l Airport)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Itinerary

- Shanghai
- The Langham
Day 1: Shanghai
Your private driver will meet you upon your arrival into Pudong airport in Shanghai and transfer to your accommodation in Shanghai. or vice versa.
Accommodation: The Langham Yangtze Boutique (5*)
Relive the Golden Age of Old Shanghai in this dazzling, Art Deco jewel, infused with every thoroughly modern five-star luxury that today’s discerning travelers expect. Just steps from the famous People’s Square and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and a 10 minute stroll to the historical Bund. Every one of the guestroom and suites features a spacious bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, broadband internet and Wi-Fi access, IP Phone, iHome iPod docking station, DVD Player, 42” LCD-TV in bedroom and 19” LCD-TV in bathroom and a generously sized business desk. Many rooms feature a private balcony or terrace making the hotel indeed a rarity among Shanghai hotels.
- Oriental Pearl Tower
Day 2: Shanghai
Experience a full day private guided tour of Shanghai visiting the Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Museum, Nanjing Road, the Bund, cruising on the Huangpu river and enjoying the views from the Oriental Pearl Tower. The museum is an authentic treasure house of ancient Chinese art and holds around 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 Shanghai’s exciting past and future. Strolling down Nanjing Road, which was once listed as one of the most interesting streets 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 water for a trip up the Oriental Pearl Tower to view the city from above. The majority of this tour is best to be done by foot.
Accommodation: The Langham Yangtze Boutique (5*)
- Yangtze River
- Victoria Sophia
Day 3: Shanghai - Shanghai, China - Yangtze River Cruise
Meet your private driver and guide at the hotel, and depart Shanghai for a half-day excursion to Zhujiajiao; a beautiful water town on the banks of the Yangtze an hour outside of Shanghai. The 47 square kilometer town is almost 1700 years old. Its beauty lies in its lovely streams, which reflect the traditional houses built on their banks. Large and small gondola-like boats in typical Chinese style ply the waters all around the city. After your tour, you'll be returned to Shanghai.
Private Transfer between Shanghai Pier and hotel.
Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom, and to explore the length of the ship. Your welcome dinner this evening will provide an ideal opportunity to meet some of your fellow cruisemates.
Accommodation: Victoria Sophia (8N)
The Victoria Sophia is specifically designed to accommodate both leisure and business travelers, it has over 1200 square feet on the upper floor, with conference rooms, space for cocktail parties, private meetings, and guest lecture sessions.The Victoria Sophia has been redesigned with private balconies for all cabins to allow intimate, private viewing of the scenery of the Three Gorges. The Victoria Sophia's hospitable, well-trained staff makes passengers feel comfortable and at home aboard this floating hotel.
- Ming Dynasty City Wall of Nanjing
Day 4: Nanjing - Yangtze River Cruise
Today you'll cruise to Nanjing where you'll participate in a full-day tour of Nanjing. During the course of the day, you'll get to visit the Ming Dynasty City Wall open-air museum, and also a Qing Dynasty-style bazaar which surrounds a Confucian Temple.
Accommodation: Victoria Sophia (8N)
- Huangshan Mountain
Day 5: Huangshan - Yangtze River Cruise
Continue cruising west along the Yangtze, stopping for a shared full-day excursion to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a prominent subject of traditional Chinese art. Its renowned for its sunsets, granite peaks and pine-lined cliffs. Depending on weather conditions, Jiuhuashan or "Mountain of the Nine Lotuses" may be substituted if conditions do not permit a visit to Huangshan.
Accommodation: Victoria Sophia (8N)
- Terrace Gate, Wuhan
Day 6: Wuhan - Yangtze River Cruise
Your morning cruise will bring you to today's shared excursion of Wuhan, where you'll visit the Heptachord Terrace (Guqin Tai). A remnant of the Northern Song Dynasty, the grounds comprised of a main building, courtyard, garden and tea house, were designed to commemorate the legend of Yu Boya, a tale of friendship.
Accommodation: Victoria Sophia (8N)
- Sunrise Yangtze River
Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise
Today is a full day sailing the magnificent Yangtze River, en route to the UNESCO World Heritage 'Three Gorges' section of the river. Spend some time at the bar, or enjoying the scenery from the observation lounge.
Accommodation: Victoria Sophia (8N)
- Three Gorges Dam Locks
Day 8: Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise
Today you'll arrive in Yichang, sailing through the Gezhou Dam. You'll join a shared visit to the Three Gorges Dam site (the world's largest power station), before rejoining your ship to sail through the Three Gorges Dam locks.
Accommodation: Victoria Sophia (8N)
- Yangtze Gorges
Day 9: Wu Gorge - Yangtze River Cruise
You'll sail through the Wu Gorge (Great Gorge) today, and enjoy a shared excursion to the Daning River Small Gorges, one of the most scenic parts along the Yangtze and its tributaries.
Accommodation: Victoria Sophia (8N)
- Fengdu Ghost Town
Day 10: Fengdu Ghost City - Yangtze River Cruise
This morning you'll take a shore excursion to Fengdu, visiting either the "Ghost City" on Mingshan Hill, or the new relocation village for families who have moved as result of the Yangtze's rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam.

The statues and buildings of the Fengdu Ghost City attraction grounds create an eerie sense of a town of lost souls.
Accommodation: Victoria Sophia (8N)
- Forbidden City
- exterior
Day 11: Beijing - Chongqing
A transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide between the airport and city of Beijing or your hotel is provided.
Bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates as you disembark from your ship this morning.
Enjoy a private sightseeing tour of Chongqing, situated in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. The city features the Dazu Rock Carvings, Gold Buddhist Mountain, Fishing Town, an ancient battlefield, and the Ci Qi Kou village packed with handicraft souvenirs.
Transfer between the airport and pier with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Fly from Chongqing to Beijing .
A transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide between the airport and city of Beijing or your hotel is provided.
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt (5*)
The Grand Hyatt Beijing is one of the finest hotels in Beijing. In the prestigious Oriental Plaza in the center of Beijing, the hotel is just moments from Tian An Men Square, the Forbidden City, the city center and the Wang Fu Jing shopping street. Enjoy an elegantly decorated room, as well as the cuisine at the hotel's exquisite and innovative restaurants. The Grand Hyatt Beijing is a modern, elegant hotel, offering the best of both worlds - a subtle blend of Western and Oriental traditions encompassing contemporary hotel design and convenience with classic standards of service and excellence.
- Great Wall at Mutianyu
Day 12: Beijing
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 started in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Built mainly from granite with its 8 meter high walls that are 5 meters wide at the top, it is notable for its 22 watchtowers. Drive to the Ming Tombs - the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The mausoleums and necropolis are remarkable for their palatial architecture. Originally built as the tomb of Emperor Zhu Di and his empresses, the succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built closely nearby in a grand complex. Lunch is included.
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt (5*)
Day 13: Beijing
A transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide between the airport and city of Beijing or your hotel is provided.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodations

- Art Deco
The Langham Yangtze Boutique (5*) - Shanghai
Relive the Golden Age of Old Shanghai in this dazzling, Art Deco jewel, infused with every thoroughly modern five-star luxury that today’s discerning travelers expect. Just steps from the famous People’s Square and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and a 10 minute stroll to the historical Bund. Every one of the guestroom and suites features a spacious bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, broadband internet and Wi-Fi access, IP Phone, iHome iPod docking station, DVD Player, 42” LCD-TV in bedroom and 19” LCD-TV in bathroom and a generously sized business desk. Many rooms feature a private balcony or terrace making the hotel indeed a rarity among Shanghai hotels.
- More information
- Victoria Sophia
Victoria Sophia (8N) - Yangtze River Cruise
The Victoria Sophia is specifically designed to accommodate both leisure and business travelers, it has over 1200 square feet on the upper floor, with conference rooms, space for cocktail parties, private meetings, and guest lecture sessions.The Victoria Sophia has been redesigned with private balconies for all cabins to allow intimate, private viewing of the scenery of the Three Gorges. The Victoria Sophia's hospitable, well-trained staff makes passengers feel comfortable and at home aboard this floating hotel.
- More information
- Grand Hyatt Beijing
Grand Hyatt (5*) - Beijing
The Grand Hyatt Beijing is one of the finest hotels in Beijing. In the prestigious Oriental Plaza in the center of Beijing, the hotel is just moments from Tian An Men Square, the Forbidden City, the city center and the Wang Fu Jing shopping street. Enjoy an elegantly decorated room, as well as the cuisine at the hotel's exquisite and innovative restaurants. The Grand Hyatt Beijing is a modern, elegant hotel, offering the best of both worlds - a subtle blend of Western and Oriental traditions encompassing contemporary hotel design and convenience with classic standards of service and excellence.
- More information

Travel Info

Travel tips of China

VISA/PASSPORT
A valid passport and visa are required to enter and exit China for both US and Canadian citizens, and must be obtained from Chinese Embassies and Consulates before traveling to China. Visa processing generally takes 5 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately $50 for a Single Entry Visa and $75 for a Multiple Entry Visa. Travelers arriving without valid passports and the appropriate Chinese visa are not permitted to enter and will be subject to a fine and immediate deportation at the traveler's expense. Travelers should not rely on Chinese host organizations claiming to be able to arrange a visa upon arrival. Chinese authorities have recently tightened their visa issuance policy, in some cases requiring personal interviews of American citizens. Although a bilateral United States-China agreement provides for issuance of multiple-entry visas with validity of up to one year for tourists and business visitors, Chinese consulates often limit visas to only one entry. Visas are not required of aliens who hold air tickets to the final destination, have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. Persons transiting China on the way to and from Mongolia or North Korea or who plan to re-enter China from the Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions should be sure to obtain visas allowing more than one entry. Permits are required to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open to foreigners.

Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of China for the most up to date visa information.

HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities outside of major cities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china.aspx

COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Beijing.
Government: People's Republic. China comprises 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, two special administrative regions and four municipalities directly under central government.
Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Among the enormous number of local dialects, large groups speak Cantonese, Shanghaiese (also known as Shanghainese), Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects in the south. Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang, which are autonomous regions, have their own languages. English is spoken by many guides and in hotels. Many taxi drivers do not speak English, even in big cities.
Religion: China is officially Atheistic, but the stated religions and philosophies are Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. There are 100 million Buddhists and approximately 60 million Muslims, 5 million Protestants (including large numbers of Evangelicals) and 4 million Roman Catholics, largely independent of Vatican control.
Time: GMT + 8. Despite the vast size of the country, Beijing time is standard throughout China.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin and three-pin sockets are generally in use. However, most 4 to 5 star hotels are also wired for the use of 110 volt appliances.
Telephone: Country code +86
Mobile Telephone: China has the most mobile phone users in the world, backed by a very sophisticated mobile communications system that now covers the entire country. Roaming agreements exist with most major international mobile phone companies. Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid GSM SIM card (from China Mobile stores) that allows you to use your mobile like a local phone with a new number. You'll need your passport to register.
Internet: The number of Internet users in China reached 253 million in 2008. Internet cafes can be found in most towns and cities, and Wi-Fi is increasingly available at hotels and cafes in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hangzhou and other major cities.

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What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, and Fees as mentioned in the itinerary, Meals if specified - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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China & Grand Yangtze Discovery Cruise

Overview

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Shanghai

Day 2: Shanghai

Day 3: Shanghai - Shanghai, China - Yangtze River Cruise

Day 4: Nanjing - Yangtze River Cruise

Day 5: Huangshan - Yangtze River Cruise

Day 6: Wuhan - Yangtze River Cruise

Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise

Day 8: Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise

Day 9: Wu Gorge - Yangtze River Cruise

Day 10: Fengdu Ghost City - Yangtze River Cruise

Day 11: Beijing - Chongqing

Day 12: Beijing

Day 13: Beijing

Accommodations

The Langham Yangtze Boutique (5*) - Shanghai

Victoria Sophia (8N) - Yangtze River Cruise

Grand Hyatt (5*) - Beijing

Travel Info

Travel tips of China

Trip Map

Request a Quote

What's Included:

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Where do you want to go to?

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