China & the Yangtze in Style
12 Days
from
$5495 per person - Save a minimum of $1450 per couple for select departures in March and April*
Highlights:
China
(Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze, Shanghai)
Trip Start/End:
Beijing
/
Shanghai
Voyage in style with this epic private guided journey fit for ancient emperors. Experience the exotic beauty of China’s Yunnan Province while exploring the Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, spiritual temples, enchanting lakes & Tibetan villages. Featuring mouth-watering cuisine, 5* hotels, private guides, chauffeurs, internal flights & more.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Beijing
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*)
The Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Beijing
| - Private - Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*)
The Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Beijing
| - Private - Tour at Mutianyu & Summer Palace with Lunch - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
| Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*)
The Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Beijing - Xi'an
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Beijing - Xi`an [Direct (2 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - 1/2 Day Museum, Wall & Mosque - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Shangri-La Hotel (5*)
Deluxe City View (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Xi'an
| - Private - Terra Cotta Warriors, Banpo & Pagoda - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Shangri-La Hotel (5*)
Deluxe City View (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Xi'an - Yichang - Yangtze
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Xi`an - Yichang [Direct (1.5 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport/Hotel/Pier - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Depart Yichang
| Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*)
The Wu Deck Deluxe Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Yichang - Yangtze
| - Breakfast on Board
- Tai Chi & Orientation
- Three Gorges Dam Project
- Lunch on Board
- Captain's Welcome Reception & Dinner
- Dinner on Board
| Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*)
The Wu Deck Deluxe Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Yichang - Wu Gorge - Yangtze
| - Tai Chi & Breakfast Buffet
- Breakfast on Board
- Cruising Shennong Stream & Disembark at Badong
- Lunch on Board
- Wu Gorge & Onboard Presentation
- Dinner on Board
| Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*)
The Wu Deck Deluxe Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Fengdu Ghost City - Yangtze
| - Tai Chi & Breakfast Buffet
- Breakfast on Board
- Shore Excursion to Fengdu
- Lunch on Board
- Onboard Activities
- "A Taste Of China"
- Dinner on Board
| Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*)
The Wu Deck Deluxe Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Chongqing - Shanghai
| - Disembark in Chongqing
- Transfer - Airport/Pier - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Chongqing - Shanghai [Direct (2,5 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport (Hongqiao Domestic) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Peninsula Shanghai (5*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 11
- Shanghai
| - Private - City Tour Bund Cruise, Yuyuan & Urban Planning Hall - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Peninsula Shanghai (5*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 12
- Shanghai
| - Transfer - Airport (Arrival into Pudong - PVG) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Forbidden City
Fairmont Beijing Hotel
Day 1: Beijing
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide in Beijing.
Accommodation: Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*) Fairmont Hotel in Beijing is within a short driving distance to Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, the Embassy District, Oriental Plaza or Wangfujing, and China World Trade Centre. The hotel offers natural-lit rooms with floor-to-ceiling-windows that are furnished in contemporary Chinese style. The gate-form architecture showcases natural light-filled interiors accented by contemporary Chinese artworks, creating a sense of space and luxury living in the heart of China.
The Temple of Heaven
Day 2: Beijing
This full day, private guided tour, explores Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven with a stop for a deluxe lunch 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.
Accommodation: Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*) 
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Day 3: Beijing
Enjoy a full day private guided tour of the Great Wall at Mutianyu, located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. This section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles and holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. Construction was started in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). There are abundant natural springs which feed a great variety of verdant plants and ancient trees. Built mainly from granite with 8m walls and 5m wide at the top, it is notable for its 22 watchtowers, suggesting a significant military importance. Next, you will visit The Summer Palace which is a sprawling suburban compound used by royalty as their summer retreat and best known for its stunning grounds around Kunming Lake.The Summer Palace occupies an area of 294 hectares (726.5 acres), three quarters of which is water. Classically designed as an archetypal Chinese garden, it is ranked amongst the most noted gardens of the world and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998. Lunch is included in this tour.
Accommodation: Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*) 
Terracotta General
Xi'an City Wall
Shangri La Xian
Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide in Beijing.
Fly from Beijing to Xi'an today. The direct flight should take approximately two hours.
Take an airport transfer in Xi'an by private car with an English-speaking guide.
Half day private guided city tour taking in some highlights of Xian – the ancient capital of China for over 1100 years. Start with some of the 370,000 exhibits at the Shaanxi History Museum, quite simply one of the nation's best. Next stop is the City Wall. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers from one of the oldest and most complete city defences still stand ready to repel attackers. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre, you can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side. Finish with the Great Mosque, located In the heart of Xi'an's Muslim quarter, this is one of the largest Islamic mosques in China. Remarkable for the melding of Chinese architecture with Islamic practice, the courtyards align from east to west facing Mecca. The pavilions, halls and gateways are wonderfully decorated, and this is an active place of worship for the Hui descendants of Silk Road traders and travellers.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel (5*) 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.
Terra Cotta Warrior Close-up
Day 5: Xi'an
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.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel (5*) 
Yangtze
Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Cruise
Day 6: Xi'an - Yichang - Yangtze
Take an airport transfer in Xi'an by private car with an English-speaking guide.
Fly from Xi'an to Yichang.
Transfer between the airport, hotel or pier with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
In the evening, you will arrive at the luxury Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer and check-in to your cabin. The four night cruise sets sail on an upstream course along the Yangzi River the following morning, through the beautiful Three Gorges region. The total length of this cruise is 660 kilometers (402 miles) and is famous for its stunning scenery and is historically and culturally important location for China.
Accommodation: Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*) The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer is a more intimate and luxurious style of cruising that is new China. With the largest cabins and suites on the river, all the private balconies, as well as the highest crew to passenger ratio on the river of 1:1, this is a Yangzi cruise unlike any other. The Yangzi Explorer carries 124 passengers, compared to other cruise ships and offers the finest and most personalized service on the river. Onboard facilities include a la carte dining, a luxury spa, an observation deck, 24 hour room service, a 2 floor theatre, library, and beauty and fitness facilities. A doctor also travels onboard. The ship also has the most spacious and indulgent spa on board this vessel.
Tai Chi
Day 7: Yichang - Yangtze
Start your morning with a traditional Chinese exercise and work up an appetite for the international buffet breakfast. After breakfast view the Xiling Gorge and meet for the safety briefing and ship's orientation.
Visit the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Centre. Back on the boat enjoy an international lunch buffet followed by an Orientation to China presentation. Then enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea before a silk embroidery demonstration.
In the late evening, there will be a Captain's welcome reception followed by an a la carte Welcome dinner prepared by an international award winning chef before a enjoying a welcome crew cabaret.
Accommodation: Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*) 
Boatmen on Shennong Stream
Day 8: Yichang - Wu Gorge - Yangtze
Start your morning with a traditional Chinese exercise and work up an appetite for the international buffet breakfast.
This morning, the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer will cruise the Shennong Stream and disembark at Badong and transfer to a local longboat (sampan) poled by Tujia boatmen before an international lunch buffet on board.
This afternoon view Wu Gorge and then enjoy an arts & crafts presentation before an a la carte diner. After dinner enjoy the movie of the day.
Accommodation: Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*) 
Fengdu County
Day 9: Fengdu Ghost City - Yangtze
Start your morning with a traditional Chinese exercise and work up an appetite for the international buffet breakfast.
After breakfast enjoy an excursion to Fengdu and mingle with the locals and see how school children receive their early education.
After an international lunch buffet attend a Chinese brush painting and calligraphy class followed by a mahjong lesson. A complimentary afternoon tea will be served before the option of a Chinese 101 - Mandarin lesson.
Before dinner, try a dumpling making class and then enjoy "A Taste of China" dinner with a Chinese banquet.
Accommodation: Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*) 
Shanghai
Peninsula Hotel Exterior
Day 10: Chongqing - Shanghai
You will disembark the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer at 9:00 AM in Chongqing.
Transfer between the airport and pier with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Fly from Chongqing to Shanghai.
Enjoy an airport transfer in Shanghai with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking Guide.
Accommodation: Peninsula Shanghai (5*) Opening in late 2009, the ninth property in The Peninsula Hotels' portfolio fronts the historic Bund with spectacular views of the Bund, Huangpu River, Pudong and the gardens of the former British Consulate, and blends with the historic architecture of its landmark neighbors along the Bund -- a UNESCO-designated Modern Heritage Site.
Yuyuan Gardens
Day 11: Shanghai
Enjoy a 3/4 day private guided tour of Shanghai taking in the Urban Planning Museum, Nanjing Rd, Bund, a cruise on the Huangpu and the character of Yuyuan Gardens. Start with a short visit to the Urban Planning Hall, a fun and informative introduction to the exciting city of 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 Huangpu river that divides old Shanghai from the futuristic Pudong before venturing to the old quarter and Yuyuan gardens. Much of this tour is best done by foot.
Accommodation: Peninsula Shanghai (5*) Day 12: Shanghai
You'll be met by your private driver upon your arrival into Pudong airport in Shanghai and transferred to your accommodation in Shanghai.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Fairmont Beijing Hotel
Fairmont Hotel Beijing (5*) - Beijing
Fairmont Hotel in Beijing is within a short driving distance to Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, the Embassy District, Oriental Plaza or Wangfujing, and China World Trade Centre. The hotel offers natural-lit rooms with floor-to-ceiling-windows that are furnished in contemporary Chinese style. The gate-form architecture showcases natural light-filled interiors accented by contemporary Chinese artworks, creating a sense of space and luxury living in the heart of China.
- Shangri La Xian
Shangri-La Hotel (5*) - Xi'an
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.
- Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Cruise
Sanctuary M.S. Yangtze Explorer (5*) - Yangtze
The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer is a more intimate and luxurious style of cruising that is new China. With the largest cabins and suites on the river, all the private balconies, as well as the highest crew to passenger ratio on the river of 1:1, this is a Yangzi cruise unlike any other. The Yangzi Explorer carries 124 passengers, compared to other cruise ships and offers the finest and most personalized service on the river. Onboard facilities include a la carte dining, a luxury spa, an observation deck, 24 hour room service, a 2 floor theatre, library, and beauty and fitness facilities. A doctor also travels onboard. The ship also has the most spacious and indulgent spa on board this vessel.
- Peninsula Hotel Exterior
Peninsula Shanghai (5*) - Shanghai
Opening in late 2009, the ninth property in The Peninsula Hotels' portfolio fronts the historic Bund with spectacular views of the Bund, Huangpu River, Pudong and the gardens of the former British Consulate, and blends with the historic architecture of its landmark neighbors along the Bund -- a UNESCO-designated Modern Heritage Site.
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.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - 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
- 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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