14Days China Cruise & Panda

Prices from $4957 per person on Twin sharing basis.

Small Group Tour

Departures 2019: Mar 22, Apr 05, 12; May 10, 17; Jun 07

Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Yangtze River Cruise - Shanghai

The Giant Panda as well as a relaxing cruise as it meanders along the Yangtze River, stopping at traditional settlements and landmarks for day excursions. The illustrious capital, Beijing and the historical city of Xian, gives you China’s rich and unique history. Finally, the vibrant city of Shanghai will bring you to China’s present.

ltinerary

Day 1

Arrive Beijing (D)

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will have time to relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. Your guide will be pleased to advise on what you can do at your leisure. In the early evening your guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet your fellow group members. 

Day 2

Beijing (B/L/D)

This morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped and prayed for good harvest for the year. Here, you can observe the tradition of practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard. This will be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and a visit to the Forbidden City, a grand imperial palace for centuries.

Day 3

Beijing (B/L/D)

Starting off with a visit to the Great wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall which offers all round stunning views. Built mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. In the evening there will be a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional delicacy in Beijing.

Day 4

Beijing - Xi'an (B/L)

After breakfast, a visit to the Summer Palace, full of lakes, gardens and palaces with lovely views and walks. Afterwards, you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. You will then catch a bullet train to Xian.

Day 5

Xi'an (B/L/D)

Today your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of ten thousand life size statues of the Chinese army made over two thousand years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. This will be followed by a visit to the ancient city wall in Xian in the afternoon, which can be enjoyed through a peaceful stroll or a bike ride. This evening you will try a dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.

Day 6

Xi’an – Chengdu (B/L/D)

Today, you will visit to the Shaanxi museum which houses over a quarter of a million artefacts on display, including treasures from many periods of China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, will explore China’s unique architecture style, with the day ending on a visit to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chengdu.

Day 7

Chengdu (B)

Full day is at leisure. (Alternatively opt for optional day tours)

Day 8

Chengdu - Cruise (B/L/D)

In the morning arrive at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been created to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding pandas. Afterwards transfer to the train station for 2 hours bullet train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, be met and transfer to 5* Victoria Cruise.

Day 9

Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)

On the first day of the cruise, you can relax while the ship meanders throughout the Yangtze, allowing you to enjoy its scenic views.

Day 10

Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)

Today’s excursion will be Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. The final excursion of the last day will be an enjoyable journey on a small motorboat through the tranquil Goddess Stream while marvelling at the soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water.

Day 11

Yichang - Shanghai (B/L)

Before arriving at Yichang you will visit The Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station site. Disembark to a smaller specially-designed sightseeing vessel and travel through the ship elevator. Continue to Yichang by coach and our guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai.

Day 12

Shanghai (B/L/D)

The first attraction of the day will be the Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens is home to beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and flowers, perfect for the horticulturist. At the Jade Buddha Temple, one can expect impressive temples, both historical and modern, sporting large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai Museum, there will be an opportunity to visit the waterfront attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis. Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city.

Day 13

Shanghai - Zhujiajiao - Shanghai (B/L)

Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town with a history of over 1,700 years known as the Pearl Stream. After, you can expect to see the Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient and historic buildings, and the Ma Family Garden before heading back to Shanghai at the end of the day.

Day 14

Depart (B)

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.

 

Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.

Prices quoted are valid from 01 March - 30 September 2019. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.