Explore China

Day 1           Sunday 16 October  
Australia/Hong Kong/Shanghai

Depart Australia on your flight to Shanghai via Hong Kong. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Charms Hotel for three nights.

Note:  You can get tailor made clothes in Shanghai, normally it would take roughly 24-48 hours to make. A recommendation is the fabric market which is close to the Yu Yuan Bazaar. 

Day 2-3        Monday 17 - Tuesday 18 October  
Shanghai

Two full days are spent exploring this gracious and cosmopolitan city. See the former Colonial Concessions along the Bund and take a short cruise on the Huangpu River where you will have a spectacular view of the "yesterday and today" of Shanghai. Take a stroll along the twisting alleyways of Old Chinatown and visit the Yu Garden. Lunch will be at the Nanxiang Dumpling Teahouse in the Yu Yuan Bazaar. Also visit the impressive Shanghai Museum and the Jade Buddha Temple. On one evening, an acrobatics show will be organised for the group. (B/L/one dinner).

Day 4           Wednesday 19 October  
Shanghai/Wuzhen/Hangzhou

Travel by coach to Wuzhen, a 1000 years old town embraced by the Grand Canal and intersected by countless rivers and small canals. The ancient docks, waterside pavilions and corridors that stretch for miles combine to create a truly romantic atmosphere. Continue to Hangzhou where you will spend two nights at the Holiday Inn Hotel. This evening enjoy a lakeside performance of the world staged musical production "Impression West Lake". (B/L)

Day 5         Thursday 20 October
Hangzhou

Hangzhou, renowned for its "heavenly beauty", picturesque gardens and tranquil surroundings, is revealed today as you enjoy a leisurely cruise on the West Lake and view the Three Moon Reflection Island. Continue on to the Pagoda of Six Harmonies and Lingyin Temple. There will also be a chance to visit a tea plantation.

(B/L/D)

Day 6           Friday 21 October  
Hangzhou/Shanghai/Yichang

Transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight to Yichang where you will be transferred to the pier and embark on your Victoria Cruise ship this evening. (B/L/D)

Day 7-9        Saturday 22 - Monday 24 October  
Victoria Cruises on Victoria Anna. Click here  to visit cruise ship website information.

The Victoria Anna is the Yangtze's largest and most luxurious ship. Facilities include two restaurants (a single-seating main dining room, and an a la carte restaurant on the top deck), two elevators, a three-story atrium lobby, two lounges, three bars, a gym, lecture room, library, beauty salon, massage room, and gift shop.

Enjoy spectacular days sailing along the mighty Yangtze River. Relax and marvel at the breathtaking scenery as steep cliffs rise from the water's edge to form fantastically-shaped peaks and pinnacles. Cruise to Chongqing through the famous three gorges of Xiling, Wu and Qutang which together are considered the most stunning stretch of the river. Shore excursions will be included during the voyage to the Three Gorges Dam site, the Daning River or Shennong Stream, Wanzhou or Shibaozhi navigation (subject to variation due to water levels and navigation authority advice). (B/L/D)

Day 10         Tuesday 25 October
Arrive Chongqing/Chengdu

Disembark at Chongqing and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu where you will spend two nights at the Tibet Hotel. (B/L)

Day 11         Wednesday 26 October
Chengdu

A special visit today to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base which houses exhibits on panda evolution, habits and conversation efforts. A wonderful opportunity awaits as you will have a group photo with Helen's adorable adopted panda "Ankali". Also visit the Sanxingdui Museum and see the extraordinary sophistication of China's early bronze culture depicted in the amazing and dramacharged bronze masks dating from the Shang dynasty in 1700-1100BC. Enjoy an evening performance of Sichuans' renowned local act "Changing Face". (B/L/D)

Day 12         Thursday 27 October
Chengdu/Xian

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian where you will spend the next two nights. Enjoy a cultural show with dinner at the Tang Dynasty Theatre. (B/L/D)

Day 13         Friday 28 October
Xian

In Xian you will marvel at amazing archaeological wonders - the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Chariot Exhibition and the Shaanxi History Museum and the 14th Century old City Wall. The group will be given a fun and easy option of riding a bike around the wall. (B/L)

Day 14         Saturday 29 October  
Xian/Beijing

Depart today on a group flight to Beijing. On arrival, the group will be transferred to the Jianguo Garden Hotel for the next four nights. (B/L)

Note: You can actually tailor made clothes in Beijing. Normally it would take roughly 24-48 hours to make. A recommendation  in Beijing is at the Silk Markets which the group will be visiting during their tour.

Day 15-17    Sunday 30 October - Tuesday  1 November
Beijing

An early morning visit to a park where you can experience Tai Chi with the locals. The group will have three full days of visiting sights such as the magnificent Summer Palace, the exquisite Temple of Heaven, the splendours of the Forbidden City - as well as Tiananmen Square. See the Pandas at the Beijing Zoo and visit the Silk Market. Tour the ‘hutongs' - the "back alleys" - by cycle rickshaw where you can see Chinese life at its most traditional and obtain a fascinating behind-thescenes glimpse into the lifestyles of the local people. Spend a day visiting the Sacred Way, the Exhibition Hall of the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall, truly one of the world's greatest wonders. Enjoy a "farewell Peking Duck dinner" at the exclusive China Club and an exciting performance of ‘The Legend of Kung Fu' during your stay. (B/L/one dinner)

Day 18         Wednesday 2 November
Beijing/Hong Kong/Australia

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to Australia via Hong Kong. (B)