15 Days Memory of China with Yangtze Cruise and Tibet Tour

  • Jokhang Temple
    Jokhang Temple
  • Potala Palace
    Potala Palace
  • Three Gorges Dam
    Three Gorges Dam
  • Yu Garden
    Yu Garden
Destination:

Tour Code: ct-6

Tour Type: Private Tour with Exclusive Tour Guide and Driver

Departure : Flexible

Tour Highlights:

Are you tired of regular itineraries? Come with us now! Even before you reach the imposing Yangtze, you'll enjoy the ancient Tibetan spirituality and magnificent landscapes of the plateau. On this trip, the Yangtze cruise is the most classic 4-day cruise from Chongqing to Yichang by the comfortable floating hotel, which offers you a great sail. The departure city is Shanghai with the spirit of colonial past and current trends in art, design and culture.


Itinerary

  • Day1

    Beijing Arrival

    • No Meals
    • in Beijing
    Welcome to China! Upon arrival at Beijing airport, your local guide will meet you and accompany you to your hotel. During the rest of the day you can rest and recover from jet lag.

  • Day2

    Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Beijing
    After breakfast  you will stroll in Tiananmen Square, the largest urban square in the world. Then move to Forbidden City. As the No.1 palace complex of China, the Forbidden City was home to 26 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is famous for large architectures, exquisitely beautiful ornaments and royal relics.
    In the afternoon, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the Summer Palace, the best preserved imperial garden built in the Qing dynasty.
  • Day3

    Beijing: Temple of Heaven and Mutianyu Great Wall

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Beijing
    In the morning  at first you will go to Temple of Heaven, which has the most magnificent chapel and sacred altar, where ancient emperors offered sacrifices to heaven. The Great Wall, the eighth wonder of the world, is the second destination. Climb the Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car and then walk on the walls like the Chinese emperors, stunned by the venerable walls and the surrounding landscape.

  • Day4

    Beijing: Hutongs by Rickshaw, Beijing to Xian by High-Speed Train

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Xian
    Today you will explore the Hutongs by Rickshaw, alleys & neighborhoods of ancient Beijing that are disappearing. And you can see houses and typical courtyard and get to know the local daily life.
    After sightseeing, the guide will transfer you to the train station for high-speed train to Xian.
    Xian's guide will wait for you at the train station on time and transfer you to check in at your hotel.
  • Day5

    Xi'an: Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • Xian
    Today you trip will begin with the highlight of Xian -Terracotta Army. The mighty army of terracotta warriors and horses, found in three vaults 39 km east of Xi’an and 1.5 km from the Qin emperor’s mausoleum, is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction of Shaanxi.
    In the afternoon, visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda with the history of 1300 years. The original pagoda, built in 652, had only five storeys. It was renovated in 701-704 under the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. It has been repaired or restored many times since. The present Da Yan Ta stands 64 metres tall with seven tiers, roughly in the shape of an elongated square pyramid. Though built of blue brick, the walls simulate woodwork structure of columns and balustrades. There are arched' doors on all four sides of each tier. This brick pagoda, constructed in the style of traditional pavilions, simply and neatly modeled but impressive and inspiring, is typical of the features of the time and a masterpiece of architecture of the Tang.
  • Day6

    Xi'an: Shaanxi History Museum Ancient Wall of Xian, Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Xi'an
    This morning visit to the Shaanxi History Museum. This museum has used the classical palace architectural style of the Tang dynasty. More than 370,000 historical relics are exhibited in the museum according to period and themes, ranging from prehistory to modern China. 
    Xi’an boasts the only city wall to remain intact to present in China. Ancient Wall of Xian is built during the early Ming on the basis of the Tang imperial city of Chang’an and laid out on a rectangular plan 13.7 km in circumference.
    Then you go to the Great Mosque, which is the largest and best-protected mosque in China, covering an area of 12,000 square metres. At the same time you can stroll along the famous Muslim Quarter, where you can taste many delicious local snacks and buy interesting souvenirs.
  • Day7

    Xian to Lhasa by Flight

    • Breakfast
    • in Lhasa
    Today you have some free time to explore this city steeped in history on your own until your guide takes you to the airport for the flight to Lhasa.
    Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, your local guide picks you up and transfers you to your hotel in Lhasa. After check-in, it's best to rest at your hotel to adjust to the altitude.
  • Day8

    Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Lhasa
    As a precious legacy of Tibetan culture, the Potala Palace is a UNESCO-endorsed world cultural heritage site. Your fantastic trip of Tibet will begin with this site. The palace houses a wealth of Buddhist statues, murals, religious scriptures and treasures.
    Later you enter the sacred Jokhang Temple, which is built in 647 as the earliest wood-masonry structure in Tibet. The Barkhor Stree is a shopping street around the Jokhang Temple, and also a way along which the pilgrims walk around the temple while turning prayer wheels in their hands.
  • Day9

    Lhasa: Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    Today you will visit the other three famous sites: Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
    In the Tibetan language, Norbulingka means the “Precious Park”. It’s the Summer Palace of Dalai Lama, constructed in the 1740s.
    Drepung Monastery is an ancient temple that before housed 10,000 monks in its heyday.
    Sera Monastery is one of the three major monasteries in Lhasa and one of the six main monasteries of Gelug Sect in China.
  • Day10

    Lhasa to Chongqing by Flight, Yangtze River Cruise

    • Breakfast
    • Cruisein Cruise
    Today you will leave Lhasa and go to Chongqing by flight for the Yangtze River v. Chongqing is a charming city. If the time permits, you will have a chance to get close to the giant pandas in Chongqing Zoo, visit the Old Town of Ciqikou and the Three Gorges Museum.
    You will embark on the cruise from 16:30 to 20:00 and the cruise leaves Chongqing at 21:30. Overnight on board.
  • Day11

    Yangtze River: Fengdu(Optional), Shibaozhai

    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Sailing along the Yangtze River, you can appreciate incredible natural beauty and royal countryside views of China. In the morning, the guide will give a brief presentation of the cruise and daily schedule. According to the program of cruise, today you have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, which is famous for its fantastic architecture and many interesting legends. And you can choose with extra cost to visit ghost town Fengdu, an ancient temple complex perched on cliffs above the river with breathtaking views. After the excursion, you will return to the boat, take a break and prepare to enjoy the welcome banquet organized by the captain at night.
    Note: On Victoria cruises you willl have shore excursion to the Scenic Zone of the Jade Emperor in Fengdu instead of Shibaozhai.
  • Day12

    Yangtze River: White Emperor City (Optional), Shennv Stream

    • in Cruise
    Today you can see the most amazing cliffs and landscapes on both sides of the river while the boat is sailing through the Three Gorges. The first Qutang Gorge is the shortest but most impressive of the three. The next Wu Gorge is famous for its high peaks and mountains. Before entering the final Xiling Gorge, you experience an interesting boat adventure along Shennv Stream. You can enjoy the grotesque cliffs and clear water in the narrow stream. After the excursion, the cruise will enter the longest Xiling Gorge.
  • Day13

    Three Gorges Dam, Yichang to Shanghai by High-Speed Train

    • Breakfast
    • in Shanghai
    You will disembark from the cruise at Maoping Pier and your last shore excursion of the cruise is the famous Three Gorges Dam, which is the world's largest hydroelectric dam with extraordinary views.
    Your local guide will pick you up at the Yichang passenger center and transfer you to the train station for high-speed train to Shanghai, China's economic center.
  • Day14

    Shanghai: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Yuyuan Market, Shanghai Towerand the Bund

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Shanghai
    In the morning, you will see the extensive historical collections at the Shanghai Museum. Except for those delicate and artistic items, exposition of the culture of unique ethnic minorities is also recommended. After that, you can stroll in the Yu Garden, which is a typical and classic building complex in the southeastern region. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Market, a shopping centre with more 100 shops decorated in an antique style and selling handicrafts.
    In the afternoon, head up to the Shanghai Tower for a complete tour of the city. Explore Shanghai by visiting the Bund, one of Shanghai's most recognizable architectural symbols.
  • Day15

    Shanghai Departure

    • Breakfast
    Your guide will wait for you in the lobby of your hotel and transfers you to the airport for your departure flight. The guide will accompany you to the security inspection point. Our service ends here.

Price Inclusion&Exclusion

Price Inclusion

•    Tibet Entry Permit.
•    Transportation within China: Domestic flight (economy class) or train on the Itinerary.
•    Tickets: Entrance fees of all attractions listed in the itinerary.
•    Meals: All meals are specified in the itinerary. Breakfast is usually a Western-style buffet at the hotel, or could be a Chinese breakfast in some remote areas. Chinese lunch will be arranged in a local restaurant.
•    Hotels: All rooms have air conditioning and private bathroom, unless specified.
•    Private Transfers: A driver and a tour guide who speaks English or other langauges  acorrding to your requirement will transfer you to airport/railway station, hotel, and attractions in the cities in private air-conditioned vehicle.
•    Private Guide: We provide Professional licensed tour guides who are responsible, knowledgeable and have a sense of humor to accompany you throughout your journey.
•    Service Expenses (includes planning, handling, operating and communication expenses) and Government Taxes.
•    Insurance: China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance
•    Baggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
•    Yangtze River Cruise: All meals on board, and all shore excursions are included in the cost ofcruise. (Optional excursions are available on some boats). All incidental expenses, including room service, minibar, laundry and drinks and bar, gratuities, etc. are not included. All shore excursions are in group accompanied by tour guide of the cruise and the excursion site. These guides are provided by the cruise company and can speak English. There is no private tour in this part. The cruise's route is subject to change due to weather, cruise company arrangement or other uncontrollable elements.
Price Exclusion

•    International air tickets to enter and leave China
•    Chinese visa fees.
•    Personal Expenses: For example cost of excess luggage, laundry, beverages, fax, telephone, optional activities etc.
•    Dietary expenses other than meals in price inclusion are not included in the itinerary.
•    The cost of the attraction not listed in the itinerary is not included.
•    Single Room Supplement
•    Tips to tour guides, drivers etc.

HOTEL

Recommended Accommodation for Your Trip to China
City 3-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel
Beijing King Parkview Hotel Sunworld Hotel Regent Beijing
Xi'an Skytel Hotel Xian Xi'an Grand Noble Hotel Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Lhasa Dhood Gu Hotel Tibet Hotel Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa
Shanghai Kingtown Hotel the bund Hongkou Shanghai Ambassador Hotel Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai

There is no doubt that a good choice of comfortable accommodation will enhance the pleasure of your trip in China. The hotels all over China that we offer will bring you more benefits of competitive price and guaranteed quality.
The hotels we choose for you are based on:
•    Location: Most hotels that we select are located in the center of the city, near places of interest or main shopping streets etc., or it is close to the main means of transport. We hope these amenities will bring you a pleasant vacation.
•    Quality of Facilities & Service: All hotels are strictly and regularly inspected, and have a good performance in accommodating foreign clients and excellent feedback from our previous clients.
•    Diversity of Choice: So many styles and classes of hotels are available for different budgets, tastes and cultural backgrounds..

Hotel Criteria of Each Class
•    Budget Class Hotel (3 Stars)
This kind of hotel could meet the basic requirements for a pleasant stay, good size and clean rooms with air conditioning, TV, hot water, shower and private bathroom, hotel restaurants with breakfast included and lunch or dinner of your choice. A small gym or spa can be expected.
•    Comfortable Class Hotel (4 Stars)
You will normally stay in formal, large hotels conveniently located with shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities nearby. Quality service, fully furnished rooms, restaurants, gym and heated pool (in very rare cases there is no pool) all together offer an above-average accommodation experience.
•    Luxury Class Hotel (5 Stars)
Luxury hotel with first class service and a wide range of facilities will provide an excellent accommodation experience. There are several hotel restaurants with extensive menus to choose from, 24-hour room service available, concierge service and gym complete the experience.

Service

Meals of Young's China Travel•     Meals
In your itinerary, it normally offers two meals each day: breakfast and lunch. You will have the freedom to choose your own dinner. If you have certain food allergies or special requirements such as vegetarian food, please let us know in advance. We will try our best to satisfy your special needs.
Breakfast
Normally served at the hotel where you stay. Depending on the hotel, breakfast is Western style, Chinese style or a combination.
Lunch - A la Carte 
In order to have our customers to taste authentic Chinese food and avoid tourist menus, we take food quality, dining environment and travel convenience into consideration when planning your lunch. Therefore , we will arrange a la carte lunch at a local restaurant whenever possible. Lunch a la carte is varied with different recommended restaurants and different cities. You could order the dishes according to your taste under the instructions of your guide. However, in some remote regions where it is difficult to find a non-tourist restaurant, you could have lunch at a local tourist restaurant or in a local family.
Your Own Dinner Option
Dinner is not included in our China travel package, unless you have this requirement. Looking for food by yourself could also be one of your best experiences in China. Therefore we offer you this flexibility of food choice. You can ask for your private guide to gain good suggestions.

•   Private Guide & Transfer
You will have a private guide, private driver and an air-conditioned vehicle to accompany you at each destination of your trip, which will provide you with maximum personal care, security and flexibility.
All our guides are qualified and responsible professionals. All our vehicles are clean and in excellent condition, crewed with licensed drivers.
Private Tour Guide
In each city, we have a professional local guide. Our guide picks you up punctually at your arrival from the airport/railway station/spring of each destination. On your way out of that city, your guide will stay by your side until you have checked in and passed through security. All our travel guides in each destination are local and responsible, who know this area well. They accompany you visiting this city during 8 working hours of each day and they will tell background stories of the tourist places, and show you the secret places to take your best Vehicles of Young's China Travel pictures.
When it is necessary to change your itinerary for unexpected reasons, your private travel guide will suggest alternatives to ensure that you still have an excellent experience.

Private Transfer
With our comfortable and safe private transfer, your trip will be more relaxing and less tiring, keeping you in the best spirits to make the most of your experience in China. In all destinations visited, your vehicle is air-conditioned, clean and expertly maintained. Your private driver is licensed, insured and experienced.
Normally we will arrange vehicles with more space for you and your luggages. Depending on the number of passengers, we generally use sedans or minivans (7 seats) for 4 people or less, large vans or small buses (12-22 seats) for 5 to 12 people, medium cars (33-37 seats) for 13 - 25 people and large buses (more than 45 seats) for more than 25 people.