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Classic China & The Yangtze River with Hong Kong

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 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Beijing
 Trip Finishes
Hong Kong
15 Day Classic China & The Yangtze River with Hong Kong Itinerary (Globus)
Countries Explored: China, Hong Kong
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Small Group
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
OYE

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Globus 15 Day Classic China & The Yangtze River with Hong Kong. This tour through China, including a Yangtze River cruise, offers you opportunities to see some of China's most historic sites, learn about the local culture, and witness spectacular scenery. You'll stay three nights each in Beijing and Shanghai, two nights in Xi'an, and three nights aboard your Yangtze River cruise ship.

Some of the fascinating historic sites you'll visit on this China tour include Tian'anmen Square; the Forbidden City, once home to Chinese emperors; the Temple...read more of Heaven, built in 1420; Dayan Pagoda, built in 652 AD; and Shibaozhai, a 12-story pagoda built high on the cliffside in the 18th century. No China tour would be complete without visiting the Great Wall, and you'll walk along the wall to see how expansive it is. In Xi'an, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, roughly 8,000 soldiers, chariots, and horses constructed in 210 BC - all to help China's first emperor into the afterlife!

Relax as you cruise down the Yangtze River, the world's third-largest river, and enjoy spectacular scenery and majestic peaks. Get a glimpse of rural Chinese life and see tiny villages clinging to the hillsides. Also visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest electricity-producing plant. To make sure your vacation is unique, Globus has also arranged special experiences, such as a lunch featuring xiaolongbao, dumplings that are Shanghai's most famous dish, and a rickshaw ride through Beijing's hutongs, the city's ancient alleys. This is just a sampling of the historic sites, fun cultural experiences, and stunning scenery you'll experience on this awe-inspiring tour through China!

Itinerary

Welcome to China! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Next, explore the FORBIDDEN CITY, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest palace complex. Once the home of China's great emperors, today it showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artifacts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore on your own. This evening, savour a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B/L/D)

The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China's barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure. Tonight, you may choose to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theatre, or attend the Legend of Kung Fu Show, with a fusion of kung fu, dance, and acrobatics. (B/L)

This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN and enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's HUTONGS, the city's ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighbourhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family's home to learn more about their life. A short flight brings you to Xi'an. (B)

One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi'an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the enormous tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Next, visit the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Perhaps attend the "Tang Dynasty" dinner show, featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances. (B/L)

This morning, visit the Xi'an City Wall South Gate and attend a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. You may also see some local residents practicing morning tai chi. Next, fly to Chongqing, China's capital during World War II. Here, board your ship for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B/D)

Your SHORE EXCURSION today takes you to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area, featuring a 100-foot-tall statue depicting the Jade Emperor, an important deity in Chinese Taoism. Return to your ship where the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy a variety of onboard activites. You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Fengdu, known by many Chinese as the "Ghost City," to visit the mountaintop shrines. This evening, the Captain hosts a welcome party, followed by dinner and a special performance by the ship's crew. (B/L/D) Please Note: Depending on river conditions, an alternate shore excursion may be offered.

Early this morning, you may choose to start your day with a tai chi session on the Sun Deck or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Later, sail downstream through the first and second of the three gorges- Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your Captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down Goddess Stream.

Along the way, see picturesque scenery and the mysterious hanging wooden coffins. Before returning to your ship, you will also board a wooden boat on a smaller section of the stream, where the crew will sing songs as you glide across the stunning deep emeraldgreen waters surrounded by densely forested hills. (B/L/D) Please Note: Depending on river conditions, the boat excursion may be on the Shennong Stream.

This morning, make a brief visit to the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest dam of its kind in the world. Then, transfer to the airport in Yichang for your flight to Shanghai, China's most populous city and centre of trade and industry. The balance of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Start your day with a stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and a SILK FACTORY to learn about the silk-making process. For lunch, stop at a local restaurant featuring XIAOLONGBAO, Shanghai's most famous dish. These tasty soup dumplings are handmade with at least 18 intricate folds to close the top.

The broth is the star so, to avoid wasting a single drop, gently pick up the dumpling, dip in sauce, and transfer to a Chinese soup spoon. Next, make a small hole to release the steam and allow the broth to cool. After it cools, sip up the broth and then swallow the dumpling. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show. (B/L)

This morning, take a WALKING TOUR of the former French Concession, once Shanghai's leading residential and retail area. Today, the qualities that made the area so popular endure-from quaint, tree-lined streets and exquisite architecture to charming shops and fashionable restaurants and bars. Along the way, see the famous Art Deco Cathay Theatre, explore the narrow lanes of Xintiandi, and visit Fuxing Park, where locals play chess, dance, practice tai chi, and more. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B/D)

Fly to Hong Kong, Asia's vibrant commercial capital. (B)

Your sightseeing tour begins with a ride on the popular STAR FERRY from Kowloon Island to Hong Kong Island. On arrival, take a CABLE-CAR RIDE up Victoria Peak for panoramic vistas. Then, explore the old Sheung Wan neighbourhood and visit the DRIED SEAFOOD MARKET. Savour a DIM SUM feast for lunch before traversing the Central District aboard the historic DOUBLE-DECKER TRAM, commonly referred to as the "Ding Ding" due to the sound of its bell. The evening is at your leisure. (B/L)

A free day to explore this exciting city. You may take an optional excursion to learn about Hong Kong's history, view the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island, or take a full-day outing to historic Macau. (B)

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • BEIJING: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven; hutong tour by rickshaw; Peking Duck welcome dinner
  • XI'AN: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Terracotta Warriors and Dayan Pagoda; noodle-making demonstration; "Tang Dynasty" dinner show; calligraphy class
  • YANGTZE RIVER: Three-night cruise through the Three Gorges including a walking tour in Shibaozhai, a boat excursion on Goddess Stream, and a tour of the Three Gorges dam site
  • SHANGHAI: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit Yu Yuan Gardens and a silk factory; xiaolongbao lunch; walking tour of the French Concession; farewell dinner
  • HONG KONG EXTENSION: Sightseeing
  • MEALS: American breakfast (B) daily, 7 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) including a welcome dinner in Beijing and a farewell dinner in Shanghai
  • Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable

  • 14 Breakfasts
  • 7 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners

  • Hotel Classifications: Superior First Class (SF)
  • Beijing Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town (SF), Xi'an Crowne Plaza Xi'an (SF), Yangtze Cruise Victoria Anna, Shanghai Grand Central Hotel Shanghai (SF)

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included
Sightseeing & VIP Access
Sightseeing & VIP Access

Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more

Culture Through Cuisine
Culture Through Cuisine

Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Asia through its regional cuisine. Read more

Expert Local Guides
Expert Local Guides

Travel with professional Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Asia. Read more

Superior Hotels
Superior Hotels

Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more

We Handle the Details
We Handle the Details

Globus takes care of the components that make your tour unforgettable, so just sit back and relax. Read more

Local Favourites
Local Favourites

Experience Asia like an insider with Local Favourites that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more

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Globus Worldwide (2023-24)

From the Great Pyramids to the Great Barrier Reef; from the Grand Canyon to the Colosseum, each Globus tour includes the legendary landmarks and must-see sights with an eye for hidden local gems you won’t find in any guidebook. Globus takes you to the head of the line at the world’s most awe-inspiring and iconic attractions, while sharing nearly a century...more of travel expertise in discovering off-the-beaten-path surprises for immersive experiences in the true cultures and traditions.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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