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Trip Style
River Cruise
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
CHJW-1
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Scenic's 27 Day Silk Road & Tibet Discovery. There are many jewels on this itinerary, from Beijing to the Gobi Desert, the mighty Yangtze River to the Tibetan Plateau, and some of the most captivating of them all are the jewels you’ll chance upon along the way. This journey is not about discovering Tibetan Buddhism, but it would be surprising if your encounter with this beautiful aspect of Tibet and Western China leaves you completely unmoved. From the Mogao Caves and grottoes to the Samye Monastery and Potala Palace, the outward beauty of Sino-Tibetan...read more Buddhism is on full display on this itinerary. However, you can also look forward to so much more. Discover exciting Shanghai and delight in unique Xi’an. Indulge in China’s incredible cuisine and in the visual splendour of its greatest waterway. When all is done, you may find yourself changed by all you’ve seen and experienced, and that of course will be the finest jewel of all.
Itinerary
Begin your amazing discovery of China with a Peking duck welcome dinner. Your home for the next three nights is Beijing. (D)
Visit China’s most iconic attraction, the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Freechoice: Look forward to an unforgettable evening at either the famed Peking Opera or the spectacular Kung Fu Show. (B/L)
Wander through Tiananmen Square. Enrich: Visit a private section of the Forbidden City. Once used as the living quarters of Emperor Qianlong, this section is not usually open to the general public. Afterwards, enjoy lunch with a local family in a traditional home in the Hutongs before relaxing on a rickshaw ride through the ancient laneways. (B/L)
Fly to Dunhuang, a major stop along the Silk Road known as the ‘City of the Sands’. Check into your hotel in Dunhuang for the next two nights. Tonight, visit the Shazhou Night Market. (B/L/D)
Begin your exploration of the area starting with the Yadan Landform and Yumen and Yangguan Passes. Later this afternoon, ride a camel through the Singing Sand Dunes to the Crescent Moon Spring, a crescent-shaped oasis sitting amongst the rolling sand dunes. (B/L/D)
Begin the day with a visit to the Mogao Museum, Caves and Grottoes. Once home to many monks and nuns, the caves are a system of sanctuaries and temples filled with ancient Buddhist statues and paintings dating back thousands of years. Enrich: You will be accompanied by a local expert who will take you inside a special closed cave, not available for regular tourists to visit. After lunch drive to Jiayuguan and enjoy an overnight stay. (B/L/D)
Visit the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall at the Jiayu Fortress and Pass. From the wall you will be able to see the Gobi Desert. After exploring the fortress, visit the Wei Jin Dynasty Mural Tomb and drive to Zhangye for an overnight stay. (B/L/D)
Gaze in wonder at the Danxia National Geological Park’s multi-coloured rock formations before flying to Xi’an. Spend the next three nights at your hotel in Xi’an. (B/L)
Enrich: Marvel at Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s amazing Terracotta Warriors in the company of a museum curator. Stroll around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Thanksgiving Temple. Enrich: Enjoy a special private after-hours viewing of ancient artefacts at a local museum and learn about the history of Shananxi Province from the museum’s curator. Sundowners Enjoy refreshments overlooking the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. (B/L)
Visit a local painter’s home, famous for its rural peasant paintings. Learn about his art and enjoy lunch with his family. Explore Xi’an’s ancient city wall. Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show and dinner. (B/L/D)
Explore the maze of markets in the Muslim Quarter before flying to Shanghai for a three night Special Stay. (B/D)
Stroll along the famous Bund and compare its heritage buildings to those in Yu Gardens. Explore the Pudong area and admire the view from Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in Pudong. Tonight, witness the renowned agility and skill of the Shanghai Acrobats. (B/L)
Freechoice: Wander through the Shanghai Museum and People’s Square. Alternatively, visit Zhujiajiao water town or cruise along Huangpu River. Later, enjoy time at leisure to shop on Nanjing Road. (B)
Take the high-speed train to Yichang to board the boutique Yangzi Explorer. On board enjoy included wine and beer with lunch and dinner. (B/L/D)
Inspect the Three Gorges Dam project site. Continue sailing through Xiling Gorge while sampling afternoon tea delights. (B/L/D)
Glide up Shennong Stream by longboat (sampan). Later, traverse Wu Gorge, known for its sheer rock walls, and Qutang Gorge, the most dramatic of the Three Gorges. (B/L/D)
Join an insightful excursion to Fuling to see the 816 Underground Project. (B/L/D)
Disembark and visit Ciqikou and take a tour of Chongqing before flying to Lijiang. Over the next three nights you’ll enjoy a Special Stay at your resort, perfectly located in the old town. (B/L)
Walk around Lijiang’s World Heritage-listed Old Town. This afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own. Freechoice Dining: Try Sichuan and Yunnan specialties, or a restaurant serving Brazilian and South East Asian cuisine. (B/L/D)
Explore Black Dragon Pool, then witness the Impressions Lijiang outdoor cultural show. Drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park for a gondola ride to Spruce Meadow. (B/L)
Welcome to the rooftop of the world where you’ll spend four nights. Freechoice Dining: Enjoy an international buffet, Cantonese or Sichuan cuisine. (B/D)
Explore Drepung Monastery or visit the Chakpori thousand-Buddha cliff stone carvings and Norbulingka. Alternatively, visit Anitsamkung Nunnery and a local tea house. Travel to Sera Monastery and witness the daily debate on the doctrines and teachings (B/L)
Join pilgrims strolling along the holy Barkhor Circuit to Jokhang Temple and visit Tibet’s iconic Potala Palace. Enjoy a Tibetan dinner with traditional music and singing. (B/L/D)
Travel to Samye Monastery and Tsedang, the cradle of Tibetan civilisation, visiting local families en-route. (B/L)
Fly to Chengdu and wander along Jinli Street. Enjoy a two night stay. Freechoice Dining: A choice of Sichuan cuisine, ribs and burgers in an Irish pub, or an international buffet dinner. (B/L/D)
Enrich: Experience an enchanting encounter with rare Giant panda cubs at the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Tonight, reminisce about your holiday at your farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
It’s time to bid farewell to China with many wonderful memories. Please note: pre-release itinerary subject to change (B)
Trip Inclusions
Five Star Luxury
With Scenic, perks and privileges come included. Enjoy a full range of luxurious benefits that will enhance your experience throughout your journey. Read more
Scenic Freechoice
These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more
Scenic Enrich
These are experiences that offer once-in-a-lifetime multi-sensory moments that are completely inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. Read more
The nth Degree
Whether you’re travelling by road, ship or rail, you can look forward to first class or luxury standard transport with comfort and enjoyment in mind. Read more
Special Stays
Every carefully selected hotel on our tours has been handpicked by our expert Journey Designer to ensure it offers outstanding location and luxury. Read more
Yangtze Cruising
While cruising, you can look forward to private balcony cabins and on board inclusions exclusive to Scenic guests plus a dedicated Scenic Cruise Director.
Brochure
Scenic South East Asia (2023-24)
We invite you to the trip of a lifetime exploring the fascinating Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia in 5-star, truly all-inclusive luxury. Scenic Spirit will be your oasis after a day exploring. Indulge in an abundance of luxurious spaces, from your private suite with its own separate bedroom, living room and balcony to a variety of dining,...more wellness and relaxation areas.
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 Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. 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.
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 Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. 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.
