14 Day China with 4 Day Yangtze River Cruise Thursday Departure
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
CN-14DCN4DYR
Start City:
Shanghai
End City:
Beijing
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
14 days
Dates & Prices
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Brochure Land & Air Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Aug 22, 2024 | Wednesday, Sep 04, 2024 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Aug 29, 2024 | Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Sep 05, 2024 | Wednesday, Sep 18, 2024 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Sep 12, 2024 | Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Oct 03, 2024 | Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Oct 10, 2024 | Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Oct 17, 2024 | Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 | Get Quote | |||
| Thursday, Oct 24, 2024 | Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024 | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for China
Depart for China
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, the thriving metropolis on China's eastern coast. This dynamic city is constantly changing and growing, with an unforgettable skyline. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and acclimate to the time change
Overnight: Shanghai
DAY 3, Saturday - Shanghai City Tour
This morning, see some of the city's major highlights. Begin at the lively Bund, Shanghai's popular promenade; stroll along the park-like waterfront and experience the old world charm. After, visit the classical Yuyuan Garden in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty, a quiet and serene sanctuary in this frenetic city, with its scenic pavilions, ponds, and streams. Return to the hotel late afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - Full Day in Shanghai
Today, is at leisure in Shanghai. Join the optional full day tour to Suzhou, including lunch and a cruise on the Grand Canal. Morning departure from Shanghai for the drive to Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East." Upon arrival in this charming city, relax on a boat ride along the narrow waterways of the legendary Grand Canal. Later, walk along bustling Pingjiang Road, where the locals gather for entertainment and food and have lunch at a local restaurant. Then, continue to the beautiful and fragrant Garden of the Master of the Nets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Shanghai later this evening
Optional: Full Day Suzhou with Lunch
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday - Fly to Yichang, Embark Cruise
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Shanghai. In the afternoon, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the most active Buddhist temples in Shanghai, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Afterward, continue to a silk carpet and embroidery shop in Shanghai to understand more about this ancient Chinese craft; see some of the beautiful creations, unusual styles and masterful techniques. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Yichang, the second largest city in Hubei province after Wuhan, its capital. Upon arrival, continue to the port for embarkation on your cruise ship. This evening, you'll begin the scenic journey on the fabled Yangtze, the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. You'll be warmly welcomed aboard by the friendly international staff
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Xiling Gorge
This afternoon, an optional tour to the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. In addition to producing electricity, the dam was constructed to increase the Yangtze River's shipping capacity and reduce the potential for floods. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River and has also forced the relocation of people who once lived along the river. Tour the massive site to see this impressive achievement of engineering. Following the visit, return to the ship as it cruises upstream and enters the dramatic Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest section of the Three Gorges
Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Three Gorges Dam
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday - Wu Gorge & Qutang Gorge
Awake this morning to beautiful vistas on the river. Sail through the Wu Gorge, famed for its magnificent Twelve Peaks. Today, your optional tour will take you either on a scenic journey up Shennong Stream, traveling in small boats between rolling hills and rocky cliffs or on a scenic journey up Shennv Stream, the journey is accompanied by local folk songs and dances. Continue through the Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three gorges, flanked by lush terraced hillsides
Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Shennv Stream or Shennong Stream
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Cruise to Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park & Mt. Shuanggui*
This morning, the ship docks near Fengdu in Chongqing. Today's optional tour allows for exploration of the Xianguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park with its recreated ancient residential buildings, courtyards, temples, wood carvings and city gates. The park features lively performances like Sichuan opera and acrobatics. Adjacent to the park is Mt. Shuanggui, a national forest park, which offers scenic beauty and a rich history, with cliffs bearing calligraphic writings from the Song Dynasty and pavilions honoring historic figures. It's a captivating blend of nature and culture*Depending on river conditions, this optional tour may be substituted with one that visits the Shibaozhai Temple
Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park & Mt. Shuanggui
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday -Disembarkation, Flight to Xian
Disembark the Yangtze River cruise this morning in Chongqing, a major metropolis and one of the top emerging cities in China. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Xian, ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Arrive, and check into your hotel. Free time to explore on your own. Perhaps, visit the Muslin Quarter with its vibrant markets and historic mosques. Tonight, try some of the city's culinary delights
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Saturday - The Terracotta Army
Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity where you may have the chance to join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise, singing and dancing. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to learn more about this technique. Lunch is a local restaurant. Then, an unforgettable experience! Visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered by local farmers in 1974, is still being discovered and excavated today. This evening, an optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11, Sunday - Flight to Beijing
Depart Xian on a flight to Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China. The afternoon is at leisure. Feel the pulse of this city of contrasts with its astonishing history and wondrous sights. Join the optional half day Hutong Tour which begins with a rickshaw ride through the old narrow streets and alleyways. See the courtyard homes which once covered all of Beijing - only a few still survive today. Hear more about "old China" from a local family who will welcome you to their home
Optional: Half Day Hutong Tour (PM)
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12, Monday - Great Wall of China, Summer Palace
Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. En route, stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. Then it's time to climb the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view breathtaking mountain passes, plateaus, and grasslands from this 7th century defensive fortification. Afterward, a relaxing lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to the fabled Summer Palace, a resort of the Empress Dowager with its palace grounds, filled with a variety of picturesque gardens and architectural structures. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake and admire the stunning scenery before strolling along the sprawling palace. Tonight, have dinner at a Beijing restaurant
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Tuesday - The Forbidden City, Beijing Zoo
Start your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Next, enter the Forbidden City, which served as the Imperial Palace until 1912. The extraordinary and immense walled complex is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, continue to a local pearl shop to learn about the famous Chinese pearls. Have lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Beijing Zoo to see the famous Pandas. Tonight, savor dinner featuring China's famous Peking duck and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Optional tours are available for purchase on board. Please visit this link for tour information.
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
Escorted Package Includes
Other departure cities available.
Special Features
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Shanghai-Yichang, Chongqing-Xian, and Xian-Beijing.
Passport information must be submitted to us Travel at least 60 days prior to departure.
Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Alternative sights may be visited depending upon water levels and darkness.
While sailing with Victoria Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise line’s Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at:
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms cannot be accommodated on this program.
Thursday departures are scheduled to sail on Victoria Sabrina. Saturday departures are scheduled to sail on Victoria Katarina. Please note that the ship is subject to change due to local conditions.
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Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Central
This deluxe hotel is located within the commercial center of Shanghai.
Embassador International Hotel
This superior first class hotel is a short ride away from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
New Otani Chang Fu Gong
This first class hotel is located right on the south side of Chang An Street, one of the most popular streets in Beijing.
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Question: Is there a cost to obtain a VISA for this travel to China? If we were to take all the optional tours, what would the cost per person be? What are the additional costs for gratuities for your staff,
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
The accommodations were fine with the exception that Air Conditioning was not available in two of the four. It would have been nice had we been told about the lack of A/C in two very warm cities.
Yulanda was extremely helpful, professional and well informe. It was great to work with Yulanda.
Yangtse river portion of the trip was less than I hoped for. Not much activity on the boar. Few stops where you could get off the boat and do something on your own. Even thought it was early September there was a constant clouds and haze- according to our guide they get few truly sunny days on this stretch of the river.
The trip was very informative and we saw many places. If I were to make a suggestion it would be that the trip maybe be a couple days longer for some leisure time to recoup, or cut out things like the pearl factory, jade factory, the dumpling dinner at 9pm and going to the park to watch the seniors do tai chi at 6AM. Because it was go go go constantly with minimal downtime, most everybody came down with colds (with all the flights and super early up every day after continually being on the go the day before). Susan our tour guide was excellent. You are very lucky to have someone like her as part of your staff..
When we booked the tour, we had asked the tour operator to request for King size bed as we are married couple, but, instead, two double beds were provided at all 3 hotels. The reception staffs at Courtyard Marriott in Shanghai spoke much better english and were very courteous. We did not have any issues with room (other than two double beds). The Novotel in Xian city was relatively nice, but, the front desk was too slow. The Novotel in Beijing should be changed as the rooms were not nice and the view of our rooms was facing the old and public homes and the house keeping service was worst. They did not provide Conditioner and lotion, or enough hand towels. We had to call in every day for these items. The reception staff needs training in english and they need to be much more professional. We hope that Gate 1 will address our concerns with both Novotels. Since there were 3 domestic flights, though our Tour guide/manager did everything in his power to have early check ins, we did not get good seats, and in one flight, most all couples were separated from each other and when we mentioned, Jack said, he could not help. We were not aware of the various local guides and the bus drivers involved in multiple cities, so we were not prepared to create separate envelopes for tips and that made it difficult to sort out the tipping. Also, the tipping suggestions mentioned in the travel documents was bit ridiculous as the tipping was suggested in US dollars and if I were to follow all tipping suggestions, My total tips would have been in excess of $250 to $300 dollars. When we have already paid over $5K for the tour, we feel that additional tips can be too much for us. Please consider adding information about domestic flights and how Gate 1 normally helps do the early check ins so that we are aware of this information. We were all worried about different weight limits for the domestic flights, but, if we had known about the early check ins, we would not have worried as much, Our tour manager Jack was the best and he truly helped each and every one of us during the 14 days that he spent with us. He was always available for anyone nd everyone and at times, provided lot of additional details and helped us for the shopping.He was extremely helpful in providing the best Vegi meals to 14 of us who were together. He had given us 2 tables at all places including in the cruise. We were all worried about the food before our tour, but, because of Jack's ability to work with all restaurants and with the chefs in the cruise, we had the best chinese food experience. In summary, we both enjoyed our China Tour and we will recommend and suggest anyone to visit China with Great 1 tour.
The trip was great overall. The itinerary was packed but we didn't feel rushed. Our tour manager Sam was the best. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. We upgraded our rooms on the river cruise upon arrival and stayed in the Suite which was quite nice.
This is our second tour with Gate 1. We really satisfied with the service. Our tour manager, Frank, and all the local tour guides are very knowledgeable and courteous. The hotels are better than we expected. The service from our tour manager, Frank, was excellent. Frank checked in luggage and got the boarding pass on every in-land flight for the whole group. The Yangtze River cruise was also very nice. The food and entertainment every night on the cruise were very good. We really enjoyed our trip and would recommend it to our friends.
Our tour manager was excellent. He went above and beyond our expectations on providing us excellent service. He has much patience with our group of 22. We became his "family", we would indeed hope to get him again on another tour.
Excellent trip!
Wonderful travel experience. Special needs meals were provided at hotels and on airlines. This was a fantastic vacation! I will certainly book with Affordable Tours in the future.
Fantastic holiday. Gate1 was such a good choice, everything met and exceeded my expectations
Our trip far exceeded my expectations. From the itinerary, to the tour director, accommodations ...optional side trips ..it was a wonderful experience. Gate 1 will always be our first choice in our travels to come
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The tour was as described but the schedule needed improvement. Most of the hotels were fine, except one. The river cruise was a disappointment; the ship was not quite the level of comfort that we were expecting. We arrived at the cruise ship at 11 pm and spent the entire next day docked. Not what I had in mind! After a very long touring day in XiAn we had to catch an early morning flight. If the company tweaked their schedule a bit the tour would have been much better. There were too many shopping stops. We visited a jade factory, a lacquer furniture factory, a silk embroidery factory, a freshwater pearl factory, and a Terracotta warrior factory. All were sales pitches and a big waste of time. I hate that we had to pay good money for a tour that wasted so much time on sales pitches. We visited these places early in the day, which meant that the actual attractions we went to were visited late in the day when they were extremely crowded and the weather was very hot. On the positive side, our tour manager, Rose, was outstanding.