Iconic China with Yangtze Cruise - From 2027

You’ve just landed in one of China’s most exciting cities — full of energy, flavour and hidden corners to discover. Arrive early? Head to the beautiful Yuyuan Garden, a peaceful spot with classical pavilions, koi ponds and winding walkways right in the middle of the city. Or keep it casual with a wander through nearby markets and street food stalls. However you ease in, your adventure kicks off tonight with dinner at a local restaurant — your first taste of Chinese cuisine and a chance to meet your small group crew.

Today kicks off with a guided sightseeing tour of Shanghai. You’ll stroll along the iconic Bund with your Travel Director, soaking up skyline views and stories of the city’s past. Then it's on to Nanjing Road, where shops and street life collide in true Shanghai style. You’ll also visit a silk factory to see how this delicate craft has shaped Chinese culture. The afternoon is all yours. Wander the leafy French Concession, track down the city's best dumplings or chill with a rooftop cocktail overlooking the river. This evening, why not join a Choice Experience and cruise the Huangpu River as the city lights sparkle around you? It's the perfect way to see Shanghai from a different angle and wrap up an unforgettable day.

It’s a free morning in Shanghai, and how you spend it is completely up to you. Go your own way or join a Choice Experience to take in jaw-dropping views from the Jinmao Tower. Later, fly to Yichang where your next adventure begins. Enjoy a local dinner before boarding your Yangtze River cruise, your floating home for the next few nights. With your bags unpacked and the river breeze on deck, it’s time to kick back and get ready for a slower, scenic pace as China’s landscapes unfold around you.

Today is all about soaking up the epic scenery of the Yangtze River. Cruise through the Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the famous Three Gorges, where misty cliffs tower above jade-green water. You’ll also pass by the mighty Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel. Back on board, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the ship’s facilities — relax on deck, join a cultural talk or simply watch the landscapes drift by. Feeling curious? Choose from three incredible Choice Experiences: visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges, explore the legendary hometown of Qu Yuan, or witness the fascinating ship lift at the Three Gorges Dam. However you spend your day, the views are unforgettable.

Start your day on a smaller boat, gliding along the Shennong Stream past steep cliffs, hanging coffins and hidden valleys. Back onboard, it’s all about the views as you cruise through the Wu Gorge and the narrow, dramatic Qutang Gorge — some of the most scenic stretches of the Yangtze. Want to dig a little deeper? Join a Choice Experience to White Emperor City, where ancient temples, legends and sweeping river views give you a real feel for this region’s history.

Another day of scenic cruising on the Yangtze — so sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Later, stretch your legs with a visit to Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park, where you’ll get a taste of local traditions and rural life. If river conditions change, no worries — you’ll head to the colourful Snow Jade Cave instead, filled with striking rock formations. Want something a bit spookier? Join a Choice Experience to Fengdu’s Ghost City, packed with eerie statues and wild legends. This evening, there’s an onboard entertainment show if you're up for a little fun before bed.

Say goodbye to your Yangtze cruise this morning as you arrive in Chongqing, one of China’s most dynamic cities. Kick off with an orientation that includes a stop at Liziba Station, where you can watch a city train zip straight through a residential building — a wild bit of urban engineering. Then take a stroll through Jiefangbei, Chongqing’s lively pedestrian area packed with shops, street food and sky-high buildings. After soaking up the city buzz, jump on a high-speed train to Xi’an. Once you arrive and transfer to your hotel, the evening is yours. Walk the ancient city wall, check out the Drum Tower lit up at night or take it easy at a local teahouse. It’s your call.

• Chongqing City

Start your day at the legendary Terracotta Warriors and Horses, one of the greatest archaeological finds in the world. After exploring this ancient army, enjoy a noodle lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the Yaodong cave dwellings — traditional homes carved into hillsides that are part of a disappearing way of life. Your visit helps support the families who live here. This evening in Xi’an is yours, or you can choose from two Choice Experiences: enjoy a Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet and a peek behind the curtain, or dive into Xi’an’s craft beer scene in the vibrant Muslim Quarter.

• Terracota Army and the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
• Visit Yaodong Cave Dwelling and learn how families are preserving these homes

Your morning in Xi’an is all yours. Grab a coffee, take a walk or join one of three Choice Experiences. You could start the day with a calming tai chi session in the park, cycle the top of the ancient city wall, or get creative in a calligraphy class. Later, board a high-speed train to Beijing and check in to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, the evening is yours to explore. Stroll through the streets, find a dumpling spot or just take it easy — you’ve arrived in China’s buzzing capital.

Kick off your day in Beijing with a sightseeing trip alongside your Travel Director. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public spaces, then step into the legendary Forbidden City — home to emperors for over 500 years. The afternoon is yours to explore, or you can join a Choice Experience to the peaceful Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture. This evening, choose from two more Choice Experiences: grab dinner with a twist at SpaceLab, where your food arrives by rollercoaster-style track, or watch martial arts mastery live at the Legend of Kung Fu Show. Whether you go classic or quirky, Beijing doesn’t hold back.

• Beijing City Tour

It’s the big one. Today you’ll visit the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, one of the most scenic and accessible sections of this world-famous wonder. Walk along the ancient stones, take in the views and tick off a serious bucket list moment. After, stop by a jade factory to see skilled craftspeople at work. The evening is yours to explore Beijing one last time. Hit the shops, find a rooftop bar or wander the local streets. Or, end on a high note with a Choice Experience and tuck into a classic Peking Duck dinner, served the traditional way. Then step into a local square to watch the city come alive with music, movement and locals square dancing. Feeling brave? Join in and make your final Beijing night one to talk about.

• Visit the Great Wall of China
• Jade Workshop Visit

It’s the last day of your China adventure — time to pack up, swap contacts and say goodbye to your Small Group who’ve shared the journey. You’ll make your own way to the airport, but you’re heading home with unforgettable memories, epic stories and maybe a few new friends too.