Majestic Yangtze
Embark on the Majestic Yangtze 14-day journey, blending the tranquility of a Yangtze River cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges with cultural encounters, from Shanghai's modernity to Chengdu's Giant Pandas and Beijing's ancient marvels. This classic tour ensures a seamless adventure with inclusive flights, meals, and expert guides, providing a memorable exploration of China's natural wonders and historic treasures.
Dine on Shui Jiao Dumpligs - Dine on delicious, doughy Shui Jiao dumplings, a Xian speciality, before getting swept away in the sights and sounds of the Tang Dynasty with a spectacular show of traditional music, dancing and performance..
Marvel at the Three Gorges - Cruise through Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, otherwise known as the Three Gorges, admiring the magnificent scenery from the comfort of your Yangtze River cruise vesseland learning about its epic history from your onboard expert.
Cruise Along the Bund - Cruise on the waters of the Huangpu, the river that bisects Shanghai, the perfect way to appreciate the contrast of the west bank, where you'll find the colonial architecture of the Bund, and the east bank, home to the ultramodern skyscrapers of Pudong.
Shanghai (2N) - Yangtze River Cruise (4N) - Chengdu (1N) - Xian (2N) - Beijing (3N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 12 /Lunches: 11 /Dinners: 12
- 4-star accommodation
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Yangtze River Cruise
- Huangpu River Cruise
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
- Dedicated Solo Departures only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50km radius, single room included in price.
Day 1: Fly To Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Explore Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the classical Yu Garden, a stop in the old town and learning about the age-old silk production process at a silk factory. Later admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. The skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold, Shanghai is unlike any other city in the world. Tonight, sample some traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Modern Pudong
Spend the morning seeing the sights of the ultramodern Pudong area, also known as the financial district of the city with skyscrapers buildings. Later, fly to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-6: Yangtze River Cruise
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Historic Ciqikou
Disembarking the cruise vessel in Chongqing, explore old Ciqikou, a district known for its porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ciqikou's narrow streets are perfect for a morning stroll to admire the historical, traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuanese meal for dinner with the option of a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for its ‘face-changing’.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Pandas
Begin this morning with a visit to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre, which allows you to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, take a bullet train to the former imperial capital of Xian. This evening a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing awaits.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and even buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Later, take a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town, then walk through the lively atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Bullet Train To Beijing
Board the bullet train to Beijing. China's capital, a treasure trove of sights, beneath layers of modernity this fast-paced mega city hides three millennia worth of tumultuous but glorious history.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Imperial Beijing
Head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic heart, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Also soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, and end the day watching a Chinese acrobatic show.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. In the afternoon, visit a jade factory then enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and view the exquisite architecture. This evening, savour Beijing's best-known delicacy-Peking duck.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 13-14: Fly Beijing To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 18 Mar 2025 - 30 Mar 2025
from$6,680$6,080 pp twin share /$8,080/ $7,480 pp solo - 25 Mar 2025 - 06 Apr 2025
from $6,680 pp twin share / $8,080 pp solo - 01 Apr 2025 - 13 Apr 2025
from $6,880 pp twin share / $8,280 pp solo - 08 Apr 2025 - 20 Apr 2025
from $6,880 pp twin share / $8,280 pp solo - 10 Apr 2025 - 22 Apr 2025
from / $7,780 pp solo - 15 Apr 2025 - 27 Apr 2025
from$6,880$6,280 pp twin share /$8,280/ $7,680 pp solo - 29 Apr 2025 - 11 May 2025
from $6,680 pp twin share / $8,080 pp solo - 06 May 2025 - 18 May 2025
from$6,680$6,080 pp twin share /$8,080/ $7,480 pp solo - 08 May 2025 - 20 May 2025
from / $7,780 pp solo - 13 May 2025 - 25 May 2025
from$6,680$6,080 pp twin share /$8,080/ $7,480 pp solo - 20 May 2025 - 01 Jun 2025
from$6,880$6,280 pp twin share /$8,280/ $7,680 pp solo - 03 Jun 2025 - 15 Jun 2025
from$6,880$6,280 pp twin share /$8,280/ $7,680 pp solo - 15 Jul 2025 - 27 Jul 2025
from $6,680 pp twin share / $8,080 pp solo - 05 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025
from$6,680$6,080 pp twin share /$8,080/ $7,480 pp solo - 02 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025
from$6,880$6,280 pp twin share /$8,280/ $7,680 pp solo - 09 Sep 2025 - 21 Sep 2025
from$6,880$6,280 pp twin share /$8,280/ $7,680 pp solo - 11 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025
from / $7,780 pp solo - 16 Sep 2025 - 28 Sep 2025
from $6,780 pp twin share / $8,180 pp solo - 07 Oct 2025 - 19 Oct 2025
from $6,780 pp twin share / $8,180 pp solo - 09 Oct 2025 - 21 Oct 2025
from / $7,780 pp solo - 14 Oct 2025 - 26 Oct 2025
from$6,680$6,080 pp twin share /$8,080/ $7,480 pp solo - 21 Oct 2025 - 02 Nov 2025
from $6,680 pp twin share / $8,080 pp solo - 06 Nov 2025 - 18 Nov 2025
from$6,680$6,080 pp twin share /$8,080/ $7,480 pp solo - 11 Nov 2025 - 23 Nov 2025
from$6,680$6,080 pp twin share /$8,080/ $7,480 pp solo - 19 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2026
from$6,980$6,380 pp twin share /$8,430/ $7,830 pp solo - 24 Mar 2026 - 05 Apr 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 31 Mar 2026 - 12 Apr 2026
from $7,280 pp twin share / $8,730 pp solo - 07 Apr 2026 - 19 Apr 2026
from$7,280$6,680 pp twin share /$8,730/ $8,130 pp solo - 09 Apr 2026 - 21 Apr 2026
from / $8,380 pp solo - 14 Apr 2026 - 26 Apr 2026
from $7,280 pp twin share / $8,730 pp solo - 28 Apr 2026 - 10 May 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 05 May 2026 - 17 May 2026
from$6,980$6,380 pp twin share /$8,430/ $7,830 pp solo - 07 May 2026 - 19 May 2026
from / $8,380 pp solo - 12 May 2026 - 24 May 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 19 May 2026 - 31 May 2026
from $7,280 pp twin share / $8,730 pp solo - 26 May 2026 - 07 Jun 2026
from $7,280 pp twin share / $8,730 pp solo - 02 Jun 2026 - 14 Jun 2026
from$7,280$6,680 pp twin share /$8,730/ $8,130 pp solo - 09 Jun 2026 - 21 Jun 2026
from $7,280 pp twin share / $8,730 pp solo - 14 Jul 2026 - 26 Jul 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 21 Jul 2026 - 02 Aug 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 04 Aug 2026 - 16 Aug 2026
from$6,980$6,380 pp twin share /$8,430/ $7,830 pp solo - 11 Aug 2026 - 23 Aug 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 01 Sep 2026 - 13 Sep 2026
from $7,280 pp twin share / $8,730 pp solo - 08 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026
from$7,280$6,680 pp twin share /$8,730/ $8,130 pp solo - 10 Sep 2026 - 22 Sep 2026
from / $8,380 pp solo - 15 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2026
from $7,180 pp twin share / $8,630 pp solo - 17 Sep 2026 - 29 Sep 2026
from $7,180 pp twin share / $8,630 pp solo - 06 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026
from $7,180 pp twin share / $8,630 pp solo - 08 Oct 2026 - 20 Oct 2026
from / $8,380 pp solo - 13 Oct 2026 - 25 Oct 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 20 Oct 2026 - 01 Nov 2026
from$6,980$6,380 pp twin share /$8,430/ $7,830 pp solo - 27 Oct 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 05 Nov 2026 - 17 Nov 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo - 10 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
from $6,980 pp twin share / $8,430 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel - Shanghai
Located in the heart of bustling Shanghai and nearby airport, the Jin Jiang Hongqiao Hotel welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.
Victoria Yangtze River Cruise - Yangtze River
Sail along the Yangtze River in comfort, aboard one of the wonderful 4-star vessels of the Victoria Cruise fleet. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
Xinliang Hotel - Chengdu
The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
Lanxi International Hotel - Xian
A short distance from Xian's historic old town, the 4-star Lanxi International hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. The modern guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk and flat screen TV.
Mercure Beijing Downtown - Beijing
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.
Tipping: Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB600 (AU$125) is paid locally in China.
Fitness: This is rated as a physical level 1 tour. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing steps. The steps tend to be quite large, not level and sometimes without handrails. Hindu and Buddhist temples or pagodas also tend to be built at an elevation, as this is the most auspicious position according to ancient beliefs. This means you sometimes need to walk from the bus park to the entrance, and/or need to climb some steps inside.
- There will be sightseeing on foot for both short and extended periods of time
- On the Great Wall of China in Beijing some of the walking will be at an incline
- On the Yangtze River Cruise and the day trips arranged from it you will be required to get on and off the boats without assistance
Of course, our National Escort and local guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
Visas: Entry visas are required by all visitors to China. Visas for China are valid for 90 days from the date of issue and allow you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Please be advised that your passport must have at least six months validity left on it when you arrive back into Australia.
Transport:
Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary. Roads in China have generally improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road – not just 1-2 kilometres as you may be used to. For this reason, the timings listed in the itinerary are approximations only. There may be sections of road where the surface is comparatively bumpy but our drivers will do their utmost to lessen the impact.
Planes: Internal flights are based on economy class with reputable airlines. Pre-seat flight allocation is unavailable
Cruise ships: On this tour you will take a 4-night cruise up the Yangtze River. Your cabin on your Yangtze River cruise ship will have a private bathroom and balcony. Please note that the cruise ship and all shore excursions arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis.
Trains: On this tour, you will take a high-speed train journey. You will travel in second-class soft seats with air conditioning. For train journeys you must ensure that you pack liquids, aerosols and gels/lotions in your hand luggage as per recent regulations. The National Escort will inform you of specific details prior to boarding. The train companies have implemented a policy which does not allow passengers to carry inflammable liquids including aerosols, styling gel, compressed air or insecticides; any explosives, magnetised material, knives, scissors or sharp items (medication is fine). Bag checks are conducted randomly and any of these items may be confiscated before boarding the train (in hand luggage or main luggage).
Personal Expenses & Optional Tours:
Personal Expense - You will need to take some extra money to cover drinks, laundry and souvenirs, plus any additional sightseeing that may be offered to you. Based on the advice of previous customers an approximate amount of $250AUD per person, per week should be sufficient; however, for those that can’t resist a bargain or may wish to participate in all of the optional excursions, consider allocating a higher amount.
Optional Tours - May be offered in each city you visit during your tour. These are not included in the standard itinerary and will only be available if time permits and if seats are available. In your Final Documentation an Optional Excursion Sheet will be included outlining the activities available in each city and local cost associated. Please ensure you have additional funds available if you feel you may wish to participate in any extra activities. Each option will be arranged locally by your National Escort/Local Guide, participation and tipping for optional excursions is completely at your discretion.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB700pp (AU$152pp) is paid locally in China.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.