The Yangtze River cruise is a wonderful way to discover China as it boasts a fantastic mix of total relaxation on board and incredible sightseeing adventures along the country’s mightiest river. Setting off the bustle and hustle of the tourist trail, sit back and relax on the sun deck while soaking up the dramatic landscape of Three Gorges, be immersed in the history, grandeur and culture of ancient China on shore excursions. The epic voyage, complete with luxury, comfort and convenience, affords you more intimate experience of enchanting China that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Mar 26
Apr 23
May 21*, 28*
Jun 25*
Jul 02*,09*, 16*
Aug 06,20
Sep 24*
Oct 15
High-season Surcharge: dates with a * incur a surcharge of AUD380 per person
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane*, Perth* or Adelaide*
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Begin your journey with your international flight to Chongqing (subject to the flight schedule, some flights will depart one day earlier). Upon arrival at the Chongqing International Airport you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your flight’s arrival time, the remaining time of the day is free for your individual activities. (For early arrival before the hotel room is ready, you may join the optional massage treatment and wash off the tiredness that caused by the long flight journey). OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES MASSAGE TREATMENT: Your selection of massage treatment that helps you to wash off the tiredness from the long flight journey
After breakfast you will visit the famous Giant Panda Reserve Zoo in Chongqing and get a close distance to watch the giant pandas and their offspring. Afterwards you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, you can join an amazing optional tour to take an inside look of this exciting city (not included). OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES CHONGQING LOCAL TOUR: On this tour you will pay a visit to Ciqikou Old Town, one of Chongqing’s most historic conservation districts. Constructed from 998 to 1003 and most of the architectures on the streets were built in Ming or Qing architectural style. This pleasant pedestrian thoroughfare is home to a fascinating mix of classic Chongqing architecture and modern cafes and boutiques. At lunch, enjoy the local Chongqing Hot Pot. In Chongqing this south-western mega-city with 30 million people, hotpot is not just food but a lifestyle.
After breakfast, transfer to Chongqing Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Yichang (approx. 4 hours train ride). You will be met at Yichang Railway by your tour guide and transferred to the Yangtze Victoria ship, where you will begin your memorable four night cruise down the Yangtze River. Yichang, renowned as the “Gateway to the Three Gorges” and the “Throat between Sichuan and Hubei”, is an important trading port and a transportation hub along the Yangtze River.
Today’s activities include: a morning Tai Chi lesson and an optional shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site (not included). The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. You may also want to visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges (not included), the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorged Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba and Shu cultures. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy the evening entertainment with a Chinese dancing ball.OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES TRIBE OF THE THREE GORGES: Explore the ancient past by visiting the historical village on the water, the brookside tribe, and the mountain-top tribe. THREE GORGES DAM SITE: It is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. You may also upgrade this excursion and to experience the world’s largest ship lock lift.
Today you may enjoy an optional shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges (not included) - a shining pearl hidden in remote mountains. You will leave your cruise ship and board smaller vessels to sail through the narrower and breathtaking Lesser Three Gorges region, lined by sheer cliffs and mountains. Along the Yangtze River you will appreciate the beauty of the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge and visit the ancient plank road, Mengliang Stairway and the Hanging Cofns. You may also want to visit the White Emperor City (not included), an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County. You will then return to the ship and continue sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES SHENNONG STREAM: The stream flows through three beautiful gorges including the Mianzhu Gorge, Parrot Gorge and Longcangdong Gorge. Each gorge is renowned for its unique and stunning scenery. The Shennong Stream is also home to the Hanging Cofns, which are ancient cofns containing the remains of descendants of the Tujia people. WHITE EMPEROR CITY: It is an ancient temple that is located a top Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County, and it is the best viewing point to appreciate the entrance of Three Gorges.
Today you may choose to join the optional excursion to visit the Fengdu Ghost City (not included) to see why it’s regarded as the “City of Ghosts”. The temples built on Ming Mountain depict the punish instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell. Return to the ship and continue to pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Tonight enjoy the farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES SHIBAOZHAI PAGODA: This site had a history of over 400 years when it was built into the side of a 200- metre-tall hill. The striking nine stories red pagoda was built in 1819 to make it easier for people to reach the Buddhist temple at the very top of the hill. FENGDU GHOST CITY: Fengdu Ghost City in Chongqing is a hot destination for many visitors and Yangtze River cruise travellers. This extremely old place is featured with the culture of “ghost” in China, and also a treasurable storage of the folk culture about Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism together.
This morning you will disembark the cruise in the magnifcent city of Chongqing. You can explore this beautiful city at your own pace before travel to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can join our well planned optional day tour and be transferred to the airport as per your flight time. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES CHONGQING INSIGHT TOUR: On this sightseeing tour you’ll explore the many landmarks of Chongqing including Hongyadong Folk Custom Scene Area, local wet market and the famous Huguang Assembly Hall.
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