Day 1. Depart London
Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Beijing.
Day 2. Beijing
Be met on arrival in China’s capital and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, the rest of today is yours to enjoy at leisure before a Welcome Reception tonight.
Day 3. Beijing
Your sightseeing begins today with a tour of Tian’anmen Square. Later, head to the World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, the largest surviving palace complex on earth. After time to look around, visit the Summer Palace. Tonight, indulge in a Peking Duck banquet, with all the traditional accompaniments, in a private room at the Quanjude Restaurant.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 4. Beijing, Great Wall of China, Freedom of Choice
Today, set out for one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall of China, the Mutianyu section. Here, ride a cable car to the top of the wall and take in the stunning views. Later, visit the Sacred Way of the Ming Dynasty Tombs, where thirteen Ming Dynasty Emperors are buried. Stop at a jade factory on your return to Beijing. After dinner at leisure, choose to attend either a Peking Opera show at Qianmen Liyuan Theatre or a Kung Fu show at the Red Theatre.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
Day 5. Beijing, Yichang, Embark Cruise
This morning, hop on a rickshaw for a guided sightseeing tour through the hutongs (narrow streets) of Old Beijing. Explore the maze of historic alleyways and visit the home of a local family. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and fly to Yichang. On arrival, board your river ship and settle in before dinner.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 6. Three Gorges Dam, Xiling Gorge
This morning set off on your cruise along the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges region. Perhaps attend a lecture on the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Arrive at the dam itself and take a tour before cruising through the longest of the three gorges, Xiling Gorge. Tonight, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Dinner, specially designed by an award-winning chef. Afterwards, enjoy an entertaining crew show.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 7. Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge
At Badong, transfer to a traditional sampan (longboat) for a cruise amid stunning scenery. After lunch on your river ship, continue to Wu Gorge, noted for its sheer peaks and cliff faces. Later, pass between two majestic cliffs on entry to Qutang Gorge, the most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Later, perhaps attend an arts and crafts demonstration.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 8. Fengdu OR Relocation Tour
This morning, perhaps participate in a Tai Chi class atop the Observation Deck. After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little ‘Ghost City’. Alternatively, take a ‘Relocation Tour’, and learn about the impact of the Three Gorges Dam project on local families. This afternoon, you may like to attend a Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy demonstration, learn how to play Mahjong, learn some Mandarin or enjoy a dumpling-making session. Tonight enjoy the Emperor Farewell Dinner, a Chinese banquet feast, and perhaps participate in some entertainment by dressing up with the crew.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 9. Chongqing, Disembark Ship, Xi’an, Freedom of Choice
Disembark in Chongqing and head for Chongqing Zoo to see the famous Giant Pandas, an endangered species. Afterwards, visit a local restaurant for an authentic hotpot lunch, then transfer to the airport and fly to Xi’an. This evening, choose to dine on international and North African cuisine at The Mediterranean; fresh European delicacies at Azur; or Chinese fare at Le Chinois.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 10. Xi’an, Terracotta Army
Tour the City Wall of Xi’an today, then travel via a nearby clay factory, where replica Terracotta Warriors are made, to the site of the Terracotta Army. Explore the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Today, exclusive to APT guests, you’ll also receive a book on the Terracotta Army signed by one of the farmers that discovered it. Enjoy a Tang Dynasty banquet and show this evening. BLD
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 11. Xi’an, Shanghai, Freedom of Choice
This morning, visit the magnificent Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a five-storey Buddhist pagoda built in 652. Then, after lunch, fly to Shanghai. On arrival at Shanghai airport, head into the heart of the city. This evening, perhaps enjoy Chinese cuisine at the Dragon Phoenix restaurant; try Din Tai Fung’s renowned dumplings; or feast on delicious local Chinese fare at Zen Restaurant.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 12. Shanghai
Enjoy a stroll on the Bund, a famous stretch of riverfront. Later, visit the Shanghai Art Museum, with its five floors of display rooms featuring modern and traditional works. Cruise the Huangpu River through the heart of the city, and explore Yu Garden, one of the most lavish gardens in China. After dinner at leisure, this evening enjoy premium seating at an acrobatic show.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
Day 13. Jinxi, Shanghai
This morning, travel to the quiet water town of Jinxi, and go for a stroll through its ancient streets on a walking tour. Take a canal cruise, then return to Shanghai after lunch for some free time. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at The Cathay Room.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 14. Depart Shanghai, Arrive UK
Transfer to the airport for your flight and arrive at London Heathrow.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer
Launched: 2008, Decks: 5, Length: 300 feet, Cabins: 62, Passengers: 124, Crew: 130.
See Yangzi Explorer ship plans here.
Suite Floor Plans
Private Balcony Suite Floor Plans
Categories: C, D and E. 333 square feet / 31 square metres.
See suite floor plans for Cat. C, D and E here.
Deluxe Balcony Suite Floor Plans
Categories: B and A. 420 square feet / 39 square metres.
See suite floor plans for Cat. B and A here.
* Please note all ship and suite plans are indicative only.