Luxury Grand Tour of China: Giant Pandas, Palaces & Yangtze River Cruise

Your holiday begins as you fly from the UK to your destination.

Enjoy a two-night hotel stay in one of China’s most exciting cities. Stroll along the historic Bund for stunning skyline views, savour local delicacies, and explore the intricate beauty of Jade Buddha Temple.

Discover the incredible, 400-year history of Yu Garden, which was restored to its former glory in 1956. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Bund, the historic waterfront where magnificent colonial architecture opposes enormous skyscrapers.

In Hubei Province, Yichang serves as the gateway to the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges. Blending modern life with rich cultural history, the city’s attractions include Binjiang Park and the shops of Wanda Square.

Following a local market tour board the largest river ship in the world, Victoria Sabrina. Featuring six passenger decks, a cultural theatre, and a grand, three-storey atrium, her elegant staterooms and spacious observation deck perfectly complement the Three Gorges scenery.

Spanning the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest power station. Marvel at this incredible feat of engineering that stretches over two kilometres before continuing through the imposing Xiling Gorge region.

Today you’ll transfer to smaller vessels to access the small gorges of Shennong Stream. These enchanting waterways lead deep into an impenetrable wilderness where forest-shrouded cliffs rise from emerald waters.

Wu Gorge is celebrated for its quiet beauty, with forest-covered mountains and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely hits them. Later in the day, sail through the dramatic Qutang Gorge, which snakes for eight kilometres through some of the region’s most stunning scenery.

Today your cruise itinerary includes shore excursions to the stalactites of Snow Jade Cave and Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Shibaozhai with its impressive wooden pagoda.

Disembarking in Chongqing, you’ll take the high-speed train to Chengdu for a two-night stay. The capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is home to not just one of Asia’s richest culinary cultures, but the country’s leading panda breeding programme.

A highlight of your holiday, today you’ll visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for an up-close encounter with the national animal of China. Meander through the winding pathways and observe the bears asleep and at play.

Travel to Xi’an by train for a two-night escape and the imposing Terracotta Army. History buffs will also appreciate the Bell Tower of Xi’an, built in 1384, while foodies may wish to stroll the Muslim Quarter, packed with tasty local cuisine.

Uncovered in 1974 by farmers, the 8,000 soldiers of the Terracotta Army are a symbol of the power and megalomania of Qin Shi Huangdi, China’s first emperor. Sculpted in 210 BC, each of the figures carries its own unique features.

China’s high-speed Fast Train awaits. Leaving Xi’an behind, you’ll journey to Beijing for three nights. Take an atmospheric rickshaw ride through historical districts or seek serenity at the 11^th-century Beihai Park.

Get ready for the Great Wall of China – the longest wall in the world and the only manmade structure visible from space! Discover its 2,000-year history, then explore the breathtaking Summer Palace and imperial gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven with its symbolic representations of heaven and Earth, together with the scarlet-walled Forbidden City – home to imperial rulers. Then on to the remarkable Tiananmen Square and the heart of the People’s Republic.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.