ESSENCE OF CHINA YANGTZE CRUISE

This travel offer is valid until 29 February 2012 For the latest prices call one of our luxury cruise specialists now on 0845 643 1878.

Including a four night cruise on the most luxurious ship on the Yangtze River, you’ll absorb the beauty of what is widely regarded as the most scenic area of all of China. The natural spectacle of the Three Gorges region will captivate you as your ship navigates narrow gorges surrounded by steep mountains, visiting many historical sites and natural wonders.

• 11 day luxury river cruise & guided tour
• Save up to £400 per couple if booked before 29^th February 2012
• Prices from £3295 per person

• 3 nights Beijing, 4 night luxury Yangtze Cruise aboard Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer and 2 nights in Shanghai

• Visit one of the seven wonders of the world,the Great Wall of China
• Embark on a four night luxury Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges region, taking in some of Asias best scenery
• See the loveable Giant Pandas up close at Chongqing Zoo
• Enjoy premium seating at an acrobatic show in Shanghai

• Return scheduled flights from London
• All flights and airport transfers in China
• Outstanding hotel accommodation in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai
• Luxurious four night cruise aboard the Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer in a Private Balcony Suite, including all meals, plus wine and beer with lunch and dinner
• Services of a professional APT Tour Director, plus expert local guide in most locations
• All sightseeing, tours and entrance fees as outlined in your itinerary
• All tipping and gratuities

• 22 meals 9 full breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, including a special Farewell Dinner

Day 1 Fly UK to Beijing. Today, board your plane in the UK for your flight to China.

Day 2 Arrive Beijing. Upon arrival in China’s bustling capital, you’ll be met at the airport by an APT representative and transferred to your luxurious hotel. After settling in, the remainder of today is yours at leisure. Perhaps relax, or step out for a wander along nearby Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets. Later this evening, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

• Three Night Stay: Grand Hotel Beijing. Stay in a Forbidden City View Room.

Day 3 Beijing. Today, start at the geographical centre of Beijing, the impressive Tian’anmen Square. The world’s largest public square extends for over 440,000m² and is of great cultural significance. After the tour, head to the World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, the largest surviving palace complex on earth. Within its high walls, there are 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings and 8,704 rooms. After time to look around, you’ll head to the Summer Palace, built by Empress Dowager Cixi following the destruction of the Old Summer Palace by French and British troops in 1860. Here you’ll find a variety of palaces, gardens and pavilions as well as Longevity Hill and the man-made Kunming Lake. Tonight, indulge in a Peking Duck banquet with all the traditional accompaniments in a private room at the Quanjude Restaurant.

Day 4 Beijing, Great Wall of China. Today, set out for Huairou County and the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea up into the Gobi Desert for more than 6,000 kilometres. On the way, visit a jade factory for an insight into the 6,000 year-old craft of grinding and polishing these revered stones. Afterwards, stop at the Ming Dynasty Tombs, where thirteen Ming Dynasty Emperors are buried. Later, arrive at one of the bestpreserved parts of the Great Wall of China, the Mutianyu section. Here, board a cable car and enjoy great views as you travel up to the top of the wall. This section of the Great Wall is even more dramatic due to its high concentration of watchtowers that punctuate the 2,250 metre-long stretch. After dinner at leisure back in Beijing this evening, choose to attend either a Peking Opera Show at Qianmen Liyuan Theatre or take in a Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre.

Day 5 Beijing, Yichang, Embark Cruise. After breakfast this morning, hop on a rickshaw for a guided sightseeing tour through the hutongs (narrow streets or alleys) 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, enjoying lunch during the flight. On arrival in Yichang, transfer to your river ship. Settle into your cabin before a delicious dinner on board.

• Four Night Stay: the luxurious Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer.

Day 6 Three Gorges Dam, Xiling Gorge. This morning set off on your cruise along the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges region, considered by many to be China’s most picturesque area. This morning, perhaps take the opportunity to attend a lecture on the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. After lunch, arrive at the dam itself and take a tour of the world’s largest power station. Later, cruise through the longest of the three gorges, Xiling Gorge. After the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner followed by a crew show.

Day 7 Shennong Stream, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge. This morning, disembark at Badong and transfer by ferry to a traditional sampan (longboat) for a cruise. After lunch back on board your river ship, continue to tranquil Wu Gorge. This 40 kilometre-long stretch of water is flanked by sheer cliffs and has inspired many poets throughout the ages. Downstream of the ancient village Baidicheng, you’ll enter the Qutang Gorge, considered the most spectacular of the Three Gorges. The combination of narrow canyons against a backdrop of high mountains creates stunning vistas along this part of the Yangtze. This afternoon, perhaps attend an arts and crafts demonstration on board.

Day 8 Fengdu or Relocation Tour. This morning, you might choose to rise early and participate in a Tai Chi class atop the Observation Deck. Following breakfast, disembark for a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little ’Ghost City’ that lies at the foothill of the mountains right by the river. Alternatively, you may like to take a Relocation Tour, which will give you an insight into the impact of the Three Gorges Dam project on local farming communities. This afternoon, you may like to attend a Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy demonstration, learn how to play the ancient game of Mahjong, learn a few words of Mandarin or participate in a dumpling-making session, run by the ship’s chef. Tonight enjoy the Emperor Farewell Dinner, a Chinese banquet feast, and perhaps participate in some entertainment by dressing up along with the crew.

Day 9 Disembark Cruise, Chongqing, Shanghai. After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing and head to the famous Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the Giant Pandas. Then, transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, check in to your hotel, overlooking the Huangpu River. After dinner at leisure, enjoy premium seating at an acrobatic show.

• Two Night Stay: Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel. Stay in a Deluxe Room with city views.

Day 10 Shanghai. Enjoy a stroll on the Bund, this morning, a famous stretch of riverfront which houses buildings of various styles including Gothic, Renaissance and Art Deco.Later, visit the Shanghai Art Museum, with its five floors of display rooms featuring both modern and traditional works, then cruise the Huangpu River, which runs through the heart of the city. Afterwards, explore Yu Garden, one of the most lavish Chinese gardens in the region, and look around Shanghai’s Old City, in which the garden is set. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund, one of the city’s top restaurants.

Day 11 Depart Shanghai, Arrive UK. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight. Your plane lands back in the UK late afternoon.

• Prices are based on a Cat. E Private Balcony Suite (Main Deck). Please enquire for cabin upgrade prices.
• Visas may be required, but are not included within the tour cost.
• Prices are per person, based on twin share. Single travellers are required to pay the single price. The tour price includes meals and sightseeing as specified. Tours are subject to availability. Code CHYCF11

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