7-Day Shanghai-Yangtze River Tour
Highlights
Few countries can blend the ancient and modern in the way China can. What better way to absorb this diversity than by traveling to one of its great cities and meandering down its biggest river. All this is yours to discover in seven magical days. Uncover the secrets of the commercial mecca that is Shanghai. Walk the Bund and Nanjing Road; visit the majestic and contemplative Yuyuan Gardens; and explore the city’s outside influences in the French Concession. Food is a highlight here and you won’t be disappointed. Spend three days aboard a river boat and feel inspired like poets and philosophers have been for centuries. The Yangtze River lies between breathtaking gorges and stunning mountain scenery. It’s the perfect place to be swept away. This exploration of some of China’s finest sights includes six nights accommodation, English speaking tour guides, daily breakfasts and more. It’s truly an experience that will make for beautiful travel memories.
Itinerary
Arrive in Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient, and be welcomed enthusiastically by your local Shanghai guide. Keen to help you relax and feel comfortable, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel sharing a little of this exciting city’s highlights, history, and culture. With free time available to explore, you can make the most of the remainder of the day, visiting local sights and partaking in some delicious local specialties.
Meals included: None
Shanghai is truly an international city and you’ll understand why when you start your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum home to over 140,000 artifacts. Explore on your own or listen to your guide share the full history and culture of this cosmopolitan city.
Few places capture the intersection of commerce and culture in Shanghai like The Bund. Famous for its location in proximity to the trading centre of Shanghai, the Bund is an outstanding example of old Shanghai glamour. While shopping may not be front of mind, a walk through the busiest shopping precinct in China, Nanjing Road, will open your eyes to shopping China-style. Big high street fashion stores sit alongside quirky silk traders and shops selling every imaginable thing.
Gain an insight to the life and prestige of local merchants from times past when you visit Yuyuan Garden. The beautifully designed buildings and stunning gardens are a welcome reprieve from Shanghai’s big city bustle. You’ll find plenty to capture in beautiful travel memories. Stroll around the nearby Yu Garden Bazaar that offers an eclectic cross-section of goods, from souvenirs, antiques, crafts, fresh produce, and food. Make the most of your afternoon by wandering the quieter streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road in the Former French Concession, where you will find the essence of classic Shanghai captured in this historical retail and residential precinct.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: As the Shanghai Museum is closed to public on Mondays, a visit to the Shanghai History Museum is arranged as an alternative.
Looking for iconic Shanghai mementos to remember your travel adventure? Talk to your local guide. With personal knowledge of where to find silk, porcelain, and other treasures, your guide can save you time and ensure your purchase is authentic.
This morning see how the influence of coffee extends well beyond the plantation when you travel with your guide to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai, one of the largest Starbucks in the world. Here you can grab a cup of coffee and immerse yourself in the process for how the beans are roasted and finally make their way to the coffee cup. Take a step back in time at the Jade Buddha Temple, a place of peace located in the heart of the city. Afterwards you will be transferred to the airport and catch your flight to Yichang. On arrival in Yichang, you will be greeted by your guide and taken to Maoping Pier to embark your Yangtze River cruise ship and stay overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today enjoy cruising the Yangtze at a relaxed pace. Let inspiration spur you onto participate in the daily cruise activities, including an early morning Tai Chi class. After lunch time, a guided bus trip will educate you about the largest hydroelectric project in the world, the Three Gorges Dam. Locals, many of whom are involved in tourism profiling the dam, are extremely proud of the design, construction, and industry which is now fundamental to their life and region. After the tour, you’ll be transferred by shuttle bus to the Yichang Three Gorges Tourism Center. Head back to the boat and prepare for the evening’s festivities at the Captain’s Welcome Party. Sit back and enjoy the Chinese folk dancing and music performance – or get up and be part of it!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Note: Shore excursions may vary due to different cruise lines and some are optional tours. Please note, payment for these excursions is not included in the cruise price and will be arranged while onboard the boat with the cruise company.
Continue sailing past the impressive Wu Gorge. For the more adventurous, there’s a unique opportunity to explore this part of the Yangtze River in a small wooden boat. Ease gently into the magnificent Shennv Stream, an experience that allows you to appreciate the magnitude of the gorge and idyllic scenery. Return to the ship and enter the eastern section of the Qutang Gorge, which you can observe as you sail past into the evening. Enjoy dinner and a relaxed evening onboard.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Note: Shore excursions may vary due to different cruise lines and some are optional tours.
Today’s cruising is the opportunity to enjoy more of the scenery and history found on both sides of the river. The cruise offers optional shore excursions at various sights of historical significance, including Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai (depending on the water level and cruise company you are traveling with.) Fengdu Ghost City is considered the final resting place for all souls. Shibaozhai is a tower nearly 56 metres in height leaning against the Yuyin Hill. Since construction of the Three Gorges Dam project in 2003, there is a moat surrounding it. In the evening, take time to connect with other travelers and join the crew at the farewell party.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast you’ll disembark in Chongqing where you’ll be greeted by a local guide. If the schedule permits, there’ll be a chance to enjoy a brief tour through Ciqikou Old Town. You’ll then be transferred to the airport or railway station to depart for your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Travel Note: Looking to extend your tour? We can do that! Let us help you make the most of every minute and provide you with exceptional guided travel anywhere in China. With a network that spans across China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from Chongqing. (A surcharge will apply).
Accommodation
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified
- Accommodation: hotels based on double/twin occupancy as specified
- Meals: as specified in the itinerary
- Tour guide: excellent private English-speaking guide
- Transportation: Economy class domestic flights between Shanghai/Yichang, and Yangtze River cruise ship.
- Transfers: land transfer with drivers as specified
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees.
Exclusions:
- International/domestic flights and trains to Shanghai/from Chongqing
- China visa fees
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of a personal nature
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
- 00/per person of the service charge on the Yangtze River cruise.
Important Information
- Important information – PRIVATE TOUR
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. There will be no other travellers in the group apart from you.It’s always available for your schedule!
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums each Monday.
- Optional tours to Suzhou, Hangzhou or nearby Watertown, and other destinations are also available
- Any city not included in the existing tour package can be blended into as Private tour.
- Entering and exiting China from Hong Kong and Taipei are also available.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) can be extended.
Important information – FOR SMALL GROUP TOUR
- This is a small group tour with fixed itinerary and guaranteed departures.
You’ll travel with other like-minded people. - Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums on each Monday
- A transfer from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport in Shanghai is available upon request at a surcharge.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) can be extended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The maximum number of passengers in a small group tour is 12 people.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Booking Information
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation email with a Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of the purchase.Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
On purchasing this tour product, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.
Surcharges
Please note: online credit card payment and PayPal payments incur surcharges.Tour Start Dates
Private and custom tours can be scheduled to commence on any day. Multi-day small group tours start on set dates as indicated in the booking calendar for the specific tour.Cities for Commencement of Tours
Beijing is the city in which multi-day small group tours start. Multi-day tours with set itineraries booked as a private tour, commence in Beijing, unless otherwise arranged with ChinaTours.com. Tours booked as custom tours can start in any destination listed on the ChinaTours.com website.Flights
Full service flights included, where applicable. For international flights: full service flights included only if tour includes travel to/from Hong Kong, Taiwan, North Korea, or as part of Indochina tour packages. Domestic flights included as part of a tour package are provided by select Chinese domestic airlines. Flight carrier will be specified in itinerary provided on finalization of booking. Note: the maximum baggage allowance for domestic in China is 20 kilograms for economy class domestic flights, 30 kilograms for business class, and 40 kilograms for first class. Flight class upgrades are available on request at an additional charge.High Speed Trains
First class seat for five star (Luxury) tour packages and second class seat for four star (Superior) tour packages.High Speed Train Seat Upgrades
Seat upgrades are available on high speed trains on request at an additional charge and subject to availability. A limited number of first class seats are available on high speed trains. ChinaTours.com cannot guarantee high speed train seat upgrades due to third party or supplier’s shortage.Destination Transfer
Transfers from airport to hotel provided as air-conditioned vehicle with driver.Post Tour Airport Transfer
At the completion of your tour, a transfer service from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport can be arranged on request. Additional charges apply.Arrive Early
Accommodation options for early arrival prior to commencement of tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.Stay Behind
Accommodation options for stay behind after completion of tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.Tour Guide
All ChinaTours.com tour guides are bilingual speakers with intimate knowledge of an area/city, its culture, history, people, and food, which they will share on tour. ChinaTours.com does not operate commission-based shopping tours which means our tour guides do not receive commissions for commission-based shopping stops. Small group and private tour groups of 1-2 (<3) people will be provided with a guide/driver rather than a driver and a guide.Small Group Size
The maximum number of passengers in a multi-day small group tour is 12 people.Optional Tours/Activities
Optional tour activities are available on request. Please contact ChinaTours.com directly to customize your optional tour activities and destinations.Accommodation
ChinaTours.com selects international four star and five star hotels located in the inner city centre. In small, regional destinations, ChinaTours.com selects the best available hotel.Bedding Configuration
Bedding included in accommodation is double or twin bedding (subject to availability). Special arrangements available on request; additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.Adjoining/Interconnecting Rooms
Adjoining/Interconnecting rooms are available subject to passenger’s request. Additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.Child/Infant Policy
Pricing for child and infant can be quoted separately.
Infant price is valid for children 0 to 2 years. Child price is valid for children aged 2 to 11 years. Adult pricing apply for passengers aged 12 years and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 years or over. No unaccompanied minors allowed.Meals
All breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are excluded allowing passengers to make their own selection for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on the Yangtze River Cruise only. Lunch provided on the Li River Cruise. Local guides can be consulted to provide recommendations and assist with eating arrangements on request.Passport
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or within 72 hours of purchase. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
Passport validity should be at least six months for entering China.Visas
A tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on a foreign passport.
Please make arrangements for your visa as soon as you receive your documentation to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.Gratuities/Tipping
Gratuities (tips) for services of the tour guide and driver throughout the tour are not included in the tour package price.Insurance
ChinaTours.com tour packages do not include travel insurance. We strongly recommend purchase of comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.Schedule of Fees
For changes to travel arrangements:- First change – No charge.
- For all subsequent changes – USD50.
- Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider) cannot be waived.
Cancellation
For China tour Packages, ChinaTours.com charges cancellation fees at a percentage of the total tour package price, which are stated as follows:- More than 60 days prior to tour start date: 15 percent cancellation fee
- 45 – 59 days prior to tour start date: 20 percent cancellation fee
- 30 – 44 days prior to tour start date: 30 percent cancellation fee
- 15 – 29 days prior to tour start date: 50 percent cancellation fee
- Within 14 days prior to tour start date: 100 percent cancellation fee
Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider, credit card fee, bank fee) cannot be waived.
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