Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

ARRIVE IN BEIJING

Arrive at Beijing International Airport where you will be met by a Sanctuary representative after customs who will transfer you to check-in at our partner hotel, the Peninsula Hotel Beijing. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight: The Peninsula Hotel Beijing (partner hotel)

TIANANMEN SQUARE & FORBIDDEN CITY

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, it is time to visit the largest city square in the world, Tiananmen Square (440,000 m² - 880m by 500m). Tiananmen Square has great cultural significance as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history. Then stop at the Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty and for almost five hundred years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government. After a half day tour, return to the hotel and the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Beijing.

Overnight: The Peninsula Hotel Beijing (partner hotel)

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Buffet breakfast at the hotel followed by a tour to one of the seven wonders of the world, "The Great Wall of China". Today you have the opportunity to visit a part of the Great Wall of Mutianyu, this section of the wall is located in Huairou County, some 70 kilometres northeast of Beijing. To reach the Great Wall, take a cable car ride where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery before walking on the monumental manbuilt structure. After a half day tour, return to the hotel and balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight: The Peninsula Hotel Beijing (partner hotel)

BEIJING TO CHONGQING - SANCTUARY YANGZI EXPLORER

This morning you will transfer by private car to Beijing Airport to board your flight. Arrive at Chongqing Airport where a Sanctuary representative will assist and transfer you to the 5 star deluxe Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. Dinner will be a set a la carte menu on board. The ship will set sail on its downstream course in the evening through the Three Gorges region. The total length of this cruise is 660 kilometres and is considered by most Chinese to be the most scenic area in all of China.

Overnight: Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

FENGDU

Discover the authentic method to preparing tea in China before learning how to make dumplings. In the afternoon there will be a shore excursion to Fengdu, where you can visit a local Kindergarten or join in with an exercise, singing and dancing regime for the local retired Chinese residents. After a visit the local market, accompanied by one our Chefs, you have an exclusive visit to a traditional Chinese housing complex, where you can admire the intricate preserved architecture whilst enjoying afternoon tea. The evening will begin with the Captain's Welcome Reception, followed by the Welcome Dinner.

Overnight: Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

QUTANG GORGE, WU GORGE, SHENNONG STREAM, & XILING GORGE

Early this morning the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer will enter Qutang Gorge. After breakfast, you will enter Wu Gorge and later this morning you will cruise Shennong Stream. Disembark from the ship at Badong and transfer to a local longboat (sampan) poled by Tujia boatmen. After lunch, enjoy a presentation by an expert on the Three Gorges Dam Project, with an open discussion. Following afternoon tea, view Xiling Gorge and then try Chinese brush painting and calligraphy. This evening is the Emperor Farewell Dinner followed by entertainment by our crew members.

Overnight: Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

THREE GORGES DAM PROJECT, YICHANG TO SHANGHAI

After breakfast you will arrive at the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Centre for a private tour. This tour will serve as a general introduction to the project site which is currently the world's largest engineering project. After the Dam visit, return to ship and set sail for Yichang, the final stop on your cruise. Your tour coordinator will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival at Shanghai, you will be transferred to the Peninsula Hotel Shanghai for check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai (partner hotel)

THE BUND, YU GARDEN & OLD TOWN

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, depart from the hotel to see the famous "Bund", an area of Huangpu District in central Shanghai. Next stop, visit a garden that many consider to be one of the finest Chinese gardens in the region, the Yu Garden. The garden was first established in 1559 as a private garden created by Pan Yunduan, who spent almost 20 years building a garden to please his father Pan En, a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty, After a half day tour, return to the hotel and balance of the day is at leisure to explore Shanghai.

Overnight: The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai (partner hotel)

DEPART SHANGHAI

On your final day you will enjoy a breakfast buffet at the hotel and then check-out. Transfer to Shanghai Airport in private car to board your international flight.