Magic of the Yangtze Cruise

Forbidden City, Beijing

Enjoy a captivating river cruise along the majestic Yangtze and experience the wonders of ancient and modern China in Shanghai, Beijing and Xian.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Shanghai.

On arrival in Shanghai, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this vibrant city.

DAY 3: Shanghai.

Sometimes known as 'Hu', Shanghai is a bustling, fast-paced metropolis that epitomises modern China and offers a rich tableau for sightseers. This morning's tour takes in the lively old town, exquisite Yu Yuan Gardens and the fascinating Shanghai Museum. This evening, enjoy an acrobatic show. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Shanghai.

Spend the morning at leisure exploring more of this magnificent city, perhaps visiting one of the many places of interest recommended by your guide. This afternoon, embark your ship, Victoria Sophia, for an eight night cruise. (B, D)

DAY 5: Nanjing.

Arrive in Nanjing and explore this enchanting walled city, once an ancient capital of China and home to some wonderful cultural treasures. Sights today include the Ming Dynasty City Wall Museum and a captivating Qing dynasty style bazaar around the Confucius Temple area. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Huangshan.

Weather permitting, today brings a visit to Huangshan, the legendary 'Yellow Mountain', one of China's greatest symbols and breathtaking for its scale and beauty. If the weather is against you, an alternative excursion to Jiuhuashan, the 'Mountain of the Nine Lotuses', may be arranged. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Wuhan.

Spend today on board, enjoying the ship's amenities and views of the passing landscapes before arriving in Wuhan, an ancient town with a rich revolutionary history. Visit the Guqin Terrace, which commemorates the friendship between Yu Boya, who was famous for his heptachord playing, and Zhong Ziqi, whom he met here whilst passing through by boat enroute to his home in the Jin State. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Yangtze River.

Sit back and relax for a full day of Yangtze cruising. Admire the surrounding countryside as you cruise and enjoy the on board activities. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Three Gorges.

Sail through Gezhou Dam, the first built on the Yangtze, and Xiling Gorge before visiting the Three Gorges Dam site, one of man's most incredible and ambitious engineering schemes. Later, sail through the Three Gorges Dam Five Stage Ship Lock. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Wu and Qutang Gorges.

Enjoy an excursion to the Daning River Small Gorges with its incredible, steep-walled gorges or to the Shenong Stream, before passing through the magnificent, cloud encircled peaks of Wu and Qutang Gorges, said to embody supernatural spirits. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Fengdu.

Experience the remarkable 'Ghost City' of Fengdu, said to be inhabited by immortals from China's underworld, and bursting with ancient shrines and temples dedicated to these 'gods'. Alternatively, visit the new relocation village created for families who had to move due to the rising water levels created by the Three Gorges Dam. Note: Due to high or low water levels, it may sometimes be necessary to replace your visit to Fengdu with Wanzhou, White Emperor City or Shibaozhai. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Chongqing - Xian.

Arrive in Chongqing and disembark your ship after breakfast. Enjoy a visit to the city zoo before taking an afternoon or evening flight to Xian for two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Xian.

Enjoy a full day tour to the remarkable Terracotta Warriors, built in around 250BC to guard an Imperial Tomb and comprising thousands of full-size, hand-carved clay soldiers, chariots and horses. Later, stroll along Xian's ancient city wall before enjoying tonight's dinner at a Tang Dynasty music and dance show. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Xian - Beijing.

Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, a revered Buddhist pagoda built around 600-700AD, before flying to Beijing for three nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Beijing.

Enjoy an included full day tour of the legendary Great Wall of China. Stretching 6,000 kilometres and dating back to the Ming period, this startling edifice will stay in your memory forever. Visit the Temple of Heaven, an impressive example of Ming architecture, where sacrificial rituals were staged by the Emperors to ensure good harvests. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Beijing.

Enjoy a fascinating full day city tour taking in vast Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, seat of China's emperors, and the Summer Palace, a park of lakeside pagodas and the site of the marble boat made for the Empress Dowager Ci Xi. In the evening, enjoy a Peking duck dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 17: Beijing - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Shanghai: Holiday Inn Downtown Hotel or similar (4*); Xian: Jianguo Hotel or similar (4*); Beijing: Xiyuan Hotel or similar (5*).

Early Booking Offer

Book before 1 February and receive $100 per couple on board credit.

Visa Requirements

A visa is required for entry into China. This must be obtained prior to departure. An information pack explaining the visa application procedure will be included with your confirmation invoice.

Not included in the Price

Tipping on tour is recommended at $5 per passenger per day. Tipping on Yangtze shore excursions for local guides, drivers and boatmen is recommended at $1 each. On the cruise, an automatic gratuity of $45 per person will be added to your on board account.

Upgrade to an executive cabin

Upgrade to an executive deck cabin or executive suite and receive exclusive access to the executive lounge, with snacks, tea & coffee and soft drinks, happy hour before dinner and reserved window seating during dinner.

Your Holiday Map

Magic of the Yangtze Cruise

Itinerary Map

Victoria Sophia

A five-star deluxe river cruiser, Victoria Sophia is a modern, stylishly designed ship, purpose built for navigating the Yangtze River and fully refurbished in 2011. Offering comfortable, elegant public areas, a choice of amenities and impeccable personal service, Victoria Sophia accommodates just 208 passengers in 104 cosy, well-appointed cabins, each with a balcony and river views.

Your holiday price includes a twin main deck cabin. A variety of other cabins and suites are available should you choose to upgrade.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Dining room; lounge; bar; library; meeting room; massage room; beauty salon; fitness room; gift shop; mahjong room; internet access; safety deposit box and hairdryer available at reception.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The dining room accommodates all guests at one sitting. All meals are buffet style with a choice of cold or cooked options. Meals are expertly prepared with high quality, fresh ingredients by expert chefs and usually consist of traditional Chinese options with Western selections available. Any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking.

Cabins

ll cabins are outside cabins and have twin beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a main deck cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Twin main deck cabin

Twin promenade deck cabin

Twin executive deck cabin

Executive, Deluxe and Shangrila Suites are available on request

Tipping

Victoria Cruises operate an automated tipping system so instead of worrying how much and when to tip, an amount of $45 per passenger per cruise will be charged upon check-in.

Victoria Sophia

Victoria Sophia - side view

  Main, Promenade, Bridge or Observation Deck outside standard twin cabin with window

  Promenade, Bridge or Observation Deck outside Junior Suite

  Promenade Deck outside Deluxe Suite

  Promenade Deck outside Shangrila Suite with private terrace

Magic of the Yangtze Cruise 16 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.

Earlier 2012 Later
Apr Thu 12 May Thu 10 May Fri 11 May Thu 24 Jun Thu 07 Jul Thu 19 Aug Thu 16 Aug Thu 30
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own way

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This is the price of the holiday without flights
               
Birmingham

Departure Times

  • 14:15

Departure Times

  • 13:20
 

Departure Times

  • 13:20

Departure Times

  • 13:20
 

Departure Times

  • 13:20
   
Glasgow

Departure Times

  • 14:15

Departure Times

  • 14:15
 

Departure Times

  • 14:15

Departure Times

  • 14:15

Departure Times

  • 14:15

Departure Times

  • 14:15
   
London Heathrow

Departure Times

  • 13:05 (+ £60)
  • 21:20

Departure Times

  • 13:05 (+ £60)
  • 21:20
 

Departure Times

  • 13:05 (+ £60)
  • 21:20

Departure Times

  • 13:05 (+ £60)
  • 21:20

Departure Times

  • 13:05 (+ £165)
  • 20:25

Departure Times

  • 13:05 (+ £175)
  • 20:25

Departure Times

  • 13:05 (+ £165)
  • 20:25
 
Manchester

Departure Times

  • 13:30

Departure Times

  • 14:10
 

Departure Times

  • 13:30

Departure Times

  • 14:10
 

Departure Times

  • 14:10
   
Newcastle

Departure Times

  • 13:35

Departure Times

  • 13:35
 

Departure Times

  • 13:35

Departure Times

  • 13:35
 

Departure Times

  • 13:35

Departure Times

  • 13:35
 

Magic of the Yangtze Cruise 16 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

Date Depart From Price from PP  
12 Apr 2012 Birmingham

Departure Times

  • 14:15
Select
12 Apr 2012 Glasgow

Departure Times

  • 14:15
Select
12 Apr 2012 London Heathrow

Departure Times

  • 13:05 (+ £60)
  • 21:20
Select
12 Apr 2012 Manchester

Departure Times

  • 13:30
Select
12 Apr 2012 Newcastle

Departure Times

  • 13:35
Select

Magic of the Yangtze Cruise

Price from £2149.00

What's Included

  • Flights UK - Shanghai; Chongqing - Xian; Xian - Beijing; Beijing - UK
  • Accommodation as per cruise ship details; twin room in hotels
  • Meals 15 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L) and 14 dinners (D)
  • English speaking guide on tours
  • Porterage (for one suitcase per person)
  • Transfers between overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
  • All local, port and airport taxes

Holiday Highlights

  • Shanghai City sightseeing
  • Nanjing Ming Dynasty City Wall Museum
  • Huangshan Yellow Mountain
  • Wuhan Guqin Terrace
  • Three Gorges Xiling, Wu, Qutang Gorges, dam site and ship locks
  • Daning River Lesser Three Gorges
  • Fengdu
  • Chongqing City zoo
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors, Tang Dynasty show, Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Beijing Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square

Departures from

  • Birmingham
  • Glasgow
  • London Heathrow
  • Manchester
  • Newcastle

Departures between

12 Apr 2012 to 27 Sep 2012

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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