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 one night. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this vibrant city. (D)

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 afternoon, transfer to Shanghai pier and join your ship, Victoria Prince, for an eight night cruise. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: 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 Mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-Sen, leader of the 1911 Revolution, and a captivating Qing dynasty style bazaar around the Confucius Temple area. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: 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 6: 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 Museum of Rare Stones or enjoy a walking tour. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Yangtze River.
Sit back and relax for a full day of Yangtze cruising today. Admire the surrounding countryside as you cruise and enjoy the on board activities. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: Chongqing - Xian.
Arrive in Chongqing and disembark after breakfast. Enjoy a short tour around the atmospheric Old Town and city zoo before taking an afternoon or evening flight to Xian for two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: 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 show. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Xian - Beijing.
Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, a revered Buddhist pagoda built in 600AD, before flying to Beijing for three nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Beijing.
Enjoy an included full day tour of the legendary Great Wall of China at the Juyongguan Pass. Stretching 6,000 kilometres and dating back to the Ming period, this startling edifice will stay in your memory forever. Other highlights include the Summer Palace, a park of lakeside pagodas and the site of the marble boat made for the Empress Dowager Ci Xi. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Beijing.
Enjoy a fascinating full day city tour taking in vast Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, seat of China's emperors. After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, an impressive example of Ming architecture, where sacrificial rituals were staged by the Emperors to ensure good harvests. In the evening, enjoy a Peking duck dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Beijing - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)