This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage. To ensure this trip is right for you, any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aid, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation in this trip is at comfortable properties featuring modern facilities and amenities.
Hotel stars are based on local ratings provided and the expected standard may differ depending on the destination. Hotels listed within the itinerary are indicative of the typical hotel we intend to use for that package but is subject to change.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Return airport transfers in-destination
✓ 10 nights in world-recognised hotel brands
✓ 4 nights on a majestic Yangtze River cruise in a balcony cabin
✓ Daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today begins your spectacular tour through China! Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you will be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel to rest after your flight (you will most likely be arriving late in the evening).
Set out with your guide to discover the iconic imperial treasures of China’s massive capital, Beijing. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, before moving on to the Forbidden City. We'll enter through the imposing walls of the palace complex, once the domain of the Ming Dynasty, for an exclusive tour of its courtyards and lanes. This area was considered by the emperor to be a divine place, and as such entry was exclusive to the imperial family and their court, hence the name, the Forbidden City. This is certainly not the case today: it now plays host to some 14 million visitors per year. The Forbidden City also now houses the National Palace Museum – one of the most comprehensive museums in all of China.
After our tour, we'll return to the hotel where you may relax or instead, you may wish to take part in an optional excursions to enhance your experience.
A must-see production in Beijing for tourists and Kung Fu lovers. A group of the best Kung Fu practitioners in China perform in this show, a mix of traditional martial arts and modern theatre. Enjoy stunning Kung Fu skills, exquisite ballet and music.
Today’s excursion is one of the most anticipated of our trip – a visit to the Great Wall of China. Often recognised as one of the seven wonders of the world, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a staggering feat and a bucket list destination. We'll be touring the Juyongguan section, one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall. Located 60km from downtown Beijing, it used be a stronghold that protected the northern access routes to the city. Here we'll get a chance to climb a portion of this architectural marvel, which stretches an astonishing 21,000km. En route back to the city we'll visit one of the largest jade exhibitions in Asia and learn all about China’s most precious and celebrated stone.
Upon returning to Beijing, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure or to participate in one of our optional excursions.
Please note: The Great Wall of China does not have an option for a lift or gondola that takes you to the top. You will have 1 - 2 hours to visit. Usually, it takes 1.5 hours for the portion that you will be climbing.
Go on a tour of Beijing’s ancient Hutong neighbourhoods, and visit a local family where you will learn about tai chi, Chinese calligraphy, and cricket fighting.
Enjoy one of the capital’s finest duck restaurants for a delectable meal of roasted Peking Duck, a popular menu item for the past 600 years and a staple of the royal court.
This morning we'll begin our day at a Chinese herbal institute, where we'll have the opportunity to learn about traditional Chinese medicine.
Later we'll board a bullet train to reach the city of Suzhou. China’s bullet train network is now the most expansive in the world and you’ll be rocketing towards Suzhou at speeds up to 300km/h. Upon arrival in Suzhou, you'll be met by our local representative and escorted to your hotel where you may spend the rest of the day relaxing, exploring or spending time with newly made friends.
Welcome to beautiful Suzhou. This city, in the province of Jiangsu, is known as the Venice of the Orient for its exquisite canals, bridges, pagodas and gardens. Suzhou has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a fantastic place to learn more about Chinese culture.
Following breakfast we'll visit the Lingering Garden, which was created more than 500 years ago. The classical garden is one of more than 60 in the city – it's recognised as having the most UNESCO World Heritage gardens in the world.
After this we continue our journey to the Suzhou Silk Factory, which is said to be the largest silk manufacturer in the country. Here, we'll discover the incredible methods that lay behind silk harvesting.
We’ll enjoy a brief break for lunch, after which you'll have the opportunity to participate in another optional excursion, exploring the famous Grand Canal further. In the late afternoon, we'll continue our journey to the charming city of Wuxi, which sits on the banks of Taihu, one of China’s largest freshwater lakes. Upon arrival we'll visit Nanchang Street – famous for its seamless fusion of the ancient and modern.
After lunch, you will have the option to take a boat trip along the longest canal in the world - Suzhou's Grand Canal. Some sections date as far back as the 5th century BC and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - there are many beautiful homes to admire along this impressive waterway.
This morning our day begins with a visit to The Brilliance of Lake Lihu, a branch of Lake Taihu. The lake is well known for its gorgeous park and many interesting features. Locally it is famous thanks to the work of numerous scholars, who have written that notable historical figures, such as Fan Li and Xi Shi, boated here. While here we'll also visit a freshwater pearl farm.
In the afternoon we continue on to Hangzhou, once described by Marco Polo as “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. Upon arrival in Hangzhou you'll have the evening free to spend at your leisure: relax or take up our optional excursions, enjoying a performance.
This evening, join the symbolic performance of Hangzhou. It has been performed over 2,000 times, and entertained over 60 million audiences. It is regarded as one of the top three famous shows in the world along with the O Show in Las Vegas and the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
The city of Hangzhou, also known as 'Paradise on Earth', has been immortalised by countless poets and artists. The most renowned feature here is the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This morning we visit the West Lake, enveloped by mountains on three sides and arguably the most beautiful lake in the country. During our visit you may opt to take an optional boat ride around the lake.
After our visit here, we'll continue on to tea plantations to taste Dragon Well tea, otherwise known as longjing – a much sought-after local green tea leaf. Green tea is said to be great for health and wellbeing, packed with antioxidants, and today you'll have the opportunity to learn more about China's tea culture.
Following lunch, we'll drive to Shanghai, on China’s central coast. This evening, we'll have the opportunity to get a glimpse of Shanghai's dazzling skyline by joining the optional Huangpu River Cruise ride.
The Shanghai Acrobatic Show is, in our opinion, one of the best shows to see while on tour in China. It appeals to all ages, from young children to adults. It is very visual and the show is not made of “tricks”, but feats of skill and fitness. It is comparable to many international Cirque-style shows but at a much lower price and an opportunity to sit much closer. Having seen all the acrobat shows in Beijing and Shanghai, we consider this one to be the best of the lot.
Enjoy a full day in Shanghai – a city of some 26 million people and an important global financial hub. After breakfast, we'll travel to the Bund, a famous waterfront area in Shanghai that's lined with colonial architecture of European design. The Bund is perhaps the best representation of Western influences from a bygone era, and is now called the 'Wall Street of the East'. Following our tour here, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please – relax or enjoy one of our optional tours and activities to help enhance your experience.
This tour takes you to Lujiazui Financial & Trade Zone, where the Jinmao Tower is located. Jinmao is 88 stories high, reaching a height of 420.5 meters and covers a 290,000 square meter construction area. The name translated literally means “Gold Luxuriance Building” in Chinese. Here you can find the perfect combination of traditional Chinese architectural style and the world’s most modern architectural technology. After this, we will visit another famous site in Shanghai – Xi’tian’di. This is a historical and cultural character of the city tourism attraction and its unique Shikumen Shanghai-based urban construction attracts people from around the globe to explore this special leisure area.
You have the chance to embark on a Huangpu River Cruise, an enchanting journey showcasing Shanghai's landmarks on both riverbanks. These landmarks encompass the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the historical Old Harbor commercial centre.
Today, we again board the innovative high-speed train to travel to Xi’an. Xi’an is an ancient city in China and has recorded the great changes of the country just like a living history book. It was the first Chinese city to open its doors to the world during the Tang dynasty and was capital for eleven dynasties over a period of more than 2,000 years. Our first visit here will be to the incredible Wild Goose Pagoda. This temple was originally used to keep the Buddhist scripts which were carried by the great monk Yi Jing from the Indian area and over time it has become a holy place for pilgrims. Afterwards you will discover the Ancient City Wall, built in 194 BC and one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in all of China. In the evening, you can treat yourself by joining our suggested optional activities.
Xi’an was China’s capital city during the Tang Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty played a significant part in shaping today’s Chinese culture. You will be fascinated by the performance while enjoying the signature local Chinese dish – dumplings. You will be surprised at how many types of delicious dumplings are serving during the feast.
Today another highly anticipated icon of the country awaits - the famous and awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. We will visit the enigmatic ranks of the Terracotta Warriors in the company of our professional and experienced local guide. Be humbled as you stand among one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You may also have the opportunity here to meet the man who first discovered the Warriors and learn about the moment they were uncovered when he stumbled upon them in 1974. After lunch, enjoy a walking food tour through the famous Moslem Street, where your guide will help order a range of delectable dishes and snacks for the more adventurous.
Today we transfer by high-speed train to Yichang, the gateway to the Yangtze River. This is the starting point of our Yangtze River Cruise, your home for the next four nights. The Yangtze River is the largest river in Asia and the third largest in the world. The river begins in the remote mountainous regions and winds its way through stunning gorges to bring life to millions of people. We board the luxury cruise in the evening and receive an introduction on cruise events and onboard activities. Take some leisure time in the evening to unpack and relax.
Enjoy your first day on the Yangtze River as the ship wends through spectacular scenery. This morning indulge in a beautiful breakfast buffet onboard before joining an included shore excursion to the Three Gorges Project. One of the largest construction projects undertaken by man, it is also the biggest hydroelectric power project in the world.
Optional tour – Tribe of the Three Gorges
One of the few remaining scenic spots not to have been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, this leafy area showcases Ba-Shu Culture. Come evening you'll return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet, enjoying an evening of dancing and good food.
Optional tour – Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
Operational only since 2016, here you can experience the world's biggest shiplift on a specially-designed sightseeing boat. The shiplift is capable of elevating ships of up to 3000 tons, floated on a volume of water roughly equivalent to four Olympic-sized swimming pools. Experience the lift as your boat climbs 113m – the height of a 40-storey building.
Today, we'll enjoy a shore excursion to the mesmerising Shennong Stream. A tributary of the Yangtze, the Shennong flows through three beautiful gorges including the Mianzhu, Parrot and Longcangdong. Each gorge is renowned for its unique and stunning scenery. The Shennong Stream is also home to the Hanging Coffins – ancient coffins suspended high up on the limestone cliff faces, which contain the remains of descendants of the Tujia people.
In the afternoon, return to the ship in time for lunch and enjoy the crew’s magnificent performance in the evening.
Optional tour – White Emperor City
An ancient temple complex overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City has long been the subject of many poems. From the site visitors can enjoy views that look back toward the Qutang Gorge – a sight that's depicted on the back of the Chinese 10-yuan bill (trip offered when river conditions permit).
Today’s shore excursion will take you to the legendary Jade Emperor in Fengdu. Located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, Fengdu is an ancient city with a time-honored history, known as the 'Ghost City' to most Chinese people. According to superstitious legend, the dead come to Fengdu Ghost City and the devils go to hell. Since Tang Dynasty, forty-eight temples have been built in the place, such as the 'Hall of the Jade Emperor'.
This evening you enjoy a Farewell Dinner with the rest of the travellers and crew and prepare for disembarkation tomorrow morning.
Today, you will disembark the cruise ship and be transferred to Chongqing International Airport for your scheduled flight home, unless you choose to extend your stay and continue to explore other mesmerising cities. You’ll be returning home with knowledge of a new culture, connections with new friends and memories to last you a lifetime.
Arrive home today.
For further information on your cruise, click HERE. Victoria Cruises is the only international cruise line currently sailing China's Yangtze River and sails with international multi-lingual cruise directors.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Full-service airline used will be Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines or similar.
Flights are not direct and include a maximum of two connections
If you would like to travel with a preferred airline, please ensure you mention this in the special request field. Please note that appropriate fare and tax difference will be applicable in order to confirm your request.
Adelaide customers will likely require two stops in either direction
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $600 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post-tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Optional Tours
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Optional Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are paid and bookable upon embarkation in local currency.
Optional Tour Bundles Make the most of your experience in China and purchase an optional tour bundle. These optional tours have been hand-picked by our staff and based on our customers personal favourites.
$200 per person.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “4”
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1099 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the travellers responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return to Australia.
Australian passport holders will require a visa to enter China
Please note the visa is only valid for 3 months from date of issue.
The best way to apply for your Visa is directly with the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in your nearest capital city. We recommend you to organise an appointment online to arrange a date and time.
You will require specific documents to apply for your visa which we will provide you closer to your departure date. Please keep in mind you are unable to apply for your visa until you are within 3 months of your travel date.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visa's should not be applied for before receiving your final documentation.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
10-46 people
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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