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18 Day China Gems & Yangtze Cruise

3777 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Return international airfares with Cathay Pacific
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ All rail tickets as per itinerary
✓ 12 nights 4 star accommodation
✓ 5 star 4 night Yangtze River cruise in a balcony cabin
✓ Breakfast daily, 9 lunches & 6 dinners
✓ Professional guides & Sightseeing
✓ All transport as per the itinerary

Backed by our Customer Service Guarantee

What we love about this tour

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.

Itinerary

Hotel
Grand Noble or Similar

Board your international flight to China and get ready to be inspired by China and its ancient past. On arrival in the 3,000 year old city of Xi'an, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel
Grand Noble or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Prepare to be humbled as you begin your Terracotta Warriors tour with our experienced local guide, who will walk you through more than 1,000 years of Xi’an's history. The city served as China’s capital for 13 dynasties and has a wealth of history. You will visit the remarkable Terracotta Warriors, considered the eighth Wonder of the World and discovered by accident in 1974. This magnificent army consists of more than 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots that has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique and the painstaking repair and evacuation continues to this day. Next you will visit an informative factory where you can learn more about the creation, conservation and history of the Warrior vaults.

After lunch, walk through the bustling marketplace of Moslem Street, or Hui Min Jie, a vibrant and atmospheric area, that has been home to the Hui people for centuries; it's full of street food stalls peddling delicious food and shops where you can purchase souvenirs.

Hotel
Grand Noble or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today we'll visit the serene Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was once used by a large team of scholars to translate Buddhist texts into Chinese and has subsequently become a holy place for pilgrims. Later, we'll explore the Ancient City Wall, which is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in all of China. Enjoy a stroll around the perimeter and take in the spectacular views from atop.

Hotel
Grand Metro Park or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today, experience the exhilaration of transport via high-speed train from Xi’an to Beijing. Beijing is a metropolis in northern China and the country's capital. It is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China and offers countless historical treasures and fabled attractions. Upon arrival in Beijing, you'll be welcomed by your tour guide and escorted to your hotel. Take some time to relax or explore the local area at your leisure.

Hotel
Grand Metro Park or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy a full day of leisure in Beijing and take some time to explore on your own. Taste the local delicacies, check out the popular shopping districts or perhaps visit a museum. Beijing has plenty to offer for everyone.

Hotel
Grand Metro Park or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today you will set out with your tour guide to discover Beijing’s most memorable imperial treasures. Stand in Tiananmen Square and be awed by one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. Enter through the imposing walls of the Forbidden City, once the domain of the Ming Dynasty, for an exclusive tour of this vast complex of courtyards, halls, palaces and lanes.

Hotel
Grand Metro Park or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An incredible day awaits! Travel into the rugged mountain landscapes north of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China. From the top of this famous, ancient structure, take in the exceptional views. Continue on your journey to learn about Jade, China’s most precious and celebrated stone and its manufacturing process at the largest Jade factory in Beijing. Later, you will visit the 2008 Summer Olympic Games Sites, including the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube and be awed by their imposing size. After your day spent exploring, enjoy a complimentary oriental foot massage at a traditional Chinese medical centre where you'll learn about alternative treatments for illness and have the chance to consult a Chinese medical professional.

Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Xanadu Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy the morning at leisure or take time to explore Beijing one last time. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Hangzhou by the mind-blowing bullet train. The train reaches an unbelievable 320km/hr! Upon arrival at Hangzhou, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and prepare for your tour tomorrow.

Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Xanadu Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we'll embark on an exciting tour of Hangzhou city, renowned for its beauty and abundance of cultural heritage. It is also the political, economic and cultural centre of the Zheijang Province and one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. You will also visit the West Lake area in Hangzhou, comprising of the West Lake and the surrounding hills, which have inspired famous poets, scholars and artists since the 9th century. It is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in China, and is home to numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, causeways and artificial islands. While you’re in the West Lake scenic area, visit a tea plantation, here you will learn about tea picking and processing.

Hotel
Suzhou Holiday Inn Huirong Plaza or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will be transferred from Hangzhou to Suzhou via bus. Upon arrival, you will be able to spend some time exploring the Master of the Nets Garden. The garden is one of the finest gardens in China, and for which Suzhou is renowned. You will explore the garden and admire the effortless cohesion of art, nature and architecture that has attracted thousands of visitors since 1140 CE.

Hotel
Shanghai Baoshan Delta Hotel by Marriott or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, spend the morning perusing the most famous silk factory in China to understand the manufacturing processes of silk and its rich history before you are transferred to stunning Shanghai via bus. Upon arriving in Shanghai, you will visit the Nanjing walking district and discover the history and culture of this magnificent city. You will then continue to the Bund by the Huangpu River and witness the collision of the old and modern sides of the city. Shanghai is equally beautiful and diverse – and undeniably memorable.

Hotel
Shanghai Baoshan Delta Hotel by Marriott or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Spend today at your leisure. Shanghai is host to a great number of historical and cultural sites; be sure to ask your tour guide for advice on the best places to visit. They will be thrilled to make some recommendations.

Hotel
Yangtze Gold 6 or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today you'll travel from Shanghai to Yichang by high-speed train. Upon arrival, board the Yangtze River Cruise ship and settle in before departure tomorrow. The Yangtze River is the largest in Asia and the third largest in the world. It is renowned not only for its impressive size, but also for the natural beauty that surrounds it. The river begins in the remote mountainous regions and winds its way through stunning gorges, lush and fertile regions and connects with numerous lakes and waterways.

Optional Tour - Three Gorges Dam Site

Three Gorges Dam Site - The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world.

Optional Tour - Tribe of the Three Gorges

You may also want to visit the Tribe of the Three gorges, the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture.

Optional Tour - Lesser Three Gorges

Explore the Lesser Three Gorges, a shining pearl hidden in the remote mountains. You will leave your cruise ship and board smaller vessels to sail through the narrower and breathtaking Lesser Three gorges region, lined by sheer cliffs and mountains.

Optional Tour - White Emperor City

You may also choose the optional excursion to visit the White Emperor City, an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County

Hotel
Yangtze Gold 6 or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your first day on the Yangtze River will begin with a beautiful buffet breakfast before setting out on your first optionalshore excursion to the Three Gorges Project. The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. It’s a magnificent and awe-inspiring sight. You may also choose to visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges, the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, showcasing the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture. In the evening, you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy a splendid evening of dancing!

Hotel
Yangtze Gold 6 or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you may choose to enjoy an optionalshore excursion to the mesmerizing Shennong Stream. The stream flows through three beautiful gorges including the Mianzhu Gorge, Parrot Gorge and Longcangdong Gorge. Each gorge is renowned for its unique and stunning scenery. The Shennong Stream is also home to the Hanging Coffins – which are ancient coffins containing the remains of descendants of the Tujia people. It’s an eery yet memorable experience. Another excursion choice for today is to visit the White Emperor City. It's an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County. In the afternoon, you will return to the ship in time for lunch and enjoy the crew's performance in the evening.

Optional Tour - Fengdu Ghost City

Today's optional excursion is the Fengdu Ghost City to see why it's regarded as the “City of Ghosts.” The temples built on Ming Mountain depict the instruments of punishment and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people's imagination of hell.

Hotel
Yangtze Gold 6 or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a scheduled optionalshore excursion to the legendary Shibaozhai. The site has a history of over 400 years when it was built into the side of a 200-metre-tall hill. The striking nine story red pagoda was built in 1819 to make it easier for people to reach the Buddhist temple at the very top of the hill. If you are feeling brave, you may also choose to attend an excursion to visit the Fengdu Ghost City which is also known as the “City of Ghosts”. You will see the temples built on Ming Mountain that depict the punishment instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell. In the evening you will enjoy the Farewell Dinner and pack your bags in preparation to disembark the cruise the following day.

Meals
Breakfast

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.

Take this opportunity to recollect the great gems that you’ve discovered during your travels. We say farewell until your next inspiring vacation!

Inclusions

For further information on your cruise, click HERE.

Please be aware due to the limited connecting flights departing from Auckland a 5.5 hour transit is required in Hong Kong on the outbound flight only.

Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending (only available post tour). If you wish to do so, please follow the following steps:

  1. Follow the ‘book now’ prompts.
  2. After selecting your departure date and completing your bedding configuration details, please select if you wish to 'stay behind' in the 'extra services' field.
  3. In the 'special requests', field please specifiy your extension requirements.
  4. Complete the remaining booking requirements and click ‘pay now’.
  5. After finalising your purchase a member of our reservations team will be in contact with you to discuss your extension request.

A $250 per person supplement plus any fare difference applies if you wish to confirm your extension. You will be contacted after purchase for collection of this payment. All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement.

Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending. If you wish to do so, please follow the following steps:

  1. Follow the ‘book now’ prompts.
  2. After selecting your departure date and completing your bedding configuration details, specify how many nights before or after the tour you wish to extend in the 'special requests' field.
  3. If you wish to upgrade or have a stopover, please also specify this in the special request field.
  4. Complete the remaining booking requirements and click ‘pay now’.
  5. After finalising your purchase a member of our reservations team will be in contact with you to discuss your extension request.

There is a $150 per person fee applicable and you will be contacted after purchase for collection of this payment by our supplier. If your request is not available, you can proceed to travel as per itinerary for make your booking land only. All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement.

If you wish to stopover in Hong Kong, the fee applicable is $400 per person.

Not available.

Available for additional $5,000 per person in addition to the standard price plus any applicable fare difference (subject to availability). Please request ‘Business Class’ in the ‘Special Requests’ field prior to making your purchase and you will be contacted to arrange payment.

A $850 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'.

Furthermore, if choosing to take the package as 'land only', you will forfeit the group airport transfers and will be required.

  • Return international flights with Cathay Pacific
  • 16 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels, including 4 nights cruising on the Yangtze River on board a 5 star ship in a balcony cabin
  • Return airport transfers
  • Daily breakfast, 9 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Dedicated air conditioned coach transportation
  • All highspeed rail tickets as per the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to unforgettable scenic attractions as per the itinerary
  • All tipping
  • Professional English speaking tour guides

A range of shore excursions are available on your cruise:

  • Yangtze Cruise Three gorges Dam $95pp
  • Tribe of the Three Gorges $95pp
  • Yangtze Cruise Lesser Three Gorges $95pp
  • White Emperor City $95pp
  • Fengdu Ghost City $95pp
  • Shibaozhai $95pp

Bundle package 3 recommend excursions - $195 per person. Includes:

  • Lesser Three Gorges, Fengdu ghost city & Three Gorges Dam.

You will be contacted prior to departure to secure this offer. Alternatively individual shore excursions may be purchased when boarding your ship.

Please note: If you are not participating in a shore excursion on any given day, you are not allowed to disembark from the ship, instead you can enjoy free time relaxing on-board. Shore excursions are based on availability and ship schedule.

Secure your package with a deposit of $1,500 per person. You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.

Fine Print

  • Follow the ‘Book Now’ prompts
  • Select your travel dates, departure city, number of travellers, room preference and any extra services.
  • Click ‘Checkout’ to login or create an account. You’ll need an account to review your details and download documentation.
  • Click ‘Pay Now’ to proceed to payment.
  • Note - all payments are processed by our trusted gateway Paypal where you a given two options.
  • Pay using your Paypal account
  • Pay using your credit card by proceeding as a guest – a Paypal account is not required
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a booking form so that we can fulfil your booking.
  • Your booking is confirmed once your booking form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities/Optional shore excursions
  • Personal expenses

We strongly encourage all travellers to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against the unexpected.

We have partnered with QBE Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their Travel Insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover, earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and save 25% on retail rates.

Simply click HERE to arrange your policy.

final documentation include e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.

A $500 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'. Furthermore, if choosing to take the package as 'land only', you will forfeit the group airport transfers and will be required to make your own arrangements from and to the airport.

8 - 40 people

Cathay Pacific is available from $500 per person (subject to availability). In the 'special requests' please mention 'Cathay Pacific'. You will be contacted after purchase for collection of this payment.

While we endeavour to meet your needs, all bedding requests are requests only. Please note, only twin share bedding is available on the cruise.

Not available.

Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.

Available from an additional $3,000 per person in addition to the standard price plus any applicable fare difference (subject to availability). Please request ‘Business Class’ in the ‘Special Requests’ field prior to making your purchase and you will be contacted to arrange payment.

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.

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.com prior to the cut-off period, to allow us sufficient time to respond and action your request. Should we not hear from you following this time period, your booking becomes non-refundable and you will be issued with a reminder for the second installment due for your booking. 

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.com prior to the cut-off period specified, to allow us sufficient time to respond and action your request. Should we not hear from you once inside 90 days of scheduled departure, your booking remains non-refundable and becomes non-transferrable, and you will be issued with a reminder for the final balance due for your booking.

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

  • Full service airline used will be Cathay Pacific.
  • Flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
  • Passengers will be ticketed on the best available full service airline at the time.
  • All tickets will include 23kgs checked baggage.
  • 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.

City

Optional Excursion

RMB

NZD

Beijing

Kung Fu Legend Show

¥220

$48

Beijing

Summer Palace Tour

¥250

$55

Beijing

Hutong Rickshaw Tour with meal

¥330

$72

Beijing

Temple of Heaven Tour

¥220

$48

Shanghai

Huangpu River Cruise

¥250

$55

Shanghai

Acrobatics Show

¥350

$77

Shanghai

City tour - Maglev Train/Market/Old Town/French Quarter

¥350

$77

Suzhou

Grand Canal Boat Tour

¥200

$44

Xi'an

Tang Dynasty Show 

¥220

$48

Xi'an

Dumpling Banquet 

¥150

$33

Prices subject to change due to currency exchange fluctations. The land excursions are booked direct with your tour guide and are paid in local currency. Optional tours are subject to conditions such as weather, traffic conditions, sightseeing schedule and minimum numbers.

  • Yangtze Cruise Three gorges Dam $95pp
  • Lesser Three Gorges $95pp
  • Tribe of the Three Gorges $95pp
  • White Emperor City $95pp
  • Fengdu Ghost City $95pp
  • Shibaozhai $95pp

You will be contacted prior to departure to secure your optional tours.

China

All New Zealand passport holders will require a visa to enter China. The visa must be issued prior to departing.

How: Please visit the Chinese Consulate website by CLICKING HERE

Cost: $140 per person (subject to change)

Visa Type: Tourist Visa / Single Entry

When to apply: 30 days prior to departure

Please note: Do NOT apply for your visa until you receive your tour documentation from Inspiring Vacations 30 days prior to your departure.

$950pp in addition to the twin share price.

Why book with us
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