Uniworld Cruise

Shanghai to Beijing - China, Tibet and the Yangtze

See the wonders of China, plus the mysteries of Tibet, an ancient land that has long been the subject of myth and fable. Include the "Roof of the World" as part of your visit to China. Its majestic and grand scenery, mysterious and exotic religious culture, and wonderful people will reward you with unforgettable memories. Cruise the most scenic part of the Yangtze River and bear witness to the changing landscape caused by the Three Gorges Dam. Walk along the Great Wall and through the Forbidden City while in Beijing. Discover the ancient Terra Cotta Warriors while in Xi'an, and spend your last night in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Travelers interested in a more spiritual journey will find much to ponder on this trip through China and Tibet, which includes the former seat of the Dali Lama and numerous Buddhist temples.

Included Features

• All domestic flights within China
• 3-night Yangtze River cruise in an outside stateroom with private balcony onboard Victoria Katarina
• 11 nights in superior to deluxe hotels*
• Most meals
• Fully-escorted tours with English speaking guides
• All transportation and transfers
• Services of an Experienced Uniworld Tour Manager throughout your trip

Included Highlights

• Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Hutong Tour
• Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Beijing Opera
• Summer Palace
• Terra Cotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show
• Giant Panda Reserve and Changing Face Show
• Da Zhao Temple and Tibet Museum
• Lhasa Tour
• Chongqing City Tour
• Shibaozai
• Lesser Three Gorges
• Three Gorges Dam
• Yu Yuan Gardens, Shanghai Tour, Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Acrobat Performance

The Ship

Itinerary

Day 2 Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a Uniworld representative who will escort you to the lovely Kempinski Hotel.

Day 3 Beijing
Your first full day in Beijing takes in many of the major sites, such as the Forbidden City, a 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens and historic Tiananmen Square. You'll also get to ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs, located in the old residential area of Beijing. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Day 4 Beijing
Today, you'll have the opportunity to walk along the Great Wall. Building the Great Wall started in the 3rd century BC, eventually extending 4,000 miles. Afterwards, visit the lavish and historic Ming Tombs. In the evening, enjoy a historic Beijing Opera performance.

Day 5 Beijing to Xi'an
Visit the Summer Palace, one of China's largest and best-preserved imperial gardens. In the afternoon, fly to Xi'an and transfer to the Sofitel Hotel.

Day 6 Xi'an
Xi'an is the site of one of the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century: the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. After your exploration of these awe-inspiring sculptures, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved holy place for Buddhists. In the evening, be treated to a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show.

Day 7 Xi'an to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu in the morning, where you'll be able to visit the Giant Panda Reserve and where you'll discover why pandas are so beloved and revered in Chinese society. Enjoy a traditional Changing Face Show and try and catch a glimpse of the performers' faces as they magically change their masks dozens of times. Stay at the Kempinski Hotel while in Chengdu.

Day 8 Chengdu to Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa, the heart, soul and capital of Tibet with a fascinating history dating back more than 1,300 years. As the former seat of the Dali Lama, Lhasa (which translates to "Holy Land") embodies the mysterious Tibetan Buddhism culture.

Day 9 Lhasa
See the early Buddhist Da Zhao Temple, embellished with Nepalese and Indian touches and capped by a golden canopy. Visit the Tibet Museum, which houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics. Catch a glimpse into the life of the local people with a visit to a local family's home.

Day 10 Lhasa
Tour Lhasa and marvel at the Potala Palace, perched atop the mountain. Gaze at the jewel collections and wander the chapels as pilgrims make offerings at the altars. Visit the Sera Monastery. Its collection of murals is in perfect condition and the statues of Maitreya, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats are noteworthy.

Day 11 Lhasa to Chongqing to Cruising the Yangtze River
Take a morning flight to Chongqing, where you'll take a tour of this delightful city, famous for its great Sichuan cuisine and pandas. Then, board your Victoria Cruises ship and enjoy a special onboard dinner created just for Uniworld guests.

Day 12 Cruising the Yangtze River
Along the Yangtze, you'll encounter Shibaozai, a gem of Chinese architecture. Walk up this spectacular 12-story wooden red pavilion built completely without nails and enjoy the panoramic view from the top.

Day 13 Cruising the Yangtze River
Sail through Qutang Gorge, the grandest gorge of them all and the Wu Gorge, with its majestic 12 mountain peaks. Board a riverboat and embark on a voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges (depending on water levels) through "Dragon Gate," "Misty Gorge" and "Emerald Gorge." After returning to the cruise ship, you'll sail through Xiling Gorge.

Day 14 Cruising the Yangtze River to Yichang to Shanghai
Visit the construction site of the world's largest hydro-electric project, the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark in Yichang, and fly to Shanghai where you will stay at the Regal International Hotel.

Day 15 Shanghai
Enjoy the many splendors of Shanghai, including Old Town, the Bund (Shanghai's famed waterfront promenade), Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its distinctive artistic spheres, revolving teahouse and sightseeing platform. On your final night in China, prepare to be dazzled by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats.

Day 16 Depart Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue your tour with one of our popular optional extensions.

Cost of This Trip