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China by Land, Japan by Sea

20 days Classic Cruise & Tour

China Visa Free

China by Land, Japan by Sea

Journey from China to Japan, and back again, on this Far Eastern expedition. Our Cruise & Tour journeys bring together all the joy of a cruise, on board the spectacular Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas, with all the exciting exploration of a Wendy Wu Tours land itinerary. On this one you'll be able to contrast the history and culture of these two ancient nations and see their biggest treasures, from the Great Wall to Kyoto's timeless temples, with your own eyes.
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 18 , Lunches: 17 , Dinners: 18
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Cruise
    Royal Caribbean Ocean Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1
    A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
Classic Cruise & Tour
20 DAYS
From $8,880PP
Beijing (3N) – Pingyao (1N) – Xian (2N) – Chengdu (2N) – Shanghai (1N) – Royal Caribbean Cruise (7N) – Shanghai (2N)
3 Reviews
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Tour Highlights

Our China by Land, Japan by Sea tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Beijing (3N) – Pingyao (1N) – Xian (2N) – Chengdu (2N) – Shanghai (1N) – Royal Caribbean Cruise (7N) – Shanghai (2N)
  • Day 1
    Arrive in Beijing
    Dinner
    Days 1: Arrive in Beijing

    Fly to Beijing, China's historical capital. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Explore Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 2: Explore Beijing

    Walk through Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City, a complex full of imperial riches. Then, find harmony in the symmetry of the Temple of Heaven. This evening, dine on a local delicacy, Peking Duck.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    The Great Wall
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: The Great Wall

    Travel out of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China, learning a little about its long history before taking a short walk to fully appreciate this world-famous structure. Stop off at a jade factory before visiting the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs. This evening, enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Travel to Pingyao
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Travel to Pingyao

    Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao. A living museum and home to China's best preserved ancient city walls, walk the characterful streets to see the Yamen and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Travel to Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Travel to Xian

    This morning is at leisure (additional option: hands-on noodle making demonstration) before travelling to Xian by bullet train.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Explore Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Explore Xian

    This morning, come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, an army created to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Later, stroll Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls, before a dumpling demonstration, a delicious dumpling banquet and a Tang Dynasty show.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Travel to Chengdu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Travel to Chengdu

    After breakfast, walk through the atmospheric alleyways of the Muslim Quarter, lined with delicious street food stalls. Then, transfer to the station and board a bullet train to Chengdu. This evening, dine on a Sichuan hot pot, a local speciality, and watch a fascinating face changing show.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Explore Chengdu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8: Explore Chengdu

    This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base to learn all about them and see them relaxing, play and chomping on bamboo. The rest of the day is at leisure (additional option: volunteer at the Panda Base).

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Travel to Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 9: Travel to Shanghai

    Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai. Transfer to your hotel then begin your explorations, strolling along the Bund to admire the Art Deco architecture and enjoying panoramic views of the city on a Huangpu River cruise.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 10: Board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas

    After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Shanghai's cruise terminal, Baoshan, to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Cruise - At sea
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 11: Cruise - At sea

    Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East China Sea towards Japan.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Cruise - Explore Kobe
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 12: Cruise - Explore Kobe

    Arrive in Kobe, a port city nestled between mountains and sea, and the first place in Japan to open up to foreign trade after the collapse of the shogunate in 1868. The city is perhaps best known for its world-renowned Kobe beef – where better to try it?

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Cruise - Explore Osaka/Kyoto
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 13: Cruise - Explore Osaka/Kyoto

    Arrive in Osaka, a brash, lively city that has earned the nickname 'Japan's kitchen' for its spectacular food. Easily reachable from Osaka is Kyoto; Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, it is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. A perfect balance of old and new, it's in exploring Kyoto that you can glimpse Japan's traditional soul.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Cruise - Explore Tokyo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 14: Cruise - Explore Tokyo

    Tokyo, Japan's capital since 1868 and one of the world's largest cities, may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance, but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 15-16
    At Sea
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 15-16: At Sea

    Spend two days at sea, taking time to recharge before next adventure. Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East China Sea back towards China.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 17
    Arrive in Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 17: Arrive in Shanghai

    Cruise into the port of Shanghai, and on arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 18
    Explore Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 18: Explore Shanghai

    Continue exploring the city today, visiting the peaceful Yu Garden, the quaint Old Town and the Xintiandi area, then learn all about silk production from silkworm to loom at a silk factory. This evening, dine on a traditional Shanghainese meal.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 19-20
    Fly Shanghai to Australia
    Breakfast
    Days 19-20: Fly Shanghai to Australia

    Fly to the Australia, arriving home the following day.

    Breakfast
China by Land, Japan by Sea map

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

About Spectrum of the Seas

Welcome to Spectrum of the Seas

Full of dazzling features on Spectrum of the Seas®, designed and built for unforgettable experiences. A wealth of adventure across activities, entertainment and dining awaits your arrival. From custom drink creations crafted by robots at the Bionic Bar®, and revolutionary staterooms, to innovative dining concepts and the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex.
  • Launched
    2019
  • Occupancy
    5622
  • Tonnage
    168,379 GT
  • Length
    1139 ft
  • Total Crew
    1551

Book With Confidence

When to go

The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -8
    2
    -3
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 3
    9
    6
  • 8
  • Pingyao
  • -11
    2
    -4
  • 3
  • Shanghai
  • 2
    8
    5
  • 74
  • Xian
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 7
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    5
    0
  • 5
  • Chengdu
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 12
  • Pingyao
  • -8
    5
    -2
  • 6
  • Shanghai
  • 4
    10
    7
  • 59
  • Xian
  • -1
    8
    4
  • 10
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    12
    6
  • 8
  • Chengdu
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 20
  • Pingyao
  • -2
    11
    4
  • 14
  • Shanghai
  • 7
    14
    10
  • 94
  • Xian
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 29
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 21
  • Chengdu
  • 13
    22
    17
  • 44
  • Pingyao
  • 5
    19
    12
  • 25
  • Shanghai
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 74
  • Xian
  • 10
    21
    15
  • 43
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 34
  • Chengdu
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 78
  • Pingyao
  • 11
    25
    18
  • 34
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    25
    21
  • 84
  • Xian
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 60
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 19
    30
    24
  • 78
  • Chengdu
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 107
  • Pingyao
  • 15
    29
    22
  • 58
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 182
  • Xian
  • 19
    31
    25
  • 54
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 185
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 224
  • Pingyao
  • 18
    30
    24
  • 129
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 146
  • Xian
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 99
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 21
    30
    25
  • 160
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 201
  • Pingyao
  • 17
    28
    22
  • 108
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 214
  • Xian
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 71
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 15
    26
    20
  • 46
  • Chengdu
  • 19
    25
    22
  • 119
  • Pingyao
  • 11
    23
    17
  • 72
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 87
  • Xian
  • 16
    25
    21
  • 92
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    19
    14
  • 22
  • Chengdu
  • 15
    21
    18
  • 35
  • Pingyao
  • 5
    18
    12
  • 34
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    23
    20
  • 56
  • Xian
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 60
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    10
    5
  • 7
  • Chengdu
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 16
  • Pingyao
  • -2
    10
    4
  • 14
  • Shanghai
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 52
  • Xian
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 24
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    4
    -1
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 4
    11
    8
  • 5
  • Pingyao
  • -9
    3
    -3
  • 4
  • Shanghai
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 44
  • Xian
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 6

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
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Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart AUStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
    • Tipping payable locally 720 RMB (China), 126 USD (Royal Caribbean Cruises)
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Cruise & Tour includes

    • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
    • 4* accommodation
    • 7 night cruise with Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
    • Domestic transportation
    • Land Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • All meals
    • 200USD Onboard Credit on Royal Caribbean Cruise

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

    Our Award-Winning Guides

    Meet George
    Meet George

    I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.

    George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.
    Mr and Mrs Brown
    Meet Alice
    Meet Alice

    "Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.

    Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.
    Mr Andrew Charles
    Meet Amanda
    Meet Amanda

    From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.

    The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!
    Mr Edward Ayling
    Meet Jason
    Meet Jason

    This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.

    Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when needed
    Mrs Carrick
    Meet Tony
    Meet Tony

    Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!

    Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.
    Mrs Diane Foley

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