Pandas & Yangtze Cruise Private Tour

Upon arrival at Shanghai airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay.

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples.Today's explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and explore the Xintiandi area. Visit the Silk Factory, and in the evening, enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River.

Spend the morning seeing the sights of the ultramodern Pudong area, also known as the financial district of the city with its skyscraping buildings. Later, fly to Yichang where you will board the Yangtze River cruise vessel.

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Enjoy various sidetrips and shore excursions along the way.

Disembark your cruise ship in Chongqing and visit the porcelain district of Ciqikou. Ciqikou's narrow streets are perfect for a morning stroll to admire the historical, traditional architecture. Travel by train to Chengdu and enjoy a Sichuanese meal in the evening.

A visit to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre allows you to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, take the bullet train to Xian, the former ancient capital.

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. This evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xian Museum. Stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Later, travel by bullet train to Beijing.

In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Later, head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic heart, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. End the day watching an exciting Chinese acrobatic show.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Soar up to the summit on a scenic chairlift or cable car ride before strolling atop the wall, admiring the magnificence of its construction and the dramatic scenery it passes through. Descend back down to the ground via thrilling toboggan ride or opt for the more serene cable car. In the afternoon, visit a jade factory then enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and view the exquisite architecture. This evening, savour Beijing's best-known delicacy-Peking duck.

After check-out this morning, transfer to Beijing airport where your arrangements end.