Day 1. Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival in China’s bustling capital, you’ll be met at the airport by an APT representative and transferred to your luxurious hotel. After settling in, the remainder of today is yours at leisure. Perhaps relax, or step out for a wander along nearby Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets. Later this evening, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.
Day 2. Beijing
Your sightseeing begins today with a tour of historic Tian’anmen Square. After the tour, head to the World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, the largest surviving palace complex on earth. After time to look around, you’ll head to the Summer Palace, built by Empress Dowager Cixi following the destruction of the Old Summer Palace by French and British troops in 1860. Here you’ll find a variety of palaces, gardens and pavilions as well as Longevity Hill and the man-made Kunming Lake. Tonight, indulge in a Peking Duck banquet with all the traditional accompaniments in a private room at the Quanjude Restaurant.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 3. Beijing, Great Wall of China, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, set out for Huairou County and the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea up into the Gobi Desert for more than 6,000 kilometres. On the way, visit a jade factory for an insight into the 6,000 year-old craft of grinding and polishing these revered stones. Afterwards, stop at the Ming Dynasty Tombs, where thirteen Ming Dynasty Emperors are buried. Later, arrive at one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall of China, the Mutianyu section. Here, board a cable car and enjoy great views as you travel up to the top of the wall. After dinner at leisure back in Beijing this evening, choose to attend either a Peking Opera show at Qianmen Liyuan Theatre or take in a Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
Day 4. Beijing, Board the Shangri-La Express
After breakfast this morning, board China’s most prestigious private train, the Shangri-La Express, for a lunchtime departure. There is plenty of time to settle into your comfortable cabin before enjoying dinner.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 5. Shangri-La Express, Luoyang
Enjoy a full day to discover this former ancient capital situated in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Valley. Visit the local museum, which contains many relics from Luoyang’s days of glory. Then travel out to the Longmen Caves, one of China’s most important artistic sites and a World Heritage-listed attraction.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 6. Shangri-La Express, Xi’an
Arrive in the ancient city of Xi’an this morning. Visit the world famous Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. After lunch, take in some of the highlights of the city including the Great Mosque, the ancient city walls, Drum and Bell Towers and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening, attend the Tang Dynasty dinner show.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 7. The Shangri-La Express
Relax on board as your train heads through the magnificent scenery of the Gobi desert. Perhaps watch the unfolding scenery while sipping a drink in the Bar Car, or enjoy the scenery from your comfortable cabin.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 8. Golmud, Lhasa
This morning, board a new high-altitude train and embark on a 14-hour daylight journey into the Tibetan Capital of Lhasa, cresting the 16,640 foot (5,072m) Tangula Pass six hours after leaving Golmud. This is the world’s highest scenic railway pass - over three miles (5km) above sea level. Due to the high altitude, extra oxygen is pumped in through the ventilation system, and oxygen masks are available on request.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 9. Lhasa
Lhasa is located in a small basin surrounded by mountains, and it literally means ‘place of the gods’. It is one of the highest cities in the world, the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama and the holiest centre of Tibet with over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history. Enjoy free time to explore.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 10. Lhasa
Today, visit the 13th century Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine and the spiritual home for almost all Tibetans. Next, explore the adjacent Barkhor market, the oldest market in the capital and a well-trodden route for the many pilgrims who make their way to the temple. A local lunch is accompanied by traditional folk music, before an afternoon visit the 17th century Potala Palace, once home to the Dalai Lama.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
Day 11. Lhasa
This morning visit the Dalai Lama’s 18th century Summer Palace. Then enjoy free time to wander through Lhasa. Tonight enjoy a special Farewell Dinner.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 12. Lhasa, Shanghai
After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. After dinner at leisure, enjoy premium seating at an acrobatic show.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
Day 13. Shanghai
Enjoy a stroll on the Bund, this morning, a famous stretch of riverfront which houses buildings of various styles including Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco. Later, visit the Shanghai Art Museum, with its five floors of display rooms featuring both modern and traditional works, then cruise the Huangpu River, which runs through the heart of the city. Afterwards, explore Yu Garden, one of the most lavish Chinese gardens in the region, and look around Shanghai’s Old City, in which the garden is set. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Mr and Mrs Bund, one of the city’s top restaurants. Dine on contemporary French cuisine while enjoying spectacular views across the river.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 14. Depart Shanghai
Your tour concludes today and you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer
Launched: 2008, Decks: 5, Length: 300 feet, Cabins: 62, Passengers: 124, Crew: 130.
See Yangzi Explorer ship plans here.
Suite Floor Plans
Private Balcony Suite Floor Plans
Categories: C, D and E. 333 square feet / 31 square metres.
See suite floor plans for Cat. C, D and E here.
Deluxe Balcony Suite Floor Plans
Categories: B and A. 420 square feet / 39 square metres.
See suite floor plans for Cat. B and A here.
* Please note all ship and suite plans are indicative only.