China from Start to Finish & Yangtze River by 5* Deluxe Ship (01.11.2026)
Tour Detail
Day 1 / SUNDAY, 01 NOVEMBER 2026: ISTANBUL / BEIJING
Our tour begins on Saturday evening, 31 October, when a private vehicle picks you up from your address at the specified meeting time. After check-in, passport, and customs procedures, depart for the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, at 01:30 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 088 (the night between 31 October and 01 November). Arrival at 15:35 local time. Transfer to our hotel by our private bus waiting for us at the airport. Free time after room allocation. We will have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 2 / MONDAY, 02 NOVEMBER 2026: BEIJING
After breakfast in the morning, we will take a full-day tour with lunch included. On this tour, we will visit the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall, whose construction began 2,000 years ago and emerged through the unification of independently built towers and walls in the 16th century, is the longest man-made structure visible from space with a length of
Palace located in the Forbidden City. The Palace (Yiheyuan), northwest of Beijing, is said to be the best-preserved imperial garden in the world and the largest of its kind still existing in China. After having dinner at the Ba Yi Lao Ye Uyghur restaurant, those who wish may join our extra program, the Beijing Opera , organized by their guide. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 3 / TUESDAY, 03 NOVEMBER 2026: BEIJING
After breakfast in the morning, first we will visit Tian'anmen Square, known as one of the most important points in Beijing. Tian'anmen was the main entrance to the Forbidden City during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The square, built in 1417, was first named Cheng Tian Man. This name expressed that the emperors followed the command of heaven while governing the country. Tian'anmen Square is located in the very center of Beijing city, from north to south
Day 4 / WEDNESDAY, 04 NOVEMBER 2026: BEIJING / XI’AN
After breakfast in the early morning, check out from the hotel and transfer to the train station to depart for Xi’an. We travel to Xi’an by high-speed train (4.5 hours). After arriving in Xi’an, we will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda(Big Wild Goose Pagoda), one of the symbols of Xi’an, built in AD 652 during the Tang Dynasty. After our visit, we will visit the Great Tang Everbright City’i located at the foot of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This is a vibrant cultural and
commercial district inspired by the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, it features magnificent architecture, immersive light shows, and lively performances that bring the history of the Tang Dynasty to life. The area is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, offering a blend of ancient charm and modern entertainment. Lunch and dinner will be taken at local restaurants. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 5 / THURSDAY, 05 NOVEMBER 2026: XI’AN
After breakfast in the morning, with our private bus, we will take a city tour introducing Xi’an, one of the most important centers of the Silk Road and home to 11 Chinese dynasties. On this tour, first we will see the life-size statues of 6,000 soldiers (Terracotta Warriors), made to protect the spirit of the Emperor who died 2,000 years ago, where the mausoleum of Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang is located. The Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum is the most important and magnificent archaeological excavation uncovered in the 20th century. Today, work is still continuing 1.5 km
Day 6 / FRIDAY, 06 NOVEMBER 2026: XI’AN / CHONGQING
After breakfast in the early morning, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport. After check-in, arrival in Chongqing on a local airline flight to the Yangtze River, which hosted the American volunteer air group “Flying Tigers” during World War II. This city is currently one of China’s most important industrial cities. It is also an important tourism city as it is the starting/ending point of river tours. Upon arrival, we will take our Chongqing panoramic city tour. We will visit the ‘‘Ciqkou Ancient Town’’, which has a history of more than a thousand years and reflects a miniature of Chongqing city, and Hongya Cave (Hongya Cave), whose history dates back 2,300 years and reflects traditional architectural features. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant. After lunch, transfer to Chongqing port to board our river ship and check-in to our luxury ship. Tonight there will be a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail on our ship. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 7 / SATURDAY, 07 NOVEMBER 2026: FENGDU
After breakfast in the morning, our port of call will be Fengdu. In Fengdu, we will visit the ghost city and the temple of the underworld god YAMA, and listen to the interesting stories of the temple from local guides. Depending on weather conditions, the optional Shibaozhai tour may be possible. Shibaozai is a rectangular rock in the Zhong area on a steep slope at a height of
Day 8 / SUNDAY, 08 NOVEMBER 2026: XILING GORGE / SHENNONG / WU / QUATANG GORGE
After breakfast in the morning, we will take an adventurous trip on the newly opened, untouched and unspoiled section of the river by using the light boats specific to the Far East called Sampan. Also, later on, while cruising from the ship, two of the Three Gorges—Qutang and Wu Gorge—will be seen. Lunch on our ship. Tonight there will be a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on our ship. Overnight on board.
Day 9 / MONDAY, 09 NOVEMBER 2026: YICHANG / XILING GORGE
(THREE GORGES DAM) / SHANGHAI
After breakfast in the morning, upon arriving in Yichang and completing the disembarkation procedures, we will visit the Three Gorges Dam, China’s most important energy project. The idea for the project was born in 1918, and the project was officially launched in 1955. It was largely completed in November 2008. With the dam coming into operation under this project, the river waters rose by approximately 18 metres; the energy the dam produces is equivalent to 5 nuclear power plants. Here you will receive information about this magnificent project and learn about its effects on people. Also, while cruising from the ship, the first of the Three Gorges—Xi Ling Channel—will be visible. After our tour, Yichang Museum and Wanda Shopping Center are among the places we will see. Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, transfer to the airport to depart for Shangai. After check-in, arrival in Shangai on a local airline flight. Transfer to our hotel and overnight at our hotel.
Day 10 / TUESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2026: SHANGHAI
After breakfast in the morning, we will take a full-day panoramic tour introducing Shanghai. During this tour, the places we will see include the Yü Gardens, a country garden established in 1559 in the south of the city, featuring lake-sized ponds, rocky hills, and sections arranged for meditation; the Jade Buddha Temple, where two jade Buddha statues are located; the Bund District; and the famous shopping avenue Nanjing Road and Jin Mao Tower. We will have lunch at a local restaurant. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest. Those who wish may watch the world-famous Chinese Acrobatics Show, organized as an extra by their guide. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 11 / WEDNESDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2026: SHANGHAI / ISTANBUL AIRPORT
After breakfast in the morning and completing the hotel check-out procedures, our first stop will be Shanghai’s French Concession District. This is one of Shanghai's most charming and historic neighborhoods. It offers a unique blend of colonial history, cultural attractions, and modern vibrancy. Then, after visiting Tianzifang, an evolving tourist arts and crafts district with bohemian cafes, boutique shops, and restaurants, we will have lunch at the famous Yelixiali Uyghur restaurant and then tour Shanghai’s famous shopping and café district Xintiandi and Nanjing Road shopping street. After our tour, transfer to the airport. After check-in, passport, and customs procedures, depart for Istanbul Airport at 22:25 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 027. Overnight on the plane.
Day 12 / THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2026: ISTANBUL AIRPORT
Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05:20 in the early morning local time. After the private vehicle waiting for you at the airport takes you to your address, our tour will end.
What's Included
*Economy class flight ticket with Turkish Airlines between Istanbul Airport – Beijing // Shanghai – Istanbul Airport.
*One-way economy class flight tickets between Xi’an - Chongqing // Yichang - Shanghai
*Transportation between Beijing and Xian by High Speed Train
*All domestic and international flight taxes.
*2 nights in Shanghai at Arula Plaza Hotel, 2 nights in Xi’an at Jian Guo Hotel, and 3 nights in Beijing at Marco Polo Parkside Hotel or similar accommodations on a bed & breakfast basis.
*Accommodation for 3 nights and 4 days on a full board basis on the ships of the 5-Star Deluxe Victoria Cruises River Cruise Company.
*Private transfers between Your Home – Istanbul Airport – Your Home
*All lunches and dinners specified in the program (excluding alcoholic and soft drinks).
*All tours and entrance fees specified in the program (excluding extra tours).
*All airport / hotel / airport transfers.
*Local guides who will accompany us throughout the tour.
*TÜRSAB compulsory travel insurance.
*Experienced Guiding Services.
Not Included
*All personal expenses you make at the hotels (mini bar, dry cleaning, etc.).
*All alcoholic and some non-alcoholic beverages on board.*Crew gratuities per person (25Usd / paid in cash on board)
*Local guide and driver gratuities accompanying the group during our tours
*Foreign departure tax.
* Travel Health Insurance with Cancellation Coverage (Per Person 120 Usd) *For passengers aged 70 and over, there will be a per-person surcharge of 240 Usd
*China Visa Fee. Per Person 250 Usd (**Visa-free for Green Passport)