This 15-Day Grand China & Yangtze River Expedition is the definitive “Imperial” experience. Spanning the nation’s three greatest cities—Shanghai, Xian, and Beijing—and featuring a 4-night luxury river cruise, this itinerary is designed for travelers who want to see every icon of the Middle Kingdom in one seamless, First-Class journey.

15-Day Grand China & Yangtze River Odyssey

The Ultimate Imperial Experience: From the Neon Skyline of Shanghai to the Ancient Great Wall.

Journey through 5,000 years of history on a masterfully curated 15-day (12-night) expedition. Experience the luxury of a Yangtze River Cruise, stand face-to-face with the Terracotta Army, and walk the ramparts of the Great Wall. With all internal flights, 27 meals, and First-Class accommodations included, this is the most comprehensive way to discover the heart of China.

🏮 Why This Grand Odyssey is Unrivaled

• Four-Night River Sanctuary: Cruise the Yangtze through the majestic Three Gorges on a luxury Victoria or Century vessel.

• The “Golden Triangle” & Beyond: Full-immersion stays in Shanghai (3 nights), Xian (2 nights), and Beijing (3 nights).

• Effortless Transit: We fly you between every major destination (3 internal flights included) to maximize your exploration time.

• Culinary Excellence: 27 included meals, featuring a signature Peking Duck Farewell Dinner with wine.

• Immersive Audio: High-tech wireless earphones ensure you hear every secret of the Forbidden City.

🗺️ Detailed Daily Itinerary

Part I: Shanghai – The Paris of the East

• Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai | Transfer to your First-Class hotel and witness the most futuristic skyline on Earth.

• Day 2: Old Charm & New Horizons | Stroll the Bund and explore the Ming Dynasty Yuyuan Garden. Enjoy a celebratory Welcome Dinner. Meals: B, D.

• Day 3: Venice of the East | Day at leisure or opt for a full-day tour to Suzhou for a Grand Canal cruise and a visit to the UNESCO Master of the Nets Garden. Meals: B.

• Day 4: Ancient Faith & Silk | Visit the Jade Buddha Temple and a traditional silk workshop. Fly to Yichang to embark on your Yangtze River Cruise. Meals: B, L, D.

Part II: The Yangtze River – The Three Gorges

• Day 5: Engineering Marvels | Enter the Xiling Gorge. Opt to visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Meals: B, L, D.

• Day 6: Goddess Streams & Twelve Peaks | Sail through Wu Gorge. Board small ferries for a scenic excursion up the Shennong or Shennv Stream between rocky cliffs. Meals: B, L, D.

• Day 7: The Ghost City | Dock near Fengdu to explore the Ghost City, an ancient site steeped in mythology and spiritual traditions. Meals: B, L, D.

Part III: Xian – The Underground Empire

• Day 8: Flight to Antiquity | Disembark in Chongqing and fly to Xian, the ancient capital of eleven dynasties. Meals: B.

• Day 9: The Terracotta Army | Meet the silent guardians of the first Emperor. Stand before thousands of life-size Terracotta Warriors. Tonight, opt for a Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show. Meals: B, L.

Part IV: Beijing – The Imperial Finale

• Day 10: The Pulse of Beijing | Fly to the capital. Opt for a Hutong Tour by rickshaw to experience “Old China” in the city’s ancient alleyways. Meals: B, L.

• Day 11: The Great Wall & Summer Palace | Climb the Great Wall, then stroll the lush gardens of the Summer Palace, once the retreat of the Empress Dowager. Meals: B, L, D.

• Day 12: The Forbidden City & Farewell | Walk through Tiananmen Square and enter the massive Forbidden City. Visit the Giant Pandas at the Beijing Zoo. End your journey with a famous Peking Duck Farewell Dinner. Meals: B, L, D.

• Day 13: Departure | Transfer to the airport for your flight back to San Francisco. Meals: B.

💎 Premium Package Inclusions