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The Yangtze River is the lifeblood of central China, flowing from the snowy Tibetan Plateau to the coast of Shanghai. The river has been the inspiration of poets and painters, and the centre of interior Chinese commerce for several millennia. Your luxury cruise ship sails through the most dramatic scenery that the river has to offer, with the imposing cliffs of the Three Gorges and the backdrop of snow capped mountain ranges. The cruise finishes at the Three Gorges Dam, that required the relocation one and a half million people and the submerging of thirteen cities.
Our “Simply” itineraries are perfect add-ons to your holiday. Discuss options with our Asia Travel Experts.
Take a morning flight to Chongqing and your guide will greet you at the airport. Chongqing is the most important city in China’s southwest region with the Chongqing province having a modest population by Chinese standards of 28 million people. Chongqing has been known by many names throughout its two thousand year history, with the current name being eight hundred years old.
Perched beside the Yangtze River which has always been the lifeblood of the city, modern day Chongqing is a large industrialised city and the gateway to Yangtze River tourism.
With your guide, climb Liangjiang Pavilion in Eling Park to view the panoramic vista of the city, planned to be one of the world's biggest in the future. Stroll through the old town of Ciqikou, formally a busy port on the Jialing River before it flows into the mighty Yangtze at Chongqing. Ciqikou, also known as Little Chongqing, grew famous for its fine porcelain production from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) onwards.
Learn about the Three Gorges Dam project at the modern Three Gorges Museum, a must before your cruise. In the evening board your Victoria Cruise ship to start your three night cruise.
Perhaps start your cruise with cocktails on deck, or maybe knocking out a few reps in the gym or a foot massage to unwind.
Itinerary Option: For Panda lovers, visit the Panda display in Chongqing zoo instead of visiting the Eling Park lookout and the old town of Ciqikou. Discuss itinerary options with our staff.
Wake up to dramatic scenery of the mighty Yangtze River, and meander to your buffet breakfast with its ever changing view outside.
The Yangtze River is the lifeblood of central China and grows in volume as it travels down from the snowy Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The river has been the inspiration of poets and painters, and the centre of interior Chinese commerce for several millennia. Your luxury river cruise ship sails through the most dramatic scenery that the river has to offer with the imposing cliffs of the Three Gorges and the backdrop of snow capped mountain ranges.
Today take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze". Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, also known as the 'Ghost City' with its two thousand years of history on the north bank of the river. The site combines the cultures of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism with the mystique of ghosts, as portrayed by the sculptures of demons and devils.
Take time to watch the changing scenery from the deck, the cosy lounge or your private cabin balcony. In the evening attend the Captain’s welcome cocktail party.
This morning you'll sail through the Qutang Gorge, the first of the three Yangtze gorges and famous for dramatic scenery. Later continue to the 25-mile long Wu Gorge which is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream. Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) and the deepest of the Three Gorges. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks.
A highlight of the trip is watching these huge ships go through the five level ship lock, several ships at a time.
Enjoy the farewell banquet for your last evening aboard.
This morning your ship arrives at the monstrous and highly controversial Three Gorges Dam, which required relocating 1.5 million people, and submerging 13 cities. Whatever your views, one can only marvel at the scale of this engineering feat.
You will be met on shore around noon and fly to Shanghai. Your guide will provide an introduction to Shanghai, answer any questions you have, and make arrangements for the following day.
Interesting Three Gorges Dam Trivia:
Phone now to discuss options to personalise your itinerary.
Ideas to extend your itinerary:
GetAboutAsia uses a modern fleet of ships which are some of the best on the Yangtze and represent good value for our customers. Feature highlights:
The actual ship depends on the date of departure. Cabin upgrades are available. Our staff can provide more additional information.
All Get About Asia trips have been designed to make sure you have an unforgettable travel experience. We have developed several trip styles to cater for our diverse range of travellers. Read what your ideal Get About Asia experience might look like here.
Standard: | from AU $1,490 |
Superior: | from AU $2,066 |
Deluxe: | from AU $2,686 |
All GetAboutAsia prices are based on twin share and depend on availability and season. All our itineraries can be customised including international flights and extra nights. For questions or further information, Enquire Now!
Hotels each night of the itinerary except for 3 nights aboard your Victoria Cruise Ship. All GetAboutAsia accommodation is handpicked by us. Upgrades are available for this itinerary.
Visas for China
Almost all nationalities require a visa for mainland China. You must obtain your Chinese visa in advance. Give yourself at least 3-4 weeks. It is not possible to get a visa on arrival and Chinese visas can be very difficult to obtain outside your country of residence.
Hong Kong and Macau are not considered part of mainland China for immigration purposes and most nationalities (please check) do not require a visa.
Availability of accommodation and season.
Start: | Chongqing, China |
End: | Yichang, China |
Physical: | Easy |
Dates: | Selected dates |
Style: | Cruises |
Details: |
Suggested Itinerary Accommodation Options Important Information |
"China as a whole was a great place, but my Yangtze River was a highlight for me. I have an affiliation with water and loved the river cruising. As a child I loved boats and the river life with all its wonders and changing scenery." — Ms Cook, Melbourne Vic, July 2016