Private Yangtze River Tour Extension

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Chongqing

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.

Day 2: Yangtze River Cruise

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.

Day 3: Yangtze River Cruise

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.

Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise

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.

The Cruise Ship

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:

• American owned and geared toward western tourism.
• Modern ships, superior level accommodation, and great facilities.
• Cabins have fantastic views, private balconies, private bathrooms with bathtub and shower.
• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with western and Asian cuisines.
• Ships include a beauty salon, gym, laundry, internet and business facilities.
• Entertainment including movies, lectures, cabaret shows and tai chi.

The actual ship depends on the date of departure. Cabin upgrades are available. Our staff can provide more additional information.