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Luxury Grand Tour of China: Giant Pandas, Palaces & Yangtze River Cruise

From £3,999pp
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Holiday Overview

Departure Date: 09 July 2025 - 14 Nights
Alternative Departure Dates Available
  • Duration 14 - 15 NIGHTS
  • Departure Date Range Mar 2025 - Dec 2025
  • Holiday type River Cruising
  • Holiday code RVR2238

Complimentary Luxury Hotel Stays

Complimentary fully escorted tours

INCLUDES 3-NIGHT LUXURY CRUISE ON THE YANGTZE River

Discover China’s ancient imperial monuments and sail through the Three Gorges on board the world’s largest river ship on this unforgettable luxury adventure.

Flying to Beijing, your journey begins with a four-night hotel stay exploring the city’s ancient imperial marvels. During a series of incredible tours, discover the Great Wall of China, Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square before travelling to Xi’an to stand face to face with the Terracotta Warriors.

Next, you’ll take the fast train to Chengdu, ahead of a three-night voyage on board the world’s largest river ship, Victoria Sabrina. Sailing through the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges region, you’ll encounter towering cliffs, lush greenery and modern engineering marvels on your way to Yichang. From here, your voyage culminates with a two-night Shanghai hotel stay complete with fully escorted tours.

Your Imagine Holiday Includes

Full-Board Luxury River Cruise

3 night full-board river cruise on board Victoria Sabrina

Complimentary Fully-Escorted Tours

Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Great Wall of China and Summer Palace
Terracotta Warriors
High-speed trains to Chengdu, Xi’an and Beijing
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Shanghai city tour including Yu Garden and the Bund

Complimentary Shore Excursions

Mount Shuanggui

Three Gorges Dam
Sail through Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge

Complimentary Luxury Hotel Stays

4 night five-star stay in Beijing at the NUO Hotel Beijing

2 night five-star hotel stay in Xi’an at the Gran Meliá Xian
2 night five-star hotel stay in Chengdu at the Shangri-La Chengdu
2 night five-star stay in Shanghai at the Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel
All hotel stays include breakfast

All Flights & Transfers

London departure – regional flights available

Overnight flight

Holiday duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change.
Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating.

Your Voyage

Your Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Overnight to Beijing

Your holiday begins as you fly from the UK to your destination.

Day 2
Beijing: Hotel Stay

Stepping off your flight in Beijing, your holiday begins with four nights in China’s vibrant capital. You could take an atmospheric rickshaw ride through historical districts or seek serenity at the 11th-century Beihai Park, which boasts a wealth of historical treasures.

Overnight: NUO Hotel Beijing

Day 3
Beijing: Hotel Stay

The city features a thriving arts scene, diverse cuisine, and significant political and educational institutions, making it a global hub of culture and diplomacy.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: NUO Hotel Beijing

Day 4
Beijing: Tour & Hotel Stay

Visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven with its symbolic representations of heaven and Earth, together with the scarlet-walled Forbidden City – home to imperial rulers. Then on to the remarkable Tiananmen Square and the heart of the People’s Republic.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: NUO Hotel Beijing

Day 5
Beijing: Tour & Hotel Stay

Get ready for the Great Wall of China – the longest wall in the world and the only manmade structure visible from space! Discover its 2,000-year history, then explore the breathtaking Summer Palace and imperial gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: NUO Hotel Beijing

Day 6
Xi’an: Hotel Stay

Travel to Xi’an by train for a two-night escape and the imposing Terracotta Army. History buffs will also appreciate the Bell Tower of Xi’an, built in 1384, while foodies may wish to stroll the Muslim Quarter, packed with tasty local cuisine.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Gran Meliá Xian

Day 7
Xi’an: Tour & Hotel Stay

Uncovered in 1974 by farmers, the 8,000 soldiers of the Terracotta Army are a symbol of the power and megalomania of Qin Shi Huangdi, China’s first emperor. Sculpted in 210 BC, each of the figures carries its own unique features.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Gran Meliá Xian

Day 8
Chengdu: Hotel Stay

Take the high-speed train to Chengdu for a two-night stay. The capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is home to not just one of Asia’s richest culinary cultures, but the country’s leading panda breeding programme.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Shangri-La Chengdu

Day 9
Chengdu: Tour & Hotel Stay

A highlight of your holiday, today you’ll visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for an up-close encounter with the national animal of China. Meander through the winding pathways and observe the bears asleep and at play.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Shangri-La Chengdu

Day 10
Chongqing: Embark Ship

The largest river ship in the world, Victoria Sabrina features six passenger decks, a cultural theatre, and a grand, three-storey atrium. Her elegant staterooms and spacious observation deck perfectly complement the Three Gorges scenery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Sabrina

Day 11
Mount Shuanggui

Today you’ll reach Fengdu, where you’ll be able to ascend Mount Shuanggui, passing by 20 ancient pagodas, pavilions and temples on the route to verdant mountain views. On this day, you’ll also enjoy a captain’s welcome party.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Sabrina

Day 12
Qutang Gorge & Wu Gorge

Qutang Gorge snakes for eight kilometres through some of the region’s most stunning scenery. Later in the day, sail through Wu Gorge, celebrated for its forest-covered mountains and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely hits them.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Sabrina

Day 13
Yichang: Disembark Ship & Shanghai Hotel Stay

Spanning the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest power station. Marvel at this incredible feat of engineering that stretches over two kilometres before disembarking in Yichang and transferring to Shanghai for a two-night hotel stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel

Day 14
Shanghai: Tour & Hotel Stay

Discover the incredible, 400-year history of Yu Garden, which was restored to its former glory in 1956. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Bund, the historic waterfront where magnificent colonial architecture opposes enormous skyscrapers.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel

Day 15
Shanghai: Fly Home

Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Tour Highlights

Forbidden City
Experience the awe-inspiring Forbidden City Tour, a journey through China's imperial history. Wander through the majestic halls and courtyards, where emperors once ruled in splendour. Discover the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to China's rich culture and heritage.
Shanghai City Tour
Your tour of Shanghai begins at Yu Garden where, 400 years ago, a merchant spent almost 20 years – and all his life savings – building a garden to please his parents in their old age. Later on, take a stroll along the Bund, a historic waterfront regarded for hundreds of years as the symbol of Shanghai.
Chengdu Panda Research Base
At China’s leading panda breeding centre, you’ll observe giant pandas of all ages enjoying life as though they were in the wild, from adults lazily munching bamboo and napping in trees to playful cubs rolling around. Visitors can stroll through beautiful paths, visit the panda nursery, and learn about their dainty cousin, the red panda.
Terracotta Army
Xi'an, birthplace of Chinese civilisation, houses the astounding Terracotta Army. Unearthed accidentally by farmers, these life-sized warriors, boasting intricate details, including hair, expressions, and armour, encircle the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. A remarkable and enigmatic discovery.
Summer Palace
Dating back over 800 years, Beijing’s Summer Palace boasts beautiful imperial gardens, pavilions, halls and bridges. Dynastic elegance echoes through its ornate architecture, while serene lakes offer respite from Beijing’s urban clamour.
Great Wall of China
Admire the Great Wall of China, the longest wall in the world that bends and twists over hills and valleys like a giant dragon fiercely guarding its borders. During your tour you’ll explore the quieter Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a 2.5-kilometre stretch which features 22 watchtowers.

Prices

Deck 2 Superior Cabin (Private Balcony) Prices from £3,999pp

Alternative Departure Dates
20 March 2025
20 Mar 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £3,999pp
16 April 2025
16 Apr 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £3,699pp
15 May 2025
15 May 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £3,499pp
12 June 2025
12 Jun 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £3,899pp
06 August 2025
06 Aug 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £4,299pp
11 September 2025
11 Sep 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £4,499pp
09 October 2025
09 Oct 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £4,199pp
05 November 2025
05 Nov 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £4,299pp
01 December 2025
01 Dec 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £4,399pp

Deck 5 Superior Cabin (Private Balcony) Prices from £4,399pp

Alternative Departure Dates
20 March 2025
20 Mar 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £4,399pp
16 April 2025
16 Apr 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £3,999pp
15 May 2025
15 May 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £3,799pp
12 June 2025
12 Jun 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £4,299pp
06 August 2025
06 Aug 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £4,599pp
11 September 2025
11 Sep 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £4,799pp
09 October 2025
09 Oct 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £4,499pp
05 November 2025
05 Nov 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £4,599pp
01 December 2025
01 Dec 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £4,699pp

Executive Suite (Large Private Balcony) Prices from £4,999pp

Alternative Departure Dates
20 March 2025
20 Mar 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Sold Out
16 April 2025
16 Apr 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £4,799pp
15 May 2025
15 May 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £4,699pp
12 June 2025
12 Jun 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £4,899pp
06 August 2025
06 Aug 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £5,199pp
11 September 2025
11 Sep 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £5,499pp
09 October 2025
09 Oct 2025
15 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Shanghai, Shanghai, Yichang, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge , Small Gorges, Wu Gorg...
Fr From £5,199pp
05 November 2025
05 Nov 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £5,199pp
01 December 2025
01 Dec 2025
14 nights
Itinerary Includes: , Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Beijing, Xi’an, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Mount Shua...
Fr From £5,299pp

Your Hotel Stays

Beijing

Included Hotel

Nuo Hotel Beijing (Or Similar)

The NUO Hotel Beijing, located in the Chaoyang District, is a luxury hotel known for its exquisite design, elegant accommodations, and commitment to Chinese art and culture. The hotel offers a range of spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, all designed with a blend of contemporary luxury and traditional Chinese elements.

Xi’an

Included Hotel

Gran Meliá Xian (Or Similar)

Located next to Tang Paradise, Gran Meliá Xian offers private gardens, a lake, and even a big-name shopping mall amidst its welcoming grounds. Guests can enjoy meals at a choice of five restaurants, or work off the calories in the well-equipped fitness centre. There’s also a beautiful indoor pool beneath a panoramic roof as well as a hot tub and spa. Every room comes with a TV, air conditioning, and a balcony offering views of wither the lake or the city. Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Chengdu

Included Hotel

Shangri-La Chengdu (Or Similar)

panoramic views of the Jinjiang River and the city’s glistening skyline, Shangri-La Chengdu offers elegant design and world-class service. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, tastefully furnished with modern amenities. Guests can indulge in fine dining at its restaurants, which serve both local Sichuan cuisine and international dishes. The hotel also boasts a fully equipped fitness centre, an indoor pool, and a tranquil spa. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring attractions like Tianfu Square and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Shanghai

Included Hotel

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel (Or Similar)

The Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel seamlessly blends modern luxury with traditional Chinese charm. Indulge in delectable dining at the stylish YU Bar, serving exquisite cocktails and panoramic views. Unwind in the serene Aura Spa, offering rejuvenating treatments. Admire the hotel’s elegant décor, inspired by classic Chinese elements and contemporary design. Enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms with scenic city views, ensuring a memorable stay in Shanghai.

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