Imperial China & Vietnam + Yangtze River Cruise 15-Day Tour

Arrive in Beijing, China’s imperial capital whose rich history dates back to more than 3000 years ago. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Our guide will assist with check-in, allowing you to enjoy some free time to relax afterwards.

Beijing embodies the beating heart of China, brimming with monumental landmarks that reflect its storied past and vibrant economic center. After breakfast, we will visit Tiananmen Square and then enter the Forbidden City, the ornate palace of the emperors, enclosed by its imperial-red walls. This structure was o? limits to commoners for centuries, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible only to emperors, their families, and the court for over 500 years. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven, where emperors would humble themselves and pray for a good harvest. Evening welcome dinner at the Peking duck.

Enjoy your trip to the ancient Great Wall, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site built from the 5th century BC to the 16th century AD to keep out nomads, stretching about 4,000 miles. Wander its paths, take in the breathtaking view. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a masterpiece of Chinese garden design and a former royal retreat with lakes, gardens, and palaces. Stroll the Long Corridor, admire the Marble Boat, and savor the calm of Kunming Lake, escaping the city’s hustle.

After breakfast, take a city tour in the old town of Beijing: visit the Hutongs with a rickshaw ride, admire the well-kept courtyards of families who still live in this richly historic community, and an authentic lunch. Departure by flight to Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities, celebrated as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. With more than 3,000 years of history, this city played a crucial role in one of China’s most glorious cultural periods. Dinner and transfer to the hotel.

Visit the Eighth Wonder of the World : the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. At the enormous mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2 000 years ago, see the 8 000 life-sized sculpted warriors, archers, and infantrymen who were buried with him. Remarkably, each man and horse was molded with its own distinctive features. The incredible archaeological site was discovered by local farmers in 1974. In the afternoon, we will visit the Grand Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, enjoy dinner while watching the spectacular Tang Dynasty Dance Show.

After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Chongqing, known as the ‘Mountain City.’ Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour to explore its unique urban landscape and vibrant atmosphere.

After dinner, board the Century Glory for an unforgettable Yangtze River journey.

Take an excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, a legendary site rich in Chinese mythology and folklore.

In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party aboard the cruise.

Journey through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze River as it carves its way through a breathtaking series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest, and most dramatic of the three major gorges.

Next, board a smaller boat for an excursion along the Goddess Stream, sailing through awe-inspiring canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way, witness fascinating historical sites, including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliff-side. Continue sailing through Wu Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery and misty peaks.

After breakfast, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power project, which took nearly 20 years to complete. Get an up-close look at the inner workings of this massive structure and learn how it controls flooding while also leading to the relocation of 1.25 million people. After the tour, transfer by bus to Jingzhou, an ancient hub for trade and transportation, strategically located within a loop of the Yangtze River. Explore the Jingzhou Museum, home to fascinating historical artifacts, and walk along the well-preserved ancient city walls, a testament to the city’s rich past. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.

After breakfast, take a stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade, offering stunning views of the city’s historic and modern skyline. Then, explore the old Shanghai district of Cheng Huang Miao (City God Temple), a vibrant area known for its traditional architecture, street food, and cultural significance. Continue to Nanjing Road, the city’s main shopping street and one of the busiest commercial avenues in the world.

In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Museum, home to nearly one million artifacts spanning 21 categories. The museum’s impressive collections of bronzes, calligraphy, ceramics, and paintings provide a deep insight into China’s rich artistic heritage. Enjoy your Huangpu River Cruise in the evening.

After breakfast, transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, marking the end of your journey in China. Board your flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner before transferring to your hotel for check-in and a restful evening.

After breakfast, enjoy a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s charming colonial neighborhoods, which have been carefully restored to preserve their historic beauty. Then, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, followed by the One Pillar Pagoda, and continue to the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon, depart for Halong Bay a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours by coach. Upon arrival, embark on a cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay.

Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over Halong Bay, taking in the serene beauty of its emerald waters and dramatic limestone formations. Enjoy a morning exploration of the bay before returning to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s bustling economic and cultural hub. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour to explore Saigon’s vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and rich colonial heritage.

After breakfast, depart for My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, an impressive Buddhist temple known for its stunning architecture and serene gardens.

Take a leisurely walk through the local market, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and discover regional specialties.

Next, embark on a boat trip along one of the many branches of the Mekong River, navigating through its intricate network of canals stretching for hundreds of kilometers. Arrive at Thoi Son Island, renowned for its lush orchards filled with exotic fruits.

In the afternoon, return to Saigon.

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), exploring its vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and cultural sites. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the USA.