Plying the inland waterways of a continent by deluxe riverboat has become an increasingly popular mode of travel. Riverboats provide an ideal way to explore the very heart of a continent by traversing its scenic arteries. Without having to travel overland point-to-point, these vessels offer up an opportunity to explore dynamic destinations, returning each day to a club-like atmosphere and the comfort of a spacious stateroom with premium amenities and excellent cuisine. Enjoy colorful local scenery from your stateroom balcony as you glide along peacefully. When your ship docks in the center of town, stroll ashore to explore or set off on a complimentary bicycle. In Europe, cruise along the fabled Rhine, romantic Danube and Rhône Rivers . . . and what a unique and fulfilling way to explore France, Holland, Germany, Austria and Hungary effectively in a single itinerary. River cruising has extended to Russia’s mighty Volga, Burma’s Irrawaddy, Vietnam-Cambodia’s Mekong, China’s Yangtze and now even to India’s Ganges. Your inclusive vacation is an incredible value. Sightseeing excursions led by local experts and guides, and access to cultural experiences ashore are part of the package.
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China, Tibet & the Yangtze
Potala Palace - Lhasa
Experience a soul-enriching journey on this program abounding with UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lhasa means “holy land” and Lhasa—the ancient capital city of Tibet—is indeed the heart and soul of the region. In existence since the seventh century and ruled by the Dalai Lamas from the early 1600s until 1959, Tibet has long been associated with tranquility and spirituality. Marvel at Lhasa’s unique architecture—from gilt-roofed temples and colorfully decorated monasteries to the practical, energy-efficient design of its traditional houses—and discover inner calm as you wander through its peaceful gardens. You’ll visit both the UNESCO World Heritage Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace, as well as the Sera Monastery. While in Beijing, explore the UNESCO-designated Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. Marvel at the life-sized Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Cruise the most scenic section of the Yangtze River with its famous Three Gorges, and then conclude your astonishing trip in breathtaking Shanghai. The majestic scenery, soul-enriching spirituality, rich cultural performances, and wonderful people of China will reward you with unforgettable memories.
Beijing to Shanghai | 14 Days
Day 1: Beijing
Arrive at the airport, where you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative who will escort you to the Ritz-Carlton Beijing.
Day 2: Beijing
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, hutongs tour with home-hosted lunch, and Peking Duck Welcome Dinner with complimentary wine.
Your first full day in Beijing takes you to Tiananmen Square, which is both a center of contemporary civic life in Beijing and the gateway to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you’ll take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs, the historic neighborhoods of Old Beijing. A local family will invite you into their home for lunch. Later in the evening, you’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner of succulent Peking Duck, a signature dish of the city, with wine.
(BB, L, WD)
Day 3: Beijing
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: The Great Wall and Kung Fu show at Beijing’s Red Theatre
Walk along the UNESCO-designated Great Wall. Later in the evening, be treated to a mesmerizing show that combines kung fu prowess with acrobatics and dance; it’s the best performance in town.
(BB, L, D)
Day 4: Beijing - fly to Xi'an
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo giant panda visit, and traditional dumpling banquet
The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO-designated site that dates back to the 15th century. A masterpiece of architectural and landscape design, it influenced architecture throughout China for centuries. Next, you’ll visit the giant pandas at the Beijing Zoo. After lunch, you’ll fly to the ancient city of Xi’an, where you’ll settle into the Shangri-La Xi’an hotel before heading to a local restaurant to feast on the delicious dumplings that are a specialty of the region.
(BB, L, D)
Day 5: Xi'an
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Museum of the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, City Wall, and Tang Dynasty dinner show
Visit the museum that is home to over 8,000 life-size Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. You’ll then see the ancient city wall built to protect Xi’an from invaders. Enjoy lunch with a noodle-making demonstration. In the evening, indulge in a dinner and cultural performance that re-creates the music, folk dance, and traditional costumes of the Tang Dynasty.
(BB, L, D)
Day 6: Xi'an - fly to Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa, the ancient cultural and religious center of Tibet, and check into the supremely comfortable Four Points by Sheraton hotel, where you’ll enjoy dinner in the evening.
(BB, D)
Day 7: Lhasa
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Jokhang Temple and Tibet Museum
See the holiest site in Tibet: gold-domed Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains a seventh-century statue of Buddha. Tour the rich collection of prehistoric artifacts at the Tibet Museum. Visit a Lhasa family’s home, and then savor dinner accompanied by a traditional folk show.
(BB, L, D)
Day 8: Lhasa
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Potala Palace and Sera Monastery
The vast, UNESCO-designated Potala Palace is exceptionally well-preserved. Wander through its chapels as pilgrims make offerings at thousand-year-old altars, and admire the religious paintings called thangkas. From here, you’ll head off to see Sera Monastery’s colorful murals and mandalas.
(BB, L, D)
Day 9: Lhasa - fly to Chongqing - cruising the Yangtze River aboard the Century Legend
Fly to Chongqing, where you’ll head to the dock and board your luxurious ship.
(BB, D)
Day 10: Cruising the Yangtze River - Shibaozhai
FEATURED EXCURSION: Shibao Pagoda
Mist-shrouded peaks loom above the winding Yangtze for miles as you cruise through the Three Gorges region. Every view is a picture straight out of China’s iconic watercolor illustrations. Your ship will stop at the Shibao Pagoda, a colorful 12-story temple built into the side of a hill that is now an island as a result of the rising waters from the Three Gorges Dam. Enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception with complimentary wine in the evening.
(BB, L, WR, D)
Day 11: Cruising the Yangtze River - Shennong Stream
FEATURED EXCURSION: Explore Shennong Stream
Get a close-up view of some of the nation’s most stunning scenery as you board a small boat and cruise along the Shennong Stream, an extraordinarily beautiful tributary to the Yangtze. Karst caves pock the high cliffs surrounding you and monkeys play on the shore beside the sparkling waters. Later in the day, your ship will navigate the enormous Three Gorges Dam locks. In the evening, a Captain’s Farewell Dinner with complimentary wine will be served.
(BB, L, FD)
Day 12: Cruising the Yangtze River, Maoping - Yichang - fly to Shanghai
FEATURED EXCURSION: Three Gorges Dam
Before you disembark in Yichang, you’ll tour the world’s largest hydroelectric project, the Three Gorges Dam, which supplies power to millions of people. Following your visit, you’ll fly to Shanghai. Settle into your lovely room in the Pudong Shangri-La and relax over a buffet dinner at your hotel.
(BB, L, D)
Day 13: Shanghai
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Shanghai city tour, dim sum lunch, Shanghai Acrobats show
Shanghai, located at the mouth of the Yangtze, has been a trading center for 400 years. Today, it’s an economic dynamo with one of the busiest ports in the world. Stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade, and take in its historic buildings and its spectacular view of the high-rises that typify China’s largest city. Savor a dim sum lunch at your hotel; then take some time to browse through the district’s unique shops. In the evening, prepare to be dazzled by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobats.
(BB, L)
Day 14: Depart Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue your adventure with one of our memorable optional extensions.
(CB/BB)
EXTEND YOUR TRIP TO GUILIN and/or HONG KONG
YOUR CRUISE/TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 3-night Yangtze River cruise in a riverview Uniworld Signature Suite with private balcony aboard the Century Legend
- 10 nights centrally located luxury hotels including buffet breakfast, taxes, porterage
- All transportation throughout your trip, including flights within China
- Transfers on arrival and departure days
- 13 buffet breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners [B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner]
- Dinner with complimentary wine onboard the ship
- 12 days of captivating, fully escorted excursions with English-speaking local experts
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager throughout your trip
- Exciting evening entertainment including a Kung Fu show, a Tang Dynasty show, and the Shanghai Acrobats
Call for dates and details.
Customize Your Journey
Explore the ships and cruising options. Tell us when and where you want to go and what you want to see and do at the outset and at the conclusion of your cruise ~ pre and post. You may want to take a few, or more than a few additional days on either end of your cruise to explore and enjoy the cities and regions where you will embark and disembark. We can customize a personal journey around your cruise itinerary with best pricing based upon your travel dates and the number of persons in your party.
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