Imperial China & the Yangtze – 15 Days

Day 1 - Canada – Beijing（AC/CA/MU/KE )

Depart from your Canadian gateway city on an international flight to Beijing. Meals: Self-arranged

Day 2 - Arrival in Beijing

Fly to Beijing, China's imperial capital with over 3,000 years of history. Airport pick-up service. Transfer to hotel and check-in. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Beijing or similar 5-Star

Day 3 - Beijing (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Beijing is China's capital. After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square and enter the magnificent Forbidden City - the emperor's palace behind the royal red walls. This architectural masterpiece has been exclusive to royalty for centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Evening welcome dinner featuring Beijing Roast Duck. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Beijing or similar 5-Star

Day 4 - Beijing (Breakfast/Lunch)

After breakfast, tour one of the world's most iconic landmarks - the ancient Great Wall. This UNESCO World Heritage engineering marvel was built between the 5th century BC and the 16th century AD, stretching approximately 4,000 miles. Return to Beijing in the afternoon and visit the National Stadium (Bird's Nest), the main venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympics (exterior photo stop). Hotel: Crowne Plaza Beijing or similar 5-Star

Day 5 - Beijing – Xi'an (Breakfast)

After breakfast, explore Beijing's old quarter: experience a rickshaw tour through the Hutongs, visit families still living in this historic neighborhood and see well-preserved courtyards. Fly to Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities. Known as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, this city has over 3,000 years of history and represents one of China's most glorious cultural periods. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Xi'an Hotel or similar 5-Star

Day 6 - Xi'an (Breakfast/Lunch)

After breakfast, visit the Eighth Wonder of the World: the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. In the massive tomb where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was buried over 2,000 years ago, see the 8,000 life-sized warrior figures buried with him. Return to the city in the afternoon and visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square. Evening optional activity: Dumpling Banquet Dinner and Tang Dynasty Dance Performance (USD 70/person). Hotel: Crowne Plaza Xi'an Hotel or similar 5-Star

Day 7 - Xi'an – Shanghai (Breakfast/Dinner)

After breakfast, fly to Shanghai. Tour the City God Temple in the old Shanghai district and Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai's main shopping streets and one of the world's busiest. Stroll along the Bund. Evening optional activity: Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Night Tour (USD 45/person). Hotel: Renaissance Shanghai Hotel or similar 5-Star

Day 8 - Shanghai – Suzhou – Shanghai (Breakfast/Lunch)

After breakfast, drive to Suzhou, China's famous garden city. Visit Lingering Garden, Silk Exhibition Center, and stroll along Shantang Street. Return to Shanghai in the afternoon. Hotel: Renaissance Shanghai Hotel or similar 5-Star

Day 9 - Shanghai – Jingzhou (Breakfast/Dinner)

After breakfast, visit Shanghai Museum. Then fly to Jingzhou, the famous ancient city from the Three Kingdoms period. Dinner and hotel check-in upon arrival. Hotel: Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Jingzhou or similar 5-Star

Day 10 - Jingzhou – Yichang – Board Cruise (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, tour Jingzhou city including the ancient city wall and Jingzhou Museum. In the afternoon, travel to Yichang and board the luxury 5-star cruise ship "Chang Jiang Yun Fan" to begin your magnificent Three Gorges cruise journey. Accommodation: Chang Jiang Yun Fan - 5-Star Cruise Balcony Cabin

Day 11 - Yangtze River Three Gorges (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After cruise breakfast, shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. Evening captain's welcome reception. Accommodation: Chang Jiang Yun Fan - 5-Star Cruise Balcony Cabin

Day 12 - Yangtze River Three Gorges (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Cruise through the magnificent Yangtze River Three Gorges. Visit Goddess Stream. Enjoy onboard viewing of Qutang Gorge, Xiling Gorge, and Wu Gorge scenery. Accommodation: Chang Jiang Yun Fan - 5-Star Cruise Balcony Cabin

Day 13 - Yangtze River Three Gorges (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Cruise arrives at Fengdu Ghost City. Shore excursion and sightseeing. Accommodation: Chang Jiang Yun Fan - 5-Star Cruise Balcony Cabin

Day 14 - Chongqing (Breakfast/Lunch)

Cruise arrives in Chongqing, the mountain city. Disembark and tour Chongqing city attractions. Hotel check-in. Evening free time to experience the vibrant and bustling nightlife of Chongqing. Hotel: Radisson Chongqing Downtown or similar 5-Star

Day 15 - Chongqing – Canada (Breakfast)

After breakfast, airport transfer to Chongqing International Airport, concluding your journey.

Price Includes:

• Domestic flights: Beijing-Xi'an, Xi'an-Shanghai and Shanghai-Jingzhou

• Round-trip international airfare

• 5-star hotels in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Jingzhou, and Chongqing

• 4 nights aboard luxury 5-star Chang Jiang Yun Fan cruise ship in balcony cabin

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner where specified)

• Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary

• Full coach transportation with an experienced English-speaking guide throughout

• All taxes, including the Quebec FICAV contribution

Price Does Not Include:

• Optional activities mentioned in the itinerary

• Travel insurance

• Chinese visa fee (not applicable to Canadian ordinary passports, which enjoy 30-day visa-free entry; payable by holders of other passports)

• Gratuities include those for the tour leader, drivers, local guides, and all cruise staff. USD 230 per person

Entry & Visa Information

Canadian ordinary passport holders: no Chinese visa required. China grants 30-day visa-free entry to holders of ordinary Canadian passports for tourism, family visits, business and transit. This tour is shorter than 30 days, so you may enter on your passport alone. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months; travel documents, temporary and emergency passports do not qualify for visa-free entry.

U.S. and other passport holders: a Chinese visa is still required before departure. Voyages Polaris offers a visa service and can assist you with the entire process. Please call 1-450-466-4888 for details and pricing.