​CHINA: 10 Day Spirit of Yangtze Tour Including Flights for Two (Dep. SYDNEY)

From jaw-dropping views along the Great Wall, to 4 nights of cruising along the mighty Yangtze River, this magnificent 10 day tour of China brings you the very best of the Middle Kingdom in total comfort and convenience. Return International Flights from Sydney to China for Two 4 Night Yangtze River Cruise Including All Onboard Meals 5 Nights of Accommodation in Beijing Including Daily Breakfast Plus Tours of the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & More Departing from Melbourne? See the Melbourne package here. INCLUSIONS Return International Flights for Two All Domestic Transfers in China Private Coach Transportation 4 Night Yangtze River Cruise Including All Onboard Meals 5 Nights of Accommodation in Beijing Including Daily Breakfasts Sightseeing Admission as Mentioned in the Itinerary Exciting Tours with Experienced English-Speaking Guides HOTELS 4 Nights aboard the Yangtze River Cruise – Yangtze Gold 6 or similar 5 Nights in Beijing – Loong Palace Hotel & Resort or similar TRAVEL DATES Available for arrival in China on one of the following dates in 2017: March: 18, 25 April: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May*: 6, 13, 20, 27 June: 3, 10, 17, 24 July: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 August: 5, 12, 19, 26 September*: 2, 9, 16, 30 October*: 7, 14, 21, 28 November: 4, 11 Book early to secure your preferred dates! *A high season surcharge of $300pp applies to departures during these months. See the Fine Print for full details HOW TO BOOK Once you have selected your favourite option, click on Add to Cart and follow the payment prompts Once you complete your purchase, you will be emailed a confirmation and unique booking code Please follow the instructions on your email to redeem your voucher For any other assistance or enquiries please contact support@kogantravel.com or call us on 1300 517 210. HIGHLIGHTS Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise along the Yangtze River, featuring luxurious amenities as well as a welcome banquet and a Chinese dancing Ball. Get up close and personal with the Yangtze’s breathtaking scenery; showcasing the sheer cliff faces of the Lesser Gorges Region and the lofty peaks of the Ming Mountains. Marvel at the portrait of Chairman Mao at Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Journey to the Forbidden City for a real taste of China’s Imperial past – ringed by a moat in the very heart of Beijing, this Dynastic palace complex is shrouded in ancient mystery. Be awestruck by the size and might of the Great Wall – China’s iconic defensive structure that undulates majestically over the peaks and troughs of the gloriously picturesque Beijing hillside. Absorb the rich traditions of the world’s oldest continuous civilisation with lessons in jade, Tai Chi as well as a fascinating insights in the ancient Chinese way of life at the ’City of Ghosts’ (optional) and the Hanging Coffins (optional). ITINERARY Day 1: Sydney – Chongqing (I/F, L, D) It’s time to get excited! Today you will begin your holiday with an international flight from Sydney to Chongqing. Upon arrival, you will board the Yangtze River Cruise ship and begin your memorable 4 night cruise down the mighty Yangtze River. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a relaxing dinner on board tonight. Day 2: Yangtze River Cruise – Three Gorges Dam (B, L, D) Spend this morning harnessing your inner Qi with a Tai Chi lesson on board. Later, today’s optional shore stop will be a trip to the Three Gorges Dam Site. The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. You may also want to visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges, a large scenic spot that remains untouched by the Three Gorges Dam project, showcasing stunning landscape scenery and the fascinating Ba Culture and Shu Culture. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy an evening of entertainment with a Chinese dancing ball. Day 3: Yangtze River Cruise – Lesser Three Gorges (B, L, D) Today you may join an optional shore excursion is to the Lesser Three Gorges – a shining pearl of beauty hidden in the remote mountains. You will leave your cruise ship and board a smaller vessel to sail through the narrower waterways of the breathtaking Lesser Three Gorges region, lined by sheer cliffs and towering green mountains. Along the Yangtze River you will appreciate the beauty of the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge and visit the Ancient Plank Road, the Meng Liang Stairway and the Hanging Coffins. You will also have the opportunity to join an optional tour to the White Emperor City, an ancient temple located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County. Later, you will return to the ship and continue sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge. Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise – Fengdu Ghost City (B, L, D) Your optional shore excursion today is the Fengdu Ghost City. These temples built on Ming Mountain depict punish instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell and a fascinating insight into the ancient Chinese culture. Later, return to the ship and continue to pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Tonight you will be treated to a special farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation to disembark tomorrow. Day 5: Disembark in Chongqing – Beijing (B) Today your river cruise comes to an end as you disembark in Chongqing. From here, you will be transferred to the airport where you will board a regional flight to Beijing. In Beijing, you will be met by your tour operator and transferred to your new hotel. Take some time to relax and settle in before your full day of touring tomorrow. Day 6: Beijing – Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City (B, D) Begin your day with a hotel buffet breakfast, featuring a large selection of Asian and Western cuisine. You will then set out with your trip leader to discover Beijing’s imperial treasures. Layered with tales of emperors, uprisings, grandeur and hubris, Beijing is an extraordinary city. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world, and enter the imposing walls of the Forbidden City, once the exclusive domain of the Ming Dynasty for an extensive tour through the vast complex. Day 7: Beijing – The Great Wall of China – 2008 Olympic Games Sites (B, L) Today is a truly special day, where you will travel into the rugged mountain landscapes North of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China. The views from this ancient defensive structure are magnificent, and the experience is truly unforgettable. Afterwards you will learn about Jade, China’s most precious and celebrated stone at the largest Jade factory in Beijing, and enjoy a visit to the famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube structures built for Beijing’s 2008 Olympic Games. Finish the day off with a traditional Chinese foot massage before heading back to the hotel. Day 8: Beijing – Temple of Heaven (B, L) In the morning you will do as many locals do everyday and practice Tai Chi in the Temple of Heaven. Tai Chi is an internal martial art system which places emphasis on the development and control of Qi (consciousness) energy within the body. Afterwards, visit the Silk Factory Outlet to learn about silk, the very trade item which started the famous Silk Road, and its delicate manufacturing process. Day 9: Beijing Free Day (B) Today you will have a free day to explore this wonderful city at your own pace. You could choose to join an optional tour of the Beijing Zoo, Lama Temple or Capital Museum (extra fees apply), and meet some Giant Pandas or learn more about the fascinating history of the Chinese people. Day 10: Depart Beijing (B) Today you will be transferred to the Beijing International Airport for your flight home. If time permits, before heading to the airport you may choose to explore the city some more at your own pace, or join an optional tour of the Beijing Zoo, Lama Temple or Capital Museum (extra fees apply). B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, I/F=In Flight Meal WHAT WE LOVE Few places on earth can lay claim to as many extraordinary historical sights as Beijing. There are six Unesco World Heritage sites in this city alone, that’s just one less than the whole of Egypt! Not only will you be introduced to many places of significance during your tour, you will also have some free time in Beijing to explore what interests you most. We recommend an evening trip through the numerous hutong: these ancient alleyways are home to local artisans and street food, and have changed very little in the last few centuries. FINE PRINT Buying and Booking: Buy now – limited time offer! Top Tip: Book early to secure your preferred dates! 14 day booking guarantee – if you can’t book your preferred dates within 14 days we will refund you in full. See T&Cs here Bookings are non refundable once your travel dates are confirmed General: Valid for 2 people, twin share Hotels listed are subject to availability. Alternative hotels of the same quality will be used if necessary. You will be notified if a supplement or reduction in cost applies Scheduled activities are subject to change without prior notice based upon weather, traffic conditions or any unforeseen events Any special requests are subject to availability. Refunds will not be given if such requests cannot be accommodated All currencies are listed in AUD unless stated otherwise Surcharges: A high season surcharge of $300 per person applies to departures in May, September and October A service charge of $100 applies if any changes are made after booking is confirmed A return date change will incur a charge of $200 per person (only available before the air ticket has been issued and is subject to airline seat availability) A single supplement surcharge of $500 applies for those wishing to travel alone – contact Kogan Travel on 1300 517 210 for more information Child Policy: There are no child discounts available for this tour Package Excludes China visa Travel insurance- highly recommended Anything else not listed above Want to know more? Check out Travel Asia for more information. Click here for Kogan Travel FAQs