Sanctuary Yangzi River Cruise Holiday

This 12 night Yangtze River Cruise holiday includes a spectacular luxury Yangtze River Cruise aboard the Sanctuary Explorer, plus 3 nights in Shanghai and Beijing.

Begin in Shanghai, China's economic and financial powerhouse.

See some of the world's tallest buildings, Old Shanghai, Yu Gardens and the famous Bund.

Enjoy a full day trip to the canal town of Suzhou with it's dreamy willow-lined canals and superb museum.

Fly to Yichang to board the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer for a luxury 4 day Yangtze Cruise including the Three Gorges Dam.

From the Yangtze fly to Beijing and enjoy 3 nights in the capital with a day excursion to the Great Wall and a Beijing city tour included.

All of our In Depth China and Classic China Tours are completely tailormade and we can create your trip around your interests and budget.

he itineraries featured are suggested trips around which we can tailor your holiday to China.

Day 1: Fly Uk – Shanghai

Fly from the UK to Shanghai.

Day 2: Shanghai

On arrival you will be met and transferred your chosen hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Shanghai. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Shanghai

Enjoy a full day tour of Shanghai, visiting some of the most important landmarks and locations in Shanghai, including the Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, Shanghai Old Street, the French Concession and Xintiandi.

The Jade Buddha Temple is an active temple, with 70 resident monks, and the centerpiece is a sitting Buddha carved out of white jade and encrusted with jewels, measuring over two meters tall and rumored to weigh over 1000 kilograms.

From the Jade Buddha, head over to the Yu Yuan Gardens, a classic creation of the Ming Dynasty. Nearby is Shanghai Old Street which had its origins in the Qing Dynasty.

After a Shanghainese lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Bund, Shanghai's waterfront, known for its grand display of colonial-era architecture and the wonderful views of both sides of the Huangpu River.

Visit Xintiandi, a stylish nightlife district with many boutiques, pubs, and restaurants and on to Shanghai's Art District. Xintiandi is a good place to return to for dinner this evening.

Finally visit the Shikumen Open House Museum, a well-preserved Shikumen house from the 1920's that displays furniture and articles for daily use during that time.

Overnight: Shanghai. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included

Day 4: Suzhou

Today enjoy a full day in Suzhou. You will be collected from your hotel by your driver and guide for a private excursion to Suzhou, one of China's famous water towns.

Visit the Garden of the Master of the Nets, the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens, yet the most impressive because of its use of space and the feeling of tranquility and harmony that it instills on visitors.

After lunch visit the  Suzhou Institute of Embroidery and see some of the most valuable pieces of embroidery
ever made, including several priceless court gowns.

Finally visit the superb Suzhou Museum, itself an architectural masterpiece, containing over 15,000 ancient pieces in its collection, including paintings, ceramics & calligraphy.

Overnight: Shanghai. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included

Day 5: Yangzi Explorer Cruise

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Yichang, where you will be met and transferred to the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer.

Overnight Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. All meals included.

Day 6: Yangzi Explorer Cruise - Three Gorges Dam

After breakfast view the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the three gorges (47 miles in length).

Enjoy the views of the sweeping river through the groves of orange and pomelo trees, before arriving at the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Centre for a private tour of the world's largest engineering project. 

Lunch is served on the ship. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure with a complimentary afternoon tea and choice of lectures. In the evening dinner is served a-la-carte.

Overnight Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. All meals included.

Day 7: Yangzi Explorer Cruise – Shennong Stream

Disembark Sanctuary Yangzi at Badong and transfer to a local longboat (sampan) poled by Tujia boatmen to explore the Shennong Stream.

In the afternoon explore the Wu and Qutang Gorges

The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer introduces a new standard of cruising in China - more intimate and luxurious.

With the largest cabins and suites on the river, all with private balconies, as well as the highest crew to passenger ratio on the river of 1:1, this is a Yangzi cruise unlike any other.

Carrying just 124 passengers, compared to the 300 plus accommodated on other cruise ships, the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer offers the finest and most personalised service on the river.

Onboard facilities include a la carte dining, a luxury spa, an observation deck, 24-hour room service, a two-floor theatre, library, and beauty and fitness facilities.

The ship also has the most spacious and indulgent spa on board any cruise vessel on the Yangzi.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our China tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you.

You will have your own private car, driver and English-speaking guide on excursions. Shore excursions from the Sanctuary Cruise are on a shared basis.

What are the departure dates?

Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.

As this is a private tour, there are no set departure dates other than those of the Sanctuary Yangzi Cruise. We can advise you on the best times of your to travel, and some times to avoid.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to China.

Typically for China, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and Air China would be airlines we often use.

However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.

There are direct flights from the UK to a few destinations in China including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and of course Hong Kong.

Which Hotels do you use?

We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.

China is a destination where large hotels predominate. These are geared for business and group travellers as the Chinese usually travel in groups. We try to suggest smaller more personal hotels where we can.

In China, staying in a traditional Courtyard style hotel for a night or two is a great option and something we recommend.