Seoul (Incheon)

On this whirlwind adventure, travel from Incheon, South Korea to Beijing, China and then Xi’an, China to explore the spectacular icons in two of China’s greatest cities, including the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square before returning to the ship in Shanghai.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. This program involves a lot of walking and some steps throughout and as such is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions

Please see further below for important Visa information.

Day 1 - March 11, 2025

Disembark the ship in Incheon, South Korea and transfer to the airport for an international flight to Beijing, China.

Upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, you will meet your National guide in the arrivals hall after going through customs, immigration and luggage claim. Transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own. Note: the flight from Incheon to Beijing is not accompanied.

Day 2 - March 12, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to visit the impressive Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world and site of many important events in Chinese history.

Next, continue to visit the Forbidden City, home to the emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties and a 250-acre complex of pavilions, halls, courtyards and gates showcasing some of the most important treasures of China’s imperial past.

Later, take a scenic drive to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy a traditional Chinese-style lunch at a local restaurant en-route. You will have a chance to explore the amazing Great Wall, actually a series of walls first constructed over 2000 years ago in an attempt to ward off northern nomads. Walk on the wall and enjoy the surrounding views before heading back to your hotel.

NOTE: you will need to climb a series of steps to access the Great Wall.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 3 - March 13, 2025

Following breakfast, drive to the Temple of Heaven for a visit.

Initially built in 1420, this World Heritage site is where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for a bumper harvest. The main structure in the vast compound is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a magnificent triple-gabled circular building. Completely wooden, without any nails, it is one of the architectural wonders of ancient China. The Temple of Heaven is also a public park where local people begin their day with such morning activities as playing Tai Chi, singing Peking Opera or writing Chinese calligraphy.

After this visit, transfer to the airport for a flight to Xi’an where upon arrival you will be taken for a visit to Xi’an’s landmark city wall, the most complete city wall surviving in China. The first emperor of the Ming Dynasty created it by enlarging an existing one constructed during the Tang Dynasty. Stretching around the entire old city, the 8.5-mile-long wall boasts 98 ramparts, stands 40 feet tall, and is 60 feet thick at its base.

Following the city wall visit, transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.

Day 4 – March 14, 2025

Following breakfast at the hotel, sit back and enjoy the picturesque drive to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a repository for thousands of clay soldiers that were buried with China’s first emperor to accompany him in his eternal rest. Considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, the 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses were buried for centuries until excavated in 1974.

The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords and crossbows. Each figure was individually created with unique characteristics.

As a highlight, one of the Museum's archaeologists or researchers will accompany you throughout the visit, giving you in-depth introductions, and answering your questions about the Warriors.

Following your visit, transfer to the Xi’an Airport for a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to the pier where you will rejoin the ship. Note: This flight will be accompanied with your National guide.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1

TBA Disembark the ship in Incheon, South Korea, transfer to the airport

TBA Arrive at the airport and check in

3:20pm Flight from Incheon, South Korea to Beijing, China (flight details TBA and subject to change)

4:25pm Arrive at Beijing International Airport, you are met after customs and immigration

and transferred to your hotel for check-in

7:00pm Check-in

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel or similar

Day 2

AM Breakfast at the hotel

7:30am Depart for Tian’anmen Square

8:30am Visit Tian’anmen Square

9:00am Depart for the Forbidden City

9:30am Visit Forbidden City

11:30am Drive to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass

12:45pm Chinese style lunch en-route

3:00pm Visit the Great Wall at Juongguan Pass

5:00pm Depart the Great Wall

6:45pm Arrival at your hotel

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel or similar

Day 3

AM Buffet breakfast at the hotel

7:30am Check-out

8:30am Visit the Temple of Heaven

10:00am Depart from Temple of Heaven

11:15am Arrive at the Beijing airport

12:45pm Flight Beijing to Xi’an (Flight details TBA and subject to change), lunch served on flight

2:45pm Arrive in Xi’an

4:30pm Visit the City Wall

6:00pm Check-in at your hotel

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel or similar

Day 4

AM Breakfast at your hotel

7:45am Drive to the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum

9:00am Visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum

12:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant

1:00pm Transfer to the airport

2:30pm Arrival at the airport

4:00pm Flight Xi’an to Shanghai (Flight details TBA and subject to change)

6:20pm Arrive in Shanghai, collect luggage, transfer to the port

7:45pm Approximate arrival at the port, reboard the ship

Ship is scheduled to be docked overnight in Shanghai

Expected Weather:

Beijing - It will be cool and could be windy. The average temperature reaches 11 °C (52 °F) during the day, and at night drops to -1 °C (30 °F).

Xi’an weather - March is the month when Xi’an steps into the spring season; however, sometimes there could be a light snowfall or a cold rain in early March which appears to bring Xian back to winter. The average high temperature is14 C / 57 F and the average low is 4 C / 39 F.

What to Bring: An umbrella and comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, wind proof warm jacket. The attire is casual for the entire program.

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

5. Guests should bring with them on the flight any paperwork from their doctor and /or specific details that explain the type of device they are bringing on board. Each brand should have a website with paperwork that can be printed for flight.

Note about restrooms:

Restrooms in China vary from having toilets to holes in the floor and their cleanliness standards are not always up to par with those of the western world. You will encounter both types of restroom facilities on your travels in China. It is advisable to have hand sanitizer and extra tissues /toilet paper at all times just in case they are needed.

Local Currency:

The Chinese Yuan, denoted by CNY, is the official currency in China. You can use US dollars / Euros/ English pounds in hotels, in friendship stores, to buy things from vendors in the scenic spots, to pay for any optional tours and to tip porters of the hotels, tour guides and drivers or whomever you want to tip. You cannot use US dollars or other foreign currencies in department stores or small convenience stores, local restaurants, or if you try to buy things from some street vendors.

Electricity:

The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC. A transformer is necessary. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, though in the guest rooms usually only 220V sockets are available. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage allowance for flights:

Guests are permitted to bring free of charge one carryon bag and one piece of check-in luggage although for this short program we recommend guests bring a carryon only, keeping in mind restrictions for liquids and gels and other items not suitable for carryon luggage. Carryon Luggage should not exceed 55x40x20cm (22x16x8 in) in size and 5 kg (11 lbs) in weight; Check-in luggage should not exceed 100x60x40cm (39x24x16 in) in size and 20kg (44lbs) in weight. These dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

This program takes place between Incheon (South Korea), Beijing (China), Xi’an (China) and Shanghai (China).

A Chinese Visa is required for this program (to be purchased in advance of sailing) as well as a valid passport with at minimum two blank pages for stamps.

Please consult your local Chinese embassy for further details on requirements and procedures for obtaining a Chinese Visa as rules differ depending on your nationality.

Note: Guests on multiple day land programs are NOT covered by the new (as of spring 2024) Visa Free entry rule for guests arriving by cruise ship.

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents. Guests are responsible to make sure that there are enough pages in their passports for any visas that are required – Minimum two pages for each visa.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.

Accommodations:

Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel

36 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100013, China

Phone: +86 10 5798 8888

Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel

208 Ci’en East Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an, Shannxi, China

Phone: 86-29-6821 9999

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes :

•Two nights at the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel (deluxe room)

•One night at the Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel (standard double room)

•3 breakfasts, 2 lunches served at local restaurant (lunch includes a choice of one soft drink, local beer or local mineral water), 1 lunch served in-flight

•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program

•Expert to accompany at Terra-cotta Museum

•QuiteVox Audio System for group of over 10 guests

•Economy class air tickets from Incheon, South Korea to Beijing, China to Xi’an, China to Shanghai, China – direct flights not guaranteed

•Departure transfer on Day 1 from the pier in Incheon (South Korea) to the airport

•Local National guide to accompany from Beijing to departure from Xi’an

Program Excludes:

•Any meals and drinks not specified above

•Gratuities to drivers and tour guides

•Hotel incidentals including laundry, mini bar and room service

•Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights

•Chinese Visa

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.