Originally established as a major seaport in the Song Dynasty, Xiamen today remains an important Chinese trade center. Historical sites from many eras await your discovery from charming Old Town to the former international settlement on neighboring Gulang Island. Hulishan Fortress, built in 1894, offers a tour of the tunnels and trenches, and displays of ancient weaponry; Jimei Park features eclectic architecture and elegant pavilions along Dragon Boat Lake. For a look at ancient times, take in the most respected Buddhist venue in China, Putuo Temple complex, with its classic front gate, many halls, garrets, and ponds; and be sure not to miss the Seven Buddha Tower.
During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in small, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off –the-beaten- path gems. On an Overland Program, you’ll disembark the ship for one-night or more to enjoy a more authentic insider’s view, experiencing firsthand the colorful cultures, dramatic landscapes and exquisite landmarks before rejoining your ship.
Explore the spectacular icons in two of China’s greatest cities, including the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
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.
Day 1 – April 2, 2022
Following breakfast on board, meet your guide and transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Lunch will be served on the flight. Upon arrival you will visit the famous 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.
Following your visit, you will check in at your hotel in Xian where the remainder of the evening is at leisure and dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – April 23, 2022
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and proceed to the airport for a flight to Beijing. Lunch will be served on the flight.
Continue your trip with a visit to 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.
This is followed by a visit to the impressive Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world and site of many important events in Chinese history.
Your day concludes with an evening at leisure and dinner on your own in China’s capital city, Beijing.
Day 3 – April 24, 2022
Following breakfast in the hotel, sit back and enjoy the scenic ride to the Great Wall at Juyongguan. Explore the amazing Great Wall, actually a series of walls first constructed over 2000 years ago in an attempt to ward off northern nomads.
NOTE: you will need to climb a series of steps to access the Great Wall.
Enjoy a traditional Chinese-style lunch at a local restaurant en-route to the airport. Fly from Beijing to Shanghai where you will re-board the ship.
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 - timing subject to change based on actual flight details once confirmed
7:30am Depart from the pier in Xiamen
8:15am Arrive at the airport
9:45am Flight Xiamen to Xian (Flight details TBA and subject to change). Lunch is served on the flight.
12:35pm Arrive in Xi’an
2:00pm Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum
5:30pm Check in at your hotel
Evening at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight at the Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel or similar hotel
Day 2 - timing subject to change based on actual flight details once confirmed
7:00am Buffet breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Depart for the airport
9:00am Arrival at the airport and check in
10:35am Flight Xi’an to Beijing (Flight details TBA and subject to change). Lunch is served on the flight.
12:25pm Arrive in Beijing.
2:00pm Visit to the Forbidden City
4:00pm Visit Tian’anmen Square
5:30pm Check in at your hotel
Evening at leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at China World Hotel or similar hotel
Day 3 - timing subject to change based on actual flight details once confirmed
6:30am Buffet breakfast at your hotel
7:45am Check out and depart from the hotel
9:15am Visit the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass
11:45am Lunch at a local restaurant
1:00pm Depart for the airport
2:30pm Arrival at the airport and check in
3:55pm Flight Beijing to Shanghai (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
6:20pm Arrive in Shanghai
7:45pm Arrive at the pier and re-board the ship
Expected Weather:
Xian and Beijing weather in April – The weather is typically sunny and warm during the day with temperatures averaging 20 °C (68 °F) during the day, and at night 10 °C (50 °F).
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing including a jacket as well as an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes. The attire is casual for the entire program.
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 your own travel adaptor should you have electric devices.
Luggage allowance for flights (subject to change):
Each passenger flying coach class can bring one piece of carry-on luggage, plus one checked bag. Carry-on luggage should not exceed 55x40x20cm (22x16x8 in) in size and 5 kg (11 lbs) in weight; Checked-in luggage should not exceed 100x60x40cm (39x24x16 in) in size and 20kg (44lbs) in weight.
These dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets.
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 RSSC 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 Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A Chinese Visa is required for this overland program as well as a valid passport.
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.
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.
Hotel address:
Xian
Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel
208 Ci’en East Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an, Shannxi, China
TEL: 86-29-6821 9999
Beijing
China World Hotel (A Shangri La Hotel) Beijing
No 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing, 100004, China
Phone: + 86 10 6505 2266
*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 Include:
•1 night at the Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel in Xian or similar – Deluxe Room
•1 night at the China World Hotel in Beijing or similar – Deluxe Room
•2 breakfasts, 2 lunches served on flights and 1 lunch served at local restaurant in Beijing (lunch in Beijing includes a choice of one soft drink, local beer or local mineral water)
•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program
•Economy class flights between Xiamen– Xian - Beijing – direct flights not guaranteed
Program Excludes:
•Any meals and drinks not specified above
•Gratuities to drivers and tour guides
•Hotel incidentals and other personal items
•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 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Visit a research facility in Chengdu that breeds and raises giant pandas to protect these rare and endangered animals, and then enhance your understanding of the local culture by browsing a museum and memorial temple.
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.
Day 1 – April 2, 2022
Depart from pier in Xiamen and transfer to airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival you will transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.
Next you will visit Wuhou Temple (Memorial Temple of Marquis Martial), which is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the chancellor and regent of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Zhuge Liang perhaps is the most well-known historic figure to the Chinese folks, old and young. He is generally recognized as a distinguished strategist, statesman, an accomplished scholar and inventor, the symbol of wisdom. The current temple was rebuilt in 1672.
Continue your trip to Jinli Ancient Street nearby, which is known as one of the busiest commercial areas since the reign of Shu Han. Now the street is one of the most popular pedestrian streets to experience the very local culture in Chengdu: delicious snacks, folk handicrafts, teahouse, bars and cafes, etc.
Late in the afternoon, you will check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own.
Day 2 - April 23, 2022
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to visit those lovely creatures during their active time. Chengdu has been the ancestral homeland to giant pandas since ancient times. In order to rescue and protect the endangered giant panda species, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was established in March 1987.
Starting with 6 giant pandas rescued from the wild, the research base has developed the world’s largest artificial breeding population of captive giant pandas with more than a hundred existing ones. The huge research base replicates the natural habitat of the giant panda, in order to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding, and also for preparing the giant pandas before they are released back into the wild.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will enjoy a picturesque drive to visit Sanxingdui Museum (Three-Star Piles Museum), located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Chengdu City. The Three-Star Piles refer to three earth mounds at the site, which was later affirmed by modern archaeology as the southern capital city wall of the ancient Shu, a kingdom existed over 3,000 years ago. It is an import archeological discovery which changed the world’s understanding of ancient history and culture of southwest part of China.
Travel back to your hotel late in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own.
Day 3 - April 24, 2022
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival you will transfer back to the ship.
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. 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 – timings subject to change based on flights
5:15am Depart from pier in Xiamen and transfer to airport
6:00am Arrive at the airport
TBA Flight Shanghai/Chengdu (TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrive in Chengdu
11:30am Lunch at a local restaurant
1:00pm Visit Wuhou Temple (Memorial Temple of Marquis Martial)
2:30pm Visit Jinli Ancient Street
4:00pm Check in at your hotel and rest of evening is at leisure.
Dinner on own
Overnight at Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Depart from hotel and transfer to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
8:45am Visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
11:30am Lunch at a local restaurant
12:30pm Transfer to Sanxindui Museum
1:30pm Visit Sanxindui Museum
3:30pm Depart from Sanxindui Museum
5:00pm Return to the hotel and rest of evening is at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3 – timings subject to change based on flights
AM Breakfast at your hotel
7:15am Depart for the airport
8:00am Arrival at the airport
TBA Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai (Flight TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrive in Xiamen
Upon arrival, transfer to the ship
Expected Weather:
Chengdu weather in April - Mild with an average high temperature of 22 C / 77 F. The average low temperature would be 13 C / 55 F.
What to Bring: Light loose clothing and comfortable walking shoes for touring and a jacket in case of cooler weather. The attire is casual for the entire program. An umbrella is also recommended for spring weather.
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 you bring your own travel adaptor if required.
Luggage allowance for flights (subject to change):
Each passenger flying economy class can enjoy free baggage allowance of one carry-on luggage, plus one check-in luggage.
Carry-on Luggage not exceeding 56x36x23cm (22x14x9 in) in size and 7 kg (15 lbs) in weight;
Check-in luggage not exceeding 100x60x40cm (39x24x16 in) in size and 20kg (44lbs) in weight.
These dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets.
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 RSSC 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 Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and visa requirements: A valid passport is required.
Consult your local Chinese embassy regarding visa requirements.
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.
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.
Aircraft type (subject to change):
Boeing or Airbus - TBA
Hotel address:
Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Hotel
269 Shuncheng Avenue, Qingyang District, Chengdu, China
TEL: 86-28-8358 8888
*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:
•2 night’s accommodation at Ritz-Carlton Hotel or similar with daily breakfasts – deluxe room
•All tours as per itinerary
•2 breakfasts and 2 lunches ( lunch includes a choice of one glass of soft drinks, local beer or local mineral water)
•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program
•National guide to accompany the group
•Economy class air tickets Xiamen - Chengdu - Shanghai - direct flights not guaranteed
Program Excludes:
•Any meals and drinks not specified above
•Gratuities to drivers and tour guides
•Hotel incidentals and other personal items
•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 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
