4 Night Cruise sailing from Yichang to Chongqing aboard Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. Hotel stays in Beijing (3 nights) pre-cruise and in Guilin (2 nights), Xian (2 nights) and Shanghai (3 nights) post cruise.

With just 62 balcony suites - the largest on the Yangtze - this ship sets a new standard in Yangtze River cruising, offering the intimacy and opulence guests have come to expect from an APT river cruise.

Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer is not only the most exclusive river ship on the Yangtze, it's one of the most luxurious river ships in the world. Unlike standard river ships on the Yangtze River, which can accommodate up to 400 guests, the Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer offers a genuinely intimate experience, with only 62 luxury suites on board. The boutique size of the vessel allows it to access ports and tributaries that other ships simply can't reach. With more than one staff member to every guest on board, you're certain to experience personalised and intuitive service that's second to none.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrive Beijing
Arrive in China's capital and make your way to your hotel. After settling in, the remainder of today is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

Stay: Three Nights: The Peninsula Beijing, in a Deluxe Room

Day 2. Beijing
Your sightseeing begins today with a tour of historic Tian'anmen Square. Later, head to the Forbidden City, the largest surviving palace complex on earth. After some time to look around, visit the impressive Summer Palace. Tonight, indulge in a Peking Duck banquet in a private room at the Quanjude Restaurant.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 3. Beijing, Freedom of Choice
Today, visit one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall of China, the Mutianyu section, and enjoy great views as you ride a cable car. Afterwards, visit the Sacred Way of Ming Tombs and stop at a jade factory on the way back to Beijing. Tonight, attend either a Peking Opera or a Kung Fu Show.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Day 4. Beijing, Yichang, Embark Cruise
This morning, hop on a rickshaw for a guided sightseeing tour through the hutongs (narrow streets) of Old Beijing. Explore the maze of historic alleyways and visit the home of a local family. Afterwards, board your flight to Yichang, where you'll transfer to your river ship.

Stay: Four Night Cruise: The luxurious Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 5. Three Gorges Dam, Xiling Gorge
Set off on your cruise along the Yangtze River through the stunning Three Gorges region. Perhaps attend a lecture on the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Arrive at the dam itself and take a tour before cruising through the longest of the three gorges, Xiling Gorge. Tonight, enjoy a Captain's Welcome Dinner, featuring a wide selection of items from our à la carte menu, specially designed by an award-winning chef. Afterwards, enjoy an entertaining crew show.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 6. Shennong Stream, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge
At Badong, transfer to a traditional sampan (longboat) and cruise through stunning scenery. Continue to tranquil Wu Gorge, and, late this afternoon, pass between two majestic cliffs on entry to Qutang Gorge. Later, perhaps attend an arts and crafts demonstration.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 7. Fengdu or Relocation Tour
This morning, perhaps participate in a Tai Chi class atop the Observation Deck. After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little 'Ghost City'. Alternatively, take a 'Relocation Tour', and learn about the impact of the Three Dam project on local families. This afternoon, you may like to attend a Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy demonstration, learn how to play Mahjong, learn some Mandarin or enjoy a dumpling-making session. Tonight enjoy the Emperor Farewell Dinner, a Chinese banquet feast, and perhaps participate in some entertainment by dressing up with the crew.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 8. Chongqing, Disembark Ship, Guilin, Freedom of Choice
Disembark in Chongqing and visit the famous Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the Giant Pandas. Afterwards, visit a local restaurant for an authentic hotpot lunch, before transferring to Chongqing airport in the afternoon for your flight to Guilin. On arrival in Guilin, transfer from the airport to your hotel, located near the pretty Li River. Tonight, enjoy an international buffet dinner at the Li Cafe or enjoy a set menu of Chinese specialities at Shang Place.

Stay: Two Nights: Guilin, Shangri-La Hotel. Stay in a Deluxe River View Room

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 9. Guilin
Today, cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo along the picturesque Li River. After lunch on board, disembark for a visit to Yangshuo. This evening, enjoy a dinner of the region's famous rice noodles.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 10. Guilin, Xi'an, Freedom of Choice
This morning, travel to the Reed Flute Cave, named after the reeds growing outside the cave used in making flutes. Later, visit Fubo Hill. Board a flight to Xi'an, one of the oldest cities in China. For dinner this evening, choose from international cuisine at The Mediterranean, European dining at Azur or Chinese specialties at Le Chinois.

Stay: Two Nights: Xi'an, Sofitel Renmin Square, in a Superior Room

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 11. Xi'an
This morning tour the City Wall of Xi'an, then travel via a nearby clay factory, where replica Terracotta Warriors are made, to the site of the Terracotta Army. Explore the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Today, exclusive to APT guests, you'll also receive a book on the Terracotta Army signed by one of the farmers that discovered it. Tonight enjoy a Tang Dynasty show and a dumpling feast.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 12. Xi'an, Shanghai, Freedom of Choice
This morning, visit the magnificent Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a five-storey Buddhist pagoda built in 652. After lunch, fly to Shanghai, and on arrival at Shanghai airport, catch the high-speed Maglev train into the city. This evening, perhaps enjoy Chinese cuisine at the Dragon Phoenix restaurant, try Din Tai Fung's world renowned dumplings, or feast on local Chinese fare at Zen Restaurant.

Stay: Three Nights: Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel, in a Fairmont Room

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 13. Shanghai
Enjoy a stroll along the Bund, a famous stretch of riverfront. Later, visit the Shanghai Art Museum, then cruise the Huangpu River, which runs through the heart of the city. Afterwards, explore Yu Garden, one of the most lavish Chinese gardens, and look around Shanghai's Old City. Tonight, enjoy premium seating at an acrobatic show.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Day 14. Jinxi, Shanghai
This morning, visit the quiet water town of Jinxi, and enjoy strolling through its ancient streets on a walking tour. Take a boat cruise, then return to Shanghai after lunch for some free time. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at The Cathay Room.

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Day 15. Shanghai

Daily Meals Included:
- Breakfast