China by Land, Japan by Sea
China by Land, Japan by Sea
$5337
China by Land, Japan by Sea
20 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Pingyao, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai, Kobe, Osaka, Tokyo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2576
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "China by Land, Japan by Sea" tour, a captivating blend of cultural exploration and scenic cruising. Begin your adventure in Beijing, where you'll delve into the city's rich history with visits to iconic sites like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Experience the awe of the Great Wall and the ancient city of Pingyao before heading to Xian to meet the legendary Terracotta Warriors. In Chengdu, encounter the adorable giant pandas, then fly to Shanghai to marvel at its vibrant skyline. Transition from land to sea as you board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas, setting sail across the East China Sea. Discover the culinary delights of Kobe, the historical treasures of Kyoto, and the bustling energy of Tokyo. Conclude your journey back in Shanghai, enriched by the diverse experiences of two fascinating countries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Arrive In Beijing
Location: Beijing, Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Arrive In Beijing
Location: Beijing, Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Explore Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk through Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City, a complex full of imperial riches. Then, find harmony in the symmetry of the Temple of Heaven. This evening, dine on local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 4: The Great Wall
Location: Great Wall of China
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel out of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China, learning a little about its long history before taking a short walk to fully appreciate this world-famous structure. Stop off at a jade factory before visiting the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs. This evening, enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show.
Day 5: Travel To Pingyao
Location: Pingyao
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao. A living museum and home to China's best preserved ancient city walls, walk the characterful streets to see the Yamen and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum.
Day 6: Travel To Xian
Location: Xian
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning is at leisure (additional option: hands-on noodle making demonstration) before travelling to Xian by bullet train.
Day 7: Explore Xian
Location: Xian
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, an army created to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Later, stroll Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls, before a dumpling demonstration, a delicious dumpling banquet and a Tang Dynasty show.
Day 8: Travel To Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, walk through the atmospheric alleyways of the Muslim Quarter, lined with delicious street food stalls. Then, transfer to the station and board a bullet train to Chengdu. This evening, dine on a Sichuan hot pot, a local speciality, and watch a fascinating face changing show.
Day 9: Explore Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base to learn all about them and see them relaxing, play and chomping on bamboo. The rest of the day is at leisure (additional option: volunteer at the Panda Base).
Day 10: Travel To Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai. Transfer to your hotel then begin your explorations, strolling along the Bund to admire the Art Deco architecture and enjoying panoramic views of the city on a Huangpu River cruise.
Day 11: Board The Royal Caribbean Spectrum Of The Seas
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Shanghai's cruise terminal, Baoshan, to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Day 12: Cruise - At Sea
Accommodation Name: Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East China Sea towards Japan.
Day 13: Cruise - Explore Kobe
Location: Kobe
Accommodation Name: Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Kobe, a port city nestled between mountains and sea, and the first place in Japan to open up to foreign trade after the collapse of the shogunate in 1868. The city is perhaps best known for its world-renowned Kobe beef – where better to try it?
Day 14: Cruise - Explore Osaka/Kyoto
Location: Osaka
Accommodation Name: Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Osaka, a brash, lively city that has earned the nickname 'Japan's kitchen' for its spectacular food. Easily reachable from Osaka is Kyoto; Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, it is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. A perfect balance of old and new, it's in exploring Kyoto that you can glimpse Japan's traditional soul.
Day 15: Cruise - Explore Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tokyo, Japan's capital since 1868 and one of the world's largest cities, may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance, but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past.
Day 18: Arrive In Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East China Sea back towards China.
Day 19: Explore Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue exploring the city today, visiting the peaceful Yu Garden, the quaint Old Town and the Xintiandi area, then learn all about silk production from silkworm to loom at a silk factory. This evening, dine on a traditional Shanghainese meal.
Day 20: Fly Shanghai To Uk
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day.
What's Included
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Arrival Transfer
On arrival at the airport in Beijing, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel.
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Guided Tours
Explore Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, and Shanghai with guided tours including visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Warriors.
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Meals
Enjoy meals including local delicacies such as Peking Duck, Sichuan hot pot, and a dumpling banquet.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour in various cities including Beijing, Pingyao, Xian, Chengdu, and Shanghai.
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Cruise
Board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas for a cruise exploring Kobe, Osaka/Kyoto, and Tokyo.
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Train Travel
Travel by bullet train between cities such as Beijing to Pingyao, Pingyao to Xian, and Xian to Chengdu.
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Cultural Experiences
Participate in cultural experiences such as a dumpling demonstration, a Tang Dynasty show, and a face-changing show.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Excursions available during the cruise are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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International Flights
Flights to and from the UK are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes transportation by bullet train to various cities in China and a cruise on the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas to explore Japan.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour information.
Experiences
Dine on Shui Jiao Dumplings
Dine on delicious, doughy Shui Jiao dumplings, a Xian speciality, before getting swept away in the sights and sounds of the Tang Dynasty with a spectacular show of traditional music, dancing and performance.
Beijing Acrobatics
Gasp at the athletic abilities of the artists who perform in Beijing's must-see Chinese acrobatic spectacular! The show features all sorts of stunts and acts such as contortionism, juggling, plate spinning and much, much more. All the action will keep you firmly on the edge of your seat.
Sizzling Sichuan hot pot
A Sichuan hot pot is the perfect introduction to the food of China's west. A big bubbling pot of flavourful oil is placed in the centre of the table, with a variety of raw meat and vegetables, in small pieces, which diners skewer and cook in the oil. A delicious, and fun experience!
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect upon arrival in Beijing?
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
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What activities are planned for the first day in Beijing?
On the first day in Beijing, you will have the opportunity to walk through Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City. You will also visit the Temple of Heaven and enjoy a dinner featuring the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
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Will there be an opportunity to see the Great Wall of China?
Yes, on Day 4, you will travel out of the city to visit the Great Wall of China, where you will learn about its history and take a short walk to appreciate the structure. You will also visit a jade factory and the Ming Tombs.
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What unique experiences are included in Xian?
In Xian, you will visit the Terracotta Warriors, stroll along the 14th-century city walls, participate in a dumpling demonstration, enjoy a dumpling banquet, and watch a Tang Dynasty show.
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What can I do in Chengdu?
In Chengdu, you will visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base to learn about and see giant pandas. The rest of the day is at leisure, with an option to volunteer at the Panda Base.
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What is included in the cruise portion of the tour?
The cruise portion includes boarding the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas in Shanghai, with opportunities to explore the ship's facilities. Excursions are available at each port, such as Kobe, Osaka/Kyoto, and Tokyo, but these are at your own expense.
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What will I experience in Shanghai after the cruise?
After the cruise, you will explore Shanghai, visiting Yu Garden, the Old Town, and the Xintiandi area. You will also learn about silk production at a silk factory and enjoy a traditional Shanghainese meal.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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