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China by Land, Japan by Sea - Balcony Cabin - Cruise & Tour
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: XTCR008B_NZ
Overview
Destination:
China,
Start:Beijing, China
Finish:Shanghai, China
Finish:Shanghai, China
Duration:21 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
September 2025 - September 2025
Journey from China to Japan, and back again, on this Far Eastern expedition. Our Cruise & Tour journeys bring together all the joy of a cruise, on board the spectacular Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas, with all the exciting exploration of a Wendy Wu Tours land itinerary. On this one you'll be able to contrast the history and culture of these two ancient nations and see their biggest treasures, from the Great Wall to Kyoto's timeless temples, with your own eyes.
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024.
- Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2.
- Customary tipping amount payable locally approximately RMB 720 (China), USD 126 (Royal Caribbean Cruises)
- Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch.
- Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
- Single Supplement from $3,200
- Land only from $8,080
Standard inclusions
- 4* accommodation
- 7 night cruise with Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- All meals
- 200USD Onboard Credit on Royal Caribbean Cruise
Itinerary
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Collapse allDays 1-2: Fly to Beijing
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
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 a local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 4: The Great Wall
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
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
This morning is at leisure (additional option: hands-on noodle making demonstration) before travelling to Xian by bullet train.
Day 7: Explore Xian
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 16-17: At Sea
Spend two days at sea, taking time to recharge before next adventure. Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East China Sea back towards China.
Day 18: Arrive in Shanghai
Cruise into the port of Shanghai, and on arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 19: Explore Shanghai
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.
Days 20-21: Depart Shanghai
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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