China by Land, Japan by Sea

China by Land, Japan by Sea

Discover the highlights of China, from the Great Wall to the giant pandas, before setting sail to uncover Japan’s tranquil temples, futuristic cities and unique culture. 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.

What's Included:

• Guides and entrance fees
• Flights
• Visa Included
• Cruise

Highlights:

• Dine on Shui Jiao Dumplings
• Beijing Acrobatics
• Sizzling Sichuan hot pot

Days 1-2: Arrive in 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.

Meals included: dinner

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 local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Travel to Xian

This morning is at leisure (additional option: hands-on Chinese paper cutting experience) before travelling to Xian by bullet train.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 13-14: Cruise - Osaka (Kyoto)

Arrive and spend two days 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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 15-16: Cruise - 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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 17-18: Cruise - At Sea

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East Sea back towards China.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 19: Arrive in Shanghai

Cruise into the port of Shanghai, where on arrival you will be met by your English-speaking guide and new National Escort or Local Guide. From here transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure to soak up the local culture of Shanghai, and its vibrant atmosphere.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 20: 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.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 21: Fly Shanghai to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day.

Meals included: breakfast