5-Day Yangtze Cruise Private Explorer
5 Days
ABOUT THE TOUR
Experience the timeless beauty of China’s legendary Yangtze River on this 5-day upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing. Onboard a luxury Victoria Cruise ship, you’ll journey through dramatic gorges, explore ancient river towns, and witness world-famous engineering marvels like the Three Gorges Dam. Enjoy premium onboard dining, cultural shows, and optional excursions to places like the mystical Fengdu Ghost City and poetic White Emperor City. With breathtaking scenery and immersive local culture, this journey blends comfort with adventure — offering a deeper look into China’s rich history and natural wonders.
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What’s Included |
What’s Not Included |
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Itinerary
Today marks the beginning of your incredible 5-day upstream cruise along the Yangtze River! Head to Maoping Pier in Yichang and board the Victoria Cruise ship in the late afternoon. After checking into your cabin, take some time to settle in and relax.
Included Meals: No meals
Accommodation: Victoria Cruise 5* or similar
Begin your day with morning coffee, tea, and pastries, followed by a buffet breakfast onboard as you cruise through the scenic Yangtze River. Today's included highlight is a guided shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site - the world’s largest hydroelectric project, playing a vital role in flood control, power generation, and navigation. This monumental site is considered one of the must-see highlights of any Yangtze River cruise.
Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of cultural activities onboard, including hands-on workshops and entertainment. In the evening, join the Captain’s Welcome Party, a great opportunity to mingle with fellow travelers, followed by a Chinese and Western buffet dinner offering a wide selection of delicious dishes. After dinner, sit back and enjoy the Minorities & Dynasty Costume Show, showcasing the vibrant traditions and colorful heritage of the region.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard cruise
Optional activities:
Tribe of the Three Gorges:
Nestled between the mountains and river, this picturesque village remains untouched by the dam’s construction. It’s a hidden gem that offers a window into the traditional lifestyles of the Ba and Shu people. Walk along stone-paved paths, visit stilt houses, and observe folk customs in a tranquil natural setting. (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on-site).
Hometown of Qu Yuan:
Visit the historical hometown of Qu Yuan, China’s renowned patriotic poet and statesman. Built in 820 AD, this site provides valuable insight into Chinese history, literature, and the life of a UNESCO-listed cultural figure. (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on-site).
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift:
After visiting the Dam site, join this exclusive experience aboard a smaller boat to traverse the iconic Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift - a massive vertical lift that raises or lowers ships 113 meters. This tour provides a close-up view of the advanced engineering behind one of the world’s largest hydropower projects. (note that during peak season, high demand may lead to crowded conditions, and seating may not always be available. Consider this when deciding whether to join the activity. Optional tour is not included and must be paid for on-site).
Start your day with early bird coffee, tea, and pastries, followed by a buffet breakfast onboard as you continue your journey through the breathtaking Yangtze landscapes. This morning’s highlight is the included shore excursion to Shennong Stream, one of the most favored spots along the river. Ride in a traditional “peapod” boat steered by local guides, allowing you to explore the serene beauty and primitive scenery of this tranquil waterway.
In the afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising through the majestic Wu Gorge, known for its deep valleys, misty peaks, and dramatic cliffs, followed by sailing through the spectacular Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most magnificent of the Three Gorges. Don’t miss the view of the iconic Kuimen Gate, famously featured on the 10 RMB banknote.
In the evening, return onboard to enjoy a Chinese and Western buffet dinner, then sit back and be entertained by the Crew Cabaret Performance, featuring lively music and dancing by the ship’s talented crew.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard cruise
Begin your day with early bird coffee, tea, and pastries, followed by a buffet breakfast onboard. Continue your exploration at the Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s traditional arts, local customs, and heritage displays.
Spend the afternoon relaxing onboard with cultural activities and workshops. In the evening, gather for the Captain’s Farewell Banquet, a special Chinese sitting-style dinner to celebrate your journey, followed by time to settle your onboard accounts..
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard cruise
Optional activities:
Fengdu Ghost City:
Step into one of China’s oldest spiritual sites, dating back 1,900 years. This complex of temples, statues, and gates reflects traditional Chinese beliefs about the afterlife, where pure souls are rewarded, and the wicked face judgment. The vivid scenes and symbolic architecture offer a unique insight into Chinese ghost culture and morality tales. (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on-site).
Enjoy your final breakfast onboard before disembarking in Chongqing. Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and take home unforgettable memories of your Yangtze River adventure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Important Notes
- Minimum: 2 individuals
To secure your booking, full payment is required at the time of reservation. After creating your booking, you will be directed to your invoice, where you can select your preferred payment method.
Voluntary Changes:
Please note that any changes or upgrades requested after the booking is confirmed will be subject to a fee of AUD220 per person per change, in addition to any applicable supplier costs. This fee covers modifications to flights, hotels, tour dates, or any other services included in your package. To ensure smooth processing, we kindly request that you provide us with a minimum of 72 hours notice for all voluntary changes.
Cancellations & Refunds:
Please note that in the event of tour cancellation, a cancellation fee of AUD550 per person will be charged, in addition to any relevant supplier costs. Refund requests must be submitted in writing and will take up to 6 weeks to process. It is important to note that no refunds can be issued once the tour has commenced (for the flight-inclusive package, no refunds can be issued once the flights have been ticketed).
Name Correction Fees:
A fee of AUD220 per person applies to name corrections on documents, along with any supplier costs. Kindly note that name corrections must be requested at least 72 hours prior to departure and are subject to approval from the supplier.
Document Change Fees:
A fee of AUD220 per person will be charged for any passport changes, in addition to any applicable supplier costs. Please note that train tickets and admission access must be linked to your travel passport details. Any changes to passport information must be requested at least 14 days before departure and are subject to approval from the supplier.
Supplier Fees:
In the event that the tour you have purchased is unable to proceed or a travel supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (such as a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our suppliers and is unrecoverable. This could be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins, or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. As your agent, Better Trip is committed to covering these costs and will make every effort to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your tour. However, please note that this may not be possible in every circumstance. If refunds are unavailable from our suppliers, we will strive to obtain a travel credit with the best possible terms and communicate these options to you. If Better Trip cannot obtain a refund, travel service credit, or only a partial refund, this cost will be passed on to the customer as a supplier fee. It is important to note that this fee is not intended to generate revenue but to cover the payments our suppliers withhold during the recovery process.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is imperative that you possess a valid passport and have obtained all necessary visas, permits, and certificates for the countries you plan to visit. Please note that passports are mandatory for all travellers when departing from Australia. For a permanent resident to travel on a foreign passport, you must also hold an Australian Re-entry Visa. Additionally, many countries require foreign nationals entering their borders to possess a passport with a minimum of six months validity. Remember, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of your documentation lies with you as the individual traveller. Any fines, penalties, or expenses incurred due to incorrect documentation will be solely your responsibility.
Travel insurance is a requirement for all our travellers and should be obtained at the time of booking. Your travel insurance should cover personal accidents, death, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation, with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each category. We also strongly recommend coverage for cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, luggage loss, and personal effects. On the first day of your trip, you must provide proof of your travel insurance. Please note that joining the trip will not be possible without it. If you would like our assistance obtaining travel insurance, please contact us via email at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
Some of our packages include airport transfers in one or both directions for your arrival or departure from your destination. To determine if transfers are included, please refer to the “What’s Included” section of your selected package.
If you arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations independently and the tour includes transfers, please note that these transfers will be forfeited. Transfers are provided only in conjunction with the tour dates and any pre- or post-tour accommodations booked through Better Trip, when available.
Additionally, our standard airport transfers operate on a group basis, which may involve waiting times of up to 2 hours. To avoid any potential delays, we recommend booking a private transfer for a more prompt and personalized service. For more information, please contact us at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
Fitness Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants in our tours should have a moderate level of fitness, including the ability to walk for extended periods and navigate varying terrains. The tour may involve physical activities such as hiking and walking tours, so we recommend being comfortable with exertion for several hours. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consult a healthcare professional before booking. Regular physical activity leading up to the tour is encouraged to enhance your experience. Your safety is our top priority, so if you feel unwell during the tour, please inform your local guide.
Accommodation
Accommodations included in your tour package will be specified in your itinerary. While we strive to provide the listed accommodations, substitutions may be necessary due to availability. For bedding configurations, we offer double or twin options for travellers sharing a room, based on availability. Solo travellers who have purchased the single supplement will have the option of a single bed. Check-in is typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and check-out usually occurs between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM; early or late check-in/out may be available upon request, but is not guaranteed. Standard amenities will be provided, although additional services may incur extra charges. We are not liable for any loss or damage to personal property during your stay, so we recommend securing travel insurance for unforeseen events. Lastly, guests are responsible for adhering to any health and safety guidelines set by the accommodation providers.
Underage Travellers
All travellers under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the tour and must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will ensure their safety and well-being. Accommodation arrangements must comply with the policies of the accommodation provider, which may have age restrictions regarding room occupancy. Parents or guardians are responsible for informing us of any medical conditions or special requirements for the minor, and we recommend that all minors have appropriate travel insurance. Some of our packages are exclusively available for adult travellers aged 18 and over. All travellers are expected to adhere to our code of conduct; inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the tour without a refund. Additionally, some activities may have age restrictions, and it is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to ensure all activities are suitable for the minor.
Tipping
Tipping is not included in your tour package and is expected to be paid during the tour. We recommend a gratuity of AUD 20 per day, per person for tour guides, drivers, and other service personnel to reflect the level of service provided. Tipping can be made in cash and given directly to the service personnel at your discretion. Please note that tipping customs may vary by country, so we encourage you to familiarize yourself with local practices. By participating in our tours, you acknowledge and accept this tipping policy.
Itinerary Modification
The itinerary presented in your tour package is subject to modification due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Better Trip, such as weather conditions and operational requirements. In the event of any changes, we will notify you via email with relevant advice or instructions as soon as possible. While we will strive to provide suitable alternative arrangements, we cannot guarantee that all aspects of the original itinerary will remain unchanged. It is the traveller’s responsibility to stay informed of updates prior to departure, and by booking with us, you acknowledge and accept that itinerary modifications may occur.
Typically
$800.00