1. The Mighty Yangtze
2. Discover China
3. Beijing to St Petersburg Mongolian Discovery
4. 15 Day China Panorama
5. The Essential China
6. Shangri-La tour
7. Yangtze and Beyond
8. Cruising the Yangtze River

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Experience Type: Tour

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Cruising the Yangtze River

The Yangtze River has always inspired awe. At 3,430 miles it is the world’s third longest river and a vital lifeline to inland China. The famous gorges are magnificent with soaring peaks, sculpted cliffs, mysterious caves and cascading foliage. Starting in the highlands of Qinghai and cutting a swathe through China’s interior, it finally reaches the sea at Shanghai.

Much has been made of the controversial damming project, but the Yangtze still remains as spectacular as ever. Ironically the Three Gorges Dam, which is the largest dam in the world, has now become one of the main attractions on the river. Although water levels have risen, the cliffs and gorges still remain an incredible sight and one that is not to be missed. Some say that raising the water level has meant a smoother passage for those that rely on the river for transport and for the cruise ships that ply the Yangtze’s waters.

Many of the original shore excursions have remained unaffected as the major attractions were sufficiently above water level. In fact, new tributaries previously impassable are now available for smaller sampans and peapod boats to discover. To fully appreciate the beauty and majesty of China, a cruise on the mighty Yangtze is a must.

Victoria Cruises
There are numerous cruise companies operating on the Yangtze and we have selected the American-managed Victoria Cruises as our main partner for the cruise featured on this page. Ships on the Yangtze are much smaller than ocean going liners and hence facilities are similarly scaled down. However all the five star ships operated by Victoria Cruises are spacious and modern with light airy cabins and exterior windows. Cabins are air-conditioned and furnished with private bathrooms. Each ship is slightly different as follows:
 
• The Victoria Rose is a classic style ship offering standard cabins with no balconies only picture windows and bathrooms with showers only. As the smallest ship in the Victoria fleet it offers a total of 65 cabins - 63 standard cabins and 2 Shangrila suites.
• The Victoria Queen and Victoria Star are premier ships and offer 93 standard cabins, 6 junior suites, 2 deluxe suites and 2 Shangrila suites all with private balconies and full private bathrooms with tub/shower combinations.
• The Victoria Katarina is one of Victoira's most upmarket ships offering a total of 133 cabins - 119 standard cabins, 6 junior suites, 6 deluxe suites and 2 Shangrila suites with private balconies and full private bathrooms with tub/shower combinations.
• The Victoria Empress is the smallest of the premier ships and offers a total of 99 cabins - 91 standard cabins, 2 junior suites, 4 deluxe suites and 2 Shangrila suites all with private balconies and full private bathrooms with tub/shower combinations.
• Finally, the Victoria Anna is their newest ship, introduced in 2006 boasting the largest number of suites plus 132 standard cabins with balconies and satellite TV.

On-board Information
Victoria Cruises are the leaders in Yangtze River cruising employing experienced and hospitable staff and guides on their impressive ships. Mealtimes are experiences to remember and linger over and comprise a mix of Western and Chinese cuisine. Meals are served in a single seating in the Dynasty Dining Room. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner will be served in the traditional banquet fashion.

Common to all ships is the Captain's cocktails and afternoon coffee and tea. The on-board activities include Chinese history lectures, calligraphy practice and Tai Chi lessons. Additional on-board facilities include a reading room with a variety of books and journals, a beauty salon, fitness room and health clinic.

In terms of dress code, casual attire is recommended on board and ashore. For the Captain’s cocktail party and farewell banquet, a jacket and tie for the gentleman and a dress or dress pants for ladies are recommended. Remember to take a sun hat and comfortable walking shoes.

Your route
Most people choose the 4 day / 3 night downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang. As Victoria operate a number of cruise ships this itinerary operates almost daily except Saturdays from 16 March - 26 November during 2007. Please ask your sales consultant for the exact sailing dates for the ship of your choice.
Although the three nights downstream itinerary is the most popular, Victoria Cruises also offer a number of different itineraries including :
4 nights upstream Yichang - Chongqing
6 nights Chongqing - Shanghai
8 nights Shanghai - Chnogqing

Please ask for further details and prices.

Day 1 : Embark Chongqing:
Depart Chongqing at approximately 9pm in the evening and settle into your cabin.

Day 2: Shore excursion to Shibaozhai or Wanzhou:
Enjoy a shore excursion to either Shibaozhai Pagoda or Wanzhou. Shibaozhai Pagoda is a beautiful 12-tiered pagoda set on the mountain top facing the Yangtze and built during the Qing Dynasty over 300 years ago. Wanzhou is one of the largest and most important ports on the Yangzte and is an interesting place to explore. (BLD)

Day 3: Qutang Gorge & 5-stage shiplock:
Pass through Qutang Gorge. Only eight kilometres long this gorge is known for its beautiful scenic spots including the Meng Liang Staircase, the Seven Gate Cave and the Kui Gate. Proceed on through Wu Gorge which at 45 kilometres is also one of the deepest valleys, lined by sharp jagged peaks including one of the more famous - Godess Peak. Afterwards enjoy a boat excursion to Shennong Stream or Daning Small River Gorges. Your excursion will be aboard a pea-pod boat as you pass through steep ridges and peaks, thick vegetation and ancient hanging coffins. Finally sail through Xiling Gorge to the 5-stage shiplock. The Three Gorges dam is the largest hydro-electric project in the world and a spectacular sight. It takes approximately three hours to pass through the locks. (BLD)

Day 4: Three Gorges Dam site - Maoping/Yichang:
Spend the morning at the impressive Three Gorges Dam site for a birds eye view of of this huge project. Your boat then continues downstream to Maoping or Yichang where you disembark. (B)