Depending on the tour option you select, you will be on either the 4-star Sunshine Cruise or Victoria Cruise (Wednesday or Saturday departures, respectively) or the 5-star Gold Cruise (daily departures, except Friday). Whichever ship you are on, meals and evening entertainment are included as listed in the itinerary. Please note that excursions and itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Day 1: Embarkation
Arrive in Yichang between 7pm and 8pm. Board the cruise ship and settle in for the night.
Day 2: Three Gorges Dam and Xiling Gorge (B,L,D)
After breakfast, you’ll be briefed on the cruise ship and your activities for the next three days. Enjoy the scenery of the Xiling Gorge as you pass through it, and then go on a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. See one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world and learn about its importance in improving and preserving the river.
Next, experience the Three Gorges five-step ship lock, which was created to make the uneven river easier to navigate. The lock system is 4 miles (6.5 km) long and takes approximately three hours to pass through. After your ship enters the lock, the doors close on each side and the water fills to raise the boat up to the next level. This process is repeated five times until your ship reaches the other side of the river.
When you’re out of the lock, pass through the western side of the Xiling Gorge and dine on a scrumptious dinner while you enjoy evening entertainment put on by the crew. This could be anything from dancing and singing to a fashion or culture show. Join in on the festivities and show off any special talents you have!
Day 3: Shennong Stream or Lesser Three Gorges (B,L,D)
Victoria and Sunshine Cruise:
After breakfast, step off the ship and onto a smaller boat to sightsee around the Shennong Stream. During this four-hour excursion, your guide will explain what you see around you and tell you about local ethnic traditions. Sing some traditional folk songs while you navigate the beautiful narrow gorges.
Gold Cruise:
After breakfast, board a smaller boat for a four-hour excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges, where natural scenic wonders will unfold before your eyes. The Lesser Three Gorges is made of three separate gorges – Dragon-Gate Gorge, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge – and boasts impressive mountains and caves where natural wildlife is abundant.
After lunch, both cruises allow you to see more of the Yangtze River’s magnificent landscape as you pass the last two gorges of the Three Gorges – Qutang Gorge and Wuxia Gorge.
Day 4: Fengdu Ghost Town and Farewell Dinner (B,L,D)
After breakfast, head to China’s only ghost town! Spend two hours here, where you can see unique temples and shrines and admire the awe-inspiring sculptures and landmarks that depict the underworld and afterlife. Fengdu’s forest park, Shuang Gui Shan, houses the most Han Dynasty (206 BC – 219 AD) tombs in China. Learn about Chinese beliefs of the spirit world as you marvel at the intricate designs on the town’s various structures.
Spend the afternoon on board the ship, enjoying the scenery around the Yangtze River or taking advantage of the ship’s many facilities, such as the game room, massage room or sundeck (see below for a list of amenities).
Celebrate your Yangtze River cruise with a farewell dinner and evening entertainment presented by the crew.
Day 5: Disembarkation (B)
After breakfast, arrive in Chongqing, where your cruise ends.
Victoria Cruise and Sunshine Cruise facilities:
• Air-conditioning system and satellite TV
• Sundeck
• Fitness room, massage room, sauna and beauty salon
• Game room
Gold Cruise facilities:
• Air-conditioning system and satellite TV
• Gym and outdoor swimming pool
• Massage room, spa and beauty salon
• Sundeck
• Karaoke and theater
• Rock climbing, mini golf