Take a journey through the rich history of Beijing - the capital of China and be amazed by the grand structure of the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace. Trace the footsteps of the Silk Road by visiting the Tang Dynasty city of Xi'an to discover the stunning life-size terra-cotta army of 8,000 individual figures, each a unique work of art.
Guests should schedule their arrival flights into Beijing International Airport.
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for China. Proper travel documentation is the sole responsibility of the guest.
DAY 1 - BEIJING
Upon arrival in Beijing airport you are met by Silversea representative and transferred to the Hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure. All meals are on your own.
Overnight at the Four Seasons - Beijing
DAY 2 - BEIJING
Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for a visit to The Forbidden City where for more than 500 years, 24 emperors and two dynasties ruled the Middle Kingdom from its 200 acres. From here make your way to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest square. Tian'anmen Square owes little to the grand imperial dynasties and everything to the dynasty of Mao Zedong whose tomb resides here. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to the Temple of Heaven which UNESCO describes as "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design."
Toward the end of the afternoon, return to the hotel for a little relaxation, before stepping out for a roast duck dinner at the renowned Quanjude restaurant.
Overnight at the Four Seasons - Beijing
DAY 3 - BEIJING
After breakfast today visit one of the greatest wonders of the world - The Great Wall. With portions dating back nearly 2,000 years, and at times stretching as far as the eye can see, this spectacular structure remains a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Chinese people. Visit a section of restored wall that is perched on a high ridge above serene wooded canyons that you will reach by cable car. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in the area.
This afternoon, continue on to the Summer Palace, an expansive park-like imperial retreat dating from the Yuan dynasty. As you return to the hotel stop for photos of two of the iconic buildings from the 2008 Beijing Olympics - the Bird's Nest and the Aqua Cube. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Dinner is provided back at the hotel.
Overnight at the Four Seasons - Beijing
DAY 4 - BEIJING / XI'AN
Breakfast is provided at the hotel before it is time to check-out and transfer to the Beijing Airportyou're your flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival at Xi'an, your local Silversea representative meets you and your sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This impressive 209-ft high Buddhist pagoda is one of the best-known in the country.
As the afternoon comes to a close, proceed to the Shangri-La for check-in and leisure time before dinner. This evening, dine and enjoy the entertainment at a Tang Dynasty Cultural Show.
Overnight at the Shangri-La - Xi'an
DAY 5 - XI'AN
After breakfast at the hotel your Silversea representative will transfer you to the fascinating museum that houses the famous Terra cotta Warriors - silent sentinels, an army of thousands of hand-shaped, life-size terra-cotta warriors who were to be the first Qin emperor's garrison in the afterlife. After the fall of the Qin, the terra cotta army was forgotten and only rediscovered in 1974.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon take a tour over the Wall via bicycle (optional) and stop for a photo opportunity overlooking the bustling city below the Wall's edges. Visit the Muslim Quarter and walk through local street vendors selling both unique souvenirs and local food options. Then stop at the Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in China covering over 12,000 square meters. Return to the hotel, the remainder of your day is at your leisure. Dinner is provided back at the hotel this evening.
Overnight at the Shangri-La - Xi'an
DAY 6 - XI'AN/ HONG KONG
Following breakfast this morning in Xi'an, leave the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong. An in-flight lunch will be served. Once there you are met by the local Silversea representative. As you make your way into the heart of the city, stop for a visit to the Chi Lin Nunnery. This tranquil retreat was first established in 1934, and rebuilt in 1990 using wooden frames and without a single nail. It is the only temple complex of its kind remaining in Hong Kong today. Adjacent to the nunnery is the Nan Lian Garden - well worth stopping in for a few moments of peace and quiet in the midst of urban Kowloon. From here, continue on to the hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Dinner will be served back at the hotel this evening.
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri-La - Hong Kong
DAY 7 -HONG KONG
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and the morning at leisure before being transferred to the pier to join other Silversea guests for embarkation.
For rates and availability please contact Silversea Cruises
Program Inclusions:
- Three nights at the Four Seasons Beijing - Deluxe Room
- Two nights at the Shangri-La Xi'an - Deluxe Room
- One night at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong - Harbour View Room
- Flights: (all flights are economy class unless otherwise specified):
- Beijing / Xi'an / Hong Kong flight
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
- Transfers between airport, hotel and pier in air-conditioned vehicles
Flight Details:
Day 4: Beijing / Xi'an - duration approximately 02h15
Day 6: Xi'an / Hong Kong - duration approximately 03h35
Flight durations may vary due to changes in flight schedules. Upgrades to Business are available for an additional cost.
Luggage Information:
Your entire luggage will accompany you on this program. The checked-in baggage allowance is 20kgs (44lbs). At time of writing excess baggage charges are as follows:
Beijing - Xi'an US. $6.50 per kg
Xi'an - Hong Kong US. $9.50 per kg
Rates are subject to change. Guests are responsible to pay for all excess baggage charges incurred directly with the airlines.
Visa Information:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for China. Please secure your visa for China prior to arrival. If you are combining this land program with a cruise itinerary that also calls on the People's Republic of China you should obtain a multiple entry visa. The consulate may request a Letter of Support listing the program details. If so please make sure your passport details are added to your GIF profile, 90 days prior to sailing.
Accessibility:
The sights visited on this program are not well equipped for mobility-impaired guests. Therefore we do not recommend this tour to those who may rely upon a wheelchair.
Vaccinations:
Consult your physician for information regarding vaccinations or medications which may be appropriate for your state of health.
Please note:
All Land Programs require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not obtained, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel a specific departure.
This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to insure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules, weather or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.
Gratuities to guides/drivers, meals and alcoholic drinks other than those noted in itinerary, and other personal expenses are not included in the price of this tour. This program is subject to a 100% penalty for any cancellation notices received 90 days or less prior to sailing.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or age and older. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.