During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in small, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off –the-beaten- path gems. On an Overland Program, you’ll disembark the ship for one-night or more to enjoy a more authentic insider’s view, experiencing firsthand the colorful cultures, dramatic landscapes and exquisite landmarks before rejoining your ship.
On this program, explore the spectacular icons in two of China’s greatest cities, including the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Day 1 – March 30, 2022
Depart the ship in Shanghai and transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – March 31, 2022
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before driving to the Temple of Heaven. Initially built in 1420, this is the site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worship heaven and pray for a bumper harvest. It was listed as a World Heritage site in 1998. The main structure in the vast compound is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a magnificent triple-gabled circular building. Completely wooden, without any nails, it is one of the architectural wonders of ancient China.
This is followed by a visit to the impressive Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world and site of many important events in Chinese history.
After lunch the group visits the Forbidden City - home to the emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties and a 250-acre complex of pavilions, halls, courtyards and gates showcasing some of the most important treasures of China’s imperial past.
Continue with a visit to Jingshan Park which was once a part of the Forbidden City until the 1900’s. If you don’t mind climbing the steps to the Pavilion of Everlasting Spring perched on top of Coal Hill, you will be rewarded with probably the best view of Beijing. Note: the Pavilion is not accessible to guests using a wheelchair.
After this visit, transfer back to your hotel to freshen up before being treated to a traditional Beijing roast duck dinner.
Day 3 – April 1, 2022
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a scenic ride to the Great Wall at Juyongguan. Explore the amazing Great Wall, actually a series of walls first constructed over 2000 years ago in an attempt to ward off northern nomads.
NOTE: you will need to climb a series of steps to access the Great Wall.
After lunch, transfer to the Beijing airport for your flight to Xian where upon arrival you will drive to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
Day 4, April 2, 2022
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a repository for thousands of clay soldiers that were buried with China’s first emperor to accompany him in his eternal rest. Considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, the 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses were buried for centuries until excavated in 1974.
The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords and crossbows. Each figure was individually created with unique characteristics.
After lunch at local restaurant, continue your trip to visit Xi’an’s landmark city wall, the most complete city wall surviving in China. The first emperor of the Ming Dynasty created it by enlarging an existing one constructed during the Tang Dynasty. Stretching around the entire old city, the 8.5-mile-long wall boasts 98 ramparts, stands 40 feet tall, and is 60 feet thick at its base.
Next, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. One of China’s most revered pagodas, it was built in 652 A.D. to house the sutras and figurines of Buddha that a Chinese monk brought to Xi’an. The building was eventually expanded to ten stories, although only seven stories remain, as the others were damaged in various wars. Nevertheless, the pagoda is recognized as a symbol of Xi’an.
Your day concludes with dinner and the Tang Dynasty Show which is a lively performance of ancient music and dance which provides guests with an insight into the peaceful lifestyle of the Tang Dynastic period.
Day 5 - April 3, 2022
Your program concludes with a transfer to the Xian airport where you will check in for your flight to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong you will be returned to the ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1 - timings below are dependent on actual flight details
12:00pm Depart from pier in Shanghai
1:00pm Arrive at the airport
2:30pm Flight Shanghai to Beijing (Details TBA and subject to change)
4:45pm Arrive in Beijing
6:15pm Check in at your hotel
Evening at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight at the China World Hotel or similar hotel
Day 2
7:00am Buffet breakfast
8:30am Depart from the hotel
9:00am Visit to Temple of Heaven
10:45am Visit to Tian’anmen Square
12:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant
1:30pm Visit to the Forbidden City
3:30pm Visit to Jingshan Park
5:00pm Back to your hotel
7:00pm Drive to a local restaurant for a Beijing Roast Duck dinner
9:30pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at the China World Hotel or similar hotel
Day 3 - timings below are dependent on actual flight details
6:30am Buffet breakfast
7:30am Depart from the hotel
9:00am Visit the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass
11:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
12:30pm Depart from restaurant for airport
1:30pm Arrive at the airport
3:05pm Flight Beijing to Xi’an (Details TBA and subject to change)
5:10pm Arrive in Xi’an
6:30pm Check in at your hotel
Evening at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight at the Wyndham Grand Xian South or similar hotel
Day 4
7:00am Buffet breakfast
8:00am Depart from the hotel
9:00am Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum
12:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00pm Visit the City Wall
3:15pm Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
4:30pm Return to your hotel
6:20pm Depart from hotel for dinner & Tang Dynasty Show
9:30pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at the Wyndham Grand Xian South or similar hotel
Day 5 - timings below are dependent on actual flight details
6:30am Depart from hotel for the airport
7:30am Arrival at the airport
9:55am Flight Xi’an to Hongkong (Details TBA and subject to change)
1:35pm Arrive in Hongkong
3:00pm Arrive at the pier and board the ship
Expected Weather:
The weather in Beijing and Xi’an is typically sunny in late March and early April, with temperatures ranging from 68° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius) to 50° Fahrenheit (10° Celsius).
What to Bring: Warm comfortable clothing including a jacket as well as an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes. The attire is casual for the entire program.
Note about restrooms: Restrooms in China vary from having toilets to holes in the floor and their cleanliness standards are not always up to par with those of the western world. You will encounter both types of restroom facilities on your travels in China. It is advisable to have hand sanitizer and extra tissues /toilet paper at all times just in case they are needed.
Local Currency: The Chinese Yuan, denoted by CNY, is the official currency in China. You can use US dollars / Euros/ English pounds in hotels, in friendship stores, to buy things from vendors in the scenic spots, to pay for any optional tours and to tip porters of the hotels, tour guides and drivers or whomever you want to tip. You cannot use US dollars or other foreign currencies in department stores or small convenience stores, local restaurants, or if you try to buy things from some street vendors.
Electricity: The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC. A transformer is necessary. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, though in the guest rooms usually only 220V sockets are available. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor should you have electric devices.
Luggage allowance for flights:
Each passenger flying coach class can bring one piece of carry-on luggage, plus one checked bag. Carry-on luggage should not exceed 55x40x20cm (22x16x8 in) in size and 5 kg (11 lbs) in weight; Checked-in luggage should not exceed 100x60x40cm (39x24x16 in) in size and 20kg (44lbs) in weight.
These dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A Chinese Visa is required for this overland program as well as a valid passport
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
Hotel address:
Xian
Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel
208 Ci’en East Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an, Shannxi, China
TEL: 86-29-6821 9999
Beijing
China World Hotel, Beijing
1 Jianguomen Outer St, Jian Wai Da Jie, Chaoyang Qu, China, 100004
Phone: +86 10 6505 2266
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes:
•2 nights at the Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel in Xian or similar – Deluxe Room
•2 nights at the China World Hotel Beijing in Beijing or similar – Deluxe Room
•4 breakfasts, 3 lunches served at local restaurant, 1 Tang Dynasty show & dinner and 1 Beijing Roast Duck dinner
•Lunch and dinner to include a choice of one soft drink, local beer or local mineral water
•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program
•Economy class flights between Shanghai, Beijing, Xian and Hong Kong - direct flights not guaranteed
•National guide to accompany the group
Program Excludes:
•Any meals and drinks not specified above
•Gratuities to drivers and tour guides
•Hotel incidentals and other personal items
•Chinese Visa
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
