Explore China, Tibet & Yangtze River in 15 Days

Direct Flight to the Capital of the Chinese Empire Meet with Ejder Tourism representatives and the tour leader at Istanbul Airport International Terminal at 23:00. Please note: The flight takes place after midnight (at 02:10). After ticket and passport procedures, direct flight to the capital of China, Beijing, on Turkish Airlines flight TK 20, departing at 02:10. Flight: THY TK 20 | Istanbul (IST) Beijing (PEK) | 02:10 16:15 | Direct, approximately 9h 05m [Entry to China - passport control with pre-obtained visa] Arrival in Beijing at 16:15 local time. Meet and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. After a short rest, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar (Beijing) Meals: Dinner included

Mystical Capital in the Heart of the Himalayas After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Chengdu Tianfu Airport. Domestic Flight: Chengdu to Lhasa (LXA/Gonggar) | 14:30 - 17:05 | Approximately 2h 35m Tibet Entry: Tibet Travel Permit will be required for inspection. The Tibet Travel Permit is included in the package. LHASA - THE CAPITAL OF THE HIMALAYAS 3,600 meters above sea level Capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region An unforgettable experience with its mystical atmosphere and Himalayan landscape ALTITUDE WARNING: Upon arrival in Lhasa, altitude-related effects (altitude sickness) may be felt. It is important to move slowly on the day of arrival and avoid heavy physical activities. Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea may occur. Altitude Recommendations: Drink plenty of water Avoid heavy physical activities in the first 24-48 hours Ensure adequate rest and move slowly Consult a doctor regarding medication before traveling Guests with chronic heart/lung conditions should seek medical advice before traveling Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by a local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Potala Palace + Jokhang Temple + Barkhor Street After breakfast, enjoy a full day of exploring Tibet. Potala Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this former winter residence of the Dalai Lama is one of Tibet's most important symbols. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters, this magnificent structure is notable for its religious artifacts and stunning views of Lhasa. After lunch, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, take a stroll through Barkhor Street, the traditional Tibetan market. This is a great opportunity to observe the local Kora prayer walks and discover traditional Tibetan products. Accommodation: Thangka Hotel Lhasa 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch included

From the Himalayas to the Yangtze River After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Lhasa Airport. Domestic Flight: Lhasa to Chongqing | 09:40 - 12:00 | Approximately 2h 20m Upon arrival in Chongqing, you will be greeted by our local guide. We will take a short panoramic tour around the city center and port to get to know Chongqing, one of China's largest metropolises. After the tour, transfer to the port and check-in for the Yangtze River Cruise. After settling into your cabins, dinner will be served on board. Our journey on the Yangtze River begins with the ship's departure at 21:00. The Yangtze, at 6,300 km long, is China's longest river and one of the most significant regions in the country in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty. Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4 Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Taoist Other World + Captain's Welcome Cocktail After a delicious buffet breakfast on board, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Yangtze River, taking in unique views. The day's highlight is a visit to Fengdu Ghost City. In this mystical area based on Taoist beliefs, you will see temples, statues, and traditional structures that represent the other world in Chinese mythology. Optional: Shibaozhai Pagoda - a historic wooden pagoda built on a steep rock along the Yangtze River, featuring 12 stories. Onboard Programs: Tai Chi morning exercise Chinese tea ceremony Mini presentations on Chinese culture Captain's Welcome Cocktail Dinner program + live music All meals will be served on board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included - Full Board

World-Famous Three Gorges + Tujia Culture Today, we will explore the most impressive natural beauties of the Yangtze River. THREE GORGES Qutang Gorge: The shortest yet most dramatic section of the Three Gorges. It is notable for its steep cliffs, narrow passages, and stunning views. Wu Gorge: This section offers a fairytale atmosphere with misty mountain silhouettes and winding river vistas. Xiling Gorge: The longest part of the Three Gorges, distinguished by its steep rocky cliffs and impressive natural formations. Shennv Stream We will discover the region's natural beauty by navigating through narrow valleys and high mountains on small boats. Tujia Ethnic Culture: Ancient coffins placed in cliffs Traditional Tujia rituals Local music and dance performances In the evening, enjoy a delightful farewell party hosted by the Captain on board, accompanied by delicious Chinese cuisine. Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included - Full Board

The World's Largest Hydroelectric Power Plant + China's Modern Face In the morning, our cruise ship docks at Maoping Port. After breakfast, we disembark and visit the Three Gorges Dam. THREE GORGES DAM The world's largest hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 22,500 MW One of China's most significant engineering projects Dam complex, observation terrace, and system introduction An opportunity to closely observe this giant engineering structure on the Yangtze River Optional (extra): The impressive Ship Lift - a massive system that raises ships approximately 113 meters. After the dam visit, we will transfer to the city center of Yichang, followed by a transfer to the airport. Domestic Flight: China Eastern Airlines MU2688 | Yichang (SHS) to Shanghai (PVG) | 18:30 - 20:30 | Direct Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to the hotel and relax. Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast included

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our city tour of Shanghai. We will explore the significant points of this city where modern China coexists with traditional culture. Jade Buddha Temple: One of Shanghai's important Buddhist temples, known for its Buddha statues made of jade and its peaceful atmosphere. Silk Workshop: An opportunity to closely observe the traditional silk production process in China and shop for silk products. Next, we will enjoy lunch featuring Shanghai cuisine at a local restaurant. Yu Yuan Garden: One of Shanghai's most famous classical gardens, built in 1559, known for its ponds, stone bridges, and traditional Ming dynasty architecture. Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony: Experience tasting various Chinese teas at an authentic tea house and learn about Chinese tea culture up close. Nanjing Road & The Bund: The famous shopping street of Shanghai, Nanjing Road, and the iconic Bund area along the Huangpu River. Here, you can enjoy views of the impressive skyline of Pudong, take a photo break, and have some free time. Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch included

High-Speed Train + Ancient Capital After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Train Station. High-Speed Train (HSR): Shanghai Hongqiao to Xi'an North | 08:55 - 14:34 | Approximately 5h 39m Upon arrival in Xi'an, you will be greeted by a private vehicle for a half-day panoramic city tour. Xi'an City Tour: Ancient City Walls - Dating back to the 14th century, these are some of the best-preserved city walls in the world. Bell Tower & Drum Tower - Icons of the city's historic center. Muslim Quarter - One of the most vibrant areas of Xi'an, showcasing Hui Muslim culture, traditional streets, and local delicacies. Explore the area with short walks led by a guide, followed by a transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: Mercure on Renmin Square Xi'an 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast included

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Terracotta Army: This remarkable site was created in the 3rd century BC to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. It consists of thousands of life-sized soldiers, officers, horses, and chariots. Discovered by chance in 1974, the faces and details of the soldiers in the army are all unique. It is considered one of China's most significant archaeological discoveries. Following our museum visit, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with our guide's insights. In the afternoon, we will return to the city center of Xi'an for some free time. Accommodation: Mercure on Renmin Square Xi'an 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch included

Journey to the Capital by High-Speed Train After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Xi'an North Train Station. High-Speed Train (HSR): Xi'an North to Beijing West | Approximately 4.5 - 5.5 hours Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted by a private vehicle and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Tiananmen + Forbidden City + Temple of Heaven After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day city tour of Beijing. Tiananmen Square: The site where the founding of the People's Republic of China was proclaimed and one of the most important landmarks in Beijing. Forbidden City - UNESCO: A vast palace complex that served as the center of the Chinese Empire for approximately 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Lunch at a local restaurant. Temple of Heaven - UNESCO: One of the most significant examples of traditional Chinese architecture, where emperors prayed to the heavens for good harvests and prosperity. During the day, there will be a shopping break at a local handicrafts store in Beijing. In the evening, experience the traditional Peking Duck, one of the most famous dishes of Chinese cuisine, at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

One of the Greatest Structures in Human History After breakfast, we will head to China's most important symbol, the Great Wall. Great Wall - UNESCO: We will visit the Badaling or Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which is considered one of the greatest engineering projects in human history, stretching thousands of kilometers. Enjoy a walk along the Great Wall with stunning views and a photo break. Next, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and a short shopping break at a center showcasing traditional Chinese handicrafts and local products. After the tour, we will return to the hotel for the evening free time. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch included

Last Day in Beijing After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day of free time. Guests can explore Beijing at their own pace, shop, or visit different areas of the city. Meet at the hotel at the designated time for the night flight transfer to Beijing Airport. Meals: Breakfast included

Return to Istanbul After passport and luggage procedures, we will depart from Beijing on Turkish Airlines flight TK 089 at 00:40 for a direct flight to Istanbul. We will arrive at Istanbul Airport at 06:15 local time, marking the end of our tour. Flight: TK 089 | Beijing (PEK) to Istanbul (IST) | 00:40 - 06:15 | Direct Upon our arrival at Istanbul Airport at 06:15 local time, we will complete our unforgettable journey that spans from the modern cities of China to the ancient imperial heritage, from the mystical atmosphere of Tibet to the unique views of the Yangtze River. We conclude another tour filled with exploration, culture, and unique experiences with Ejder Tourism. We look forward to reuniting on our next journey in another corner of the world...