Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: warriors & forbidden city tour at Dalian

Taking this unique overland program provides a memorable experience of visiting the most famous treasures and wonders of China - the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Great Wall, plus a chance to view the life-size terra cotta army in Xian, consisting of 8,000 individual soldiers and horses, each a unique work of art.

02MIDDAL-A Warriors & Forbidden City

Departure: Dalian

Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights

Re-join ship: Tianjin

Reserve by: At least 90 Days Prior to Sailing

This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to sailing. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis and the programme price is subject to change. Payment in full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. This programme is non-refundable if cancelled within 90 days of sailing. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme.

Important: Guests must obtain their own visa for China prior to joining the cruise.

Experience this unique location by visiting the most famous treasures of China - the Forbidden City in Beijing, plus a chance to view the life-size terra cotta army in Xian, consisting of 8,000 individual soldiers and horses, each a unique work of art. Take a guided walking tour of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the famous Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and site of numerous historic events

DAY ONE -Dalian/Xian

Departing the ship, transfer to the airport for the approximate two-and-a-half-hour mid-day flight to Xian. A box lunch is provided for you to enjoy before arriving at the airport. Explore Xian and its surrounds with a visit to the Ancient City Wall. The City Wall's sheer mass, 39 feet (12 meters) high and nearly 9 miles (14 kilometres) long, may explain why the wall is considered the most complete fortified structure still standing.

Following your visit, drive through the city and proceed to the Wyndham Grand Xian (or similar) for check-in. There is time to freshen up before departing for the cultural Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. This fabulous performance of classical entertainment depicts a variety of historical relics, providing insight and keeping alive the splendid culture of the ancient Tang Dynasty. Dinner served during this spectacular show. Thereafter, return to the hotel.

Overnight accommodation at Wyndham Grand Xian South or similar - Xian.

DAY TWO - Xian/Beijing

After breakfast and check out, a 60-minute drive takes you to the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum located about 20 miles (32 km) north of Xian. Commence your visit to China's premier archaeological site and Xian's most famous attraction.

Nothing prepares the visitor for the amazing sight of a stunningly well-preserved, life-size honour guard standing in ranks near the tomb of Emperor Ch'in Shih Huang-ti, who died in 210 BC. The soldiers were first discovered in 1974 by a local farmer who was digging a well. So far, three vaults have been excavated, the first alone containing more than 6,000 men and horses arranged in an imposing formation. Every soldier differs in facial features and expressions and most carry actual weapons of the day. The find is regarded by many as the most sensational archaeological discovery of the 20th century. A protective hangar constructed over them comprises now the Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors.

Time permitting, a stunning audio-visual show can be viewed in a separate building and shops offer a wide variety of souvenir items.

After lunch at local restaurant inside the Museum, drive to the Xian airport for the afternoon flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel for check-in. The hotel features luxury accommodations as well as fine dining venues. There is time to relax and freshen up before dinner, choosing dinner at one of the hotel's Three restaurants: Set menu dinner at Cai Yi Xuan (Chinese), Opus (Western), or Mio (Western). All meals include choices of two drinks from soft drink, local beer or house wine.

Overnight accommodation at the Four Seasons Hotel - Beijing.

DAY THREE - Beijing

Following breakfast, begin today's sightseeing with the visit to Beijing's national symbol, Tiananmen Square. Known as 'Gate of Heavenly Peace', the square is dominated by a gigantic portrait of Chairman Mao. Since imperial times, Tiananmen Square has always provided an impressive stage for declarations and key events in local history. In modern times, the solemn flag-raising ceremony has become a revered daily celebration. It was from the giant gate that Chairman Mao proclaimed the People's Republic on October 1, 1949.

Your next visit will be to the legendary Forbidden City. Off-limits to the public for 500 years, the vast complex of this World Heritage Site was opened in 1949 as the Palace Museum. Within its walls lies a maze of palaces built between 1417 and 1420 as the residence of China's emperors. With some 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms, maintenance and restoration are an on-going process.

From here, proceed to a local restaurant for a Chinese-style lunch followed by the 2.5-hour coach journey to Tianjin, where the ship welcomes you back.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking and climbing of many steps at most sites. Therefore, it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable shoes and dressing in layers is recommended. A warm jacket or sweater is necessary this time of year. Dress code throughout the trip is casual with sturdy walking shoes. It is recommended to leave jewellery and valuables on board. The order of the itinerary may be amended due to flight schedule changes or other unforeseen factors. In case of flight changes, the tour sequence may be reversed or amended. Access to certain areas of the Forbidden City are restricted by the Chinese government. Remember to bring your camera. There are baggage restrictions as follows: Hand Baggage gross weight is limited to 5 kg (11 lb.) and size is limited to 20*40*55 cm. One checked bag must be less than 20 kg (44 pounds). A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. Guests must obtain their own visa for China prior to joining the cruise.

Programme Includes:

· One-night stay at Wyndham Grand Xian South (or similar) - Xian

· One-night stay at Four Seasons Hotel - Beijing (or similar) - Beijing

· Two breakfasts, two lunches, one boxed lunch, and two dinners (lunch and dinner include choice of two glasses of local beer, house wine, soft drinks, water)

· Flights (Economy Class) - Dalian/Xian. Xian/Beijing. At an additional charge, an upgrade to First or Business Class may be requested, subject to availability. Requests must be submitted at the time of booking this programme. Each flight is quoted separately and is non-refundable once confirmed.

· All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Chinese visa, any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.

All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect. All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years of age and older. This description is a general overview of this programme. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays, changes made by airlines, government/citizens' activities, and weather, require. The programme described in this brochure is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. 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.