Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: xian - famous terracotta worriors, beijing & the great wall tour at Shanghai

Experience the highlights of fascinating Beijing, the legendary Great Wall, and the famous Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian during this four-days Mid-Voyage Land Adventure. Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province, is known the world over as the home to one of China’s supreme cultural treasures, the 2,200-year-old Terra Cotta Army. Xian was once the homeland of thirteen dynasties and the easternmost site on the fabled Silk Road, which has left a unique cultural heritage. After your visit to Xi'an, travel to Beijing to discover the major attractions of China's bustling capital city. Take a guided 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 event, the giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Minf Tombs and much more. Immerse yourself in the culture and culinary traditions of China while you assist to a cultural Tang Dinasty dinner show and savor local authentic cuisine.

FULL DESCRIPTION

03MIDTSN-L: Xian & Beijing Treasures

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Departs from: Shanghai, April 10, 2024 at approx. 6.20am

Re-join ship: Tianjin, April 13, 2024 at approx 6.00pm

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. 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. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Guests must be in possession of Chinese visa obtained prior to joining the cruise. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Chinese Yuan. Yuan and US dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

Experience the highlights of fascinating Beijing, the legendary Great Wall, and the famous Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian during this four-days Mid-Voyage Land Adventure. Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province, is known the world over as the home to one of China’s supreme cultural treasures, the 2,200-year-old Terra Cotta Army. Xian was once the homeland of thirteen dynasties and the easternmost site on the fabled Silk Road, which has left a unique cultural heritage. After your visit to Xi'an, travel to Beijing to discover the major attractions of China's bustling capital city. Take a guided 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 event, the giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Minf Tombs and much more. Immerse yourself in the culture and culinary traditions of China while you assist to a cultural Tang Dinasty dinner show and savor local authentic cuisine.

DAY ONE - Shanghai / Xian

Departing the ship, transfer to the airport for the approximate two-and-a-half-hour mid-day flight to Xian. A box breakfast is provided for you to enjoy before arriving in Xian. Upon arrival, meet and greet your local guide and driver, then transfer to De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant for lunch. Facing to the Bell and Drum Towers, De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant is famed for its own version of the Dumpling Banquet. Ingredients for the dumpling fillings include various meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Cooking methods include steaming, boiling, pan-frying, deep frying, and roasting. The flavor includes salty, sweet, hot and sour etc. A set dumpling lunch is provided.

After this delectable lunch, head to the Ancient City Wall. Chinese city walls refer to civic defensive systems used to protect towns and cities in the old times in China. The system consists walls, towers, and gates, which were often built to a uniform standard throughout the Empire. The Wall, or the fortifications of Xi’an, represents one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in China. Constructions of the first city wall of Chang’an began in 194 BC and lasted for four years. The existing wall we see today was started by the Ming dynasty in 1370. Today the City Wall has been renovated and become one of the most important historical sites in Xian. After your your guided visit, enjoy some free time to stroll around on your own (time permitting).

Next, proceed to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Xuanzang, the eminent monk of Tang Dynasty, used to study in India from 629 to 645. He saw this kind of pagoda in India. When he was back home, for storing Buddhist text and figures of Buddha, he built a pagoda in Cien Temple imitating the structure of pagoda in India, and named it Goose Pagoda. One of the pagodas many functions were to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Monk Xuanzang.

Check-in Wyndham Grand Xi’an South or similar to have a refresh before dinner show.

In the evening, enjoy a 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. Enjoy dinner served during this spectacular show. Thereafter, return to the hotel.

Overnight accommodation at Wyndham Grand Xian South or similar – Xian

DAY TWO - Xi'an / 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 having lunch in Museum restaurant, transfer to Xi’an airport for your afternoon flight to Beijing.

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 24 million as of 2018. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's largest state-owned companies. Few cities in the world have served as the political and cultural center of an area as immense. Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It has been the heart of China’s history for centuries, and there is scarcely a major building of any age in Beijing that does not have at least some national historical significance. The city is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and universities have long made it a center of culture and art in China.

Upon arrival in Beijing meet and greet your local guide and transfer to a local to enjoy an authentic Beijing Roast Duck dinner. According to a Chinese saying, no visit to this city is complete if you miss seeing the Great Wall or dining on Beijing Roast Duck (Beijing Kaoya). As a famous and delicious food with very long history, Beijing Roast Duck is an excellent choice if you want to understand more about Chinese cuisine, culture and customs.

Overnight accommodation at the Four Seasons Hotel or similar– Beijing.

DAY THREE - Beijing / Beijing

After breakfast, travel out of the city and toward the Great Wall (approx 2 hours drive). En route, pass the Olympic Park for a view of the ‘Bird’s Nest’ and ‘Water Cube’, the new ingenious landmark structures built for the 2008 Olympics.

With portions dating back nearly 2,000 years and an overall length of some 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometres), this spectacular structure remains a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Chinese people, justly deserving to be named as one the New Seven Wonders of the World. The roundtrip cable car ride (weather permitting) provides a leisurely and less strenuous way to take in the stunning scenery and the beauty of the Great Wall of China.

After enjoying a typical Chinese-style lunch proceed to the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs for an afternoon discovery.

Built between 1409 AD and 1644 AD, the Ming Tombs are the burial place of several Ming emperors, their wives and concubines. The Sacred Way is flanked by 18 pairs of giant statues and leads to the most prominent tomb of Ming Emperor Yongle.

At the end of this exciting visit, return to hotel. Enjoy some time to relax and freshen up before Dine-around at one of the hotel’s 3 restaurants of your choice: Set menu dinner at Cai Yi Xuan (Chinese), Opus (Western), or Mio (Western).

Overnight accommodation at the Four Seasons Hotel or similar – Beijing.

DAY FOUR - Beijing / Tianjin

After breakfast at hotel and check out, transfer 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.

Next walk to legendary Forbidden City. Off-limits to the public for 600 years, the vast complex of this World Heritage Site was opened in 1925 as the Palace Museum. Within its walls lies a maze of palaces built between 1406 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. Although most of the buildings are closed for protection reasons and only can be visited from outside, the constructions in the Forbidden City are still breathtaking and stunning.

After a delectable  buffet lunch JW Marriot hotel, your next stop is the Temple of Heaven,located in the Chongwen District, Beijing. Originally, this was the place where emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) held the Heaven Worship Ceremony. It is the largest and most representative existing masterpiece among China's ancient sacrificial buildings. First built in 1420, the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), it was enlarged and rebuilt during the reigns of the Ming emperor Jiajing and the Qing emperor Qianlong. In 1988, it was opened to the public as a park, showing ancient philosophy, history and religion. Its grand architectural style and profound cultural connotation give an insight into the practices of the ancient Eastern civilization. However, this place is now more popular among the senior citizens. Spot hundreds of them doing all kinds of exercise inside the Temple of Heaven as they enjoy free admission tickets from the government.

All too soon, re-board your coach for approx 3 hour drive from Beijing back to Tianjin Port, where Silver Shadow welcomes you back.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 6.5 miles (about 10 kilometres) with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the coach, and 1000 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. The tour sequence and itinerary are subject to change. Carry on luggage is carried and kept on a separate truck. Guests must be in possession of CHINESE VISA obtained PRIOR to joining the cruise. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

Programme Includes:

- One-night stay at the Wyndham Grand Xi'an South or similar - Beijing, Premier Room

- Two-nights stay at the Four Seasons Hotel or similar - Beijing, Premier City View Room

- Three breakfasts, Four lunches and three dinners (drinks during meals included)

- One way flight Shanghai - Xi'an (MU 2152 or similar) - flights are subject to change

- Cable car-ride (wheather permitting)

- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Chinese visa, any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.

Note