Experience some of Eastern Asia’s most spectacular natural and historical wonders with ecruising’s CRUISETOUR in May 2021: Giant Pandas, Warriors & Sapphire Gems journey – a unique itinerary which explores some of Asia’s most exotic destinations.
As part of the sensational 31-night itinerary, guests will sail onboard Princess Cruises’ stunning Sapphire Princess from Australia to Shanghai via Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea and Hong Kong, followed by an escorted tour from Shanghai to Beijing, including stopovers in Xi’an and Chengdu. Along the way guests will take in some of China’s most iconic sights and treasures, from face-to-face encounters with giant pandas to a visit to the celebrated Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds.
This Oriental odyssey commences in Sydney on May 16, 2021, with a 22-night cruise bound for Shanghai onboard the Grand Class Sapphire Princess where passengers will have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the sublime comfort and style which are the hallmarks of the Princess Cruises experience. From elegant, tastefully appointed suites and staterooms, coupled with Sapphire Princess’ signature personalised service, plus a range of superb dining options that are sure to tempt every tastebud, the award winning Lotus Spa for a little ‘me time’, and engaging onboard entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, the ship offers up the perfect home away from home.
En route, highlights include stopovers in sunny Brisbane where guests can savour some perfectly timed urban perfection in Australia’s northernmost State capital; and the quirky city of Darwin in the Northern Territory, with its stunning tropical parks and gardens. Further north, the ship calls at Singapore, one of Asia’s most ethnically diverse lively cities, home to sensational shopping, cultural and gastronomic hubs dotted throughout; and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, with its wide boulevards, French colonial architecture – and ubiquitous motorbikes. From here the ship sails to cosmopolitan Hong Kong where guests can take a tram ride to the summit of Victoria Peak for panoramic views or visit the city’s fabled Stanley Market; and onwards to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city, with its unique and complex blend of East and West where high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples; before the voyage concludes in bustling Shanghai on 7 June.
Here, guests will embark on the second phase of this sensational journey – a 9-night escorted tour from Shanghai to Beijing. A 3-night stay in Shanghai takes in a tour of the Shanghai Museum, containing over 120,000 pieces and hailed as one of the world’s finest collections of ancient Chinese art and antiques; a visit to the impeccably restored 400-year-old Yu Garden; and a stroll past the myriad boutiques, bars and cafes of Shanghai Xintiandi and Tianzifang; not to mention a jaw-dropping performance of the brilliant Era Acrobatic Show, an extravaganza which combines traditional Chinese acrobatic arts with cutting edge technology.
At Chengdu, China’s panda capital, travellers visit the renowned Dujiangyan Panda Base where they can see endangered giant pandas first-hand and learn about China’s research and conservation efforts to protect its most famous mammals, while a 2-night stay in Xi’an is a chance for guests to immerse themselves in China’s culture, with an escorted tour of the famed Terracotta Warriors, followed by a visit to the ancient Xi’an City Wall and a Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show which brings one of China’s most influential dynasties to life.
The tour concludes with 3 nights in China’s capital, Beijing, where highlights include a rickshaw ride through the alleyways of the city’s traditional Hutongs; visits to the Lama Temple, once home to China’s royalty and the tranquil Temple of Heaven park, offering a unique glimpse into everyday Chinese life; an unforgettable ascent of the less-visited Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the great wonders of the world; and an exploration of the Forbidden City, a palace built by the Ming Dynasty in 1420, considered to be the best-preserved example of classical Chinese architecture in the world, which at its peak housed up to 10,000 people.
ecruising’s 31-night CRUISETOUR: Giant Pandas, Warriors & Sapphire Gems journey takes place from May 16 – June 16 2021, with prices starting from a $7,149 *per person twin share, including one-way economy airfares to Australia, all accommodation, plus ground transfers and touring as per the itinerary.
_*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
_
For more information please visit www.ecruising.travel.