01 2311800China by Land, Japan by Sea - Cruise Itinerary C
20 nights / 21 days
Fully Guided
All Available Dates - Call 01 2366852 To Book Now
01 Sep 2026
01 Sep 2026
14 Oct 2026
14 Oct 2026
Journey from China to Japan, and back again, on this Far Eastern expedition. Our Cruise & Tour journeys bring together all the joy of a cruise, on board the spectacular Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas, with all the exciting exploration of a Wendy Wu Tours land itinerary. On this one you'll be able to contrast the history and culture of these two ancient nations and see their biggest treasures, from the Great Wall to Kyoto's timeless temples, with your own eyes.
B Breakfast Included
L Lunch Included
D Dinner Included
Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 2 - Arrive in Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 - Explore Beijing
Walk through Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City, a complex full of imperial riches. Then, find harmony in the symmetry of the Temple of Heaven. This evening, dine on local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 4 - The Great Wall
Travel out of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China, learning a little about its long history before taking a short walk to fully appreciate this world-famous structure. Stop off at a jade factory before visiting the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs. This evening, enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show.
Day 5 - Travel to Pingyao
Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao. A living museum and home to China's best preserved ancient city walls, walk the characterful streets to see the Yamen and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum.
Day 6 - Travel to Xian
This morning is at leisure (additional option: hands-on Chinese paper cutting experience) before travelling to Xian by bullet train.
Day 7 - Explore Xian
This morning, come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, an army created to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Later, stroll Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls, before a dumpling demonstration, a delicious dumpling banquet and a Tang Dynasty show.
Day 8 - Travel to Chengdu
After breakfast, walk through the atmospheric alleyways of the Muslim Quarter, lined with delicious street food stalls. Then, transfer to the station and board a bullet train to Chengdu. This evening, dine on a Sichuan hot pot, a local speciality, and watch a fascinating face changing show.
Day 9 - Explore Chengdu
This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base to learn all about them and see them relaxing, play and chomping on bamboo. The rest of the day is at leisure (additional option: volunteer at the Panda Base).
Day 10 - Travel to Shanghai
Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai. Transfer to your hotel then begin your explorations, strolling along the Bund to admire the Art Deco architecture and enjoying panoramic views of the city on a Huangpu River cruise.
Day 11 - Board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Shanghai's cruise terminal, Baoshan, to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Day 12 - Cruise - At sea
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East China Sea towards Japan.
Day 13 - Cruise - Explore Sakaiminato
Port in Sakaiminato today. Disembark the cruise ship and enjoy a day at leisure before returning to your ship later in the day for your onward journey.
Day 14 - Cruise - Explore Maizuru (Kyoto)
Arive in Maizuru, which is ideally located to explore Kyoto. Disembark the cruise ship and enjoy a day at leisure before returning to your ship later in the day for your onward journey.
Day 15 - Cruise - Explore Niigata
Today, arrive at Niigata. Disembark the cruise ship and enjoy a day at leisure before returning to your ship later in the day for your onward journey.
Day 16 - Cruise - Explore Hakodate
Dock in the port of Hakodate. Disembark the cruise ship and enjoy a day at leisure before returning to your ship later in the day for your onward journey.
Day 17 - Cruise - At Sea
Spend today and tomorrow at sea, taking time to recharge before the next adventure. Enjoy a couple of days at your own leisure, until arriving at Shanghai, your next destination.
Day 18 - Cruise - At Sea
Spend today and tomorrow at sea, taking time to recharge before the next adventure. Enjoy a couple of days at your own leisure, until arriving at Shanghai, your next destination.
Day 19 - Disembark Royal Caribbean cruise
Cruise into the port of Shanghai, where on arrival you will be met by your English-speaking guide and new National Escort. From here transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure to soak up the local culture of Shanghai, and its vibrant atmosphere.
Day 20 - Explore Shanghai
Continue exploring the city today, visiting the peaceful Yu Garden, the quaint Old Town and the Xintiandi area, then learn all about silk production from silkworm to loom at a silk factory. This evening, dine on a traditional Shanghainese meal.
Day 21 - Fly Shanghai to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day.
