Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong

Fly overnight to the futuristic city of Chongqing. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Today you'll explore the best of what this fascinating and unique city has to offer. Begin with a visit to one of China's most beloved icons, the giant panda, then watch metro train pass through a high-rise at the innovative Liziba Intersection. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the naturally heated pools of one of Chongqing's top hot spring resorts, or explore the bustling Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street. End the day with views of the city as its neon lights come to life.

Travel to Dazu, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dazu Rock Carvings. Here, you'll find thousands of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist idols and symbols carved into rock faces over 70 sites. Made between the 9th and 13th centuries, they are some of the best preserved in China. Return to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise, your home for the next three nights.

Celebrate Christmas aboard the Yangtze River over two scenic days. Sail past dramatic gorges and charming riverside villages while enjoying festive meals and holiday cheer with your fellow travellers. Take advantage of enhanced amenities such as morning coffee and tea, a cabin on the upper Bridge deck, nightly turndown service, and access to the Executive Lounge with complimentary soft drinks and a nightly “Happy Hour” of house wine, beer, and soda. Meals include house wine, beer, and diet sodas at lunch and dinner.

Disembark in Yichang and travel by road to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest.

Begin the day with a ride in the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into a cliff face, the elevator shoots up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the 'First Bridge under the Sun' and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue your exploration at Emperor Mountain and Helong Park, before descending by cable car.

Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain by cable car which, at seven-kilometres, is one of the world's longest. Atop the mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'. Later, brace yourself for another exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, a glass-bottomed bridge spanning 430-metres over the magnificent Grand Canyon.

Drive to Changsha and board a 3-hour bullet train to Hong Kong, the famous skyline growing bigger and more impressive as you approach the city.

Discover the charms of Lantau Island, beginning your journey with visits to the renowned Wong Tai Sin Temple and Tin Hau Temple. Next, take a spectacular cable car ride to the Ngong Ping Plateau, home to the majestic Grand Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Explore the Giant Buddha Exhibition Hall and monastery before enjoying a vegetarian lunch. Conclude your day's adventure with a scenic cable car ride back to the city.

Enjoy a relaxed morning then explore Hong Kong. Begin with a ride on the state-of-the-art 6th-generation Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, soaking in breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Continue to the sun-kissed shores of Repulse Bay before heading to Aberdeen Fishing Village, where traditional sampans and houseboats offer a glimpse into the city’s maritime heritage. Later, embark on an evening harbour cruise and watch the night sky come alive with a spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display.

Start the new year with a free leisurely morning. In the afternoon, take a walking tour through Kowloon’s vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui area, exploring the bustling Temple Street markets and lively shops along Nathan Road. Finish the day and the tour with a farewell dinner.

Depart Hong Kong, arriving home the same or following day.