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Icons of China & Japan - Apr 2027

  • Duration
    25 days
  • Tour Type
    Cruise & Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    Please Call for Prices
Travelling between two great capital cities, on this tour you'll experience China's highlights by land from Beijing, before boarding a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Shanghai to cross the East China Sea to Japan, where you'll port among the natural beauty of Kyushu Island and the rich history of Honshu, the adventure ending with a day discovering Tokyo.
  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 23 , Lunches: 22 , Dinners: 23
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Royal Caribbean Ocean Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of the day walking around sights, often including steps and getting on and off coaches, trains, or boats. Occasional longer walks may be included. Physical requirements vary by tour. Please read the Detailed Tour Itinerary on the tour page to ensure it's the right fit for you. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet

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Tour Experiences

Sushi Making

True sushi is an artform, a foodie reflection of the cultural values of respect for nature, craftsmanship, and community. Supervised by a sushi chef, take part in a sushi making class in Tokyo picking up basic sushi skills before sitting down with your fellow travellers to dine on the results.

Make Dumplings in Xian

Try your hand at making Xian's famous dumplings, learning how to shape these iconic bites before sitting down to enjoy a delicious dumpling banquet for dinner. As you dine, watch a spectacular Tang Dynasty music and dance performance.

Come Face to Face with Pandas

Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where you can see these adorable bears up close and learn more about the conservation projects that helped giant pandas be reclassified from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable'.

Tour Itinerary

Travelling between two great capitals, experience China's historic and cultural highlights by land and river cruise before boarding a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Shanghai to cross the East China Sea to Japan for more natural beauty and rich culture.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Beijing
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing

    China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    The Great Wall
    Day 3: The Great Wall

    Just outside of Beijing, a true bucket-list sight snakes its way across the landscape – the Great Wall of China. Today you'll get to walk on this iconic structure, climbing to one of its many watchtowers if you're feeling energetic. Visit a jade factory (there is an opportunity to shop for a small, handcrafted piece), then spend the afternoon wandering the gardens of the Summer Palace, the Qing lakeside retreat, famous for its exquisite architecture.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Imperial Beijing
    Day 4: Imperial Beijing

    Start the day in the vast and emblematic Tiananmen Square, before delving into the imperial treasure trove of the Forbidden City and its 250-acre maze of halls, palaces and gardens, filled with priceless artefacts. Later, admire the Confucian design and soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. Dine on delicious local delicacy, Peking duck this evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Travel to Pingyao
    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 Qing Dynasty Yamen building and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Travel to Xian
    Day 6: Travel to Xian

    This morning is at leisure, with the option of taking part in a fun, hands-on noodle making class (additional expense). Board a bullet train to Xian, capital city of multiple bygone dynasties and terminus of the ancient Silk Road trading route.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Ancient Xian
    Day 7: Ancient Xian

    One of the 20th century's greatest archaeological discoveries, the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors stand ready for battle around the, as yet unexcavated, tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Spend the morning viewing their ranks then visit a workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Stroll the beautifully preserved city walls that encircle Xian's old town. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling making class followed by those dumplings for dinner and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Train to Chengdu
    Day 8: Train to Chengdu

    Take a walking tour of the lively Muslim Quarter, a heaven for foodies and knick-knack lovers, while gaining insight into the fascinating culture and significance of being a city on the Silk Road. Board a bullet train to Chengdu.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Pandas!
    Day 9: Pandas!

    This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, located outside the city at the foot of the mountains that are the bears' natural habitat, to learn all about pandas and to see them relaxing, playing, and chomping on bamboo. Choose to take part in a panda volunteer experience while you're here (additional expense).

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 10-12
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Days 10-12: Yangtze River Cruise

    Transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel. From the city, as you cruise downstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, including the Three Gorges themselves, small boat trips down attractive side streams and the massive feat of engineering that is the Three Gorges Dam.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Train to Shanghai
    Day 13: Train to Shanghai

    Arrive at Yichang and disembark your cruise vessel. Board a bullet train to whizz you away to Shanghai.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Explore Shanghai
    Day 14: Explore Shanghai

    Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the Yu Garden and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
    Day 15: Board the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas

    Transfer to Baoshan cruise terminal 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Cruise – At Sea
    Day 16: Cruise – At Sea

    Spend today making the most of the plentiful activities available aboard the Spectrum of the Seas.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 17
    Cruise – Jeju Island
    Day 17: Cruise – Jeju Island

    Welcome to South Korea! Port at Jeju Island, South Korea's favourite holiday and honeymoon spot. A volcanic island of rugged peaks, lush forest and white sand beaches, it is an excellent place to not only enjoy a bit of all out relaxation, but to explore a wealth of unique ancient traditions.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 18
    Cruise – Fukuoka
    Day 18: Cruise – Fukuoka

    On the north coast of the island of Kyushu, the city of Fukuoka is not only full of fascinating history, it is also the gateway to plentiful natural beauty, historic sights, and some wonderful local food.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 19
    Cruise – At Sea
    Day 19: Cruise – At Sea

    Make the most of your cruise ship facilities today – you could relax by the pool, try out the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the range of activities and shows.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 20
    Cruise - Kobe
    Day 20: Cruise - Kobe

    Arrive in Kobe, a port city nestled between mountains and sea, and the first place in Japan to open up to foreign trade after the collapse of the shogunate in 1868. The city is perhaps best known for its world-renowned Kobe beef – where better to try it?

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 21
    Cruise – At Sea
    Day 21: Cruise – At Sea

    Relax onboard your way – sitting by the pool, enjoying the bars and restaurants, or taking part in a sport or activity.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 22
    Cruise – Mount Fuji
    Day 22: Cruise – Mount Fuji

    Port at Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji or exploring the series of fascinating cultural sites around its base.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 23
    Arrive in Tokyo
    Day 23: Arrive in Tokyo

    Disembark to Royal Caribbean, Spectrum of the Seas. You'll be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 24
    Explore Tokyo
    Day 24: Explore Tokyo

    Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple before ascending Tokyo Skytree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Explore Meiji Jingu Shrine and sample the local treats sold on Takeshita Street before stopping at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 25
    Fly Tokyo to UK
    Day 25: Fly Tokyo to UK

    Fly home to the UK, arriving home the following day.

    • Breakfast
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 1°c
  • 1mm
  • Chengdu
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Pingyao
  • -4°c
  • 3mm
  • Shanghai
  • 5°c
  • 74mm
  • Tokyo
  • 5°c
  • 65mm
  • Xian
  • 0°c
  • 7mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 0°c
  • 5mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 12mm
  • Pingyao
  • -2°c
  • 6mm
  • Shanghai
  • 7°c
  • 59mm
  • Tokyo
  • 6°c
  • 58mm
  • Xian
  • 4°c
  • 10mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Chengdu
  • 12°c
  • 20mm
  • Pingyao
  • 4°c
  • 14mm
  • Shanghai
  • 10°c
  • 94mm
  • Tokyo
  • 9°c
  • 77mm
  • Xian
  • 9°c
  • 29mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 21mm
  • Chengdu
  • 17°c
  • 44mm
  • Pingyao
  • 12°c
  • 25mm
  • Shanghai
  • 16°c
  • 74mm
  • Tokyo
  • 14°c
  • 118mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 43mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 34mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 78mm
  • Pingyao
  • 18°c
  • 34mm
  • Shanghai
  • 21°c
  • 84mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 145mm
  • Xian
  • 20°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 24°c
  • 78mm
  • Chengdu
  • 24°c
  • 107mm
  • Pingyao
  • 22°c
  • 58mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 182mm
  • Tokyo
  • 22°c
  • 135mm
  • Xian
  • 25°c
  • 54mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 26°c
  • 185mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 224mm
  • Pingyao
  • 24°c
  • 129mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 146mm
  • Tokyo
  • 26°c
  • 81mm
  • Xian
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 25°c
  • 160mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 201mm
  • Pingyao
  • 22°c
  • 108mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 214mm
  • Tokyo
  • 27°c
  • 113mm
  • Xian
  • 26°c
  • 71mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 46mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 119mm
  • Pingyao
  • 17°c
  • 72mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 87mm
  • Tokyo
  • 23°c
  • 131mm
  • Xian
  • 21°c
  • 92mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 22mm
  • Chengdu
  • 18°c
  • 35mm
  • Pingyao
  • 12°c
  • 34mm
  • Shanghai
  • 20°c
  • 56mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 132mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 5°c
  • 7mm
  • Chengdu
  • 13°c
  • 16mm
  • Pingyao
  • 4°c
  • 14mm
  • Shanghai
  • 14°c
  • 52mm
  • Tokyo
  • 12°c
  • 128mm
  • Xian
  • 8°c
  • 24mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • -1°c
  • 3mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 5mm
  • Pingyao
  • -3°c
  • 4mm
  • Shanghai
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Tokyo
  • 8°c
  • 109mm
  • Xian
  • 2°c
  • 6mm
+ -
Icons of China & Japan - Apr 2027 map

Places Visited: UK – Beijing (3N) – Pingyao (1N) – Xian (2N) – Chengdu (2N) – Yangtze River Cruise (3N) – Shanghai (2N) – Royal Caribbean Cruise (8N) – Tokyo (2N)

Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

Tour Dates & Prices

If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise

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Depart UK
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Booking Options

Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
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Booking Options

Additional Price Information

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