China by Land, Japan by Sea B
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.
- 30 Jul 2026 – 18 Aug 2026
from $10,330 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive in Beijing:
Fly 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 – 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 3 – 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 4 – 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 5 – Travel to Xian:
This morning is at leisure (additional option: hands-on Chinese paper cutting experience) before travelling to Xian by bullet train. - Day 6 – 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 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – 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 10 – 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 11 – 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 12 – Cruise – Osaka (Kyoto):
Arrive in Osaka, a brash, lively city that has earned the nickname ‘Japan’s kitchen’ for its spectacular food. Easily reachable from Osaka is Kyoto; Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years, it is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. A perfect balance of old and new, it’s in exploring Kyoto that you can glimpse Japan’s traditional soul. - Day 13 – Cruise – Explore 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? - Day 14 – Cruise – Nagoya:
Today you will dock in the port of Nagoya. 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 – Tokyo:
Tokyo, Japan’s capital since 1868 and one of the world’s largest cities, may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance, but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. - Days 16-17 – Cruise – at Sea:
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the East Sea back towards China. - Day 18 – Disembark Royal Caribbean Ship:
Cruise into the port of Shanghai, where on arrival you will be met by your English-speaking guide and new National Escort or Local Guide. 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 19 – 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. - Days 20-21 – Fly Shanghai to Australia:
Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day.
Highlights
- Sail a route that starts and ends in Shanghai.
- Walk on China’s most iconic sight, the Great Wall.
- Discover the mysterious Terracotta Army.
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.
Inclusions
- Sail a route that starts and ends in Shanghai.
- Walk on China’s most iconic sight, the Great Wall.
- Discover more about the mysterious Terracotta Army.
- Visit the playful pandas of Chengdu.
FAQs
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 21 days and 19 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 30 Jul 2026 and 18 Aug 2026, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Wendy Wu ToursFine Print
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