Iconic China & the Magnificent Yangtze River

Penta Hotel

Beijing & Great Wall - First Hotel

Described as a "neighbourhood lifestyle hotel", the Penta is a distinctive 4 star contemporary hotel, close to the Temple of Heaven and a short walk from the subway. The laid-back hotel offers 307 ensuite rooms in a minimalist style, including family rooms, as well as the use of bikes and maps to explore the local area. The heart of the hotel is the bustling Pentalounge; an all-encompassing café, deli, noodle bar, library and games area that provides a meeting place where guests and locals come and go.

Hotel Cote Cour

Beijing & Great Wall - First Boutique

The Cote Cour is a renowned boutique hotel spread out around a traditional inner courtyard and nestled in one of the historic centuries-old Hutongs. Fully refurbished in 2016, the rooms and communal areas are decorated to a high standard with classic paintings, furnishings and details, evoking a deep connection with the long history of the structures. You will find all the modern amenities that you will need during your stay, as well as an attentive service, free internet access and bicycle hire.

Guests can relax on the rooftop space and perhaps choose to dine in the a la carte restaurant. For families, there is both a standard and deluxe family room on offer.

Regent Hotel

Beijing & Great Wall - Deluxe Hotel

A multi-award winning luxury hotel close to Tiananmen Square and shopping streets, providing guests with outstanding service in opulent surrounds. 500 spacious rooms and suites are elegantly finished in a traditional Chinese style, whilst floor-to-ceiling windows fill the rooms with natural light and afford panoramic views, including one of the Forbidden City from some. Connecting rooms are available for groups and there is a choice of renowned restaurants, as well as an indoor pool and wellness centre.

Mercure on Renmin Square

Xian & Terracotta Army - First Hotel

The Mercure hotel has become a fixture of Renmin Square, alongside landscaped gardens and historic buildings. With over 100 well-equipped and tastefully decorated rooms and suites and a wonderful location right in the heart of ancient Xi'an, this 4 star hotel is a popular choice amongst visitors. It is a 15 minute walk from the bustling markets of the Muslim Quarter and the Drum and Bell Towers.

The hotels own restaurant, serving Western, Chinese, Japanese and Moroccan dishes, as well as a café and bar is perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring the city.

Sofitel on Renmin Square

Xian & Terracotta Army - Deluxe Hotel

This 5 star hotel curves gracefully along the side of the historic Renmin Square, right in the heart of this ancient city and within easy reach of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, as well as the Great Mosque and the bustling night markets of the Muslim Quarter. 178 spacious rooms are equipped with modern facilities and special touches, such as the exclusive Sofitel MyBed and a luxurious rainforest shower.

The Sofitel has its own extensive landscaped gardens and its very own grand theatre. There is also a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and fitness centre, as well as a choice of three on-site restaurants, serving Mediterranean, Brazilian Barbecue and Cantonese food.

Buddha Zen

Chengdu & Pandas - First Hotel

Located close to the Wenshu Yuan Monastery, this spiritually themed 4 star hotel aims to give visitors an insight into traditional Buddhist life. It offers 35 tranquil rooms and well-equipped rooms, all thoughtfully  decorated in an elegant style true to the spirit of the hotel. The courtyard-style building is filled with ancient paintings and statues each with small details that are full of hidden meaning.

The Buddha Zen also invites guests to take a traditional 'Zen' afternoon tea in the  Jian Cha Teahouse and unwind in the harmonious Zi Zai spa, havens of peace and tranquillity in one of China's biggest cities.

The Ritz-Carlton

Chengdu & Pandas - Deluxe Hotel

As you might expect from a Ritz-Carlton, this hotel delivers luxury and service on an unparalleled level in Chengdu. Its collection of spacious and stylish rooms look out onto fine city views of Chengdu's skyscrapers and offer a host of facilities and features including:

• Twice-daily housekeeping attention
• LCD TVs (at least 42 inches)
• Exclusive Asprey bath amenities
• Blu-ray disc/DVD player
• iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station
• In-bathroom TV
• Bathtub and separate shower
• Illuminated cosmetic mirror, hair dryer and scale
• TOTO intelligent toilet
• Ritz-Carlton signature linens and feather bedding
• Plush terry robes
• Walk-in closet
• Complimentary overnight shoeshine
• Fully stocked mini refreshment bar
• Complimentary high-speed wired- and wireless Internet access
• Multi-line telephone with voicemail
• Nespresso coffee machine
• In-room safe

Guests can enjoy a choice of glamorous bars and four award-winning restaurants, including the renowned Li Xuan, which serves outstanding Cantonese & Sichuan-style cuisine. The large Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Center complex includes an indoor swimming pool with underwater music and offers their signature tea-themed treatments.

Century Sun & Sky

Yangtze River Cruises - First Cruise Vessel

The sister ships Century Sky & Century Sun offer some of the best value luxury cruising on the Yangtze River. Attentive service, a range of on-board cultural activities, excellent Chinese and western dining options and a varied itinerary make these good choices for your trip. All bedrooms come with ensuite showers, desk, seating area and a private balcony.

See below for images, cabins, deck plan and downstream and upstream itineraries.

Century Paragon & Legend

Yangtze River Cruises - Deluxe Cruise Vessel

Century Paragon and Century Legend are deluxe sister ships that took their maiden voyages in 2013, making them amongst the newest cruise ships on the Yangtze River. We feel that they offer guests outstanding value for a luxury 5 star standard cruise. The staff are extremely helpful and attentive and there is a range of on-board cultural activities and facilities.  Chinese and western cuisine is served at meal times and the itineraries in both directions allow for a large degree of flexibility. All bedrooms come with ensuite showers, desk, seating area and a private balcony.

See below for images, cabins, deck plan and downstream and upstream itineraries.

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

Yangtze River Cruises - Deluxe Cruise Vessel

The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer is a luxury boutique cruise vessel which accommodates 124 passengers, much less than most other cruises along the river. The highest staff-to-guest ratio promises a more attentive and personal service, whilst the spacious and stylish cabins and suites offer wonderful retreats in which to relax and watch the dramatic scenery roll by from your private balcony.

On board cultural activities include calligraphy writing, Tai Chi, tea ceremonies and dumpling making, in addition to luxurious spa and beauty treatments. Watch inspiring lectures and traditional folk dancing performances in the theatre and enjoy delicious meals, freshly prepared with local ingredients by internationally-trained chefs, accompanied by an excellent choice of wines from the cellar.

The Yangzi Explorer sails in both directions between Chongqing and Yichang, on three and four night itineraries. Along the way you'll encounter the jaw-dropping Three Gorges scenery, remote communities and the magnificent Three Gorges Dam. See below for both itineraries.

Book the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer more than three months in advance of sailing to receive an early-bird discount of up to 25%

Shanghai Central

Shanghai -

This popular 4 star hotel is situated close to the Bund and the People's Square in downtown Shanghai. 280 rooms are well-presented and equipped with high quality modern facilities. Should you wish to dine in, the on site restaurants offer a choice between local Chinese and Cantonese dishes and western food. The hotel also boasts its own  sauna, gym, massage centre, bowling alley, tennis court and billiards room.

Yangtze Hotel

Shanghai - Deluxe Hotel