Great Wall of China & Avatar Mountains & Yangtze River Tour with Turkish Airlines for 16 Days 2027

DAY 1: ISTANBUL – BEIJING The Beginning of the Great Journey and Our First Step into China: Our Far East adventure begins on the night of March 24, when we meet at 23:00 at the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport. We depart at 02:05 on the comfortable Turkish Airlines flight TK 088. After a journey of about 9 hours above the clouds, we land in the giant metropolis of Beijing at 16:15 local time. At the airport, our private luxury vehicle waiting for us takes us to our hotel. Dinner: After the long journey, we have our first dinner at a local restaurant and say hello to Chinese cuisine. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar.* (Comfortable rooms close to the city center). DAY 2: BEIJING Imperial Splendor: The Forbidden City and the Echo of Heaven After a rich breakfast at our hotel, we head toward the heart of Beijing. Tiananmen Square: At this area, which is the world’s largest city square, we see Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and massive government buildings, and witness China’s modern history. Forbidden City (Gugong): This vast complex on the UNESCO World Heritage list hosted 24 emperors for 500 years. As you walk among the golden-roofed pavilions of the palace said to have 9,999 rooms, you will feel as if you are in a period film. Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant, prepared with fresh vegetables and traditional cooking techniques. Temple of Heaven (Tiantan): This architectural masterpiece, where emperors offered sacrifices to the gods for a good harvest, will fascinate you with its sky-blue roof built without nails. Watching local people doing morning exercises in its gardens will be one of the most natural moments of the tour. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar.* DAY 3: BEIJING In the Footsteps of Legends: The Great Wall and the Summer Palace Today we go to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the massive defensive line said to be visible from space. Great Wall of China (Mutianyu): We climb the thousands-year-old towers stretching among green hills in the best-preserved and most scenic section of the wall. The photos you take here will be among the most unforgettable of your trip. Lunch: A meal break at an authentic restaurant at the foot of the Wall, serving local delicacies. Summer Palace (Yiheyuan): This vast complex, the resting place of Empress Dowager Cixi, is famous for Kunming Lake and the “Long Corridor.” Here we will see the pinnacle of Chinese garden art. Optional Evening: Those who wish may join us for the Beijing Opera or a famous Peking Duck feast. Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar.* DAY 4: BEIJING – XIAN High-Speed Train Experience and an Evening in the Shadow of Ancient Walls After breakfast, we transfer with our luggage to Beijing West Railway Station. High-Speed Train Experience: On our technology-marvel train reaching speeds of 300–350 km/h, we arrive in Xian in approximately 4.5–5 hours. Along the way, you will have the chance to observe China’s rural life from the window. Xian City Walls: We take a walk on the 14th-century, best-preserved and widest ancient city walls in China. Guests who wish may rent bicycles on the walls (extra). Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque: We dive into the most colorful district of Xian, the final stop on the Silk Road. Between the aromas of spices, we can taste exotic street foods and shop for souvenirs. Lunch: After arriving in Xian, at a local restaurant where we will try the region’s famous dumpling varieties. Accommodation: Mercure on Renmin Square Xian 4 or similar.* (Prestigious accommodation close to the historic center). DAY 5: XIAN Silent Guardians of History: Terracotta Warriors After breakfast, we set out for Xian’s most important and one of the world’s most astounding archaeological sites. Terracotta Warriors Museum: This vast underground army, accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1974, was built to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The fact that each of the thousands of soldiers, horses, and chariots has different facial expressions, armor details, and hairstyles will amaze you. Lunch: After the museum visit, lunch at a local restaurant serving Xian specialties such as “Biyang Biyang” noodles, prepared with fresh regional ingredients. Evening Leisure: Free time among Xian’s illuminated city walls in the late afternoon. Guests who wish may attend the famous “Tang Dynasty Dance Show.” Accommodation: Mercure on Renmin Square Xian 4 or similar.* DAY 6: XIAN – CHANGSHA – ZHANGJIAJIE From Speed to Nature: Arrival at Avatar’s Gate Early in the morning we go to Xian train station. High-Speed Train and Road Transfer: We arrive in Changsha by modern high-speed train. There, our private vehicle awaits us for an approximately 4-hour road journey to the Zhangjiajie region. Along the way, we will have the chance to observe China’s southern rice fields and misty mountain villages. Lunch: After our train journey, lunch at a local restaurant in Changsha where we will taste the best examples of Hunan cuisine (lightly spicy and aromatic). Accommodation: Pullman Zhangjiajie 4 or similar.* (A point where luxury and comfort meet in the heart of nature). DAY 7: ZHANGJIAJIE Avatar Mountains: Hallelujah Above the Clouds Today you will feel as if you are inside a movie scene. Bailong Elevator: We ascend the top of a 326-meter steep cliff in seconds with the world’s tallest and fastest outdoor elevator. Yuanjiajie Mountains: We will see the massive quartz pillars that inspired the “Floating Mountains” in James Cameron’s Avatar film. We will cross the “First Bridge Under Heaven” and photograph this surreal landscape amid the mist. Lunch: Lunch at the top of the mountain, with panoramic views and regional dishes prepared with local herbs and vegetables. Accommodation: Pullman Zhangjiajie 4 or similar.* DAY 8: FENGHUANG (Phoenix Town) A Place Where Time Stands Still: A Fairytale by the River Today we take it easy. We leave Zhangjiajie and arrive in the enchanting ancient town of Fenghuang after an approximately 3-hour journey. Riverside Life: We wander among the traditional wooden stilt houses (Diaojiaolou) lined on both sides of the Tuojiang River. We will see the daily life of the local people, women in traditional dress, and stone bridges. Boat Ride: On a traditional boat tour along the river, we will have the chance to photograph the town from the water. Lunch: A local menu of Fenghuang’s famous smoked delicacies and fresh river fish at an authentic restaurant with river views. Night Magic: When evening falls, Fenghuang turns into a jewel box. Free time under the fairytale-like reflection of the lights spreading across every corner of the town onto the water. Accommodation: Fenghuang Grand Hotel 4 or similar.* (Riverside accommodation). DAY 9: FENGHUANG – CHONGQING From Ancient China to Modern Chongqing and Boarding the Ship After a final walk in Fenghuang in the morning, we head to Chongqing by private vehicle. Logistical Transition: When we arrive in Chongqing, the fast-growing “mountain city” of China, its massive skyscrapers and river silhouette will welcome us. Lunch: On the way or upon arrival in Chongqing, lunch at a local restaurant famous for its spices, in line with the city’s energy. Boarding the Ship: In the evening, we board our 5-star Yangtze Cruise ship, one of China’s most luxurious river vessels. As our luggage is settled into our cabins, our 3-night journey on the Yangtze River begins around midnight. Accommodation: Yangtze Gold / President Cruise 5 or similar.* DAYS 10–11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE The Three Gorges and Enchanting Valleys For two full days, we enjoy life on board. Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, Xiling): One of the most iconic river passages in the world. As we glide through steep cliffs and cloudy mountains, take your place on the ship’s deck. Land Tours: At certain points, the ship will stop and take us by small boats into untouched valleys in the narrow tributaries of the river (Shennv Stream or the Lesser Three Gorges). Meals: During the cruise, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served as a rich buffet. Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship. DAY 12: YANGTZE – YICHANG – SHANGHAI The World’s Largest Dam and Flight to Shanghai Three Gorges Dam: Before disembarking from the ship, we visit the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant and its massive ship elevators. Flight: We travel from Yichang Airport to Shanghai, China’s financial and modernism center, on a comfortable flight. Lunch: During the transfer, lunch at a local restaurant featuring fresh produce from the Yichang region. Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 4 or similar.* DAY 13: SHANGHAI The City of the Future: The Paris of the East Our first full day in Shanghai. The Bund & Yu Gardens: We tour the famous skyline created by classic European architecture on one side and futuristic skyscrapers on the other. Then we find peace in Yu Gardens, the pinnacle of traditional Chinese garden art. Lunch: At a stylish local restaurant serving the famous Shanghai dumpling (Xiaolongbao) and local flavors. Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 4 or similar.* DAY 14: SHANGHAI Our free day.. Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 4 or similar.* DAY 15: SHANGHAI – ISTANBUL Extra Shanghai Night and Farewell Free Time and Shopping: You can shop on Nanjing Road, take a coffee break in the French Concession, or go up Shanghai Tower to look at the city from 632 meters above. Lunch: We have our last lunch in Shanghai at a gourmet local spot accompanied by our guide. Return: Transfer to Pudong Airport in the evening. Flight to Istanbul on TK 027 at 23:05. Overnight: On the plane. DAY 16: ISTANBUL Arrival at 06:05 in the morning.