Fly to Xi’an, the energetic capital of the Shaanxi Province, and tour its most spectacular attractions, including the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Grand Mosque and Tang Dynasty Theatre.
Special Notes: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Please see further below for important information regarding Chinese Visas.
Day 1
After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and passing through baggage claim and Customs, you will be met at ARRIVAL HALL B and transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La (or similar hotel). The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax, settle in and explore wherever you please. Check in time is at 3:00pm. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee your room is ready when you arrive.
Meals are on your own.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Xi’an. Upon arriving in Xi’an and passing through immigration, customs and baggage claim, you will start your tour with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. One of China’s most revered pagodas, it was built in 652 A.D. to house the sutras and figurines of Buddha that a Chinese monk brought to Xi’an. The building was eventually expanded to ten stories, although only seven stories remain, as the others were damaged in various wars. Nevertheless, the pagoda is recognized as a symbol of Xi’an.
Next you will travel to the nearby Defachang Restaurant, popularly known for its dumplings. Carefully hand-prepared, the dumplings are available in dozens of different shapes and colors and filled with a variety of local ingredients. You can expect the meal to be wonderfully traditional. After dinner, you will drive back to the hotel to spend the evening.
Following dinner, proceed to the Shangri La Xi’an (or similar hotel) for check in.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a repository for thousands of clay soldiers that were buried with China’s first emperor to accompany him in his eternal rest. Considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, the 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses were buried for centuries until excavated in 1974.
The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords and crossbows. Each figure was individually created with unique characteristics.
Following the tour and a traditional Chinese lunch at a nearby restaurant, visit the Shaanxi History Museum. Inside, seemingly countless exhibits depict the history of China from prehistoric times to the mid-19th century. It offers an enlightening overview of the country, with a particular emphasis on the Shaanxi Province.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before driving to the Tang Dynasty Theatre for dinner and a cultural performance. The costumed show features ancient music, poetry, singing and dance, some of which were developed as parts of ritual prayers for a good harvest. Following the lively performance, you will return to the hotel to spend the evening.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel and check out comes an exploration of the Muslim Quarter and its Grand Mosque. Muslims have lived in the quarter for more than 1,000 years ago, beginning with the merchants from Arabic countries that settled at this terminus of the Silk Road. The Grand Mosque is particularly fascinating, as it reflects traditional Chinese and Muslim styles.
Then, it’s on to a traditional hot pot restaurant for lunch, before driving to the airport for the flight back to Hong Kong. Upon arriving in Hong Kong, you will be transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Day 5
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and transferring to the port for embarkation.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
Day 1
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport
Meet and greet at Arrival Hall B after luggage claim and Customs
Transfer to your hotel
3:00pm – check in time at the hotel
The remainder of the day is at your leisure and meals are on your own.
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
Day 2 – below is a sample itinerary as timings are dependent on actual flight times
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Check out of the hotel. Excess luggage to be stored at the hotel
8:30am Transfer to the airport and check in for the flight to Xi’an
11:30am Flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
Direct flights not guaranteed
2:35pm Arrive in Xi’an and go through immigration, Customs and baggage claim
3:50pm Meet your guide outside the arrivals hall and proceed to the Wild Goose Pagoda
4:00pm Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda
6:00pm Drive to the Defachang restaurant for dinner
6:30pm Sample various signature dumplings at the restaurant
8:00pm Begin driving back to the hotel
8:30pm Arrive at the hotel and check in
Overnight at the Shangri La Xi’an or similar hotel
Day 3
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to the Terra Cotta Warriors museum
9:30am Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors museum
11:30am Drive to the lunch venue
12:20pm Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
1:30pm Continue to the Shaanxi History Museum
2:30pm View the Murals of Tang Dynasty
4:30pm Return to the hotel to freshen up
6:00pm Drive to the Tang Dynasty Theatre
6:30pm Enjoy dinner and a cultural show
8:45pm Begin driving back to the hotel
9:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri La Xi’an or similar hotel
Day 4 – below is a sample itinerary as timings are dependent on actual flight times
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Check out of the hotel
9:00am Drive to the Muslim Quarter
9:30am Tour the Muslim Quarter and the Grand Mosque
11:30am Drive to the Hot Pot restaurant
12:00pm Enjoy a Hot Pot lunch
1:00pm Drive to the airport
1:50pm Arrive at the airport and check in for your flight
3:50pm Fly from Xi’an to Hong Kong (flight details TBA and subject to change) Direct flights not guaranteed
7:05pm Arrive in Hong Kong, passing through immigration and luggage claim
7:45pm Meet and greet at Arrival Hall B for a transfer to your hotel
8:45pm Arrive at the hotel and check in
The remainder of the evening is at your leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri La or similar hotel
Day 5
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
9:30am Luggage to be collected for transfer to the pier in separate luggage truck
11:00am Check out of the hotel, settle any incidentals
11:45am Transfer to the pier
12:15pm Approximate arrival at the pier for embarkation
Expected Weather:
Hong Kong in February – average temperature 66 F / 19 C
Xian in February – average temperature 46 F / 8 C
Hong Kong in March – average temperature 82 F / 28 C
Xian in March - average temperature 68 F / 29 C
Hong Kong in November – average temperature 76 F / 24 C
Xian in November - average temperature 54 F / 12 C
What to Bring:
Pack warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses, umbrella and good walking shoes as well as cameras and chargers
Documentation:
In general Hong Kong is visa free for most of the countries worldwide however guests will require a Chinese Visa to travel to Xian for this land program.
It is essential that your China visa is obtained prior to travel.
Note: Guests on multiple day land programs are NOT covered by the new (as of spring 2024) Visa Free entry rule for guests arriving into Chinese ports by cruise ship.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and visa must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of return from China
and it must have one entire blank page for the visa.
RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, submit what you have and then provide new details once secured. Bring both passports with you for this journey for check in for flights.
NOTE: Visa requirements are subject to change and Visa procurement is the responsibility of each guest.
Please consult with your local Chinese Embassy at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain the necessary documentation or for any questions on the above in relation to this program. Rules may vary depending on your nationality.
Currency:
The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the currency of Hong Kong.
Electricity:
The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts. If not, you will need a transformer for electrical devices. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug. We recommend bringing an adaptor in case the hotel cannot supply one.
Luggage:
On the flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an, guests are permitted to check in one piece of luggage not exceeding 20 KG (44 lbs). Carry-on luggage must not be large than 22x14x9 inches / one piece per person.
Excess luggage that you do not wish to take on the flight will be stored at the hotel in Hong Kong where you will be re-united with it on Day 4. If you exceed your luggage allowance on the flight, you will be subject to the fees imposed by the airline and payable upon check in at the airport.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Accommodation:
Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel – deluxe room
64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Phone: (852) 2721 2111
Shangri La Xi’an
38B Keji Road, Xi’an, China, Shaanxi Province, China
Phone: (86 29) 8875 8888
*If similar hotels are required due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be advised well in advance of any changes. If guests are not advised in advance of travel of any changes then the hotels listed will be used.
Program includes:
•2 nights at the Kowloon Shangri La Hong Kong including breakfast – deluxe room – or similar hotel
•2 nights at the Shangr La Xi’an including breakfast – deluxe room – or similar hotel
•All transportation by private mini-coach or coach and English-speaking local guide
•Entrance fees per the itinerary
•Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•Two standard drinks per person during included lunches or dinners (local beer, soft drinks, water)
•Economy-class flights from Hong Kong to Xi’an and Xi’an to Hong Kong – direct flights not guaranteed
•Excess luggage storage in Hong Kong while in Xi’an
•Archaeologists at the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum and the Shaanxi Museum (not on Mondays)
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes:
•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service
•Gratuities to the drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Meals or drinks not listed above
•Excess luggage fees on the flights to or from Xi’an
•Visa fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Price: $4,299 per guest based on double occupancy.
Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.
