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 Note: 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.
Day 1
After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and passing through baggage claim and Customs, you will be 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. 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 (direct flights are not guaranteed.) Upon arriving in Xi’an and passing through immigration, Customs and baggage claim, you will continue 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.
In the early evening, you will be transferred to nearby Defachang, a popular restaurant 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 check in and spend the evening.
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, you will 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 the 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 you will explore 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 (or similar hotel).
Day 5
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred to the cruise ship 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 the hotel
Check in time is at 3:00pm
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
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out procedures (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 are not guaranteed)
2:35pm Arrive in Xi’an and go through immigration, Customs and baggage claim
3:50pm Meet your guide and transfer to the Wild Goose Pagoda
4:50pm Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda and Temple
6:00pm Drive to the Defachang Restaurant for dinner
6:30pm Sample various signature dumplings at the restaurant
8:00pm Drive back to the hotel
8:30pm Arrive at the hotel and check in
Overnight at the Shangri La Xian (or similar hotel)
Day 3
AM 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 Drive to the Shaanxi History Museum and visit
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 Drive back to the hotel
9:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Overnight at the Shangri La Xian (or similar hotel)
Day 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel followed by check out procedures and settle any incidentals if any
9:00am Drive to the Muslim quarter and Grand Mosque and visit
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 are not guaranteed)
7:10pm Arrive in Hong Kong, passing through immigration and luggage claim
7:30pm Meet and greet at Hall B for your transfer to Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel or similar
8:45pm Check-in Hotel and overnight — any stored luggage at hotel will be delivered to room
DAY 5
7:00am Breakfast in Hotel
9:30am Baggage to be collected by hotel porters and transferred to pier by truck
11:00am Check out of your room and settle any incidental charges if any
11:45am Transfer to the pier to embark the ship
12:15pm Approximate arrival at the port for embarkation
Expected Weather:
The average temperatures in Hong Kong from March until June range from about 75°F to 82°F
In Xian the average high temperature in March is 14°C / 57°F; the average low temperature is 4°C / 39°F.
In April the average high temperature of 21°C / 70°F, an average low temperature of 10°C / 50°F
In May the average high temperature is 26°C / 79°F; the average low temperature is 14°C / 57°F
The average temperatures in Hong Kong and Xian in November are between 38 - 68 degrees F (3-21 degrees C) with Xian being on the cooler side.
The average temperatures in Hong Kong and Xian in February are between 1-19°C (30-66 °F) with Xian being on the cooler side. M
Make sure to bring a warm jacket for the cooler times of the day . A hat, sunscreen, umbrella and good walking shoes are also recommended.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
In general Hong Kong is visa free for most of the countries worldwide however guests will require a Visa to travel to Xian for this land program and it is essential that your China visa is obtained prior to travel. Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality
If there are other Chinese ports visited on your cruise itinerary, a multiple entry Visa will be required for the cruise and land program. If not, then a single-entry Visa will be required only for this program.
A passport that is valid at least 6 months from your planned date of return from China is required and it must have one entire blank page for the visa.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program 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.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
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 and your cruise.
Currency:
The Renminbi (RMB) is the local currency.
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 and you will be reunited 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 OCI 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 Oceania 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 Hotel Xian
38b Keji Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 710075
Phone: +86 29 8875 8888
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program includes:
•2-nights’ accommodation at the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel (Deluxe room)
•2-nights’ accommodation at the Shangri La Xian (Deluxe room)
•Breakfast at the hotels daily
•Meals per the itinerary
•All transportation by private mini-coach or coach and English-speaking local guide
•Entrance fees per the itinerary
•Economy-class flights from Hong Kong to Xi’an and Xi’an to Hong Kong
•Excess luggage storage in Hong Kong
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 / from Xian
•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.
