Hong Kong is a city of contrasts with the old and new intertwined everywhere you look. Century-old temples and gardens share the same streets with multi-storied offices, skyscrapers and residential housing. Ride in a traditional Sam Pan, visit the bustling local markets, enjoy a ride on the Peak Tram to the soaring heights of Victoria Peak, visit the highest observatory in the city for a birds eye view, stroll through the Tang Dynasty Nunnery and Garden and check out over 900 priceless national treasures displayed at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Day 1

After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport and going through the luggage claim and Customs, you will be met at Arrival Hall B and transferred to the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel, where you will spend the evening.

Although every effort will be made to have rooms ready before check-in at 3:00pm, this cannot be guaranteed. If you have an early arrival, you may wish to book an extra night so that your room will be available upon arrival.

The remainder of the day will be at your leisure and meals will be on your own. Feel free to simply settle in and relax or you might explore areas of Hong Kong not on the itinerary. At 8:00pm, don’t miss the spectacular 10-minute “Symphony of Lights” show around Victoria Harbor!

Day 2

After breakfast, proceed to Hong Kong Island. For the ultimate view of the surroundings, you will ride the re-vitalized tram up to Victoria Peak. The world’s steepest funicular railway, the Peak Tram opened in 1888 and has been providing spectacular panoramas ever since. As you ascend, you may notice that the steep slope causes an optical illusion in which the skyscrapers seem to be standing at impossible angles.

Hong Kong has spent $799 million HKG to make the Peak Tram a more efficient and comfortable experience. There are new larger capacity tramcars, ropes and track rails, updated control and signaling systems, a brand new terminal, covered and temperature controlled waiting area and platforms and tramcar floors have been aligned to provide step-free access for people with disabilities. There are also five new engaging zones that include “Eye of Infinity”, “The Beating Heart”, “An Icon is Born”, “Once Upon a Tram” and “Go Wild at the Peak” – all located at the Central Terminus.

After pausing for photos at the peak, you will drive on to Aberdeen fishing village and board a sampan boat. While on the water, you can expect to see fishing boats, Chinese junks and villagers doing chores. The experience offers a candid look into daily life, as does your next stop—a tour of a gem factory where you will learn how the craftsmen process the stones for sale or to be set into jewelry.

Following lunch, it’s on to vibrant Stanley Market, a highly popular shopping destination for merchandise such as silk garments, Chinese costume jewelry and art. As an alternative in Stanley, you might explore Tin Hau Temple, which once stood at the edge of the sea, and the Murray House, an early 19th-Century building that was moved from its original site to the seaside.

Your next destination is Sky100 - the highest indoor observation deck on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre, the tallest building in town offering a magical bird’s-eye sweep of the world-famous panoramic view of the city. If the timing is right, you may even catch the sunset over the city.

Following your visit, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own. Don't miss the vibrant Night Market!

Day 3

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart to visit the hidden gems in the City – the sacred Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist temple complex, and the charming Nan Lian Garden of the Tang Dynasty where each stone, tree, rock or water element is landscaped after specific rules and regulations. With the backdrop of Chi Lin Nunnery, you will find the typical Hong Kong high-rise buildings making for an interesting clash of old, new, calm and hustle.

Next, drive to Tai Po and enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront and Tolo Harbor at the Spiral Lookout Tower - a large-scale landmark established to mark the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong to China in 1997.

Visit a bustling food market that sells all kinds of fresh products, dried herbs and seafood. Next door is the century old Man Mo Temple dedicated to the gods Man (Literature) and Mo (Martial Arts). It serves as a center of worship for the community.

After sampling a Chinese dim sum lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred back to Kowloon with a stop the West Kowloon Cultural District. Visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum which presents over 900 priceless treasures from the Beijing Palace Museum. Many are on display for the first time in Hong Kong, while others have never been shown to the public before. The Museum also regularly presents special exhibitions featuring Chinese art and culture, as well as art and treasures from other parts of the world.

After your visit, return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own. Perhaps try the famous Peking Duck – Shangri La’s Concierge can make a reservation for you the best restaurants!

NOTE: Due to the amount of guests that may participate in this program, guests may be split into two groups and Days 2 and 3 may be reversed. For this reason, it is imperative to advise Regent Seven Seas Cruises at least 14 days before the program starts of any travelling companions so that our ground operator may do their utmost to place you in the same group.

Day 4

Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be transferred to the cruise ship for embarkation.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for 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 the Hong Kong International Airport. You will be met at Arrival Hall B after luggage claim and customs.

Transfer to the Kowloon Shangri La Hotel where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure and meals will be on your own. Check in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms ready before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Meals are on your own.

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

From 7am Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Meet your guide and depart for a full day sightseeing tour

9:45am Peak tram to Victoria Peak

10:15am Photo stop at Victoria Peak

10:45am Drive to Aberdeen

11:10am Board a sampan boat to explore the unique floating village

11:35am Short drive to Gem Factory outlet

11:40am Gem talk and visit the outlet, restroom stop

12:10pm Scenic drive to Stanley

12:50pm Buffet lunch at King Ludwig Restaurant or similar venue

2:00pm Free time for souvenir shopping at the renowned Stanley Market or visit the famous Tin Hau Temple and Murray House

3:30pm Drive back to Kowloon

4:30pm Visit Sky100 for the splendid view of the city

5:30pm Return to your hotel

Remainder of day at leisure and dinner on own

Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel

Day 3

From 7:00am Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden

10:30am Scenic drive to Tai Po Promenade with photo stop of Spiral Tower – a memorial landmark

11:15am Short drive to visit a bustling fresh market and the historic Man Mo Temple

12:15pm Chinese dim sum lunch served at local restaurant

1:30pm Drive to West Kowloon Cultural District

2:30pm Visit the renowned HK Palace Museum

5:30pm Return to your hotel, evening at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel

Day 4

AM Breakfast at the hotel

11:00am Check out of the hotel

11:45am Transfer to the pier

12:15pm Approximate arrival at the port for embarkation

Expected Weather:

57-66 °F (14-19°C) in February

70-82 °F (21-28 °C) in March

68-76 °F (21-28 °C) for November

What to Bring:

Light comfortable clothing, a jacket and warmer clothing during the cooler months, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, umbrella and camera

Local Currency:

HK dollars. U.S. dollars are widely accepted but subject to the shops’ discretion.

Electricity:

220V of 50 cycles. The HK plug is 3 flat pins. Adaptors are available at the hotel but subject to availability, therefore we recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Hong Kong is generally visa free for most countries. For details regarding valid passports and visas, please contact or visit your local embassy for Hong Kong.

RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms can not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, both the old and the new information will be required. Bring both passports with you for this journey.

Hotel addresses:

Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel

64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon

Phone: (852) 2721 2111

*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to travel, then the hotel listed will be used.

Program Includes for guests

•Three nights at the Kowloon Shangri-La or similar hotel - deluxe room

•All transportation with English-speaking local guides

•All sites mentioned in the program including entrance fees

•Meals as specified with one standard drink per person e.g. local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water

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 for guests:

•Incidental charges at hotel including mini bar and room service

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Personal expenses

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: U$2.199 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.

Zip to and from the naturally beautiful Guilin on a high-speed train and enjoy a night cruise around the city, another cruise on the glorious Li River, an exploration of Reed Flute Cave and a lavish outdoor musical show.

Please see further below for important details regarding Chinese Visas for this program.

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 for the transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to relax, settle in and explore wherever you please. Meals will be on your own.

Guests are permitted to bring one piece of luggage plus a small carry-on size bag or purse on the train to Guilin on Day 2. Small bags will be kept at your seat. Please pack accordingly this evening. Guests will have to carry their own luggage through the train stations and on and off the train as there are no porters at the stations.

Day 2

After storing your excess luggage at the hotel and enjoying breakfast, you will check out and transfer to the train station for a high-speed train ride. Upon arriving in Guilin, you will proceed through Customs with your luggage. Afterwards, a local guide will assist you in the transfer to your hotel.

Time will be allotted for you to relax and dine at the hotel before transferring to the pier for a night cruise. Guilin will look absolutely radiant in the evening as you cruise through four lakes and two rivers.

After returning to the hotel, you will spend a delightful evening.

Day 3

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the pier and board a cruise boat for a scenic trip on the Li River. The river is so incredibly beautiful and celebrated that it is featured on Chinese stamps and currency. You will pass the exact area shown in illustration on the back of the 20 yuan note, which is by the dock in Yangshuo.

After enjoying a buffet lunch on board, you will disembark at Yangshou to visit a local farmhouse and take in the gorgeous karst landscape. You will also see a typical rice paddy as a prelude to watching the Impression Liu Sanjie musical night dinner show. With the Li River as a backdrop, the setting for the outdoor performance is particularly stunning. The distinguished film director Zhang Yimou produced the show, as well as the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

Following the performance, you will return to Guilin for the evening.

Day 4

After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will visit the Reed Flute Cave, a karst cave named for the verdant reeds growing around the outside of it, with which artisans make flutes. Inside, you will find a spectacular underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and unusual geological formations illuminated for enhanced drama. The interior of the cave is so extraordinary that it is known as the Palace of Natural Arts.

Following your exploration of Reed Flute Cave, you will transfer to the train station for the return high-speed train ride to Hong Kong. Upon arriving, you will complete Hong Kong and China Immigration clearance, meet a representative at the Arrival Hall and transfer to the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel. Your stored luggage will be delivered to your room. The evening will be free to do as you please.

Day 5

After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will be transferred to the pier to embark the cruise ship.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings 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

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

•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 the Hong Kong International Airport

You are met at ARRIVAL HALL B after luggage re-claim and customs clearance and transferred to your hotel

Check in time at your hotel is 3.00pm.

Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 2

From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel, excess luggage separation for storage, Check out

10:15am Transfer to hi-speed train station in West Kowloon

Complete Hong Kong and China Immigration clearance prior boarding train

11:54am Hi-speed Train from Hong Kong to Guilin (time subject to change)

3:54pm Arrive Guilin and go through customs clearance

Meet your local guide in the Arrival Hall, transfer to your hotel

5:45pm Check-in

6:30pm Dinner at your hotel restaurant

8:15pm Short drive to pier for night cruise

9:15pm Return to your hotel

Overnight at the Shangri-la Hotel Guilin or similar hotel

DAY 3

AM Breakfast at your hotel

8:00am Scenic drive to the pier

9:30am Board a cruiser boat for a ride on the Li River

Buffet lunch served on board

2:30pm Disembark in Yangshuo Town for a visit

Photo stop of the sparkling Yulong River

5:30pm Chinese dinner at a local restaurant

7:30pm Enjoy the Impression Liusanjie Show

8:45pm Drive back to Guilin city and overnight

10:15pm Arrive at the hotel

Overnight at the Shangri-la Hotel Guilin or similar hotel

DAY 4

AM Breakfast at your hotel

8.30am Check out

9:15am Visit the mysterious Reed Flute Cave

11:15am Drive to the train station

12:15pm Arrive at the train station

12:54pm Hi Speed train from Guilin to Hong Kong (time subject to change)

4:53pm Arrive in Hong Kong and go thru China and Hong Kong immigration clearance

Meet your local guide in the Arrival Hall for transfer to your hotel

Check-in, reunited with any stored luggage

Overnight at the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 5

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

9:30am Baggage to be collected by hotel porters and transferred to the pier

11:00am Check out and settle incidental charges if any

11:45am Transfer to the pier

12:15pm Arrive at the port of Hong Kong and embark the ship

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.

Expected Weather

Hong Kong – February. 57-66 Fahrenheit/14-19 Celsius

Guilin – February. 41-60 Fahrenheit/5-15 Celsius

What to Bring

February is cool so bring clothing that can be layered for warmth. Don’t forget cameras, batteries, chargers, medications, comfortable walking shoes, hat and an umbrella in case of rain.

Local Currency

Hong Kong – Hong Kong Dollars is the local currency. US Dollars are widely accepted but subject to shops’ discretion.

Guilin - Renminbi is the local currency

Electricity

Hong Kong - 220V of 50 cycles. Electrical plugs have 3 flat pins.

Guilin - 220V of 50 cycles. Electrical plugs have 2 flat pins.

Bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices

Luggage

Guests must carry their own luggage on and off the train and through the train stations as porters are not available.

Guests are permitted to bring one piece of luggage on the train weighing no more than 20kg or 44lbs.

Luggage should not exceed 130cm in dimension. One small carry-on or purse is also permitted.

Excess luggage can be stored at the hotel in Hong Kong while guests are travelling to China. Please pack accordingly prior to departing for Guilin on Day 2. Make sure that any stored luggage is clearly marked with your name room number, ship name and cabin number on the ship. Bring valuables such as documents and medications with you. Neither the cruise line nor our local ground operator can take responsibility for any items left behind.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required

RSSC will require guests passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels are requiring these details for reservations. Please ensure that the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms cannot 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 check in.

In general Hong Kong is visa free for most nationalities; however, to visit Guilin, a China visa is required and must be purchased in advance of the cruise.

Note: Guests on multiple day land programs are NOT covered by the new (as of spring 2024) Visa Free entry rule for guests arriving by cruise ship.

Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for any of the countries visited on this program

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for train ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by train. 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. Guests are responsible to make sure that there are enough pages in their passports for any visas that are required – Minimum two pages for each visa.

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.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.

Hotel addresses:

Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel

64 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon

Phone: (852) 2721 2111

Shangri-la Hotel Guilin

111 Huan Cheng Bei Er Road, Guilin

Guangxi 541004, China

Phone: (86 773) 269 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 for guests:

•Two nights in Deluxe Room at Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel Hong Kong or similar hotel

•Two nights in Deluxe Room at Shangri-la Guilin or similar hotel

•Breakfast in hotels daily

•Meals as specified with two standard drink per person (local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water)

•All transportation by coach with English speaking local guide

•All sites mentioned on the program with entrance fees

•High speed train from Hong Kong – Guilin – 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 for guests:

•Personal expenses

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

•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: U$3.399 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.

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: U$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.