During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in smaller, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off –the-beaten- path gems. On an Overland Program, you’ll disembark the ship for one-night or more to enjoy a more authentic insider’s view, experiencing firsthand the colorful cultures, dramatic landscapes and exquisite landmarks before rejoining your ship.
Explore historical and contemporary landmarks in Taipei City before flying to Guilin, where you will cruise the picturesque Li River, watch anglers use cormorants to catch fish and see unusual rock formations and caves.
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 disembarking the ship in Keelung port, you will transfer to Taipei City to visit the National Palace Museum, which holds a treasure-trove of Chinese Imperial artifacts and artworks. Afterwards, you will view the moving changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the National Martyrs’ Shrine, which is dedicated to Chinese soldiers killed in various wars. For a different perspective of the city, you will pause for photos of Taipei 101, a towering bamboo-shaped building that was once the world’s tallest.
Following a hearty buffet lunch at the luxurious Grand Hotel, you will visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, which was built in memory of the first president of the Republic of China. Coincidentally, the same architect designed the Grand Hotel.
You will also see the Longshan Temple, which was built in 1738. Although earthquakes, storms and wars have damaged the temple over the centuries, it has repeatedly been restored and the temple remains a revered cultural and religious center.
Next, you will travel to the airport and fly to Guilin, a city in southern China known for its spectacular natural beauty. You will spend the evening at the Guilin Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel. Although a snack will be in your room, dinner will be on your own.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to a boat pier for a cruise along the Li River. This waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is visually stunning as it winds through rolling hills and past steep cliffs. Along the way, you will be treated to a buffet lunch of classic Chinese dishes and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside.
About four hours later, you will disembark in Yangshuo. Much of the surrounding land is agricultural in nature, and its terraced rice fields are particular scenic. The river here is the Yulong, which means “meeting a dragon.” According to legend, the name derives from a visiting dragon that found the area so appealing it decided to stay.
For a historical perspective of Yangshuo, you will visit West Street, which dates back more than 1,400 years. Over that time, it has become the most prosperous area of the city. After dining at a popular restaurant on West Street, you will watch a fascinating demonstration of cormorant fishing.
This age-old fishing method is unique to China. In essence, the cormorants are tethered and allowed to dive for fish, which they dutifully bring back to the fishermen. Small harmless rings around the cormorants’ necks keep them from swallowing their catch.
After viewing this fishing spectacle, you will return to Guilin.
Day 3
After breakfast and check-out at the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the port to re-embark the ship
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations, which are beyond our control. Program details including timings and flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1 - timings subject to change based on actual flight details
7:00am The ship is scheduled to dock at Keelung port
8:00am Meet local guide at Arrival Hall and depart for Taipei
8:00am Drive to National Palace Museum
8:40am Visit the National Palace Museum
10:10am Drive to Martyrs’ Shrine
10:20am View the shrine’s changing-of-the-guard ceremony
10:50am Drive to the iconic building Taipei 101
11:20am Stop for photos of Taipei 101
11:30am Drive to the Grand Hotel
11:50am Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Grand Hotel
1:00pm Drive to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
1:20pm Visit the Memorial Hall
2:00pm Drive to Longshan Temple
2:20pm Visit Longshan Temple
3:00pm Drive to Tao Yuan International Airport
3:45pm Arrive at the airport and check-in for the flight to Guilin
6:35pm Fly from Taipei to Guilin - flight details TBA and subject to change
8:30pm Arrive in Guilin, pass through immigration and claim baggage
9:15pm Meet local guide in the Arrivals Hall and transfer to the hotel
11:00pm Check into the hotel.
Overnight at the Guilin Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:15am Transfer to the river boat pier
9:30am Cruise the Li River with lunch on board
2:30pm Disembark at Yangshuo to visit a local farm house, rice fields and Yulong River
4:00pm Stroll along prosperous West Street
6:00pm Dinner at local restaurant
7:40pm View a cormorant fishing show
8:30pm Transfer back to the hotel
10:00pm Approximate arrival at your hotel
Overnight at the Guilin Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3 - timings subject to change based on actual flight details
6:45am Breakfast at the hotel
7:45am Check out of the hotel
8:00am Transfer to the Guilin Airport
9:00am Check in for your flight to Hong Kong
11:25am Flight from Guilin to Hong Kong (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:55pm Arrive in Hong Kong, go through Immigration and baggage claim
You will be met outside the arrival hall and transferred to the ship
2:30pm Approximate arrival back at the ship
Expected Weather
In Guilin — 68-81° F (20-27°C)
In Hong Kong — 75-81° F (24-27 °C)
What to Bring
Clothing that can be layered, a jacket for cooler days and evenings, good walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, camera and perhaps an umbrella in case of rain
Local Currency
Renminbi (RMB) is the local currency in China
Electricity
220V of 50 cycles. Plugs in China have 2 flat pins. Adaptors are available in limited quantity at the hotel, so it is recommended that you bring a travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage (subject to change)
The maximum for checked luggage is one piece per person not to exceed 20kg or 44lbs. The maximum for hand luggage is one piece per person no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Any excess or overweight fees will need to be paid by each guest upon check in for flights.
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 Guilin for this land program.
It is essential that your China visa is obtained prior to travel. If there are other Chinese ports visited on the cruise itinerary, a multiple entry Visa will be required for this land program. If not, then a single-entry Visa will be required.
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.
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.
Aircraft (subject to change)
Boeing 737 or Airbus 320 with approximately 150 seats on each.
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.
Hotel
Guilin Shangri-La Hotel
111 Huan Cheng Bei Er Lu, Guilin, Guangxi China
Phone: (86 773) 2698888
*If a similar hotel is required due to unforeseen circumstances, it will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be advised of any changes well in advance of travel.
Program Includes for guests
•Two nights at the Guilin Shangri-la Hotel or similar hotel - deluxe room
•Breakfast daily
•Meals as specified with two standard drinks per person (local beer, soft drinks or local mineral water)
•All transportation by coach with English-speaking local guide
•Economy-class International flights from Taipei to Guilin and Guilin to Hong Kong - direct flights not guaranteed
•All sites mentioned in the program, including entrance fees unless specified otherwise
Program Excludes for guests
•Personal expenses
•Chinese visa
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Excess or overweight luggage 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, gravel and natural paths. There may also be 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.
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. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
