Day 1: Your exotic journey to China
begins this evening with an afternoon non-stop departure from Los Angeles aboard China Eastern Airlines.

Day 2: Shanghai.
Early evening arrival in Shanghai, the most capitalistic city in China. You will be met by your national guide and escorted to your First Class hotel, with the remainder of the evening at leisure. New Century Hotel

Dancers in Shanghai  

Day 3: Shanghai.
Morning city tour includes visiting the Jade Buddha Temple. Opt for a Mongolian BBQ lunch, followed by a tour of the magnificent Shanghai Museum. Why not take in the famous Shanghai Acrobat Show this evening? (B)  

Day 4: Shanghai.
Day at leisure. An optional excursion by train travels through the countryside to Souzou, capital of the Silk Route immortalized by Marco Polo. After visiting the city’s famous gardens, you will cruise down the Grand Canal, the largest man-made waterway in the world. Thousands make their homes on floating barges and in quarters lining the Canal. After lunch, included with the tour, a visit to a working silk factory completes your day in the country. (B)    

Souzou Silk Factory

Day 5: Shanghai.
Full day at leisure for shopping, strolling the famous Bund waterfront, or independent activities. (B)  

Day 6: Shanghai/Cruising.
Fly from Shanghai to Wuhan, and transfer by coach to Yichang, an important port on the mighty Yangtze River. Lunch is served in-flight. Tour the region by motorcoach; dinner in Yichang. Transfer to the 5-star "Century Diamond" and settle into your balcony stateroom. Set sail in the evening. (B,D)

Day 7: Cruising.
Pass through the locks of Gezhouba Dam and arrive in Soudouping, site of the Three Gorges Dam project. Tour the construction area, which will so drastically affect the country. (B,L,D)  

Day 8: Cruising.
An unforgettable day as you pass through the Three Gorges. This morning pass the Shennong Stream and continue sailing through the second Wu Gorge. Afternoon arrival in Wushan, where you will board a sampan for a thrilling trip up the Daning River to see the Small Gorge, showcasing some of China’s most spectacular scenery. Towering cliffs soar over the narrow river canyon where unique wildlife abounds. (B,L,D) 

Day 9: Cruising.
Your boat anchors at one of three typical river towns—Shibaozhai, Fengdu, or Wanxian--followed by a walking tour that will introduce you to the local attractions. Captain’s farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Cruising/Congqing-Xian.
End of cruise. Disembark and tour the Panda Zoo, the free market, Artist Village, and People’s Square. Fly to Xian. Diamond International Hotel (B)

Terra Cotta Warriors  

Day 11: Xian.
Morning tour takes you to the recently uncovered treasure trove of over 7,000 life-size buried Terra Cotta Warriors from China’s first emperor, Xin. You will see an introductory film chronicling the history of the site on a 360 degree screen, visit the extraordinary archaeological dig, and tour the adjacent museum. Afternoon optional excursion: After lunching on regional dumplings, enjoy an afternoon city tour featuring the Wild Goose pagoda and a visit to the top of the city wall. Evening optional event: A multi-course meal and cultural performance at the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. (B)

Day 12: Xian/Beijing.
After breakfast, fly to Beijing, China’s vibrant capital for the last seven centuries.  Upon arrival, opt to explore the Hutong district by pedicab (includes lunch).BEIJING PLAZA HOTEL (or similar)  (B)

The Great Wall

Day 13: Beijing.
On today’s exhilarating excursion, you will travel to the legendary Great Wall, which is the only man-made structure visible from space! Enjoy the breathtaking view before proceeding to visit the Ming Tombs, burial site of the Ming Dynasty royalty. (B,L)

Day 14: Beijing.
Day at leisure. Opt to tour Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. Tonight, you will be offered to partake in a farewell Peking Duck banquet, followed by a sampling of Peking Opera. (B)

The Forbidden City

Day 15: Beijing/USA.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Your unforgettable journey will end when you arrive in the U.S. on the same day. Xie Xie! (Thank you!) (B)