15 days -
October 10-24, 2008
$2195 ppdo,
Includes round-trip air
"An unforgettable journey!"-Lillian Aaron, Kingston, New York
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.
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)
Dancers in Shanghai
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)
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 Yichang, an important port on the mighty Yangtze River. Lunch is served in-flight. Tour the region by motorcoach; dinner in Yichang. Transfer to Victoria Cruise Lines’
5-star Empress 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 y to see the y, 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 this river town, followed by a walking tour of the village. One of the Yangtze’s most spectacular sites, Shiboshai boasts a 12-story wooden pagoda built against the side of a sheer rectangular cliff. Over 400 years old, it has appropriately been named the “Shining Pearl on the Yangtze” and is a gem of a Chinese architecture. 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)
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). Proceed to your First Class hotel. New Century Hotel (B)
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)
The Great Wall
Day 14: Beijing. Day at leisure. On our comprehensive optional tour of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace, lunch is included. Tonight, you will be offered to partake in a farewell Peking Duck banquet, followed by a sampling of Peking Opera. (B)
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)
