CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE 11 DAYS

Beijing - Xian - YANGTZE RIVER - Shanghai

China is one of the four great ancient civilizations. Chinese culture, enjoying an incredibly extensive history, is broad and profound, with the people of different ethnic groups establishing a precious cultural heritage over history's long course.

ITINERARY & PRICES

Day 1 Arrive Beijing (Wed)
After checking in, you have free time to explore this amazing city that is feverishly modernizing, transforming right before your eyes. Being capital of the People's Republic of China, it is the nation's political, economic, cultural, educational and international trade and communication center. Located in northern China, close to the port city of Tianjin and partially surrounded by Hebei Province, it also serves as the most important transportation hub and port of entry. As one of the six ancient cities in China, it has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.
Hotel: Novotel Beijing Peace Hotel or similar

Day 2 Beijing (B/L) (Thu)
Stroll through Tiananmen Square China’s historic heart of celebration and also turbulence for almost a century. Onward to the resplendent Forbidden City/Palace Museum (UNESCO site), home for Chinese Emperors since 1420. Walk through the world’s largest royal compound that was off-limits to commoners and learn about important treasures of the Imperial collection on display in the vast inner courts. Have a Chinese lunch at local restaurant. This afternoon, continue to visit the Summer Palace, which is the best-kept existing royal garden in Beijing, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds, situated on Kunming Lake (subject the weather permitting). Evening is free with dinner on own.

Day 3 Beijing (B/L/D) (Fri)
Today, climb the truly awesome Great Wall of China (UNESCO World Heritage site). Visit the Badaling section. All portions ever made would equal a solid defense wall going around the equator one and one-half times. At the less visited Badaling section, one of the most impressive portions of the barrier, you have time to enjoy the area, photograph majestic views and maybe bargain with the local vendors. Visit Beijing Jade Carving Factory followed by a Chinese lunch at local restaurant, drive to the Ming Tombs, and visit the most famous emperors mausoleum of Ming Dynasty with 500 years history—Chang Ling and Sacred Way, the main way of which the Ming Dynasty emperor has to pass through to worship their forefathers. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel. Peking Duck Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 4 Beijing/Xian (B/L) (Sat)
Explore the vast Temple of Heaven complex (UNESCO site) that was once a sacred area used only by the emperors of China for important ceremonies to honor Heaven, the supreme power. The main structure is the grand Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, an impressive architectural feat. Today this park is a favorite gathering spot for local residents, a community center where people of all ages come to relax, exercise and express through song and dance. Joining in on activities is a fun way to interact with everyday Beijingers and is welcomed with warm smiles and open arms. Proceed to visit the Lama Temple. It is the largest Buddhist temple of the Yellow-sect in Beijing and has been completely preserved. Built in 1694 as the residence of Count Yin Zhen, the fourth son of the Emperor Kangxi, it was called "the Palace of Count Yong." After Yin Zhen became the Emperor, he continued to use it as an imperial palace for short stays away from the capital. In 1744, it was converted into a lamasery. Yonghegong is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in China outside Tibet and holds treasures of both the Han and Tibetan cultures.

After Beijing Noodle Lunch at a local restaurant, departure transfer to airport for flight to Xian, once arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at airport and transfer to your hotel. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Xian, located in central-northwest China, records the great changes of the country just like a living history book. Called Chang'an (meaning the eternal city) in ancient times, it is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization in the Yellow River Basin area. As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, the city has won a reputation all over the world. More than 3,000 years of history including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have endowed the city with an amazing historical heritage. Visitors marvel at the numerous historical sites and cultural relics in and around the city. Known as the leading city of China's Western Development Drive Program since 1990s, Xian is an important economic, cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region, providing visitors with modern and convenient facilities.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda or similar

Day 5 Xian (B/L) (Sun)
Marvel at the important Terracotta Warriors and Horses underground army pits of the 1st Qin Emperor (3rd century BCE, UNESCO site) with your own eyes and understand the magnitude of this portion of the entire mausoleum project. There are thousands of pottery soldiers and each one looks different. Their solemn assignment was to protect the Emperor Qin Shihuangdi in the afterlife. A circle-vision film reenacts the related events of 2300 years ago. Visit the Xian Ceramic and Art Workshop to see how to make Terra Cotta replica. Chinese lunch at local restaurant including the Noodle-making demonstration Head to visit the Ancient City Wall, it is the most complete one that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Continue to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi'an. It was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Evening is free with dinner on own. Optional Tour: Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show with round-trip transfers $ 117.00 per person

Day 6 Xian/ Chongqing flight (B/D) (Mon)
Morning is free until transfer to airport for flight flying to Chongqing Lunch is on your own Arrive Chongqing, city tour if time permits Sichuan flavor dinner at local restaurant, and then transfer to pier to board on 5-star Victoria Jenna Cruise (5*, Superior Cabin with Private Balcony on Main Deck). Overnight on board the cruise.

Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D) (Tue)
Morning take in the soft sunlight shining over the serene and lovely Yangtze River. Whether you prefer to walk ashore at river stops or stay onboard, it will be vibrant and exciting. You can engage in a variety of activities while on board, including Tai Chi on the sundeck, morning coffee that is both calming and educational, lectures on the history and culture of the Yangtze River, the Captain's Welcome Party, and evening performances. Following that, travel on a beach excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, one of the Yangtze River's "Pearls," with the assistance of a local guide. An architectural marvel filled with legends and history, this 12-story, 18th-century red wooden temple on the northern bank of the Yangtze River is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. Overnight on board the cruise.

Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D) (Wed)
You will have a fun adventure through Wu Gorge to the remote Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream). If you want to see high mountain peaks and hanging coffins on the sheer cliff faces up close, change to a smaller boat and cruise down this lovely stream that runs through a small side valley. Sail back to your ship after enjoying a local Tujia ethnic minority's spectacular music and dance performance. The Captain's Farewell Party and a dancing performance are both included in the evening's festivities. Overnight on board the cruise.

Day 9 Arrive Yichang / Shanghai flight (B) (Thu)
You'll start checking out and leaving the ship in Maoping Port after breakfast. The highlight of today is a morning visit to Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower facility in the world, which is situated in the center of Xiling Gorge close to Yichang. You will be able to see this enormous dam from many perspectives, learn more about the background of the Three Gorges Dam Project, and take in the breathtaking beauty all around you. You can choose to participate in an optional experience that gives you a new perspective on the dam project by sailing through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the world's largest and most technologically advanced ship lift, in just 40 minutes. After touring the dam, you'll board the bus provided by the cruise line and travel to the Yichang Three Gorges Center. Transfer to airport for flight flying to Shanghai Arrive Shanghai, transfer to your hotel. The rest of day is free at leisure Lunch and dinner is on your own.

Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. Also it is a popular destination for visitors to sense the pulsating development of the country. In addition to its modernization, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional, and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed Shanghai's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.
Hotel: Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai or similar

Day 10 Shanghai (B/L) (Fri)
Start the morning by walk around the People’s Park to see locals doing morning exercises and visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, is a six-story building, with two basement levels, which displays Shanghai's urban planning and development. The focus of the exhibit is a large scale model of the entirety of urban Shanghai, showing existing buildings and approved future buildings. Other exhibits relate to Shanghai's history and planned development. Continue to visit the 400 year’s old Yu Garden. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Outside the garden, is the famous Chen Huang Miao – an area of shops, restaurants and recreation facilities. After lunch at local restaurant, stroll along the Bund and to visit the Shanghai Museum, boasts a staggering collection of over 120,000 unique ancient Chinese artifacts. Evening is free with dinner on own. Optional Tour: Shanghai Acrobatic Show with round trip transfers $155.00 per person.

Day 11 Depart Shanghai (B) (Sat)
Say goodbye to China as you will be transferred to the airport to board your returning flight home. Have a safe flight home.

Starts every Wednesday in Beijing

Single room supplement is extra. Please contact us for Single travel alone and Single room supplement.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodations as listed or similar
• Meals as indicated
• Transfers - arrival & departure
• Sightseeing as indicated with English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees to monuments and included features
• Airfare for flights Beijing - Xian - Chongqing & Yichang - Shanghai in coach class

EXCLUSIONS
• Domestic air taxes of $ 25.00 per person, Personal expenses, International Airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver