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Jul
26
China, Tibet & The Yangtze
Filed Under Asia | Leave a Comment
Delight in the wonders of China, secluded Lhasa in Tibet and a three-night Yangtze River Cruise.
16 days • Air, land & cruise included.
Escorted and a visa is required for China.
Itinerary
Day 1 Board your Overnight Flight
Day 2 Arrive Beijing China
On arrival in China’s capital, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where the balance of the day is free.
Day 3 Beijing
A sightseeing tour includes the Forbidden City, an immense complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens. On to historic Tiananmen Square, in the center of Beijing. Next, ride in a rickshaw for a tour of the Hutongs, the old residential area of the city.
In the evening, indulge in a traditional Peking Duck dinner. (BB,L,D)
Day 4 Great Wall Excursion
Journey out to the famous Great Wall of China. Walk along this architectural wonder, built to keep out invading Mongols. Afterward, visit the impressive Ming Tombs, the final resting place for 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Back in Beijing this evening, enjoy an unforgettable Beijing Opera performance. (BB,L,D)
Day 5 Beijing - Xian
Visit the Summer Palace, one of China’s largest and best-preserved imperial
gardens. Construction of the gardens began in the 12th-13th centuries and continued through the 20th century.
It is a beautiful place, where nature and man-made structures blend harmoniously. In the afternoon, fly to Xian. The rest of the day is free. (BB,L,D)
Day 6 Xian
Xian is the site of one of the most significant archaeological excavations of
the 20th century: the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses.
Tour the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, where the over 7,000 life-sized warriors have been standing guard for the last 2,000 years. After viewing these awe-inspiring sculptures, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built by Emperor
Tang Gaozong in honor of his mother.
This evening, attend a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (BB,L,D)
Day 7 Xian - Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu in the morning and visit the Giant Panda Reserve, home to giant pandas and other rare or endangered animals. Discover why these creatures are so beloved and revered in Chinese society.
Enjoy a traditional Changing Face Show tonight, and try to catch a glimpse of the performers’ faces as they magically change their masks dozens of times. (BB,L,D)
Day 8 Chengdu - Lhasa Tibet
Fly to Lhasa, the heart, soul and capital of Tibet. As the former seat of the Dali Lama, Lhasa, or the “place of the gods,” embodies the mystical Tibetan Buddhism culture.
The balance of the day is free to relax and adjust to the altitude (12,000 feet). (BB,L,D) 
Day 9 Lhasa Tibet
See the early Buddhist Da Zhao (Jokhang) Temple, originally built in 647 A.D. Capped by a golden canopy, the Temple is the holiest site in Tibet. Next, stop at the Tibet Museum, with a rich collection of prehistoric and cultural relics.
Then, catch a glimpse into the life of the local people on a visit to a local family’s home. The balance of the day is free. (BB,L,D)
Day 10 Lhasa Tibet
Enjoy more of Lhasa today, starting with the fabulous Potala Palace.
This immense structure |is actually two palaces, the White Palace, used for secular purposes, and the Red Palace, devoted to Buddhist study and prayer.
Gaze at the jeweled relics of times gone by and wander through the chapels as pilgrims make offerings. Next, visit the Sera Monastery. View its collection of murals and the statues of Maitreya, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats. (BB,L,D)
Day 11 Lhasa Tibet - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise
A morning flight brings you to Chongqing, founded 3,000 years ago. Take an orientation tour of this very large city, famous for its great Sichuan cuisine and pandas. Then, board your ship and savor a special dinner. (BB,L,D)
Day 12 Yangtze River Cruise
Admire the scenery as you cruise. Stop at Shibaozai, a typical riverside village. Disembark to see a marvel of Chinese architecture – the 12-story red wooden pagoda. Walk up this spectacular pavilion built completely without nails, and enjoy the splendid panoramic view from the top. (BB,L,D)
Day 13 Yangtze River Cruise
Sail through the first two gorges, the grand Qutang Gorge and the Wu Gorge, with its majestic 12 mountain peaks. Then, board a riverboat and embark on a voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges (depending on water levels) through Dragon Gate, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge.
Return to your cruise ship and sail through the third gorge, Xiling. (BB,L,D)
Day 14 Yangtze River Cruise Yichang Shanghai
Visit the construction site of the world’s largest hydro-electric project, the massive Three Gorges Dam.
On arrival in Yichang, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. (BB,L,D)
Day 15, Shanghai
Enjoy the many splendors of Shanghai, including Old Town, the Bund with its unique modern architecture, the classical Yuyuan Gardens and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its distinctive artistic spheres, revolving teahouse and sightseeing platform.
On your final night in China, prepare to be dazzled by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. (BB,L,D)
Day 16, Fri. Depart Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Tour Includes:
- Airport transfers in Beijing on day 2 and Shanghai on day 16
- All intra-China air
- Hotel accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower in hotels listed or similar; hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling
- Three night cruise on the 5-star ms Victoria Katarina in an outside cabin in Standard category; Upgrades available to Junior, Deluxe and Shangri-la suites
- 14 buffet breakfasts (BB), 13 lunches (L) and 13 dinners (D) featuring American and Chinese cuisines, including a Tang Dynasty Show in Xian
- Services of a professional English-speaking Tour Director
- Sightseeing with local guides
- All on board activities and entertainment
- Services of an English-speaking Cruise Director on board
- All local taxes
- Brendan flight bag and portfolio of travel documents
This is a land and river cruise tour that is escorted. And you do need a visa. Prices are based on availability and can change without notice. This is just one of the many China tour packages. Contact one of our tourspecialist and find the right China river cruise or tour package for you.
Jul
20
River Cruise Budapest to Paris
Filed Under Europe | Leave a Comment
Itinerary
Day 1 Board your Overnight transatlantic Flight
Day 2 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 3 Budapest
Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica,
distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 4 Budapest
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join an optional Puszta excursion. This afternoon transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner, as your ship sets sail for Vienna. (B,D)
Day 5 Vienna , Austria
Relax on board as you cruise to Vienna, arriving late this afternoon. Tonight explore the Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Vienna
A wonderful day to savor the baroque elegance of Vienna. A guided sightseeing tour includes lavish Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Your afternoon and evening are free to explore, shop, stroll along Kärtnerstrsse or sample Vienna’s famous pastries.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 Durnstein - Melk
Early this morning, reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche.
Above town you will spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192.
Your walking tour through quaint medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. At lunchtime, continue on a short cruise to Melk.
A guided tour takes you to the town’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. This evening, a wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau Valley. (B,L,D).
Day 8 Linz - Passau, Germany
Your choice today. You might want to take an optional full-day excursion to facinating Salzburg and its popular Sound of Music sights.
If you choose to remain on board, enjoy a cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. Here, a guided walking tour shows you the highlights of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Regensberg
Arrive this afternoon in Regensburg. A walking tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria – gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. Marvel at beautiful churches
and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Nuremberg
This morning, enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, a fascinating feat of modern engineering. In the afternoon,
enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia.
See the storybook 900-year old ramparts that surround this historic city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice
Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Munich Excursion
Today travel by train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest cities. Your Cruise Director will escort you, offering suggestions of what to do and see.
You will also enjoy lunch in the world famous Hofbrauhaus. Return to the ship this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Bamberg
Savor breakfast as you cruise through the breathtaking scenery. Then arrive in charming Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, with its uniquely intact townscape, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
1993.
There is free time here before you continue your scenic cruise, now on the Main River. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Wurzburg
This morning arrive in Wurzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. “The Pearl of the Romantic Road” is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards.
During your tour, see the major sights including the magnificent Residential Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This afternoon, explore Würzburg on your own or take an optional tour to beautiful medieval Rothenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Wertheim - Miltenberg
Disembark in Wertheim and enjoy free time. Then cruise to Miltenberg for a guided walking tour along narrow, cobblestoned streets where you will see the charming gabled, half-timbered houses.
Tonight, as the ship sails, leave the Main River behind. (B,L,D).
Day 15 Mainz - Heidelberg - Rudesheim - Koblenz
Today you have a choice of included sightseeing. You can disembark in Mainz and travel by motor-coach to Heidelberg. Here you will visit the red-walled castle, see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask and the beautiful
views of the Necker Valley and Heidelberg below.
Then enjoy a walking tour of old Heidelberg and free time for lunch on your own.
In the afternoon drive to Frankfurt, where you rejoin your ship. Or, you can enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Mainz, hometown of the famous printer Gutenburg.
Then take a lunchtime cruise on the Main and Rhine rivers to the wine village of Rüdesheim. Here tour the town by mini-train and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
Late this afternoon, everyone will cruise the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine River, passing castles and the infamous Lorelei Rock.
Arrive in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle, after dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 16 Cochem - Zell
Enjoy a guided visit of Reichsburg Castle, situated above Cochem with spectacular views of the Moselle River.
This afternoon, cruise past hillside vineyards to Zell, home of the famous “Zeller Schwarze Katz” wine. (B,L,D)
Day 17 Bernkastel - Trier
Arrive in Bernkastel early this morning and explore this quaint little town on a walking tour.
Strategically located in the middle of the Moselle wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history.
Then on to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Here a guided tour will introduce you to the city’s rich ancient Roman past. (B,L,D)
Day 18 Trier - Luxembourg - Paris, France
Bid farewell to your cruise ship and head to Luxembourg, for a city tour of the Grand Duchy. This afternoon continue on to Paris, the beautiful “City of Lights.” (B)
Day 19 Paris
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour: see Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées and more.
The remainder of the day is yours to shop, explore a museum or gallery, or relax in a café or restaurant. (B)
Day 20 Paris
A full free day to explore the French capital on your own. Stroll along the boutique-lined boulevards, visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, sip coffee in the buzzing Latin Quarter, or chat with one of the many artists along the banks of the Seine River.
The spectacular city of Paris offers something for everyone. (B)
Day 21 Depart Paris
Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Extra nights are available. (B)
Your trip Includes:
- Airport transfers in Budapest on day 2 and Paris on day 21
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Budapest including buffet breakfast daily
- Transfer from the hotel in Budapest to the ship
- Fourteen nights deluxe cruise accommodation in outside cabin with hotel-style beds
- Transfer from the ship in Trier to Paris
- Three nights hotel accommodation in Paris including buffet breakfast daily
- Superb dining with all meals included while cruising
- Quality wines with dinner
- Cocktail Reception and Welcome Dinner
- Captain’s Gala Dinner
- Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Special highlights including a folklore performance, wine tasting, lectures, theme dinners, local festivities and on board music performance
- Services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your cruise
- Nightly piano entertainment on board
- On board amenities including fitness center, massage and beauty salon, souvenir shop and Club Lounge
- All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking only on the Sun Deck)
- All local taxes
- Brendan flight bag and portfolio of travel documents
Prices are based on availability and can change without notice.
This is one of many river cruises in Europe. Contact one of our specialist and find the right European river cruise package for you.