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Jul
26
China, Tibet & The Yangtze
Filed Under Asia
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.
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