| Day 1 | USA-Beijing
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| Fly to Beijing, the starting point for our scenic China & Yangtze journey. |
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| Day 2 | Arrive-Beijing
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| Arrive in the nation’s capital and greet our tour guide in the arrivals hall. Transfer to our deluxe accommodations and rest up for a full day’s sightseeing tomorrow. |
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| Day 3 | Beijing AB,L,DP
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| Throughout Beijing’s long-standing history as the nation’s capital, it has earned a reputation as one of the most famous historical and cultural cities of the world. A great number of ancient sites and relics have stood the test of time, with one being the Forbidden City. Tour the lavish palace grounds, where Ming and Qing emperors once resided, then cross the street to walk through Tiananmen Square. Continue on to visit the exquisite Summer Palace. After picture stops at the 2008 Olympics Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, we head back to the hotel for a Peking Duck Banquet Dinner. |
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| Day 4 | Beijing AB,L,DH
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| The centerpiece to any trip to China is undoubtedly the Great Wall. Walk across the ancient stones and revel in the wall’s awe-inspiring beauty and strength, then continue on to the Sacred Way. Follow this “divine way”, lined with ethereal willow trees and intricate stone sculptures, to visit the 13 Ming Mausoleums. |
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| Day 5 | Beijing AB
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| The entire day is free at leisure to explore the city on your own or just relax. An optional rickshaw tour of Old Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleyways) offers a glimpse into a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover the untainted charm of old town Beijing and enjoy lunch in the traditional courtyard home of a local family. |
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| Day 6 | Beijing -Yangtze River Cruise AB,L,D
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| Visit the Temple of Heaven, China’s largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings, then board a short flight to Yichang. Arrive in Yichang, the economic and cultural center of the western Hubei Province, where we board our cruise ship. We set sail in the evening for our exciting Yangtze River adventure. Nearly 4000 miles long, the mighty Yangtze River is the world’s third longest river and flows eastward into the East China Sea. |
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| Day 7 | Yangtze River Cruise B,L,D
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| Arrive in Sandouping and tour the Three Gorges Dam site. Originally envisioned by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in 1919, this massive engineering project aims to improve flood control, navigation and provide a new source of hydroelectric power for China. Return aboard the ship and sail through the dam ship locks, then through Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) and deepest of the Three Gorges. |
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| Day 8 | Yangtze River Cruise B,L,D
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| Disembark and board a smaller vessel to traverse the narrower, but still impressive Lesser Gorges. Return aboard the cruise ship and sail through the elegant Wu Gorge, known for its sheer cliffs and 12 mist-shrouded mountains. Enter the final gorge, Qutang Gorge, the shortest (5 miles) and most dramatic of the three, with soaring limestone peaks. |
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| Day 9 | Yangtze River Cruise B,L,D
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| Arrive at Fengdu or a relocation village for our first shore excursion. A fascinating river town, this “Ghost City” Fengdu is complete with demon and ghoul-decorated sites, which depict the ancient Chinese peoples’ vision of Hell. |
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| Day 10 | Yangtze River Cruise -Xian B,L,DH
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| Our Yangtze River journey has come to an end as we dock in Chongqing, a mountain city famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine. After a brief city tour, board a flight to Xian, the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China. |
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| Day 11 | Xian AB,L,DS
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| Xian is deeply ingrained in history, not only as the political and cultural capital of China for hundreds of years, but also as the starting point for the Silk Road. In modern times, Xian has enjoyed international acclaim for the discovery of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s standing army of Terra Cotta Soldiers. Survey the troops in fighting formation, then enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration for lunch. Continue on to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the nation’s largest surviving City Wall. This evening, enjoy a delectable Imperial Dumpling Banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty Show. |
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| Day 12 | Xian -Guilin AB,L,DH
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| Board a southbound flight to the lush city of Guilin, best described by the Chinese saying, “Guilin’s scenery is unmatched under Heaven.” Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, a unique rock formation and symbol of Guilin, then continue on to Reed Flute Cave, where striking stalactites and stalagmites create an unearthly, magical atmosphere. |
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| Day 13 | Guilin AB,L,DS
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| A river cruise along the emerald waters of the Li River offers unparalleled views of a mystical landscape filled with mist-shrouded hills, caves, and meandering boats. Arrive in Yangshuo and board the motorcoach to drive back to Guilin. |
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| Day 14 | Guilin -Shanghai AB,L,DH
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| Fly to the bustling city of Shanghai. Here, glittering skyscrapers juxtapose older sections of the city, offering a glimpse into China’s past and present. Drive past premiere shopping district, Nanjing Road. Time permitting, we visit renowned classical garden, Yu Garden, and walk along the Bund, an elegant waterfront promenade that offers sweeping views of the city’s unique skyline; otherwise we visit these tomorrow. |
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| Day 15 | Shanghai AB,DS
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| Peruse some of the 120,000 exhibits of ancient Chinese arts at the Shanghai Museum, located in People’s Square in the heart of Shanghai. Spend the remainder of the day free at leisure, and in the evening, enjoy an Acrobatics Show after dinner. |
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| Day 16 | Shanghai -USA AB
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| Fly back to the US or discover more about this fascinating land with an optional extension to the vibrant metropolis of Hong Kong. |
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