Day 1 Depart Canada
November 5, 2007
Fly to Beijing, the political, economic and cultural center of the People's Republic of China. Lose one day crossing the International Dateline.
Day 2 Arrive Beijing
November 6, 2007
Upon arrival your local guide will escort you to the deluxe Best Western Premier *4-star. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this historic and cultural city.
Day 3 Beijing (B/L/D)
November 7, 2007
This morning, visit historic Tian An Men Square where Mao Tse Tung First raised the flag of the People's Republic. This is followed by a tour of the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City and its gardens. After lunch, take a pedicab ride through the 700-yearh-old winding streets as you explore the Hutong around the Forbidden City. Watch the daily routines of the local people in their courtyard homes. Continue the day with a visit to the Beijing Bei Hai Park. Tonight, enjoy the spectacular “Legend of Kungfu” show.
Day 4 Beijing (B/L/SD)
November 8, 2007
Start the day visiting the Ming Tombs, also known as the Underground Palace, the beautifully decorated burial place of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. This afternoon, experience the unforgettable! Visit one of the world's most remarkable sights – the Great Wall of China, built over 2,000 years ago by Emperor Qin. The Great Wall stretches over 6,000 km across the top of China. Upon your return to the city, drive by the Olympic site and see the National Aquatic Centre (the Water Cube) and the National Stadium (the Bird's Nest). Tonight, enjoy a delectable Peking Duck Dinner.
Day 5 Beijing – Xian (B/L/D)
November 9, 2006
This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven. In the afternoon, board a flight to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to the beautiful Shangri-la Hotel, Golden Flower *5-star. Time permitting, see the City Wall.
Day 6 Xian (B/L/D)
November 10, 2007
Enjoy a full day sightseeing some of Xian’s ancient monuments. The Grand Mausoleum of Qin Emperor Shi Huang Di, the first emperor of China, highlights the day. Protecting the Emperor’s Mausoleum are 6,000 life-size Terra Cotta Warriors and horses. Your day continues with a visit to the extraordinary Banpo Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built as a Buddhist retreat in the 7th century. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous Dumpling Banquet dinner followed by a Tang Dynasty show.
Day 7 Xian – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
November 11, 2007
Start the day visiting the Forest of Stone Steles Museum. This afternoon, you will board a flight to Chongqing. Enjoy a tour of the city, visit the Museum of the Three Gorges, see adorable Giant Pandas at the zoo, Memorial Hall of General Stillwell and visit the Painter Village. Later in the afternoon, board the East King Cruise that takes you down the beautiful Yangtze River. Enjoy dinner on board the ship.
Day 8 Cruise - Wanzhou (B/L/D)
November 12, 2007
Awake to the wonders of the Yangtze River as you float past ancient historic sites. Your first port of call is Wanzhou.
Day 9 Cruise – Three Gorges – Badong (B/L/D)
November 13, 2007
This morning, your curise takes you to the legendary Three Gorges. Along the way you will pass through the Qutang Gorge, whose cliffs rise more than 1,000 meters above the river. Then you will pass the Wu Gorge and its 12 towering peaks before entering Xiling Gorge, the longest and most exciting of the three. In Badong, disembark for the Shennon Stream Drifting excursion where you will see the amazing hanging coffins and hear Tuja songs.
Day 10 Cruise – Yichang – Shanghai (B/L/D)
November 14, 2007
The last shore excursion of the cruise is a visit to the Three Gorges Dam Project before drifting into your final port of call – Yichang in Hubei Province. From here, enjoy a city tour and head to Wuhan (approx 5 hours away by motor coach), where you fly to Shanghai. In Shanghai, stay at the New World Mayfair Hotel *4-star.
Day 11 Shanghai - Suzhou (B/L/D)
November 15, 2007
This morning, explore China’s most populous city and commercial capital. Start with a visit to the Bund – known as the “Wall Street” of the former foreign powers. This is followed by a tour of the majestic Garden of Mandarin Yu Yuan, built in 1577 and recently restored to its original splendour. Visit Jade Buddha Temple before you head to Suzhou. Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East”, will charm you with the city’s classical gardens. Visit the Garden of the Master of Nets (Wangshi Garden) and the Silk Factory. Tonight stay at the brand new Holiday Inn *4-star.
Day 12 Suzhou - Hangzhou (B/L/D)
November 16, 2007
This morning, head to Hangzhou via coach. En-route, stop in Wuzhen. In Hangzhou, enjoy a boat ride on the breathtakingly beautiful West Lake, followed by a visit to the famous Lin Yin Temple. Tonight, stay at the Howard Johnson Oriental *4-star.
Day 13 Hangzhou – Guilin (B/L/D)
November 17, 2007
This morning, visit the Museum of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Temple of Yue Fei, Six Harmony Pagoda, and the Dragon Tea Plantation. In the afternoon, fly to Guilin where you will stay at the Sheraton Hotel *5-star.
Day 14 Guilin - Yangshuo (B/L/D)
November 18, 2007
Start the day with a scenic boat cruise down the Li River offering 30 miles of breathtaking mist-shrouded mountains rising from the riverbanks. Since ancient times, this landscape has been the inspiration for countless poems and paintings. Your cruise will end at the colourful market town of Yangshuo. Later on, drive back to Guilin.
Day 15 Guilin – Guangzhou (B/L/D)
November 19, 2007
Complete your amazing journey to China’s ancient and scenic wonderland with a visit to the fabulous Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill. This afternoon, you will board a flight to Guangzhou. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to the Shifu Holiday Inn *4-star.
Day 16 Guangzhou (B/L/D)
November 20, 2007
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a city tour of Guangzhou. Visit Yuexiu Park, The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family and Shangxia Jiu Lu Pedestrian Street.
Day 17 Guangzhou – Hong Kong - Canada (B)
November 21, 2007
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong airport for your flight home. Or, stay in Hong Kong at the Harbour Plaza Hotel *5-star for an extra two nights.
Extension to Hong Kong
Day 18 Hong Kong (B)
November 22, 2007
Today, enjoy a half-day city tour of Hong Kong Island. You will visit Aberdeen; marvel at scenic Repulse Bay and its pristine beaches; ride to the top of Victoria Peak on a tram and enjoy the breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour, the mountains of Kowloon and the islands of the South China Sea. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the city on your own and buy fantastic souvenirs.
Day 19 Hong Kong – Home City (B)
November 23, 2007
This morning, you will head to the airport for your return flight home. Bon voyage!!
B - Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
|
