Day 1 – Thursday May 15, 2008
Home City – Beijing
Fly from home city to Beijing. Lose one day as you cross the International Dateline.
Day 2 – Friday May 16, 2008
Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, where you will stay at the deluxe Peninsula Hotel Beijing. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Day 3 – Saturday May 17, 2008
Beijing (B/L/D)
Begin your tour of historic Beijing with a visit to Tian An Men Square, followed by a tour of the Forbidden City and its gardens. After lunch, take a pedicab ride through the 700-year-old winding streets of the Hutong area and visit a historic home. Tonight, enjoy the spectacular ‘Legend of Kung Fu’ show.
Day 4 – Sunday May 18, 2008
Beijing (B/L/SD)
This morning, visit one of the world's most remarkable sights - the Great Wall of China, built over 2,000 years ago by Emperor Qin. After lunch, visit the Ming Tombs, the beautifully decorated burial place of the Ming Dynasty emperors. Also, stroll down the Sacred Road, the original roadway leading to the tomb lined with marble statues. Tonight, enjoy a delectable Peking Duck Dinner.
Day 5 – Monday, May 19, 2008
Beijing – Xian (B/L/SD)
In the morning, marvel at the splendid Temple of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Bountiful Harvests. After lunch, fly to ancient Xian, where you will stay at the deluxe Sofitel on Renmin Square Hotel. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous Dumpling Banquet.
Day 6 – Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Xian (B/L/SD)
Enjoy a full-day tour of Xian's ancient monuments, including the incredible Grand Mausoleum of Qin Emperor Shi Huang Di, first emperor of China, which is protected by 6,000 life-size Terra Cotta Warriors and horses. Also visit the extraordinary Banpo Museum, Hua Qing Hot Spring, the Old City Wall and the 7th century Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight, step back in time as you enjoy a special dinner with superb entertainment in the Tang Dynasty tradition.
Day 7 – Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Xian – Chongqing (B/L/D)
This morning, visit the famous Shaanxi Provincial Museum. After lunch, board a flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your will be escorted to the deluxe InterContinental Hotel.
Day 8 – Thursday, May 22, 2008
Chongqing – Board Cruise Ship (B/L/D)
Your full day of sightseeing includes stops at the Museum of the Three Gorges and the Zoo where you will see adorable pandas. After lunch, visit the Memorial Hall of General Stillwell and the Painter Village. This afternoon, you will board the new 6-star ship Yangzi Explorer – deluxe cabin. On-board activities include Tai-Chi classes, cooking classes, Chinese calligraphy lecture, lecture on Chinese family & culture and Mah-jong, to name a few.
Day 9 – Friday, May 23, 2008
Cruise – Shibaozhai (B/L/D)
Slowly cruise down the Yangtze River and marvel at its natural beauty. Sail past ancient villages and historic sites before reaching your first port of call, Shibaozhai, home to a famous Chinese pagoda.
Day 10 – Saturday, May 24, 2008
Cruise – Three Gorges – Badong (B/L/D)
This morning, your cruise 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. In the late afternoon, pass through the Three Gorges Dam 5-stage Shiplocks, the largest hydroelectric project in the world.
Day 11 – Sunday, May 25, 2008
Cruise – Yichang – Wuhan (B/L/D)
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, head to Wuhan (approx. 5 hours away by motor coach) and stay at deluxe Renaissance Hotel.
Day 12 – Monday, May 26, 2008
Wuhan – Hangzhou (B/L/D)
This morning, fly to Hangzhou and stay at the deluxe Sofitel Westlake Hotel. After lunch, enjoy a boat ride on the breathtakingly beautiful West Lake, followed by a visit to the famous Lin Yin Temple.
Day 13 – Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Hangzhou – Suzhou (B/L/D)
This morning, visit the Museum of Chinese Herbal Medicine and the Temple of Yue Fei. In the afternoon, travel to Suzhou and stay at the deluxe Shangri-La Hotel.
Day 14 – Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Suzhou – Shanghai (B/L/D)
Start the day with a visit to Tiger Hill and the Garden of the Master of Nets. After lunch, visit the Pan Men Old City Gate and the Silk Embroidery Research Institute. In the afternoon, head to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to the Le Royal Meridien Hotel.
Day 15 Thursday, May 29, 2008
Shanghai (B/L/D)
Sightseeing of dynamic Shanghai begins with a visit to the Bund, often referred to as the "Wall Street" of China. Also visit the Garden of Mandarin Yu Yuan, built in 1577. After lunch, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, and the Shanghai Museum. Tonight, marvel at an amazing Chinese acrobatic show.
Day 16 – Friday, May 30, 2008
Shanghai – Home (B)
This morning, head to the airport for your return flight home.
**** End of Services ****
B – breakfast
L – lunch
D – dinner
SD – special dinner
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