Day 1 – Monday October 20, 2008
Home City – Shanghai
Fly from home city to Shanghai. Lose one day as you cross the International Dateline.
Day 2 – Tuesday October 21, 2008
Arrive Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, where you will stay at the deluxe Le Royal Meridien Hotel Shanghai. Spend the rest of evening at your leisure.
Day 3 – Wednesday October 22, 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 4 – Thursday October 23, 2008
Shanghai – Suzhou (B/L/D)
After breakfast, head to Suzhou. There, you will visit the Pan Men Old City Gate and the Silk Embroidery Research Institute. Tonight you will stay at the deluxe Shangri-La Hotel Suzhou.
Day 5 – Friday October 24, 2008
Suzhou – Hangzhou (B/L/D)
Start the day with a visit to Tiger Hill and the Garden of the Master of Nets. After lunch, travel to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, check-in at the deluxe Softel West Lake Hotel Hangzhou. After dinner, enjoy a boat ride on the breathtaking beautiful West Lake.
Day 6 – Saturday October 25, 2008
Hangzhou – Wuhan (B/L/D)
This morning, visit the Museum of Chinese Herbal Medicine and the Temple of Yue Fei. In the afternoon, fly to Wuhan. Upon arrival, check-in at the deluxe Renaissance Hotel Wuhan.
Day 7 – Sunday October 26, 2008
Wuhan – Yichang – Board Cruise Ship (B/L/D)
After breakfast, travel to Yichang (approx 5 hours driving). Upon arrival, you will board the brand new 6-star ship Yangzi Explorer – deluxe cabin. On-board activities include Tai-chi classes, cooking classes, Chinese calligraphy lectures, lectures on Chinese family & culture and Mah-jong, to name a few.
Day 8 – Monday October 27, 2008
Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
This morning, your cruise takes you to the legendary Three Gorges. Along the way you will pass Xiling Gorge, the longest and most exciting of the three. Later, visit the Three Gorges Dam Project before passing through the Three Gorges Dam 5-stage Shiplocks.
Day 9 – Tuesday October 28, 2008
Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Awake to the wonders of the west part of Xiling Gorge. Next disembark for the Shennon Stream Drifting excursion where you will see the amazing hanging coffins and hear Tuja Songs. Back onboard, pass through the Wu Gorge and its 12 towering peaks before entering Qutang Gorge whose cliffs rise more than 1,000 meters above the river.
Day 10 – Wednesday October 29, 2008
Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Sail past ancient villages and historic sites before reaching Shibaozhai, home to a famous Chinese pagoda.
Day 11 – Thursday October 30, 2008
Cruise – Chongqing (B/L/D)
Arrive in Chongqing in the morning and disembark. Visit Mt. Dazu and see the Dazu Rock Carvings, a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, dating back as far as the 7th century A.D. and depicting Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs. Afterwards, check-in at the deluxe Intercontinental Hotel.
Day 12 – Friday October 31, 2008
Chongqing – Xian (B/L/SD)
Fly to the ancient city of Xian where you will stay at the deluxe Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. In the evening enjoy a sumptuous Dumpling Banquet.
Day 13 – Saturday November 1, 2008
Xian (B/L/D)
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 14 – Sunday November 2, 2008
Xian - Beijing (B/L/D)
This morning, visit the famous Shaanxi Provincial Museum. In the afternoon, fly to Beijing where you will stay at the deluxe Peninsula Hotel.
Day 15 – Monday November 03, 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 16 – Tuesday November 04, 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 17 – Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Beijing – Home (B)
In the morning, marvel at the splendid Temple of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Bountiful Harvests. Then 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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