Day 1 Home City - Beijing
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
Upon your afternoon arrival at the Beijing Airport your local guide will escort you to the deluxe Best Western Hotel*4-star. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this historic and cultural city.
Day 3 Beijing (B/L/D)
This morning, your schedule starts with a visit to historic Tian An Men Square where Mao Tse Tung First raised the flag of the People's Republic. This is then followed by a tour of the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City and its gardens. After lunch, visit the Hutong by pedicab and take a leisurely stroll through the 700-year old narrow winding streets that surround the Forbidden City. Watch the daily routines of the local people in their courtyard homes. After dinner, enjoy the spectacular “Legend of Kungfu” show. Lunch and dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Day 4 Beijing (B/L/SD)
This morning, you will visit the Ming Tombs – the beautifully decorated burial place of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty also know as the Underground Palace. After lunch, you will 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)
Your morning is free at leisure. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to the beautiful Grand New World Hotel *4-star for two nights. Lunch and dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Day 6 Xian (B/L/SD)
Enjoy a full day sightseeing excursion to some of Xian’s ancient monuments. The highlight is the incredible Grand Mausoleum of Qin Emperor Shi Huang Di, the first emperor of China. Protecting the Emperor’s Mausoleum are 6,000 life-size Terra Cotta Warriors and horses. Afterwards, set off toward the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built as a Buddhist retreat in the 7th century. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous Dumpling Banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty show.
Day 7 Xian – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Start the day visiting the Han Yangling. This afternoon, you will board a flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to board the Orient Royal Cruise Line – East King * 5-star. Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard the ship.
Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise (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 9 Yangtze River Cruise (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 10 Yangtze River Cruise – Yichang – Wuhan - Shanghai (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 airport for your flight to Shanghai (approx. 5 hours away by motor coach). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai * 4-star.
Day 11 Shanghai - Suzhou (B/L/D)
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, and the old city. Afternoon, head to Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East”. In Suzhou, visit the Garden of Master Net (Wanshi Gardein) and the Silk Factory. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Youlian Suzhou * 4-star.
Day 12 Suzhou - Hangzhou (B/L/D)
This morning, head to Hangzhou via coach. En-route, stop in Wuzhen, a water-town displaying it 2,000 year history in its ancient stone bridges and pathways. Upon arrival in Hangzhou, enjoy a boat ride on the breathtaking beautiful West Lake. Overnight at the Ramada Haihua Hotel * 4-star.
Day 13 Hangzhou - Guilin (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, continue to explore Hangzhou. Visit to the famous Lin Yin Temple and the Dragon Tea Plantation. In the afternoon, fly to Guilin. Upon arrival to Guilin, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Your stay in Guilin will be at the Hotel Universal Guilin *4-star.
Day 14 Guilin – Yangshou – Guilin (B/L/D)
A full day boat cruise of scenic sightseeing along the Lijiang River offers 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 tour will end at the colourful market town of Yangshuo. Lunch will be on board the cruise. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Day 15 Guilin - Guangzhou (B/L/D)
Complete your amazing journey to China’s ancient and scenic wonderland with a visit to the fabulous Fubo Hill and Reed Flute Cave. After lunch, transfer to airport for your flight to the Guangzhou. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Shifu Hotel *4-star.
Day 16 Guangzhou (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, enjoy a city tour of Guangzhou. Visit Yuexiu Park, the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, the Ancestral Temple of the Chen family and Shangxi Jiu Lu pedestrian street. Lunch and dinner to be served at the local restaurant.
Day 17 Guangzhou – Hong Kong – Canada (B)
This morning, transfer by coach into the 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)
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 th ebreathtaking 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 (B)
This morning, you will head to the airport for your return flight home. Bon voyage!!
B - Breakfast L – Lunch D – Dinner  |
