Tour Code: RDW

 

China overflows with treasures. This grand tour covers its most alluring ancient, modern and natural gems, including a scenic cruise along the legendary Yangtze River and a visit to the charming water village of Suzhou . Get your fix of culture and ancient wonders in Beijing and step out into the vibrant streets of Shanghai , the "Pearl of the Orient."

 

Visits to: Beijing (4 nights), Xian (2 nights), Chongqing (1 night), Yangtze Cruise (3 nights), Shanghai (3 nights)

 

Itinerary:

 

Day 1: USA - Beijing  

Board your trans-pacific flight to the capital city of Beijing .

 

Day 2: Arrive Beijing  

Upon arrival, we are greeted by our Ritz Tours guide in the airport and are transferred to our deluxe accommodations.

 

Day 3: Beijing     

As China 's capital for over five dynasties, this ancient city abounds with cultural treasures at every corner. We begin our exploration with a visit to the world-famous Tiananmen Square, followed by a tour of the Forbidden City , a sprawling palace complex constructed in the early 15th century. Admire the imperial decadence as you tour the bays of rooms, then take a trip to the serene Summer Palace . Complete our tour with photo stops at the 2008 Olympic sites, Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Tonight, enjoy the local delicacy of a Peking Roast Duck Banquet.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Party

 

Day 4: Beijing    

Like a giant dragon snaking its way 4000 miles across China's ever-changing landscapes, the Great Wall stands today as a bastion of culture in the hearts and minds of the Chinese people. After climbing its ancient steps, continue on to visit the Sacred Way leading to the Ming Tombs Museum . Lined with intricately carved stone statues, it was believed that the emperor would return to Heaven through this divine road.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 5: Beijing   

Enjoy the entire day free at leisure, exploring all the city has to offer. Uncover the charm of Old Beijing on an optional rickshaw tour of the Hutongs (narrow alleyways or lanes), lined with wood carvings, ornate brick designs and the occasional street vendor. Arrive at a traditional courtyard home of a resident and enjoy a meal of local delights.

*Meals: American Breakfast

 

Day 6: Beijing-Xian  

Sightseeing today includes a visit to the Temple of Heaven , China 's largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. Constructed in 1420, the Temple of Heaven was frequented by emperors for an annual pilgrimage of prayer. Arrive in Xian, a veritable treasure trove of cultural jewels and ancient wonders spanning its 3,100 - year history.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 7: Xian   

The intrepid discovery of Emperor Qin's Terra Cotta Army in 1974 has catapulted Xian into international stardom. Explore the massive underground pits and admire the life-sized army of soldiers, horses and carriages, which stand in fighting formation for China 's first emperor. During lunch, enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration. Continue on to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and City Wall, then head back to the hotel and prepare for dinner ¨C a tasty Imperial Dumpling Banquet. After dinner, enjoy the cultural musings of a Tang Dynasty Performance.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

 

Day 8: Xian ¨C Chongqing   

Board a short flight to Chongqing , a mountain city located on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River . Famous for its fiery-hot Chongqing cuisine, this mountain city is also the nation's largest and most populous municipality. Upon arrival, we head to the western suburbs of the city to visit Chongqing Zoo, home to over 230 species of rare animals including the adorable panda.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 9: Chongqing ¨C Yangtze River

Board our cruise ship, the Victoria Jenna, and set sail for our majestic Yangtze River adventure. The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, flowing nearly 4000 miles into the East China Sea in Shanghai .

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise  

Arrive at the ¡° Ghost City ¡± of Fengdu or the relocation village for our first shore excursion. Fengdu is a peculiar site that is accessed via cable car, and contains numerous statues of devils and ghosts that roam the afterworld.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise  

Enter the highlight of our cruise, the famed Three Gorges, collectively known as ¡°Sanxia¡± in Chinese. Our ship first passes the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and the most dramatic of the three. Next up is the 25-mile long Wu Gorge, famed for its 12 unique peaks and its quiet elegance. Disembark and board a smaller vessel to navigate through the impressive Lesser Gorges. Return aboard the cruise ship and enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) of the three. In the evening, sail through the ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 12: Yangtze River Cruise - Shanghai  

Disembark at Sandouping and visit the Three Gorges Dam site, a controversial hydroelectric project that is the largest of its kind ever undertaken. Return aboard our ship and sail to our final destination, Yichang, where we board a short flight to Shanghai .

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 13: Shanghai   

Depart for Suzhou , a beautiful water village lined with canals, pagodas and classical gardens. Among these gardens, the Humble Administrator's Garden is the largest (covering 12 acres) and most renowned. Admire its ethereal beauty and design, and continue on to take a cruise of the 2000 year-old Grand Canal . The longest man-made waterway in the world, this ancient wonder offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding scenery in Suzhou . Complete our city tour with a visit to a silk factory to learn more about this exquisite fabric's history and see how it's made.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14: Shanghai   

Often regarded as the ¡° Pearl of the Orient,¡± Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis situated on the estuary of the Yangtze River . Sightseeing today includes a walk along the waterfront promenade, the Bund, and a drive past shopping district, Nanjing Road . Continue on to tour the Shanghai Museum , home to over 120,000 relics of ancient Chinese arts. During the evening, enjoy dinner followed by a Chinese Acrobatics performance

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

 

Day 15: Shanghai - USA   

Return home to the US with fond memories of your China & Yangtze journey or make the most of your vacation with an optional extension to Hong Kong .

*Meals: American Breakfast

 

Dates and Pricing:

 

• Prices listed are for Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) departure
• Fuel surcharge and taxes vary by airlines and are subject to change at any time

 

Departure	Return	Tour Fare	Fuel Surch	Taxes & Fees	Total Price	Single Suppl.
3/13/2010	3/27/2010	$2,799.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,137.00	$1,000.00
3/27/2010	4/10/2010	$2,899.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,237.00	$1,000.00
4/3/2010	4/17/2010	$2,999.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,337.00	$1,100.00
4/10/2010	4/24/2010	$2,999.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,337.00	$1,100.00
4/17/2010	5/1/2010	$2,999.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,337.00	$1,100.00
4/24/2010	5/8/2010	$2,999.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,337.00	$1,100.00
5/1/2010	5/15/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
5/8/2010	5/22/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
5/15/2010	5/29/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
5/22/2010	6/5/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
5/29/2010	6/12/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
6/5/2010	6/19/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
6/19/2010	7/3/2010	$3,199.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,537.00	$1,100.00
7/3/2010	7/17/2010	$3,199.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,537.00	$1,100.00
7/17/2010	7/31/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
7/31/2010	8/14/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
8/14/2010	8/28/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
8/21/2010	9/4/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00
9/4/2010	9/18/2010	$3,199.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,537.00	$1,200.00
9/11/2010	9/25/2010	$3,199.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,537.00	$1,200.00
9/18/2010	10/2/2010	$3,199.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,537.00	$1,200.00
9/25/2010	10/9/2010	$3,199.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,537.00	$1,200.00
10/2/2010	10/16/2010	$3,299.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,637.00	$1,200.00
10/9/2010	10/23/2010	$3,299.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,637.00	$1,200.00
10/16/2010	10/30/2010	$3,299.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,637.00	$1,200.00
10/23/2010	11/6/2010	$3,299.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,637.00	$1,200.00
10/30/2010	11/13/2010	$3,199.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,537.00	$1,100.00
11/13/2010	11/27/2010	$3,099.00	$230.00	$108.00	$3,437.00	$1,100.00

 

 

Tour Features:

 

• Beijing - Stamp with Chinese & English names
• Shanghai - Silk tie or hand-painted scarf
• Full American or buffet breakfast daily in hotels or on the cruise
• Lunches at local restaurants
• Chinese or Western dinners in hotels, local restaurants, or on the cruise
• Beijing - Peking Duck Banquet
• Xian - Imperial Dumpling Banquet
• Chongqing - Spicy Sichuan Cuisine
• Xian - Tang Dynasty Stage Show
• Victoria Cruise - Lectures on Chinese History and Culture, Taichi Lessons, Evening Shows
• Shanghai - Chinese Acrobatics Show
• Suzhou - Grand Canal Cruise
• Round trip international air ticket based on Air China
• China domestic air tickets
• Comprehensive sightseeing program
• Knowledgeable tour guide throughout China
• Air-conditioned tour coach with professional service of drivers
• USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program
• Travel Protection Insurance is provided at no additional charge to you, if final payment is received by Ritz Tours 60 days prior to the departure date

 

 

 

Hotel List:

 

Beijing : Grand Millenium

In the heart of China 's capital city lies this premium five-star hotel of 521 grand and spacious guestrooms designed for discerning travelers. Located in the heart of the business district in Beijing , the hotel puts you in touch with the vibrant commercial centre of the city. Known as a hotel that offers the best facilities, the Grand Millennium Beijing offers hotel-wide broadband access, the latest in meeting & conference services, three levels of spa & fitness facilities and restaurants offering a fine selection of international cuisines.

Address: Fortune Plaza , 7 DongSanHuan Middle Road , Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020

Tel: +8610 8587 6888

 

Xian: Sofitel

Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian is located in the grounds of Renmin Square and is a grand hotel that adheres to the local Chinese 5 star platinum standards, making it the most luxurious hotel in the region. The hotel incorporates several heritage buildings of historic importance and feature 432 rooms, 4 restaurants and 2 bars.

Address: 319 Dongxin Street, Shaanxi Province, Xian 710004, China

Tel: 86-29-8792-8888

 

Congqing: JW Marriott

Located in the heart of Chongqing 's main shopping and commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Chongqing brings an unparalled standard of comfort and service to this famous " Mountain City " in the Southwest of China. The hotel boasts luxurious accommodation and numerous dining options ranging from Chinese, Japanese, Western to its very own Steakhouse. It also offers an exclusive Cigar Bar for discerning smokers. The Lobby Lounge and View Lounge are in a class of their own whilst the fitness center and swimming pool are of international standard. To complement these are our exceptional meeting and banquet facilities. Whether it's business or pleasure that brings you to Chongqing , let JW Marriott Hotel Chongqing exceed your expectation.

Address: 77 Qing Nian Road , Yu Zhong District, Chongqing 40010 , China

Tel: 86-23-6388-8888

 

Yangtze River Cruise: Victoria Cruises

For over a decade, Victoria has been the leader in Yangtze cruising, because of the quality of the fleet, the outstanding service and innovative itineraries. All cabins on the premier ships have private balconies for viewing the spectacular Three Gorges scenery.

Address: 57-08 39th Avenue , Woodside , NY 11377 , USA

Tel: 1-800-348-8084

 

Shanghai : InterContinental Puxi

InterContinental Shanghai Puxi is strategically located at Zhabei District, adjacent to the transportation hub and convenient to many attractions. The hotel boasts 533 rooms with 25 Executive Suites, three Penthouse Suites, one InterContinental Suite and two Presidential Suites plus a spacious Club InterContinental Lounge. It is within walking distance of the Shanghai Railway Station and Underground Subway, two miles from the Shanghai Grand Theater and the Jing An Temple, three miles from the Bund (waterfront) and Xiang Yang Market, and four miles from Yu Yuan Garden and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Jade Buddha Temple is a pleasant 15-minute walk away.

Address: 500 Heng Feng Road , Zhabei District, Shanghai 200070

Tel: (86)(21)5253-9999

  

	For payment, trip cancellation, please refer to the Terms & Conditions
	For more information, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-865-6221 or email to us at info@chinacustomtours.com