Tour Code: RDD

 

Admire the rolling landscapes of southern China on a longer cruise through the scenic Yangtze River . Along with the dramatic landscapes of the famed Three Gorges and exciting shore excursions to Huangshan and Nanjing , this tour also visits the adorable pandas of Chonqing and the bustling port city of Shanghai . Visit the nation's capital of Beijing and marvel at Emperor Qin's Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian.

 

Visits to: Beijing , (3 nights), Xian (2 nights), Chongqing (1 night), Yangtze River Cruise (6 nights), Shanghai (2 nights)

 

Itinerary:

 

Day 1: USA - Beijing

Board an international flight bound for Beijing , where our Grand Yangtze journey awaits.

 

Day 2: Arrive Beijing

Touch down in the ancient ¡°land of the dragon¡± and greet our Ritz Tours guide in the arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel and relax for the remainder of the day.

 

Day 3: Beijing

The capital city of the People's Republic of China , Beijing is a veritable treasure trove of ancient historical and cultural sites. We begin our city tour with a walk through the world-famous Tiananmen Square, which can hold upwards of 1 million people, and continue on to the Forbidden City . Off-limits to the public for 500 years, this massive palace complex now holds the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Continue on to visit the stunning Summer Palace , and then stop by the 2008 Olympic sites, Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Return to the hotel where we will enjoy a feast of local delights ¨C a Peking Duck Banquet Dinner.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Party

 

Day 4: Beijing

The legendary Great Wall snakes its way 4000 miles across China 's northern face and stands as a symbol of culture and pride to the Chinese. Admire the sweeping vistas of China 's ever-changing landscapes as you climb its ancient steps, and then descend the wall to visit the Sacred Way . Walk along this ¡°divine road¡±, lined with intricately carved stone statues, to the Imperial Mausoleums of 13 Ming emperors.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 5: Beijing - Xian

This morning we visit the Temple of Heaven , constructed in 1420 and frequented by Ming and Qing emperors for annual pilgrimages of prayer. Fly to Xian later in the day. Deeply ingrained in China 's history, Xian was the nation's capital for hundreds of years and the starting point for the Silk Road .

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 6: Xian

In modern times, Xian has enjoyed international acclaim for the discovery of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's standing army of Terra Cotta Soldiers. Admire the troops in fighting formation, and then enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration for lunch. Continue on to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the nation's largest surviving City Wall. This evening, enjoy a delectable Imperial Dumpling Banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty Show.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

 

Day 7: Xian - Chongqing

Board a flight to Chongqing . Famous for its fiery Sichuan 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 8: Chongqing ¨C Yangtze River Cruise

Transfer to the docks and board our cruise ship, the majestic Victoria Prince. Set sail on our Yangtze River voyage and admire the tranquil landscapes of Southern China as they drift by. Arrive at Fengdu or the new relocation village for our first shore excursion. This ¡°ghost city¡± Fengdu is filled with demon-decorated temples and gardens, which depict the ancients' imagination of Hell.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise

Today we enter the crown jewel of the Yangtze River ¨C the famed Three Gorges. We sail through 5-mile long Qutang Gorge, the shortest but grandest of the three. Pass through the vertical, soaring limestone cliffs, and then enter Wu Gorge, known for its serene beauty and 12 unique peaks. Disembark and board a smaller vessel to access the smaller, but impressive Lesser Gorges. Return aboard and sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) and deepest of the three. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks.

*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise

Arrive at Sandouping for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam site, a controversial engineering project that will forever change the face of the Yangtze River Valley . In addition to controlling flooding, navigation and irrigation, the dam does have a lofty green initiative ¨C creating a major source of hydroelectric power for China . *Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise

Arrival at Wuhan marks the halfway point in our Yangtze River journey. The capital of Hubei Province , Wuhan has a history of over 3500 years and is the largest industrial and commercial city in central China . Disembark for an afternoon excursion of the city and the Hubei Provincial Museum .

*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 12: Yangtze River Cruise

Disembark at Guichi for a full day excursion to Huangshan (¡° Yellow Mountain ¡±), known as the ¡°loveliest mountain in China .¡± It is famed throughout history for its stunning granite rocks and peaks enveloped by a sea of clouds, and its influence on traditional Chinese landscape painting. (Jiuhuashan or ¡°Mountain of the Nine Lotuses¡± may be substituted if weather or road conditions do not permit a visit to Huangshan.)

*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 13: Yangtze River Cruise

This morning the ship docks at Nanjing , the capital of the Jiangsu Province and ten dynasties in China 's history. We first tour the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial, built to commemorate a man considered the ¡°Father of the Republic of China.¡± Continue on to stroll through a Qing Dynasty style bazaar surrounding a Confucian Temple

*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14: Yangtze River Cruise - Shanghai

Our Yangtze River journey has come to an end as the ship docks in Shanghai , a booming metropolis at the forefront of China 's race for modernization. Today, we visit Yu Garden, a renowned classical garden with a history of more than 400 years. Continue on to stroll along the elegant waterfront promenade, the Bund, and take in panoramic vistas of the city's unique skyline. Round off our tour with a drive past famed shopping district, Nanjing Road , and head back to the hotel for dinner.

*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 15: Shanghai

This morning, we venture to the Shanghai Museum . Located in the People's Square, the museum boasts a staggering collection of over 120,000 unique ancient Chinese artifacts. After perusing the exhibits, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure. Continue exploring the museum, do some last minute shopping, or take a cruise along the Huangpu River . We reconvene in the evening for a final farewell dinner, followed by an amazing Acrobatics Performance.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Dinner Show

 

Day 16: Shanghai - USA

Bid China and the Yangtze River farewell as we board a return flight to the US . Or make the most of your vacation with an optional extension to fascinating island of 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.
3/8/2010	3/23/2010	$2,499.00	$223.00	$101.00	$2,823.00	$1,100.00
3/22/2010	4/6/2010	$2,499.00	$223.00	$101.00	$2,823.00	$1,100.00
4/5/2010	4/20/2010	$2,599.00	$223.00	$101.00	$2,923.00	$1,150.00
4/19/2010	5/4/2010	$2,599.00	$223.00	$101.00	$2,923.00	$1,150.00
5/3/2010	5/18/2010	$2,699.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,023.00	$1,150.00
5/17/2010	6/1/2010	$2,699.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,023.00	$1,150.00
5/31/2010	6/15/2010	$2,699.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,023.00	$1,150.00
6/14/2010	6/29/2010	$2,799.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,123.00	$1,150.00
6/28/2010	7/13/2010	$2,799.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,123.00	$1,150.00
7/12/2010	7/27/2010	$2,699.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,023.00	$1,150.00
7/26/2010	8/10/2010	$2,699.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,023.00	$1,150.00
8/9/2010	8/24/2010	$2,699.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,023.00	$1,150.00
8/23/2010	9/7/2010	$2,699.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,023.00	$1,150.00
9/6/2010	9/21/2010	$2,799.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,123.00	$1,250.00
9/20/2010	10/5/2010	$2,799.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,123.00	$1,250.00
10/4/2010	10/19/2010	$2,799.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,123.00	$1,250.00
10/18/2010	11/2/2010	$2,799.00	$223.00	$101.00	$3,123.00	$1,250.00
11/1/2010	11/16/2010	$2,599.00	$223.00	$101.00	$2,923.00	$1,250.00

 

 

Tour Features

 

• Beijing - Stamp with Chinese & English names
• Shanghai - Silk tie or hand-painted scarf
• Full American or buffet breakfast daily
• Chinese or western dinners in hotels, local restaurants, or onboard the cruise ship
• 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
• 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
• Travel Protection Insurance is provided at no additional charge to you, if fi nal payment is received by Ritz Tours 60 days prior to the departure date
• USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program

 

Hotel List:

 

Beijing : Crowne Plaza Wuzhou

 

Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing is a luxury hotel located in the northern part of Beijing next to the Beijing International Convention Centre and within walking distance to the Olympic Green and much - celebrated Bird's Nest Stadium. For hotel guests' relaxation and comfort, Crowne Plaza Beijing - Park View Wuzhou offers a well-equipped Health Club, with an indoor heated swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, steam bath and massage treatments. Dining at the Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing is a delight. The hotel's exclusively designed Palm Garden Lobby Lounge, with live entertainment and three restaurants, offers local and international cuisines including a selection of Brazilian delicacies.

Address: No. 8 North Si Huah Zhong Road , Beijing 100101

Tel: +86-10-84982288

 

Xian: Sheraton Hotel

 

Sheraton Xian Hotel is revitalized with new standards of service and amenities. The hotel's central location is near the Xian City Wall and just 35 minutes from Xian Xianyang International Airport . Adjacent to the West Second Ring Road, the serene surroundings will make you feel like you're miles away, even though you are only minutes from the city center and the Xian Developing Zone of High Technology Industries. Relax with a swim in the indoor heated pools or with a massage. Spacious and comfortable, the 418 guest will keep you connected to home with wireless High Speed Internet Access and international direct dialing. Gather with friends and family to enjoy the great variety of food and beverages choices, which range from innovative daily international theme buffet meals to fusion cuisine on the ala carte menu and authentic local delicacies.

Address: 262 Feng Hao Road , Xian, Shannxi Province 710077, China

Tel: 86-29- 8426-1888

 

Chongqing : 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 : The Longemont

 

Formerly known as The Regent Shanghai, with 511 stylish rooms this flagship five-star property is located on the conjunction of Yan An West Road and Fan Yu Road that offers convenient access to Shanghai's prime business and entertainment areas such as Huaihai Road, the Bund, and Xu Jia Hui District and etc. It takes only a short time to walk to the subway and get to many places for sightseeing and shopping. With sophisticated interior design and the sate-of-the-art furniture reflecting distinctive European elegance and harmony, all rooms and suites feature large screen plasma TV and great view overseeing the city from the spacious bathroom.

Address: No.1116 Yan'an West Road , Changning District, Shanghai 200052

Tel: +86 21-61159988

   

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