Tour Code:  RDT  

 

This is a tour that combines a healthy dose of adventure with breathtaking sceneries and ancient wonders. This program captures the unmistakable charm and beauty of Tibet , "The Roof of the World," and visits the spellbinding Potala Palace . Cruise through the lush green valleys of the Yangtze River and enjoy the contrast of ancient and modern in Beijing , Xian and Shanghai .

 

Visits: Beijing (4 nights), Xian (2 nights), Lhasa (3 nights), Yangtze River Cruise (3 nights), Shanghai (2 nights)

 

Itinerary:

 

Day 1: USA - Beijing

Depart to Beijing , the economic and political center of China .

 

Day 2: Arrive Beijing

Touch down and greet our guide in the arrivals hall (look for the red Ritz Tours flag). Transfer to the hotel and rest up for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

 

Day 3: Beijing

Despite the urban facelift Beijing has undergone in recent years, this ancient city still boasts a great number of ancient and historical sights. We begin our sightseeing tour with a visit to the Forbidden City , the world's largest palace complex which was previously off-limits to public. Admire the opulent splendor of imperial times as we tour the bays of rooms, and then continue on to visit the exquisite Summer Palace . Stop for photos at the 2008 Olympic sites Bird's Nest and Water Cube, and return to the hotel for a Peking Duck Banquet dinner.

*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 pride and culture to the Chinese people. Spend some time climbing its ancient steps and descend the wall 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 at leisure, free to venture into the city or just relax. 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 colorful street vendors. Arrive at the traditional courtyard residence of our host and enjoy a lunch of local delights.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 6: Beijing - Xian  

Before flying to Xian, we visit the Temple of Heaven , constructed in 1420 and frequented by Ming and Qing emperors for annual pilgrimages of prayer. Later in the day, arrive in Xian, the central stronghold for the country's most significant ancient dynasties

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 7: Xian  

A fascinating city with over 3,100 years of history, Xian is most famous for the chance discovery of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terra Cotta Soldiers. Tour the pits which house countless rows of standing soldiers, horses and chariots, then continue on to visit Xian's massive City Wall, the most complete surviving city wall in China . Stop by the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and head back to the hotel to prepare for an Imperial Dumpling Banquet and Tang Dynasty Show.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

 

Day 8: Xian - Lhasa   

Depart to Lhasa , the capital city of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Known as the ¡°Roof of the World,¡± the Tibetan plateau's average height towers more than 13,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. Due to the high elevation, no sightseeing has been planned for today, so that our bodies can acclimate to the thin air. It is highly recommended that the remainder of the day is spent relaxing in the hotel.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 9: Lhasa   

Today we will visit the architectural wonder and cardinal landmark of Lhasa , Potala Palace . Built on the Red Hill overlooking the city, this exquisite palace covers over 100 acres and was once a spiritual and temporal palace of the Dalai Lama. Descend the palace grounds and stroll along Barkhor Street , an old section of Lhasa lined with colorful street stalls and colorful ethnic handicrafts. Continue on to Jokang Lamasery, the most important pilgrimage site in Tibet .

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10: Lhasa   

Depart Lhasa and head to Yamdrok Yumstro Lake , one of Tibet 's three holy lakes, which rests over 14,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy a picnic lunch alongside the river and take in the stunning natural vistas of sparkling waters and rolling mountains. Drive back to Lhasa and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 11: Lhasa ¨C Yangtze River Cruise  

Fly to Chongqing , a charming mountain city, and head to the docks and board our ship, the Victoria Anna, ready for our Yangtze River adventure. The majestic Yangtze River is the third-largest river in the world, next only to the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America .

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

 

Day 12: Yangtze River Cruise  

We arrive at Fengdu or a relocation village for our first shore excursion. Dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, this ¡° Ghost City ¡± Fengdu earned its nickname from the numerous ghost and demon-decorated temples and statues spread throughout the city.

*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 13: Yangtze River Cruise  

Sail through the centerpiece of our Yangtze River cruise, the famed Three Gorges, collectively known as ¡°Sanxia¡± in Chinese. Enter Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the three. Continue on through the 25-mile long Wu Gorge, known for its quiet elegance and 12 unique peaks, then disembark and board a smaller vessel to navigate our way through the impressive Lesser Gorges. Drifting along, we take in the marvelous scenery of clear waters, soaring cliffs and lush terraced fields. Return aboard the ship and sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the three. This evening, sail through the ship locks of the dam.

*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14: Yangtze River Cruise - Shanghai   

Arrive at Sandouping Village and visit the Three Gorges Dam, a massive water conservancy project aimed to curb flooding and create a new source of hydroelectric power for China . Arrival at Yichang marks the end of our Yangtze journey. Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai .

*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

 

Day 15: Shanghai   

A ¡°bright pearl¡± at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is China 's largest economic center and a dynamic blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Admire the marvelous vistas of traditional pavilions, ponds, and rock gardens in the classical Yu Garden, and continue on to visit the Bund. Stroll along this waterfront promenade and admire the dazzling skyline and unique architecture, which spans various historical periods. Drive by premiere shopping district, Nanjing Road , and return to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner followed by a special Acrobatics Performance.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

 

Day 16: Shanghai - USA   

All too soon our fascinating journey has reached its end. Return to the US , arriving the same day, or extend your trip 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.
3/27/2010	4/11/2010	$3,299.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,655.00	$900.00
4/10/2010	4/25/2010	$3,299.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,655.00	$900.00
4/24/2010	5/9/2010	$3,399.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,755.00	$1,000.00
5/8/2010	5/23/2010	$3,499.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,855.00	$1,000.00
5/22/2010	6/6/2010	$3,499.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,855.00	$1,000.00
6/5/2010	6/20/2010	$3,499.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,855.00	$900.00
6/19/2010	7/4/2010	$3,699.00	$237.00	$119.00	$4,055.00	$900.00
7/3/2010	7/18/2010	$3,799.00	$237.00	$119.00	$4,155.00	$1,000.00
7/17/2010	8/1/2010	$3,599.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,955.00	$1,000.00
8/7/2010	8/22/2010	$3,599.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,955.00	$1,000.00
8/28/2010	9/12/2010	$3,599.00	$237.00	$119.00	$3,955.00	$1,100.00
9/11/2010	9/26/2010	$3,699.00	$237.00	$119.00	$4,055.00	$1,200.00
9/25/2010	10/10/2010	$3,699.00	$237.00	$119.00	$4,055.00	$1,200.00
10/9/2010	10/24/2010	$3,699.00	$237.00	$119.00	$4,055.00	$1,200.00
10/23/2010	11/7/2010	$3,699.00	$237.00	$119.00	$4,055.00	$1,200.00

 

 

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
• 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 : 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 travellers. 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 which 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

 

Lhasa : Jardin Secret Hotel

The Jardin Secret Hotel is a five star hotel that fully absorbs the elements of the Traditional Tibetan construction. It also has modern ideas in the spatial distribution and the use of material. The stylishly designed rooms are modern and comfortable, providing to a home away from home feeling. The 200 rooms and luxury suites include several special layouts and designs and are the most fashionable and comfortable hotel rooms in Lhasa . The human-oriented service philosophy and the mature Hong Kong style management mode make the Jardin Secret Hotel an unforgettable experience to Lhasa

Address: No.60 Jinzhu West Road , Lhasa 850015

Tel: 86-891-6936 666

 

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

  

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	For more information, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-865-6221 or email to us at info@chinacustomtours.com