Upon arrival, you are escorted to the hotel.
Hua Ting Hotel & Towers

DAY 3 Sunday Shanghai

Sightseeing displays China's ancient glories at the Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden. Visit a carpet factory and continue on to see the colonial-style architecture at The Bund and the Children's Palace. See the traditional shopping streets of Nanjing Road or the modern Huai Hai Road.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, travel by motorcoach to Suzhou, renowned for its legendary gardens. Upon arrival, explore the scenic waterways on a Grand Canal cruise. Then on to tour Pan Men City Gate and the lovely Humble Administrator's Garden. After lunch, visit the new Suzhou Museum, designed by noted architect I.M. Pei, and visit the Embroidery Research Institute.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch
*Travel to Suzhou by train if group is less than 6 tour members.

DAY 5 Tuesday Shanghai/Kunming

Fly to the city of Kunming, at the foot of the Himalayas. Then on to tour the 400-year-old Golden Palace Temple at the top of Mingfeng Hill, home of the Taoist Taihe Palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony) and the largest copper temple in China.
Grand Park Hotel Kunming
MEALS: American Breakfast

DAY 6 Wednesday Kunming/Stone Forest/Kunming

A rare experience today as you take an excursion to the legendary Stone Forest, where you will marvel at the enthralling labyrinth of jagged limestone crags. This area is home to the Sani Minority, known for their fine embroidery and dancing skills.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7 Thursday Kunming/Lijiang

Fly to breathtaking Lijiang, arriving in the afternoon. The Naxi ethnic minorities of Lijiang have a splendid history and culture, with their unique traditions, architecture and traditional dress. Visit the ancient Dayan Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the houses are wood-and-earth structures with tiled roofs and flower-filled courtyards. The Mu Family Mansion, ancient home of a Naxi noble, is now a museum offering insight into Naxi history and culture. A tour takes you to scenic Black Dragon Pool with its Moon Embracing Pavilion and Dongba Cultural Village. Enjoy views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflecting in the pond.
Lijiang Guang Fang Hotel
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in Hotel

DAY 8 Friday Lijiang

If weather permits see a morning outdoor show, Impression Lijiang-Snow Mountain or an evening performance in a theater, Li Shui Jin Sha . Visit Joseph Rock's former residence. In the afternoon, visit Baisha village to see its Ming and Qing dynasty frescos, then tour Yuhu Village, a well-preserved Naxi community.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel by motorcoach to Zhongdian, the stunningly picturesque setting believed to be the inspiration of the mythical Shangri-La described in James Hilton's novel, Lost Horizon . En route, see the First Bend of the Yangtze River at Shigu, and astounding Hutiao (Tiger Leap) Gorge on the Jinsha River, one of the deepest gorges in the world.
Gyalthang Dzong Hotel
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in the Hotel

Today, a breathtaking sightseeing tour of this beautiful region visits 17th-century Ganden Songzanglin Monastery, scenic Napa Lake, then on to tour Zhongdian's Tibetan-style old town and local market.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in the Hotel

DAY 11 Monday Zhongdian/Lhasa

This morning, fly to Lhasa, mountainous capital of Tibet where you will be greeted at the airport with a traditional Tibetan welcome ceremony.* The rest of the day is free to adjust to the altitude of one of the world's highest plateausCabout 12,000 ft. above sea level. Dinner at the hotel.
Four Points by Sheraton
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in the Hotel
*Welcome ceremony with 10 or more passengers.

DAY 12 Tuesday Lhasa

An extraordinary day of sightseeing shows Norbulingkha, summer palace, built by the seventh Dalai Lama in the 18th century. Then on to magnificent Sera Monastery to see groups of red-robbed young monks debate Buddhist doctrines in lively traditional style. Alternatively, visit scenic Drepung Monastery once home to 10,000 Lamas.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13 Wednesday Lhasa

You will not soon forget the spectacular architecture at the world-famous Potala Palace. Former living quarters of the Dalai Lama, its massive 1,000 room structure towers over this mountain city. Continue on to visit the famous Barkhor Market where you may shop for Tibetan items. See one of Tibet's holiest shrines, revered 7th century Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims come to worship before the statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha, lavishly enthroned in gold. This evening, enjoy a memorable Tibetan dinner and show where you will be welcomed with a traditional Yak Dance.*
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show
*Yak Dance with 10 or more passengers.

This morning, bid farewell to the mountains of Tibet as you fly to Chengdu and then continue on to Shanghai.
Hua Ting Hotel & Towers
MEALS: American Breakfast