Tour Code: RDV

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: USA - Beijing  

Depart to Beijing , excited to begin our cultural exploration of China 's treasures.

Day 2: Arrive Beijing

Our Ritz Tours guide greets us in the arrivals hall and we transfer to our deluxe accommodations for a good night's rest.

Day 3: Beijing

The nation's vast capital boasts a rich history spanning more than 3000 years, with countless historical and cultural treasures to prove it. Uncover the city's extraordinary heritage on a city tour beginning with a walk through Tiananmen Square , a massive public square named for its Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen). Walk past Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall and proceed to the Forbidden City , an enormous palace complex and the former imperial seat until 1912. Visit the priceless royal treasures in the on-site Palace Museum and continue on to the emperors' vacation retreat, the stunning Summer Palace . Drive by the 2008 Olympics Bird's Nest and Water Cube and this evening, enjoy Beijing 's culinary jewel �C a Peking Duck dinner at a popular restaurant.

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Party

Day 4: Beijing

The legendary Great Wall of China has long been a symbol of the country's strength and pride, capturing the imagination of people worldwide. Trek across its ancient steps and enjoy the sweeping views of the wall as it snakes its way across sprawling mountains and valleys. Descend the wall and visit the Sacred Way . Lined with intricately carved stone statues, this "divine road" takes us to the 13 Imperial Ming Mausoleums.   

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

Day 5: Beijing - Xian 

Before flying to Xian we visit the Temple of Heaven , a massive complex frequented by emperors for annual ceremonies of prayer. The temple was constructed to be three times larger than the Forbidden Palace , as the emperors dared not build their residence larger than a dwelling for Heaven. Later in the day, we board a short flight to the " Eternal City " of Xian, regarded as one of the birthplaces of ancient Chinese civilization  

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

Day 6: Xian

Though blessed with an abundance of cultural and historical treasures, the Terra-Cotta Warriors remain Xian's star attraction. Walk through the underground pits and admire the life-sized funereal honor guard, which stands in ranks near the tomb of Emperor Qin Shih Huang. During lunch we enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration and continue on to visit the Ming Dynasty City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening we gather for an Imperial Dumpling Banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty Show.   

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

 Day 7: Xian �C Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise

Board a flight to Chongqing , a scenic cliff-side city that overlooks the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers . After a brief city tour we board the majestic Victoria cruise ship and set sail for our Yangtze River adventure.  

Board a southbound flight to the lush city of Guilin , renowned for its picturesque landscape, said to be *Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise

Arrive at our first shore excursion at the "ghost city" of Fengdu. With a history of nearly 2000 years, Fengdu is filled with temples and shrines dedicated to the gods of the underworld. Return aboard the ship for dinner and evening cruising.   

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise

Today we approach one of China 's most globally recognized icons, the Three Gorges. We first pass through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest of the three, followed by the 25-mile long Wu Gorge. Admire the serene beauty of its mountains and sheer limestone cliffs, then board a smaller vessel to access the dramatic Lesser Gorges. Return aboard the ship and sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. This evening we sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship lock systems.   

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise �C Yichang - Shanghai

Disembark at Sandouping Village , the site of the Three Gorges Dam. Meet an engineer from the Three Gorges Dam Project and learn more about the construction of the world's largest hydroelectric dam. This multibillion-dollar effort aims to provide a new source of energy to China and its construction has forever changed the landscape of the Yangtze River valley. Return aboard our ship and sail on to our final destination of Yichang, where we board a flight to Shanghai .   

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

Day 11: Shanghai

A glittering metropolis and one of China 's most vital shipping ports, Shanghai possesses an intriguing blend of Eastern and Western influences. Sightseeing today takes us to the renowned classical garden, Yu Garden, followed by a walk along the elegant waterfront boulevard known as the Bund. Enjoy the sweeping views of Shanghai 's futuristic skyline, then drive by Nanjing Road . This evening we attend a performance by the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.   

*Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show

Day 12: Depart Shanghai   

Board an international return flight to the US or make the most of your trip with an optional extension to Hong Kong .

*Meals: American Breakfast

 

2011 Dates and Pricing:

Start End Land Only * Single Suppl.

03/16/2011 3/26/2011 $1799.00 $750.00

03/23/2011 4/2/2011 $1799.00 $750.00

03/30/2011 4/9/2011 $1899.00 $750.00

04/06/2011 4/16/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

04/13/2011 4/23/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

04/20/2011 4/30/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

04/27/2011 5/7/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

05/04/2011 5/14/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

05/11/2011 5/21/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

05/18/2011 5/28/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

05/25/2011 6/4/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

06/01/2011 6/11/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

06/15/2011 6/25/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

06/29/2011 7/9/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

07/13/2011 7/23/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

07/27/2011 8/6/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

08/10/2011 8/20/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

08/24/2011 9/3/2011 $1999.00 $750.00

09/07/2011 9/17/2011 $2099.00 $850.00

09/14/2011 9/24/2011 $2099.00 $850.00

09/21/2011 10/1/2011 $2099.00 $850.00

09/28/2011 10/8/2011 $2099.00 $850.00

10/05/2011 10/15/2011 $2099.00 $850.00

10/12/2011 10/22/2011 $2099.00 $850.00

10/19/2011 10/29/2011 $2099.00 $850.00

10/26/2011 11/5/2011 $2099.00 $850.00

11/02/2011 11/12/2011 $1999.00 $800.00

11/09/2011 11/19/2011 $1999.00 $800.00

11/16/2011 11/26/2011 $1899.00 $800.00

 

Features:

Fine Dining     10 Full American or buffet breakfast daily in hotels or on the cruise   9 Lunches at local restaurants   9 Chinese or western dinners in hotels, local restaurants, or on the cruise   Local specialty in Beijing - Peking Duck Banquet   Local specialty in Xian - Imperial Dumpling Banquet   Local specialty in Chongqing - Spicy Chongqing Cuisine

Special Entertainment     Shanghai - Chinese Acrobatics Show

Xian - Tang Dynasty Show

Victoria Cruise - Chinese History & Culture Lectures, Taichi Lessons, Fashion Shows

Air Fare

China domestic air tickets

Sightseeing

Air-conditioned tour coach with professional service of drivers

Knowledgeable tour guide throughout China

		Comprehensive sightseeing program
Travel Protection

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

Hotel List:

Beijing New Otani Hotel Address:  26, Jianguomenwai Avenue , Beijing China . 100022 Tel:  86 10 6512 5555

Xi'an Hyatt Regency Hotel Address:  158 Dong Da Jie, Xian Shannxi 710001 Tel:  86 29 8769 1234

Yangtze River Victoria Cruises Address:  57-08 39th Avenue , Woodside , NY 11377 , USA Tel:  1-800-348-8084

Shanghai Swissotel Grand Hotel Address:  1 Yu Yuan Road , Jing An District Shanghai 200040 Tel:  86 21 5355 9898

 

	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