Day 01 : USA - Beijing

Embark on an exciting adventure to China and the Yangtze as we board our trans-Pacific flight bound for Beijing. Depending on seasonality and time zone, China is a full half-day ahead of us. As such, spend the night aboard as the plane traverses the Pacific, crossing the international date line to arrive in Beijing.
 DAILY MEAL  
 

Day 02 : Arrive Beijing

The flight arrives at China's capital city of Beijing where we deplane, retrieve baggage, then clear customs to be met and greeted by our tourguide in the arrival hall. Luxury hotel accommodations have been provided for us to catch up on some well deserved rest after the long flight.
 DAILY MEAL  
 

Day 03 : Beijing

After breakfast we embark the first day of sightseeing. Beijing was selected as the host city for the 2008 Olympics and we can see much signs of preparation as our motorcoach takes us around. Next in store for us is the Forbidden City, the official abode to the emperor and his royal court. During China's imperial era, commoners were not allowed inside its gates except by special invitation. In the evening, our group attends a fabulous Peking Duck Banquet to savor a taste of duck prepared in the traditional fashion.
 DAILY MEAL   ( AB, L, DP )
 

Day 04 : Beijing

he Great Wall of China is one of the seven great man-made wonders of the world and definitely China's star attraction. Meandering 4000 miles across China's northern regions, Depending on time, an opportunity for shopping will be provided this afternoon. Tonight, dinner is served at the hotel.
 DAILY MEAL   ( AB, L, DH)
 

Day 05 : Beijing

Two full days of sightseeing has earned us a day free at leisure. Finally time to do some shopping and exploring on our own. Spend the day discovering the wonders of Beijing, do some bargain hunting, catch up on some rest, or perhaps steff off the beaten path for an optional tour to the ancient Hutongs of Old Town Beijing by Rikshaw.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB)
 

Day 06 : Beijing - Urumqi

Leaving the comforts and city style of the big metropolis, we travel by air to the far removed world of the Silk Road. On the way to the airport, stop at the somber Temple of Heaven where emperors came to pray for a bountiful harvest. Xinjiang is home to many of China's ethnic minorities whose wonderful cultures add extra delight as we continue on this amazing journey.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DH)
 

Day 07 : Urumqi - Turpan

We first visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) situated at an elevation of over 6000 ft; it is surrounded by green pastures and pristine conifer forests. Snowy Alp-like peaks soar to great heights and enclose the lake. Continue on by motorcoach across the dry basin area to the oasis town of Turpan. Pass by Flaming Mountain to visit the ancient city of Gaochang, once an important garrison town on the Silk Road. Nearby are the ancient tombs of Astana, a Tang Dynasty burial ground. At Turpan tonight we attend a local dance show.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DS)
 

Day 08 : Turpan - Urumqi

Turpan is famous for its grapes and other fruits. Today we have the opportunity to visit Grape Valley, which is a complete contrast from yesterday's sun-drenched landscapes. We also visit the life blood of Turpan, its delicate Karez irrigation system that provides water to its crops. Later, a motorcoach takes us back to Urumqi where we visit an open-air bazaar. In the evening, we have a better appreciation for Uighur culture as w enjoy a superb local roast lamb dinner.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DP)
 

Day 09 : Urumqi - Dunhuang

Lush green fields and rolling sand dunes of Dunhuang served as a rest stop for weary traders on the Silk Road. It was also the gateway through which Buddhism, Islam and Christianity entered China. At Dunhuang we visit Singing Hill, Crescent Moon Springs and the City Museum. In the evening, we attend a local Minority Show.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DS)
 

Day 10 : Dunhuang

The Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang have been praised as a "glittering pearl that adorns the Silk Road" and is considered the great treasure house of Buddhist arts in existence. The Mogao's 492 grottoes contain some 45,000 sq. meters of murals and more than 2,000 painted sculptures which span 10 consecutive dynasties. In the afternoon, we visit the Historic Museum, White Horse Pagoda and Film City.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DH)
 

Day 11 : Dunhuang - Xian

Board a short flight to Xian, which served as the departure point for travelers on the Silk Road. Xian, or "Chang An", was the capital for 13 dynasties and a city unrivalled in terms of historic charm. On the way into town, we will drive by the ancient and massive City Wall and stop at the Xian Bell Tower. Dinner is served at our hotel.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DH)
 

Day 12 : Xian

In 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang unified all of China and became its first emperor. When he died, an entire Terra Cotta Army was constructed and buried with him. The discovery in 1974 of the Terra Cotta Warriors ranks as one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries and attracts throngs of visitors to Xian each year. For dinner tonight we enjoy an Imperial Dumpling Banquet. Afterwards, catch a performance of the captivating Tang Dynasty Stage Show, the very one lauded in all the guide books as being a "must see" in Xian.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DS)
 

Day 13 : Xian - Chongqing - Yangtze Cruise

We depart Xian for Chongqing by air. Located in Sichuan province, Chongqing is China's largest municipality and lies in the mountainous regions. After a brief city tour, we are transferred to the docks to board our Victoria Cruise ship. In the veil of the night, the ship sets sail down the mighty Yangtze.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, D)
 

Day 14 : Yangtze River Cruise

Our ship's first stop occurs at one of three towns largely depending on local river conditions: Shibaozhai, Fengdu or Wanzhou. At Shibaozhai, a visit is made to the 12 story wooden pagoda - built completely without a single nail. Fengdu contains over 700 temples and is known for its statues of ghosts and devils depicting the afterlife. Wanzhou is better known as being "Gateway to Eastern Sichuan."
 DAILY MEAL   (B, L, D)
 

Day 15 : Yangtze River Cruise

Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature's most extraordinary sculptures. Qutang Gorge is the shortest and narrowest of the three but also reputedly the most visually dramatic. In the evening, our cruise ship sails through the Three Gorges ship locks.
 DAILY MEAL   ( B, L, D )
 

Day 16 : Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai

he Three Gorges Dam is being built to control the devastating floodwaters of the Yangtze while generating hydroelectric power. Originally envisioned by Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Our ship's arrival at Yichang marks the end of our Yangtze cruise. Transfer to the airport to board our flight to Shanghai, arriving later in the day. Dinner is served at the hotel.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DH)
 

Day 17 : Shanghai

With a population of over 16 million, Shanghai stands as China's largest city and its shining star of commerce. Our city tour also includes visits to beautiful Yu Garden and a drive down bustling shopping district at Nanjing Road. Finally, spend time surveying the exhibits at the famous Shanghai Museum. Before turning in for the day, we attend a special performance of Chinese Acrobatics.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB, L, DS)
 

Day 18 : Shanghai - USA

Our China and Yangtze River vacation is over all too soon as we are transferred to the airport to board the homebound international flight. Cross the international date line to arrive back at home.
 DAILY MEAL   (AB)

Pricing

Departure - Return

Los Angeles
(LAX)

San Francisco
(SFO)

New York
(JFK)

Single
Supplement

International
Air Taxes

4/11/2007-4/28/2007

$ 3199.00

$ 3199.00

$ 3349.00

$ 1300.00

$ 256.00

4/25/2007 - 5/12/2007

$ 3199.00

$ 3199.00

$ 3349.00

$ 1300.00

$ 256.00

5/2/2007 - 5/19/2007

$ 3299.00

$ 3299.00

$ 3449.00

$ 1350.00

$ 256.00

5/16/2007 - 6/2/2007

$ 3299.00

$ 3299.00

$ 3449.00

$ 1350.00

$ 256.00

5/30/2007 - 6/16/2007

$ 3299.00

$ 3299.00

$ 3449.00

$ 1350.00

$ 256.00

6/13/2007 - 6/30/2007

$ 3399.00

$ 3399.00

$ 3549.00

$ 1300.00

$ 256.00

6/27/2007 - 7/14/2007

$ 3399.00

$ 3399.00

$ 3549.00

$ 1300.00

$ 256.00

7/11/2007 - 7/28/2007

$ 3299.00

$ 3299.00

$ 3449.00

$ 1300.00

$ 256.00

7/25/2007 - 8/11/2007

$ 3299.00

$ 3299.00

$ 3449.00

$ 1300.00

$ 256.00

8/8/2007 - 8/25/2007

$ 3299.00

$ 3299.00

$ 3449.00

$ 1300.00

$ 256.00

8/22/2007 - 9/8/2007

$ 3299.00

$ 3299.00

$ 3449.00

$ 1300.00

$ 256.00

9/12/2007 - 9/29/2007

$ 3399.00

$ 3399.00

$ 3549.00

$ 1400.00

$ 256.00

9/19/2007 - 10/6/2007

$ 3399.00

$ 3399.00

$ 3549.00

$ 1400.00

$ 256.00

9/26/2007 - 10/13/2007

$ 3399.00

$ 3399.00

$ 3549.00

$ 1400.00

$ 256.00

10/3/2007 - 10/20/2007

$ 3399.00

$ 3399.00

$ 3549.00

$ 1400.00

$ 256.00

10/10/2007 - 10/27/2007

$ 3399.00

$ 3399.00

$ 3549.00

$ 1400.00

$ 256.00

10/17/2007 - 11/3/2007

$ 3299.00

$ 3299.00

$ 3449.00

$ 1400.00

$ 256.00

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