Highlights of China & the Yangtze 2009
Day 1 - Depart North America
Day 2 - Arrive Beijing (3 nights) Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a Trafalgar Tour Director who will escort you to your hotel.
Day 3 - Beijing Beijing is home to many of the sights that make China a must-see destination. Among the fascinating places you will visit is the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world, with more than 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms. Visit Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. Walk through the Tiananmen Gate, the "Gate of Heavenly Peace" and the entranceway to the Forbidden City. Admire one of China's best-preserved imperial gardens at the Summer Palace. In the evening, top off a fabulous day with an authentic Peking Duck dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
Day 4 - Beijing A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall is without question one of the man-made wonders of the world. To walk this marvel of the ancient world is truly memorable. Later in the day, travel the Sacred Way, home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. End your day with yet another highlight, an evening at the magnificent Beijing Opera. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 - Beijing to Xi - an (2 nights) Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs (ancient lanes and alleyways), located in the old residential area of Beijing. Later in the day, you - ll fly to Xi - an and check into the Sheraton Hotel with a delicious dumpling dinner waiting for you. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
Day 6 - Xi'an Xi - an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the site of one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Visit the City Wall, one of the oldest and best preserved walls in China. In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
Day 7 - Xi - an to Chongqing to Cruising the Yangtze (3 nights) Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Fly to Chongqing, where you - ll board an elegant Victoria Cruises ship for your cruise of the awe-inspiring Yangtze. But, before we cast off, visit the Chongqing Zoo for a glimpse of giant pandas, lesser pandas and Chinese tigers. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 8 - Cruising the Yangtze River Sail along the Yangtze with its vertical limestone cliffs. Your journey will take you through the Three Gorges. If water levels cooperate, we - ll stop at Shibaozhai, a magnificent wooden pavilion constructed without nails. You may visit Fengdu or Wanzhou depending on water levels. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 9 - Cruising the Yangtze River Board a riverboat and embark on a voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges, depending on water levels. It's an enchanting and tranquil journey that will take you through "Dragon Gate," "Misty Gorge" and "Emerald Gorge." After returning to the cruise ship, you - ll sail through Xiling Gorge, and in the evening, you - ll pass through the Three Gorges ship locks. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 10 - Cruising the Yangtze River to Yichang to Shanghai (2 nights) On the way to Yichang, visit the site of the controversial Three Gorges Dam before disembarking your luxury ship. Fly to Shanghai and transfer to the your hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 11 - Shanghai You - ll stroll through Old Town and along the Bund, Shanghai's famed waterfront promenade. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its distinctive artistic spheres representing "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate." On your final night in China, prepare to be dazzled by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 12 - Shanghai — North America Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue your tour with one of our popular optional extensions. (Buffet breakfast)
Note: Substitute visits to other sights along the Yangtze may occur depending on water levels, or other factors.
Day 13 - Extend your vacation with this Optional Extension HONG KONG
Recently reunited with China in 1997 after years of British rule, Hong Kong has always remained true to its Chinese roots and culture. Shop at Stanley Market. Explore Hong Kong Island and drive up to Victoria Peak. Visit Repulse Bay and the fishermen's village at Aberdeen.
Included in your 4-day grand city stay:
"3 nights at the Sheraton |
