| Day 1 | USA-Beijing
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| Board an international flight bound for Beijing, where our Grand Yangtze journey awaits. |
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| Day 2 | Arrive-Beijing
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| Touch down in the ancient “land of the dragon” and greet our tour guide in the arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel and relax for the remainder of the day. |
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| Day 3 | Beijing AB,L,DP
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| The capital city of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is a veritable treasure trove of ancient historical and cultural sites. We begin our city tour with a walk through the world-famous Tiananmen Square, which can hold upwards of 1 million people, and continue on to the Forbidden City. Off-limits to the public for 500 years, this massive palace complex now holds the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Continue on to visit the stunning Summer Palace, and then stop by the 2008 Olympic sites, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Return to the hotel where we will enjoy a feast of local delights – a Peking Duck Banquet Dinner. |
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| Day 4 | Beijing AB,L,DH
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| The legendary Great Wall snakes its way 4000 miles across China’s northern face and stands as a symbol of culture and pride to the Chinese. Admire the sweeping vistas of China’s ever-changing landscapes as you climb its ancient steps, and then descend the wall to visit the Sacred Way. Walk along this “divine road”, lined with intricately carved stone statues, to the Imperial Mausoleums of 13 Ming emperors. |
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| Day 5 | Beijing -Xian AB,L,DH
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| This morning 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, fly to Xian. Deeply ingrained in China’s history, Xian was the nation’s capital for hundreds of years and the starting point for the Silk Road. |
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| Day 6 | Xian AB,L,DS
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| In modern times, Xian has enjoyed international acclaim for the discovery of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s standing army of Terra Cotta Soldiers. Admire the troops in fighting formation, and then enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration for lunch. Continue on to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the nation’s largest surviving City Wall. This evening, enjoy a delectable Imperial Dumpling Banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty Show. |
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| Day 7 | Xian -Chongqing AB,L,DH
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| Board a flight to Chongqing. Famous for its fiery Sichuan cuisine, this mountain city is also the nation’s largest and most populous municipality. Upon arrival, we head to the western suburbs of the city to visit Chongqing Zoo, home to over 230 species of rare animals including the adorable panda. |
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| Day 8 | Chongqing -Yangtze River Cruise AB,L,D
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| Transfer to the docks and board our cruise ship, the majestic Victoria Prince. Set sail on our Yangtze River voyage and admire the tranquil landscapes of Southern China as they drift by. Arrive at Fengdu or the new relocation village for our first shore excursion. This “ghost city” Fengdu is filled with demon-decorated temples and gardens, which depict the ancients’ imagination of Hell. |
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| Day 9 | Yangtze River Cruise B,L,D
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| Today we enter the crown jewel of the Yangtze River – the famed Three Gorges. We sail through 5-mile long Qutang Gorge, the shortest but grandest of the three. Pass through the vertical, soaring limestone cliffs, and then enter Wu Gorge, known for its serene beauty and 12 unique peaks. Disembark and board a smaller vessel to access the smaller, but impressive Lesser Gorges. Return aboard and sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) and deepest of the three. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. |
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| Day 10 | Yangtze River Cruise B,L,D
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| Arrive at Sandouping for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam site, a controversial engineering project that will forever change the face of the Yangtze River Valley. In addition to controlling flooding, navigation and irrigation, the dam does have a lofty green initiative – creating a major source of hydroelectric power for China. |
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| Day 11 | Yangtze River Cruise B,L,D
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| Arrival at Wuhan marks the halfway point in our Yangtze River journey. The capital of Hubei Province, Wuhan has a history of over 3500 years and is the largest industrial and commercial city in central China. Disembark for an afternoon excursion of the city and the Hubei Provincial Museum. |
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| Day 12 | Yangtze River Cruise B,L,D
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| Disembark at Guichi for a full day excursion to Huangshan (“Yellow Mountain”), known as the “loveliest mountain in China.” It is famed throughout history for its stunning granite rocks and peaks enveloped by a sea of clouds, and its influence on traditional Chinese landscape painting. (Jiuhuashan or “Mountain of the Nine Lotuses” may be substituted if weather or road conditions do not permit a visit to Huangshan.) |
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| Day 13 | Yangtze River Cruise B,L,D
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| This morning the ship docks at Nanjing, the capital of the Jiangsu Province and ten dynasties in China’s history. We first tour the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial, built to commemorate a man considered the “Father of the Republic of China.” Continue on to stroll through a Qing Dynasty style bazaar surrounding a Confucian Temple. |
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| Day 14 | Yangtze River Cruise -Shanghai B,L,DH
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| Our Yangtze River journey has come to an end as the ship docks in Shanghai, a booming metropolis at the forefront of China’s race for modernization. Today, we visit Yu Garden, a renowned classical garden with a history of more than 400 years. Continue on to stroll along the elegant waterfront promenade, the Bund, and take in panoramic vistas of the city’s unique skyline. Round off our tour with a drive past famed shopping district, Nanjing Road, and head back to the hotel for dinner. |
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| Day 15 | Shanghai AB,DS
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| This morning, we venture to the Shanghai Museum. Located in the People’s Square, the museum boasts a staggering collection of over 120,000 unique ancient Chinese artifacts. After perusing the exhibits, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure. Continue exploring the museum, do some last minute shopping, or take a cruise along the Huangpu River. We reconvene in the evening for a final farewell dinner, followed by an amazing Acrobatics Performance. |
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| Day 16 | Shanghai -USA AB
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| Bid China and the Yangtze River farewell as we board a return flight to the US. Or make the most of your vacation with an optional extension to fascinating island of Hong Kong. |
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