Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Hong Kong, China. Welcome to exciting Hong Kong! The city is specially decorated for the Chinese New Year, the most important festival of the Chinese calendar. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.

Day 3:
Hong Kong. This morning’s sightseeing begins with a cable car ride up VICTORIA PEAK for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Continue to Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village where you will enjoy a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET, a narrow street packed with stalls offering clothing, arts, and crafts. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 4:
Hong Kong. Chinese New Year Celebration. The morning and afternoon are at your leisure. This evening, begin the New Year festivities at a spectacular PARADE, with dragon dancers, extravagant floats, live performances, and celebrities. (B)

Day 5:
Hong Kong. Chinese New Year Celebration. The morning and afternoon are at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a DINNER CRUISE on Hong Kong’s harbor and watch the city light up during a glittering fireworks show. (B,D)

Day 6:
Hong Kong. Full day at your leisure. You may wish to join one of our optional excursions to view the Giant Buddha on the island of Lantau, or an excursion to learn about Hong Kong’s history before the British colonized the area. (B)

Day 7:
Hong Kong. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
 

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Beijing, China. (Thu.) Welcome to China’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.

Day 3:
Beijing. (Fri.) Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. This evening, meet your traveling companions at a special Chinese WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director, featuring delectable Peking Duck. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Beijing. (Sat.) The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful make-up being applied to the performers. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Beijing–Xi’an. (Sun.) This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. During this visit you’re welcomed into the courtyard of a family’s home and a daycare center to experience life in this historic neighborhood. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China. Look forward to this evening’s highlight, “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances.

Day 6:
Xi’an. (Mon.) One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 A.D. Then learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Xi’an–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise. (Tue.) This morning, visit Xi’an’s South Gate; you may
even see some locals practicing their morning Tai Chi. Visit a LACQUER WORKSHOP before flying to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local zoo to see pandas before boarding the Victoria Anna for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,D)

Day 8:
Wanxian or Shibaozhai or Fengdu. (Wed.) Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai, with its 400-year-old, 12-story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side; or Fengdu, where you’ll visit the Snow Jade Cave. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Shennong Stream or Daning River. (Thu.) Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges—Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a boat excursion down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. Continue sailing through Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges ship locks. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
The Three Gorges Dam Site–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai. (Fri.) View tiny villages clinging to hillsides as you proceed toward Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam site, where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, say farewell to your ship’s crew in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. (B,L)

Day 11:
Shanghai. (Sat.) Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You’ll visit a SILK FACTORY and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. This evening, be amazed at a fabulous ACROBATIC SHOW. (B,L)

Day 12:
Shanghai–Guilin. (Sun.) After a morning at leisure, enjoy lunch and visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful areas. Tonight, you may choose to join our optional trip to see trained cormorants dive for fish, the traditional Lijiang fishing method. (B,L)

Day 13:
Guilin. (Mon.) Limestone mountains, their needle peaks hidden in mist, rise from the green plain surrounding Guilin. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that artists have tried to capture for centuries. Savor unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River and enjoy a light lunch. (B,L)

Day 14:
Guilin–Hong Kong. (Tue.) Visit the famous Reed Flute Cave to see unusual stalactite and stalagmite formations. Then visit a local TEA FARM for a hands-on demonstration of the tea-making process followed by a tea ceremony. Later, fly to Hong Kong. (B,L)

Day 15:
Hong Kong. (Wed.) This morning’s sightseeing begins with a cable car ride up to Victoria Peak for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Continue to Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, and then to the Aberdeen Fishing Village where you will enjoy a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET, a narrow street jammed with stalls offering clothing, arts, and crafts. Tonight, consider an optional sunset cruise on Hong Kong’s magnificent harbor. (B)

Day 16:
Hong Kong. (Thu.) A full free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to join one of our optional excursions to view the giant Buddha on the island of Lantau or an excursion to learn about Hong Kong’s history before the British colonized the area. Shopping is a highlight of Hong Kong with markets, malls, and shops to fit any taste and budget. This evening is the perfect finale to a great adventure as you’re hosted at a special FAREWELL DINNER. (B,D)

Day 17:
(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Beijing, China. Welcome to China’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 3:
Beijing. Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds. This evening, meet your traveling companions at a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Beijing. The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP, where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful makeup being applied to the performers. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Beijing–Xi’an. This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as you are invited into a daycare center and into the courtyard of a family’s home for a tea ceremony. Fly to Xi’an, where you spend the next two nights. This evening, enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)

Day 6:
Xi’an. One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD, followed by a LACQUER WORKSHOP. Next, visit the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Then, visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Xi’an–Lhasa. Today, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, the capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. The balance of the day is free to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Lhasa. This morning, after a city tour, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. This afternoon, visit the SUMMER PALACE and a typical Tibetan monastery. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Lhasa. Today, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch, a visit to the DREPUNG MONASTERY (the largest in Tibet), and a TIBETAN HOSPITAL to learn of traditional medicine and therapy. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Lhasa–Chongqing, China (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise. Fly to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local ZOO to see pandas before boarding the Victoria Anna or Victoria Jenna for a 3-night CRUISE through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,D)

Day 11:
Cruising: Wanxian or Shibaozhai or Fengdu. Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff; or Fengdu, where you’ll visit Snow Jade Cave. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Cruising: Shennong Stream or Daning River. Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges—Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can almost touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. Continue sailing through Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges ship locks. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai. View tiny villages clinging to hillsides as you proceed toward Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, say farewell to your ship’s crew in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. (B,L)

Day 14:
Shanghai. Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You’ll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, then visit a SILK FACTORY and the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner followed by a spectacular ACROBATIC SHOW. (B,L,D)

Day 15:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
 

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Tue.) Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Shanghai, China. (Wed.) Welcome to China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.

Day 3:
Shanghai. (Thu.) Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You’ll visit a SILK FACTORY and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. Your Tour Director will host a WELCOME DINNER tonight as you meet your traveling companions. This evening, you’ll be amazed at the fabulous ACROBATIC SHOW. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Shanghai–Yichang (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise. (Fri.) Visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM before flying to Yichang. Board the Victoria Anna for a 4-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,D)

Day 5:
The Three Gorges Dam Site. (Sat.) This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam site, where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, sail through the Three Gorges ship locks and the Xiling Gorge. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Shennong Stream or Daning River. (Sun.) This morning, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. After lunch, head upstream through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and the Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Wanxian or Shibaozhai or Fengdu. (Mon.) Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai, with its 400-year-old, 12-story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side; or Fengdu, where you’ll visit Snow Jade Cave. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Chongqing (Disembarkation)–Xi’an. (Tue.) Bid farewell to your ship’s crew upon arrival in Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local zoo to see pandas before boarding your flight to the city of Xi’an in central China. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Xi’an. (Wed.) One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 A.D. Then learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTA WARRIORSthat has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. This evening, enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Xi’an–Beijing. (Thu.) This morning, visit Xi’an’s South Gate; you may even see some locals practicing their morning Tai Chi. Visit a LACQUER WORKSHOP before flying to Beijing, China’s capital city. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. During this visit, you’re welcomed into the courtyard of a family’s home and a daycare center to experience life in this historic neighborhood.

Day 11:
Beijing. (Fri.) Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful make-up being applied to the performers. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Beijing. (Sat.) The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP, where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. This evening is the perfect finale to a great touring adventure as you’re hosted to a special Peking Duck FAREWELL DINNER. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
 

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Thu.) Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Beijing, China. (Fri.) Welcome to China. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 3:
Beijing. (Sat.) Today your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. N