ITINERARY
Days 1-2
Your journey
takes you over Canada, Alaska, parts of eastern Russia
and Japan. You'll lose a day crossing the International
Date Line.
You arrive at Beijing's Capital Airport in the afternoon. You'll be met and taken to your hotel.
Presidential Plaza
Day 3 BEIJING
After a hearty breakfast (all breakfasts are buffet style with Western and Chinese menu choices), enjoy a tour of the Chinese capital, starting with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the city’s two most important sites. Tiananmen means the Gate of Heavenly Peace and the square in front is the largest in the world. Chairman Mao still dominates the square 34 years after his death, with his giant portrait at the north end and his mausoleum at the south. Behind imposing red walls is the Forbidden City, a vast collection of buildings reputed to comprise 9,999 rooms. It was home to emperors of both the Ming and Qing dynasties — a span of more than 500 years. Afternoon enjoy a ride through one of Beijing’s old residential sections called hutongs, which are fast disappearing as the city modernizes. Remainder of day at leisure. Tonight enjoy Peking Duck, a local specialty.
Presidential Plaza B L D
Day 4 BEIJING
Today you’ll go to the Great Wall, China’s best-known heritage site. The wall extends thousands of kilometers across northern China and is actually a collection of walls built over two millennia. The section of wall you’ll be visiting rises and falls along the ridges of the Yin and Yan Mountains at Mutianyu, a two-hour coach ride north of the city. After lunch, you’ll go to the Summer Palace, once a favorite haunt of the Empress Dowager Cixi, de facto ruler of China until her death in 1908. Tonight enjoy a performance of traditional Chinese opera. The tales are drawn from China’s rich history and include myths and age-old traditions.
Presidential Plaza B L D
Day 5 BEIJING/CHONGQING
Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to Chongqing in Sichuan Province at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The city, one of the largest in the world, was the capital of China during the War with Japan. Visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo. In the evening board your deluxe cruiser
Victoria Cruise Ship B L D
Days 6-7 YANGTZE RIVER
Your cruise includes shore excursions to the Three Gorges Dam Site, Shennong Stream or Daming River, and Fengdu or Shibaozhai. The captain hosts welcome and farewell banquets. Many shipbpoard activities await. Evening entertainment invites passengers to join in the fun.
Victoria Cruise Ship B L D
Day 8 YICHANG/SHANGHAI
The ship reaches historic Yichang in the early afternoon. Fly to Shanghai. Dinner on your own tonight.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L
Day 9 SHANGHAI
Enjoy a tour of China’s most populous city and commercial hub. You’ll go to the modern Shanghai Museum, one of the best in China, stroll on the waterfront Bund, where Western traders set up shop in the 19th and 20th centuries, and visit beautiful Yu Garden, a fine example of private garden dating back 400 years. A camellia found there was said to have been planted by the original owner. Tonight attend a remarkable acrobatic show, one of the best in China.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L D
Day 10 SHANGHAI
Today is a free day to explore the city on your own, shop, relax or take part in an optional day trip to nearby Suzhou, renowned for its exquisite gardens and bridges constituting another of China's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L D
Day 11 SHANGHAI/HOME
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home OR extend your stay in Shanghai OR exit through Hong Kong. Ask us for details.
B
