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/XIAN
In the morning visit the beautifully symmetrical Temple of Heaven. It was here emperors would troop in splendid procession each year to render homage to Heaven and pray for a good harvest, communing with Heaven from a stone altar. The temple’s exquisite blue glazed dome is a defining symbol of the capital. Afternoon fly to Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province and one of China’s most storied cities. Stop at the City Wall, one of the most complete and best preserved in China.
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza B L D
Day 6 XIAN
Today you'll visit the amazing display of terracotta figures guarding the vast tomb of China's first emperor. This extraordinary treasure was discovered 34 years ago by some farmers digging a well, although its existence had been rumored for centuries in legends. You will also go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in the 8th century to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India. In the evening dine on dumplings, a local specialty, and attend a glittering performance of song and dance from the Tang Dynasty, 1300 years ago, when Xian, then called Chang’an, was capital of China and one of the grandest cities in the world.
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza B L D
Day 7 XIAN/HANGZHOU
After a leisurely morning, fly to Hangzhou, capital of prosperous Zhejiang Province and once, during the Southern Song Dynasty, capital of China. Marco Polo spent some time in the city which he described as "great and nobel." According to an old Chinese saying, there's Heaven above and Suzhou and Hangzhou beneath.
Holiday Inn Hangzhou BD
Day 8 HANGZHOU
Hangzhou is famous for its beautiful West Lake, subject of countless poems and paintings over China's long history. You'll have a ride on the lake to best take in the wonderful scenery. Then you'll go to Linyin Temple, one of China's oldest and most revered Buddhist temples. A stop at a tea plantation is also included in the day's activities. Zhejiang is renowned for its teas.
Holiday Inn Hangzhou B L
Day 9 HANGZHOU/SUZHOU
Today you'll travel by coach to nearby Suzhou, stopping en route at Wuzhen, one of the best preserved water towns in this region.
Garden View Hotel B L D
Day 10 SUZHOU/SHANGHAI
Today have a tour of Suzhou, visiting World Heritage gardens, canals and the Grand Canal, which once ran from Hangzhou to Beijing and is one of ancient China's greatest building accomplishments on par with the Great Wall. You'll also visit a silk factory. Late afternoon you'll travel by coach to Shanghai. Tonight, attend a performance of Shanghai's renowned acrobats.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L D
Day 11 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.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L D
Day 12 SHANGHAI/YICHANG
Morning enjoy some free time; around noon transfer to the airport for a flight to Yichang, an ancient town on the Yangtze River just below the Three Gorges. After dinner board your luxury Victoria Cruises ship for the start of an unforgettable four-night, five-day upriver cruise.
Victoria Cruise Ship B D
Days 13-15 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 shipboard activities await. Evening entertainment invites passengers to join in the fun.
Victoria Cruise Ship B L D (daily)
Day 16 CHONGQING/HONG KONG
The cruise ends at Chongqing, the wartime capital of China, and one of the largest metropolises in the world. Enjoy a tour of the city, including the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo before flying to Hong Kong.
Harbour Plaza Hotel BD
Day 17 HONG KONG
In the morning you'll have a half-day tour to Victoria Peak, Stanley and Aberdeen. Rest of day at leisure.
Harbour Plaza Hotel BD
Day 18 HONGKONG/HOME
Transfer to the airport for your flight home OR extend your stay in Hong Kong. Ask us for details..
B 
