Wonders of China & the Yangtze River

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Set out on a journey to exciting Shanghai, affluent Chengdu, fascinating Xian and historic Beijing. Your tour also features a 4-night cruise on the captivating Yangtze River.

Day 2: Shanghai, China – Tour Begins

Your tour opens in booming Shanghai, the economic capital of the Peoples Republic of China. This bustling citys futuristic skyline will leave you speechless.

Day 3: Shanghai

Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key phrases of the native language. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shanghai. Set out for the waterfront district, known as the Bund, which runs along the Huangpu River. Famous for its impressive colonial buildings, youll feel as though you have stepped back into 19th-century Europe. Explore Old Towns narrow streets and relax in the tranquil Yuyuan Garden. Enjoy lunch at a celebrated local restaurant known for its xiao long bao soup dumplings. Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner before enjoying an amazing acrobatics show.

Day 4: Shanghai

Discover the treasures of the Shanghai Museum, home to artifacts that span Chinas rich history. Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and view the centerpiece of the museum, a vast scale model of Shanghai as it will look in 2020. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish.

Day 5: Shanghai – Yichang – Board Cruise Ship

Visit a silk factory and learn how artisans create this luxurious fabric. All aboard the Mag Lev train where magnetic levitation technology allows you to reach speeds over 260 miles per hour! Next, board your flight to Hubei province. Touching down in Yichang, embark your ship for a 4-night upstream Yangtze River cruise.

Day 6: Cruising – Three Gorges Dam – Xiling Gorge

Begin your day with a tai chi lesson on the sundeck. Sail into dramatic Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges. Discover the state-of-the-art site of the Three Gorges Dam. The dam, inside the first of the three gorges, is the worlds largest hydroelectric project. Tonight, enjoy the Captains welcome dinner and cabaret.

Day 7: Cruising – Shennong Stream – Wu Gorge – Qutang Gorge

Take in the tranquil surroundings on a ride up the remote Shennong Stream in traditional pea boats. Upon returning to your ship, enjoy the majestic vistas as you sail through Wu Gorge, well-known for its 12 forest-covered peaks. This afternoon, be amazed as you sail by the dramatic steep cliffs that surround the Qutang Gorge.

Day 8: Cruising – Shibaozhai

Arrive at Shibaozhai, an imposing hill along the banks of the Yangtze River. Adorning the hill is a 9-story red pagoda where you can climb the stairs to the top of Shibaozhai, the perfect place to take in the view of the river and surrounding area.

Day 9: Chongqing – Disembark Cruise Ship – Chengdu

Disembark this morning in the mountain city of Chongqing and travel to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. Spend time on your own strolling through its ancient streets with a blend of historic and modern architecture. Come to know the leisurely lifestyle and teahouse culture that makes this city captivating. Tonight, sample the fresh, bold flavors of the local cuisine.

Day 10: Chengdu

Your morning begins with a visit to the Panda Breeding Sanctuary to learn how Chinas national treasure is being protected from extinction. Your guided tour allows you the rare opportunity to see the Giant Panda in its natural environment. The sanctuary is also home to the Red Panda. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the former home to one of Chinas famous poets who was often referred to as the “Shakespeare of China.” End your day by exploring Jinli Old Street with its traditional-style buildings.

Day 11: Chengdu – Xian

This morning we fly to the ancient city of Xian, surrounded by the best-preserved city wall in China and where the illustrious Silk Road concludes. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Xian dumpling banquet.

Day 12: Xian

Today, explore the incredible excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors. This vast clay army, 8,000 strong, was created to guard Chinas first emperor in the afterlife. You’ll be amazed at the detail each soldier has a different face. Lunch today is a Xian specialty hand-pulled noodles. Tonight you may choose to enjoy an optional Tang Dynasty dinner and show, complete with Imperial cuisine.

Day 13: Xian – Beijing

This morning, fly to the capital of China Beijing. Contemplate history during a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world. Next, discover the Forbidden City, an awe-inspiring 15th-century complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens that were once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Day 14: The Great Wall

Discover the Great Wall, Chinas legendary landmark. Live out a lifelong dream as you visit the picturesque Juyongguan section to walk along this celebrated structure. Next, visit a jade workshop to learn how local artists create these masterpieces. On your way back to Beijing, relive the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics when you view Olympic Park, the Water Cube and the famous Birds Nest Stadium. Tonight, you may opt to attend the Peking Opera and explore Wangfujing Street.

Day 15: Beijing

Visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to pray. Relax amidst the locals doing their morning exercises. Later, take a thrilling rickshaw tour through the oldest part of Beijing. With an interpreter, learn about a local familys way of life and share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of dumpling making. Next, spend time with a Chinese calligraphy master and learn about this ancient art. Your final stop features a traditional tea ceremony. Later, enjoy a special farewell dinner including Peking Duck.

Day 16: Beijing – Tour Ends