Fully Escorted

Day 1 - USA/Shanghai
Your journey begins as you board an international flight bound for China.

Day 2 - Shanghai
Landing in Shanghai, once known as the "Paris of the East", you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3 - Shanghai (B/L/D)
Immerse in the culture and sophistication of Shanghai on a full day tour of the city's premier sights. Wander the lovely paths and pavilions of the 500-year-old Yu Garden; stroll the riverfront Bund; and view all manners of Chinese arts displayed in the astounding galleries of the new Shanghai Museum. Return to the hotel at day's end to prepare for a thrilling show of the Shanghai Acrobats.

Day 4 - Shanghai/ Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
 A short morning flight takes you to Yichang, where you will board a Victoria Cruises ship, the largest five star fleet on the Yangtze! Here you will relax and settle into your comfortable outside cabins which include picture windows and private bathrooms. Onboard activities feature lectures on Chinese history and culture, Tai Chi lessons, calligraphy demonstrations and much more. The ship has the latest satellite communications, HBO, and internet access. The sailing starts at 9:00p.m.
Victoria Cruises

Day 5 - Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Your morning excursion begins at Yang Jia Wang, where you will visit the Three Gorge Dam site, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken in the history of the world. As you sail upstream, you will pass through the first portion of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, the Xiling Gorge (Xiling Xia).

Day 6 - Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
 As you continue to sail upstream, you will take an excursion through the Daning River "Small Gorges". Next you will pass through the Wu Gorge (Xu Xia), best known for it’s twelve misty peaks. Lastly, you will enter the Qutang Gorge (Qutang Xia), whose entrance is guarded by two mountains, Chijia Shan and Baiyan Shan. Optional excursion to White Emperor City.

Day 7 - Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Shore excursion to Fengdu, visit either the "Ghost City", known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill, or the new relocation village, built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam. Optional excursion to Shibaozhai (river conditions permitting), visiting the impressive 12-story pagoda, known as “The Pearl of the Yangtze”.

Day 8 - Yangtze River Cruise/Chongqing/Xian(B/L/D)
As your Yangtze adventure comes to an end (at 9:00 a.m.), another one begins. A short morning flight takes you to Xian. Upon arrival, you will be met by the local guide and escorted to your hotel.

Day 9 - Xian (B/L/SD)
Today you will tour one of the world’s most incredible sights, the burial grounds of Emperor Qin. These grounds are guarded by thousands of detailed life-sized terra-cotta warriors, and followed by visits to the Provincial Museum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Ming-era City Gate. In the evening, you will enjoy a tradition banquet and dazzling theatrical performance at the Tang Dynasty Theater.

Day 10 - Xian/Beijing (B/L)
A short flight takes you to Beijing, where you will continue your adventure.

Day 11 - Beijing (B/L)
You will explore the historic Tiananmen Square in the center of Beijing. Next, is a trip to the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The imperial tour of Beijing concludes at the Summer Palace, a luxurious royal garden that provided royal families with rest and entertainment.

Day 12 - Beijing (B/L/SD)
After breakfast, you will be amazed by one of the great wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China, built by hand over 2,000 years ago. The day concludes with a traditional gourmet Peking duck dinner.

Day 13 - Beijing/USA (B)
Bid farewell to China as you board your international flight back to the States.