Fully Escorted

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

Day 2 - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China's capital city, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3 - Beijing (B/L)
Explore the landmarks of imperial Beijing: the famous Tiananmen Square; the imposing Forbidden City, a treasure trove of art and heirlooms; the Temple of Heaven's exuberant interior and delightful park setting; and the breezy landscapes of the Summer Palace, still much as they were during the court of Empress Dowager.

Day 4 - Beijing (B/L/SD)
With its various segments stretching nearly 4,000 miles across the rugged terrain of northern China, the Great Wall is truly a world wonder. Today's visit will allow ample time to linger at the site, photograph it from dramatic perspectives, and contemplate the resilience of the ancient people who toiled under the harshest conditions to erect the wall entirely by hand. Continue to the Ming Tombs, burial site of the Ming Dynasty's royalty before returning to the city for a delicious Peking duck dinner.

Day 5 - Beijing/Xian (B/L)
Your journey continues with a short flight to the ancient city of Xian.

Day 6 - Xian (B/L/SD)
Xian was the cradle of ancient Chinese civilization dating back to 4,000 BC, and the capital city for eleven dynasties up to the 9th century. Tour the highlights of the city and outskirts today, none more spectacular than the army of Terra Cotta Soldiers buried around the tomb of Emperor Qin for 22 centuries, but hidden beneath the earth until their discovery in 1974. Also explore the Provincial Museum, the landmark Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Ming-era City Gate. This evening, enjoy a dazzling dinner banquet and stage show at the Tang Dynasty Theater.

Day 7 - Xian/Chongqing/Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
A short morning flight takes you to Chongqing. After an exciting local tour, 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 inter net access.  

Day 8 - 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 9 - Yangtze River Cruise/Three Gorges/Daning River “Small Gorges”/Shiplocks (B/L/D)
Today you will pass through the first two-Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and the 25-mile long Wu Gorge for its quiet beauty. Take an excursion through the Daning River Small Gorges. Enter the longest Xiling Gorge. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship lock. Optional excursion to White Emperor City (river conditions permitted).

Day 10 - Yangtze Cruise/Three Gorges Dam/Yichang/Shanghai (B/L/D)
Morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest in the world. Arrive Yichang at 1:30 pm, and disembark after lunch. You will fly to Shanghai.

Day 11 - 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 12 - Shanghai/Guilin (B/L)
Fly to Guilin, China's most scenic city that best known for its immortal stone mountains and fantastic caves. Enjoy an afternoon outing to the city and the Reed Flute Cave, full of historic treasures.

Day 13 - Guilin (B/L/SD)
Board a riverboat for a full-day Li River cruise. The cruise meanders down streams and through lush green valleys, bamboo groves, and hundreds of fairy-like rock formations. Along the way, you are rewarded with scenes of a multitude of waterfront and farming activities, and the fascinating sight of fishermen using cormorant birds to catch fish. Conclude the day with a dinner and a show highlighting Guilin's ethnic cultures.

Day 14 - Guilin/Hong Kong (B/L)
A short flight takes you to Hong Kong, "the Pearl of the Orient". Now a special administrative zone of China, this former British colony remains as vibrant and forward-looking as ever.

Day 15 - Hong Kong (B)
This morning, explore Hong Kong's unique blend of Chinese heritage and colonial influences. The sightseeing tour starts with a drive to the Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island and its harbor. Then a scenic drive takes you past Repulse Bay to the colorful floating community of Aberdeen, and vibrant Stanley Market, a favorite bargain shopping area.

Day 16 - Hong Kong (B)
Enjoy a free day for shopping and sightseeing as you wish. Our representatives will be on hand to assist with your plans.

Day 17 - Hong Kong/USA (B)
Bid farewell to China as you fly aboard your selected airline home.