Trip at a Glance

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For centuries, the Yangtze has been China’s main thoroughfare for commerce and culture. You’ll explore ancient and modern Chinese civilization through a blend of land exploration and river cruising.

Construction on the Great Wall of China began more than 2,000 years ago, and symbolizes China’s determination to keep foreigners out. The isolation of this great nation was nearly complete until recent modern history, and Westerners have only just begun to visit the treasures within the country that was a flourishing civilization when most of the rest of the world was just making its way out of the Stone Age.

Begin with a stay in the capital of Beijing, where tours show you the magnificent Forbidden City, Imperial palaces, and the incredible Great Wall. Travel to the metropolis of Shanghai and get a glimpse of the city's modern life as well as a look at artifacts from ancient dynasties.

The centerpiece of your trip is a cruise along the mighty Yangtze River. This river valley is home to spectacular landscapes of misty mountains, breathtaking gorges, remarkable canyons, bamboo groves, whirlpools, and lagoons. Along its narrow, cliff-bound passages lie some of China’s greatest cultural treasures—ancient tombs, shrines, and walls dating to before the time of Christ. These cultural and natural wonders will be totally flooded with the completion in a few years’ time of the Three Gorges Dam.

After your cruise, you’ll discover some of China’s World War II history in Chongqing, marvel at the 6,000 warriors of Xian’s terra cotta army, and cruise the beautiful Li River in Guilin. End with a stay in the vibrant and bustling city of Hong Kong.

You can stretch the value of your international airfare with our Optional Pre-Trip Extension in the fascinating city of Tokyo, and our Optional Post-Trip Extension in exotic Bangkok, Thailand.

Summary Itinerary

Itinerary subject to change. Alternate itineraries may be available.

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Day

• 1 Depart USA
  
• Land tour: Beijing, Shanghai 2 Beijing, China : Park Plaza Beijing Science Park Hotel or similar
  
• 3 Beijing : Park Plaza Beijing Science Park Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• 4 Beijing : Park Plaza Beijing Science Park Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B
• 5 Beijing : Park Plaza Beijing Science Park Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1D
• 6 Fly Beijing/Shanghai : Days Hotel Tongji Shanghai or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L
• 7 Shanghai : Days Hotel Tongji Shanghai or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L
• 8 Shanghai : Days Hotel Tongji Shanghai or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1D
• 9 Market Visit/Home-Hosted Lunch/Afternoon at Leisure : Days Hotel Tongji Shanghai
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• Yangtze River Cruise 10 Yangtze River Cruising : Victoria Cruises Ship
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• 11 San Dou Ping/Three Gorges Dam : Victoria Cruises Ship
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• 12 Badon/Lesser Gorges excursion* : Victoria Cruises Ship
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• 13 Wanxian : Victoria Cruises Ship
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• Land tour: Xian, Guilin, Hong Kong 14 Chongqing/Disembark ship/Xian : Jinshi International Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• 15 Xian : Jinshi International Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L
• 16 Fly Xian/Guilin : Guilin Royal Garden Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L
• 17 Guilin : Guilin Royal Garden Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1D
• 18 Fly Guilin/Hong Kong : Eaton Hotel Hong Kong or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• 19-20  Hong Kong : Eaton Hotel Hong Kong or similar
  Meals: 2B, 1D
• 21 Fly Hong Kong/U.S.
  Meals: 1B

Itinerary subject to change. Alternate itineraries may be available.

View detailed itinerary

What's Included?

• Roundtrip transpacific air transportation
• Airport welcome
• Accommodations

And more...