Luxury Cruises

Asia River Cruises

Ancient Treasures of China and the Yangtze River
Duration : 16 days / 15 nights

Discover firsthand the great diversity of the People's Republic of China and witness a remarkable culture. From her major cities to the tranquil countryside along the Yangtze River, delve into China's history, tradition, and ancient mysteries; visit areas of great natural beauty; and observe the lifestyle of the Chinese people.

With stays at the finest five-star hotels near prime touring sights and shopping venues; the services of an American travel director, a Chinese national guide, cruise specialists, and local guides in each destination; and expedited flights within China, promises an enriching experience to last a lifetime!

Join fellow travelers for an in-depth discovery of one of the world's greatest nations. Begin with three nights in historic Beijing, offering ample time for visits to the many treasures of this ancient city. Explore the legendary Great Wall - the architectural wonder that winds across 4,000 miles of Chinese countryside. Cruise the Yangtze River for three nights aboard the deluxe 192-passenger East Queen.

Experience the dramatic Three Gorges - a region of great natural beauty characterized by many small villages that will likely disappear upon completion of the world's largest dam now under construction. Then visit Xi'an, site of the famous life-sized army of terra-cotta warriors.

Your journey continues with two nights in Guilin, set along the Li River and surrounded by some of China's most spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Guilin during a leisurely cruise along the serene Li River. You'll have plenty of leisure time for independent discoveries. In colorful Shanghai, enjoy an included tour of the city's renowned museum and explore the nearby canal village of Zhujiajiao.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart the U.S.A.

Day 2: Cross the International Date Line

Days 3-5: Beijing, People's Republic of China
Established more than 2,000 years ago, this capital for seven centuries is China's second-largest city. During your three-night stay at the Peninsula Palace Beijing, in the heart of the city, included tours will visit such exceptional places as the Temple of Heaven complex, a site of reverence for Chinese rulers; Tiananmen Square, home of the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People; and the opulent walled complex of the Forbidden City, an abiding symbol of traditional China that was the seat of power for 24 emperors of the Ming and Ching dynasties.

Traveling outside Beijing, discover the legendary Great Wall, an astonishing human accomplishment that remains the world's largest engineering and building project. Journey to the serene valley, Shi San Ling, where 13 of 16 Ming emperors are buried. Stroll along the emperors' "Sacred Way," an enchanting walkway through 12 sets of sculptured stone animals that guard the burial chambers.

Experience Beijing's old quarter as you explore the city's hutongs (old neighborhoods) by rickshaw and witness daily life up close.

Day 6: Beijing / Chongqing (Embark)
Enjoy the ease of travel as you fly to Chongqing. Our experienced staff coordinates everything for you - from advanced luggage/group check-in to boarding pass distribution - so you can maximize your time in each destination!

Upon arrival, embark the East Queen to begin your cruise of the Yangtze River. This is the most comfortable and convenient way possible to see this part of the world.

Day 7: Yangtze River / Shibaozhai
The first stop of your three-night cruise is the architectural gem of Shibaozhai, or Precious Stone Fortress.

Day 8: Three Gorges / Shennong Stream / Yangtze River / Three Gorges Dam
Enter Qutang Gorge - the first of the legendary Three Gorges region - where mountains tower above as you cruise through five miles of fjord like waters. Continue into the reaches of 25-mile-long Wu Gorge, famed for its serene beauty. At lovely Shennong Stream - marked by steep ravines, crystal-clear waters, and colorful wildflowers - explore the lesser gorges of the Yangtze aboard peapod-shaped boats, relaxing in the quiet coolness as professional trackers lead you upstream through the shallow Bamboo Gorge - one of the newest gorges formed by the river's rising waters. Then gently drift downstream back to the East Queen, one of only two ships allowed to tour here. After this interlude, cruise through the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the dramatic three gorges.

Day 9: Three Gorges Dam / Yichang (Disembark) / Xian
Traverse the five-stage double-wide locks of the Three Gorges Dam to end your cruise. The next day, join a shore excursion to the site of the controversial new Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping. See the permanent ship lock that you transited the night before, the ship lift, and the Xiling Yangtze River bridge from a lookout point at the center of the project.

Day 10: Xian
Early in its history, this city was the starting point of the well-known Silk Road - the link that promoted commerce between ancient China and many Eurasian countries. Today, Xian is the political, economic, and cultural center of the Shaanxi province. Enjoy the comfort of the Hyatt Regency Xian - the only five-star hotel within the ancient city walls - for two nights as you explore the many attractions of this fascinating city.

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built as a Buddhist retreat in the 17th century; and see the nearby Great Mosque, the largest in China and a hive of activity. You'll also tour the Shaanxi Historical Museum, which exhibits a selection of fine artifacts from the Zhou, Chin, and Han periods.

No stay in Xian would be complete without a visit to one of the greatest archaeological treasures of the world - the vast subterranean mausoleum of Emperor Chin Shih Huang-ti, where nearly 7,000 life-size terra-cotta warriors are grouped in battle order.

Day 11: Xian / Guilin
Your Chinese adventure continues with two nights at the Sheraton Guilin Hotel. Set along the Li River and surrounded by some of China's most spectacular scenery, Guilin's haunting beauty has intrigued visitors for centuries.

Day 12: Guilin
An unparalleled cruise along the Li River presents the splendor of the region as you sail leisurely past the fantastically shaped, pine-studded peaks that line its banks. Each has its own legend referring to its unique shape and history. Time at leisure affords the opportunities to shop for unique souvenirs or to explore some of the area's most famous hills, such as Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill, on foot. From Guilin, fly to Shanghai for your journey's conclusion.

Days 13-15: Shanghai
Immersed in a cultural and architectural renaissance, modern Shanghai is a vibrant city that has become one of the premier vacation destinations in the Orient. Your home for three nights, the Portman Ritz-Carlton, is one of Shanghai's finest hotels conveniently located in the entertainment district near famous Nanjing open-air market.

Join a delightful excursion to nearby Zhujiajiao, with a history spanning more than 1,700 years. Here, you'll find Ming- and Ching-dynasty architecture lining the picturesque water town's intricate canal system; no less than 36 distinctive bridges, built from stone, wood, or marble; and cobblestone streets that lead to hidden medieval treasures, gardens, and tranquil courtyards. Known as "Pearl Stream," it is the best-preserved of Shanghai's four ancient suburban towns.

Along with a visit to Shanghai's celebrated promenade - the Bund - you'll have an opportunity to visit the Shanghai Museum. With its impressive displays of Chinese artwork and culture, it is renowned as one of Asia's finest. One night, witness the flexibility, poise, courage, and humor of an established acrobatic troupe at a local theater.

Day 16: Return to U.S.A.

Optional Extension

Hong Kong post-trip Optional Extension* (Conrad Hong Kong - 2 Hotel Nights)

3 Days/2 Hotel Nights
Built around one of the world's largest natural deepwater harbors, this beautiful city provides visitors and residents alike with an ever-changing spectacle. En-joy breathtaking harbor-view accommodations at the deluxe Conrad Hong Kong, an included comprehensive tour of the area's premier sights, and ample time at leisure for independent discoveries with the assistance of exclusive concierge service. Both the flight from Shanghai and transfer from the Hong Kong airport are also included in the extension price.

Enjoy breathtaking harbor-view accommodations at the deluxe Conrad Hong Kong - perfect for exploring during your ample time at leisure here. An included tour of Hong Kong Island showcases many of the region's premier attractions and sights.

Your Extension Includes

• Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong, with airport/hotel transfer
• Two nights at the five-star Conrad Hong Kong; full buffet breakfast daily
• Half-day Hong Kong Island tour
• Exclusive concierge service at hospitality desk
• Hotel/airport transfer at extension's conclusion for Air passengers traveling on scheduled date of return

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