16 Days Cruising the Yangtze River Tour Packege
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Priced From: $1,999 pp dbl.occ.
Date: Jun, Sep, Oct, Mar - May, Jul, Sep - Nov
Experience China’s marvels, ancient and modern, rural and cosmopolitan, on this fantastic 16-day tour that features a relaxing 4-night cruise up the Yangtze River. Float by the dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges. Marvel at the 7,000 warriors in the life-size terra-cotta army in Xian. Discover booming Shanghai’s mix of ultra-modern and traditional. Tour the old, narrow streets of Beijing by rickshaw. Walk a section of the Great Wall. Explore Beijing with a three-night stay and share lunch with a local family in their home.
Tour Itinerary
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Shanghai, China - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of the People’s Republic of China and one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Prepare to immerse yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture.
Day 3: Shanghai
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of the booming city of Shanghai. The tour includes visits to the Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan Gardens, an island of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the city; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the center of 19th century colonialism; and the Children’s Palace, a European-style fortress where local children play after school. Tonight you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show.
Day 4: Shanghai - Yichang - Board Cruise
A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple, brings you to the home of two white jade statues of Buddha, given to China as a gift from Burma. Fly to Yichang. Following a short drive to Shashi, board your ship for a 5-night cruise of the Yangtze River and enjoy a welcome briefing and orientation with the crew.
Day 5: Jingzhou - Cruising
This morning, visit Jingzhou’s city wall from the 3 Kingdoms Period, followed by the museum where you will see a mummy that is over 2,000 years old, ancient silk and lacquer wares, and other cultural relics. After lunch, relax on board the ship. You may choose from many possible onboard events such as the river briefings, tai chi classes, and calligraphy demonstrations. Or, perhaps you will choose to indulge in one of the ship’s spa treatments, such as a traditional Chinese massage. This evening, join the Captain for a welcome dinner.
Day 6: Gezhou Ship Lock - Xiling Gorge
Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam project. The dam is 27 miles upstream from Yichang City proper, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three gorges. It is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project in the world.
Day 7: Cruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge
Your excursion today includes a visit to the Shennong Stream in pea boats. You will see breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat gorges. You will also pass through the Wu & Qutang gorges.
Day 8: Cruising - Wanxian
Your morning includes a visit to Wanxian, guarded by two nine-story pagodas and known as "the gateway to East Sichuan." While here, you have the opportunity to visit with a family that has been relocated from the home on the banks of the river because of the flooding of the dam. Hear their story first hand and learn how this technological marvel has impacted the local communities. Next, take a leisurely stroll through a busy local market and learn about the various produce and ingredients, then shop as the locals do. Visit the Three Gorges Museum where you will see many archaeological treasures unearthed before the dam project flooding began.
Day 9: Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin
You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Stilwell Museum and Eling Park. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Day 10: Guilin
Today you have a full day at leisure to relax or explore Guilin on your own. Or, you may choose to take an optional excursion which includes a cruise on the Li River where you’ll admire the landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for centuries, followed by a visit to Yangshuo’s bustling market to bargain with the locals for souvenirs.
Day 11: Guilin - Xian
Experience peace and tranquility as you participate in a private Tai Chi lesson. Many believe that this ancient form of exercise is the secret to Chinese longevity. Next, visit the Reed Flute Caves, with its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch enjoy a stop at Elephant Trunk Hill before boarding your flight to Xian, located in China’s interior.
Day 12: Xian
Your tour of this former capital of China begins with a visit to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. This vast clay army, 7,000 strong, was created to guard one of China’s emperors in the afterlife. You'll be amazed by the craftsmanship - each soldier has a different face. Later, visit Xian's imposing city walls and the classical Wild Goose Pagoda.
Day 13: Xian - Beijing
This morning you fly to the capital of China, Beijing. A fascinating sightseeing tour of Beijing includes visits to imposing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the vast 15th century complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that was once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit is also made to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors worshipped their gods.
Day 14: The Great Wall
No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall. You will have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Later, travel through the valley of the Ming Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Your route takes you for a scenic walk along an avenue called the Sacred Way. This evening a special treat is in store - a Peking duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera show.
Day 15: Beijing
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Summer Palace. Later take a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part of Beijing. With help from an interpreter, learn about a local family’s history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making! Next, you have the opportunity to visit with a local Kite Master and learn the art of making kites and the history of this most cherished pastime of the Chinese people. Your final stop is a traditional tea ceremony before returning to your hotel. Later, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Day 16: Beijing - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Beijing.
Tour Highlights
Shanghai, Acrobatic Show, Yangtze River Cruise, The Three Gorges, Guilin, Reed Flute Caves, Xian, Terra-Cotta Warriors, Beijing, Peking Opera Show, The Great Wall, Rickshaw Tour
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Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
11/10
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