Yangtze Cruise Odyssey

A comprehensive excursion through the heart and soul of China by land, air and sea

Included Highlights

• All domestic airfares included within China
• Superior First Class accommodations throughout
• 14 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), 9 dinners (D or SD-special dinner)
• Comprehensive sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA
Your journey begins with a flight to Beijing aboard your chosen airline.

Day 2 Beijing
You are greeted on arrival and transferred to your well-appointed hotel.

Day 3 Beijing
The day is spent touring the top sights of imperial Beijing: the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. (B,L)

Day 4 Beijing
Begin the day at the wondrous Great Wall, then visit the Ming Tombs before returning for Beijing for an authentic Peking Duck dinner. (B,L,SD)

Day 5 Beijing/Xian
Step back in time on a morning tour of the mazelike hutongs, the tiny lanes of old Beijing. Afterward fly to the ancient capital of Xian. (B,L)

Day 6 Xian
Tour the highlights of Xian, once the largest city in the world. Visit the famed army of ancient terra cotta soldiers, the Provincial Museum, historic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and City Gate. This evening enjoy a fine banquet and stage show at the Tang Dynasty Theater. (B,L,SD)

Day 7 Xian/Lhasa
Fly today to Tibet, viewing spectacular 22,000-foot Himalayan peaks en route if the weather is clear. After you arrive in Lhasa, the rest of the day is at leisure to acclimatize to the 12,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)

Days 8 Lhasa
You¹ll not soon forget the spectacular architecture at the Potala Palace. Former living quarters of the Dalai Lama, its massive 1,000-room structure towers over this mountain city. Later, you¹ll visit the famous Barkhor Market, where you can shop for rare Tibetan items. (B,L,D)

Days 9 Lhasa
An extraordinary day of sightseeing reveals one of Tibet¹s holiest shrines, revered 7th century Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims come to prostrate themselves before the statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha, lavishly enthroned in silver and gold. Visit the cliff-top Drepung Monastery, tiered against a mountain in traditional Tibetan style, which once housed more than 1,000 lamas. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Lhasa/Chongqing
Travel by air to the heart of Sichuan. Tour Chongqing if time permits, before boarding your cruiser. Settle into your outside stateroom, then meet your American crew at a welcome reception and briefing. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise
Begin sailing along one of the finest stretches of river scenery in the world. Enjoy your ship¹s fine facilities as you sail to Fengdu, a folkloric "ghost city" or visit Wanxian. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Yangtze River Cruise
Enter the first of the great Three Gorges, Qutang, embraced by soaring peaks blanketed with mist and greenery. Sail to the Daning River for a boat cruise through the Three Small Gorges, a lush unspoiled passage with exotic birds and monkeys or sail through the beautiful Shennong Stream. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Yangtze River Cruise
A thrilling final day of cruising, as you traverse Xiling Gorge and visit the new Three Gorges Dam site, the largest construction project in the world. (B,L,D)

Day 14 Wuhan/Shanghai
Disembark in Wuhan and fly to Shanghai. (B,L)

Day 15 Shanghai
Tour Shanghai's premier sights, from Yuyuan Gardens to the Bund to the Museum. Meet local youngsters at the charming Children's Palace. (B,L)

Day 16 Shanghai/USA
Begin your journey home on your chosen airline, arriving later today. (B)

Hotels

Departures & Pricing

For Information & Reservations
(408) 298-2598 or Email Us

 

Departs: Monday	Land Only	Single Supplement	Western   LAX/SFO*
2002
Aug 05	$3220	$1010	$960
Sep 02, 16	$3360	$1120	$1010
Oct 07, 21	$3360	$1120	$1010