Itinerary
Days 1 - Depart USA
Depart today for Beijing and cross the International Date Line.
Day 2 - Beijing
Late in the morning, arrive in Beijing with the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a get-acquainted reception and dinner at THE GRAND HYATT HOTEL.
Day 3 - Great Wall/Ming Tombs
Journey past market towns and rock quarries and into the foothills of the Yanshan Mountains. Walk along the incomparable Great Wall, which was built so wide that five horsemen or ten soldiers could pass shoulder-to-shoulder. In the afternoon, stroll along the Sacred Way past huge stone animals, warriors and Mandarin guards to the ancient Ming Tombs. THE GRAND HYATT HOTEL
Day 4 - Forbidden City/Tiananmen Square
Begin your day exploring China's history and culture in Tiananmen Square. The Five-Star Red Flag and the Monument to the People's Heroes dominate the center and tens of thousands visit this square daily. Cross Chang'an Jie, the famous thoroughfare of Beijing, and enter the Forbidden City. Majestic walls surround the 250-acre city now known as the Imperial Palace Museum, which houses historic treasures from throughout China. Afterwards, visit the Summer Palace, situated in a 700-acre garden encompassing Kunming Lake. Enjoy a traditional Beijing duck dinner tonight. THE GRAND HYATT HOTEL
Day 5 - Hutong Tour/Xian
This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperor of China came to worship the god of heaven, followed by a hutong tour to see the old quarters of Beijing by pedi-cab and then lunch with a local family. Later this afternoon, fly into Xian. Dinner is at leisure at the THE SOFITEL ON RENMIN SQUARE XIAN.
Day 6 - Terra-Cotta Warriors/Great Mosque
Delve into the culture of the Qin Dynasty with a visit to the Qin Shi Huang Di Tomb, where over 8,000 life-sized terra cotta warriors and horses guard the entrance. These figures were grouped in battle order, rank by rank, and buried over 2000 years ago in a huge pit covering more than three acres. This afternoon, visit the Great Mosque, which was built in traditional Chinese style and ranks among the largest Islamic mosques in China. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a performance at the Tang Yue Gong Theater. This remarkable performance of Chang'an music and dance originated in the Tang dynasty over a thousand years ago. THE SOFITEL ON RENMIN SQUARE XIAN
Day 7 - Xian/Guilin
This morning, travel to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-story Buddhist temple, located on the grounds of the Temple of Good Will. Then visit the Bell Tower in the center of Xian. The city walls of Xian date back to the Ming dynasty, and are the largest and most complete in China. This afternoon fly to Guilin, one of the most beautiful areas in China. Artists have attempted to capture the beauty of Guilin in their paintings for centuries. Stunning landscapes amaze you along the way, with solitary hills jutting out of flat ground, crystal clear waters winding through the region, and intricate caves of various shapes to delight you. Watch for fishermen using trained cormorants. A river view room awaits you at the SHERATON GUILIN HOTEL.
Day 8 - Li River/Free Time
Cruise amid the mystical scenery of the Li River. Solitary, water-scarred limestone mountains are part of this unusual landscape. Cruise past famous rock formations like Old Man Peak, multicolored Mural Hill and Green Lotus Peak. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes this afternoon, as you tour the surrounding hills and parks. Visit the Reed Flute Cave, named for the reeds that grow at its entrance. Up to 1,000 people can fit in the cave's largest chamber, known as the Crystal Palace. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax and explore on your own. SHERATON GUILIN HOTEL
Day 9 - Guilin/Chongqing/Board ship for cruise
This morning depart Guilin for Chongqing, the largest city in the Sichuan Province, and now one of the principal commercial, industrial, and transportation centers of southwest China. Upon arrival, visit the zoo and see the Giant Pandas, China's Ambassador to the world. After lunch you take in the Luohan Temple and the Stillwell Museum, headquarters for General Stillwell during much of World War II. It was here that the legendary Flying Tigers were born. This evening embark on your cruise on the mighty Yangtze River. VICTORIA CRUISES
Day 10 - Cruise/Shibaozhai
As you cruise downstream today, enjoy what may be your last chance to view scenery soon to be lost under the waters after the Three Gorges Dam is completed. Learn about Chinese traditions with onboard lectures and demonstrations. Visit Shibaozhai, an 11-story pavilion built during the 1700s, and considered a gem of Chinese architecture. VICTORIA CRUISES
Day 11 - Three Gorges
A major highlight of your trip is passing through the Three Gorges--the Qutang, Wu and Xiling, each of which has its own special characteristics. The Qutang is the shortest, but is considered the most beautiful for its sheer majestic cliffs. The Wu Gorge was the birthplace of numerous Chinese legends and mythical creatures. Downstream from Qutang is Shennong Stream, where you board small boats to be pulled upstream by trackers. Explore Parrot Gorge and Dragon Boat Gorge. See ancient plank roads, cave coffins and aqueous caves. Xiling, with its many narrow curves and stretches, is the longest of the three gorges. VICTORIA CRUISES
Day 12 - Three Georges Dam Project/Yichang/Shanghai
Visit the Three Gorges Dam Project to learn about the dam and its influences. then sail to Yichang and disembark your ship. Weather permitting, fly to Shanghai. (Some departures may drive to Wuhan to catch the flight to Shanghai.) HYATT ON THE BUND
Day 13 - Shanghai Museum/Shanghai Acrobats
Your tour of Shanghai this morning includes a visit to the renowned Shanghai Museum. Lunch is at a local restaurant, then you visit the Bund, Yu Yuan Garden in the Old Town, followed by a visit to the Children's Palace. Dinner is on your own before this evening's entertainment, a performance of the famous Shanghai Acrobats.HYATT ON THE BUND
Day 14 - Shanghai/Free time/Farewell dinner
The entire day is at leisure for you to enjoy Shanghai. Perhaps an optional tour to Suzhou or half-day trip to the Zhujiajiao Water Village may be of interest. Gather this evening with your traveling companions for a farewell dinner at the HYATT ON THE BUND.
Day 15 - Conclude Shanghai
Depart on your return flight home via Hong Kong. Maupintour can assist if you would like to extend your holiday with an independent stay in Hong Kong.
Travel Dates & Rates
| Departure Dates |
Space Available |
Land Only |
Single Supplement |
* Guaranteed to operate
** Ask agent about our waiting list
- Land/cruise only rate is per person based on double occupancy.
- On-tour flights Beijing/Xian/Guilin/Chongqing and Yichang/Shanghai are included in land/cruise rate. International airfare is not included. Please inquire about our competitive rates at the time of booking. With purchase of international airfare through Maupintour, arrival and departure transfers are included.
- International airfare is not included. Please inquire about our competitive rates at the time of booking. With purchase of international airfare through Maupintour, arrival and departure transfers are included.
- Departure taxes and fees of $50 per person are additional and paid directly to Maupintour, and are subject to change.
- Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit is $500 per person. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Note: Visa is required and is the responsibility of the traveler to secure.
Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars. |
