China & Yangtze River

SHANGHAI, BEIJING, XIAN, GUILIN, YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE & HONG KONG

Save up to $800 per couple!!!
For a limited time only save
up to $800 per couple on this remarkable journey to China.
Reserve by July 31, 2008 to qualify for the early booking discount. Space is limited so please reserve early.

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your comprehensive journey to China and Hong Kong begins this evening as you check-in for your flight bound for Shanghai. Your flight departs late tonight.

Day 2: En route. Cross the International Date Line and lose one day en route.

Day 3: Arrive Shanghai. Morning arrival in Shanghai, often described as “Paris of the East”. An intriguing, dynamic city, today’s Shanghai weaves the seaport legacy of its past with impressive new 21st century architecture. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to your luxury hotel. This afternoon embark on a guided orientation drive followed by a stroll down the Bund, the bustling and exciting waterfront along the Huangpu River. Later, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at your hotel. Crowne Plaza Fudan Hotel (D)

Day 4: Start your day with a guided walk amidst the scenic ponds, colorful pavilions and walkways of the 16th century Yu Yuan Garden, a delightful reminder of old Shanghai. You’ll also visit the acclaimed Shanghai Museum displaying exquisite ancient Chinese art and artifacts. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace. This evening you may join an optional ($35) dinner followed by a mesmerizing acrobatic show.(B)

Day 5: Shanghai/Beijing. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before boarding a short flight to Beijing, China’s lively capital and host to the 2008 Summer Olympics. On arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of downtown Beijing and tour the vast Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments. It is also an excellent spot for people watching! Later, arrive at your deluxe, conveniently located hotel. Capital Hotel (B,L)

Day 6: On today’s exhilarating excursion venture outside the city to the legendary Great Wall, which extends nearly 4,000 miles. Time to view and mount the well-preserved ramparts of this ancient wonder before proceeding to the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat of the Empress Dowager and now a lovely park. Here, enjoy a scenic boat ride on peaceful Kunming Lake. (B,L)

Day 7: A day at leisure to explore as you wish. You may join an optional excursion ($50, lunch included) to Beijing's ancient back alleys (Hutong) by rickshaw and witness the way the Chinese have lived for centuries. You’ll also visit the home of a local family and have lunch with them. Continue to the splendid Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture. This evening, delight in an included special banquet featuring the famous “Peking Duck” and make a brief visit to a traditional performance of the renowned Beijing Opera. (B,D)

Day 8: Beijing/Xian: Start your day with a guided tour of the Forbidden City, the former seat of the emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It’s a true architectural masterpiece and home to the National Palace Museum. Later, fly to Xian, ancient capital of China for eleven dynasties and historic gateway to the old silk trading route. ANA Grand Castle Hotel (B,L)

Day 9: On a guided excursion visit one of the world’s most amazing archaeological discoveries: a life-size Terra Cotta Army of soldiers and horses guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi. It was unearthed in 1974 after being buried with the first Qin emperor for 22 centuries! Later, visit the intriguing Shanxi Museum and view the stone carvings and precious art treasures from the ancient Han and Tang Dynasties. This evening savor a delicious dumpling dinner, a local specialty, and delight in a Tang Dynasty spectacular folklore show. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Xian/Wuhan/Yichang. Free time this morning to explore independently before your afternoon flight to Wuhan. On arrival, journey by road to Yichang, the gateway to the Yangtze River Gorges where you embark your luxurious River Cruiser. Set sail late tonight.
Victoria Cruises Premier Ship (B,L,D)

Day 11: Spend the day cruising along one of the world’s finest stretches of river scenery. First, dock at Sandouping village and visit the ongoing Yangtze Dam project, the world’s largest hydroelectric power project. You’ll enjoy a lecture on the progress of the project, view a model of the completed dam and savor the scenic views. Return to your ship and sail through the Three Gorges ship-locks towards the Xiling Gorge, a long, twisting passage through rushing rapids, weathered peaks, landmark caves and temples. Tonight, you’ll be the Captain’s guest at a cocktail reception. (B,L,D)

Day 12: An unforgettable day begins as you sail through the Three Gorges. Proceed through the misty Wu Gorge, its twelve peaks soaring above. Dock in Wushan and board a smaller boat for a thrilling side trip up the Daning River to see the “Small Gorges,” presenting some of China’s most spectacular scenery. Towering cliffs soar over the narrow river and unique wildlife abound. Your spectacular voyage unfolds as you pass through the last of the “Three Gorges”, Qutang. This breathtaking narrow passage is the grandest of them all. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Today, continue your cruise along the Yangtze River. Dock in Shibaozhai, a rural river town where you’ll enjoy a shore excursion to see the 400 years old, 12-story wooden pagoda. (On some sailings you may stop instead in Wanxian or the “Ghost Town” of Fengdu. A shore excursion will be included). Tonight, enjoy a farewell banquet and cultural show on board. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Arrive Chongqing/Guilin. Disembark in the mountain city of Chongqing, a modern river port with ancient history spanning 3000 years. Here, delight in a visit to the Panda Pavilion at the lovely zoo. Later, fly southward to Guilin, home to the magnificent karst limestone formations, mist-covered hills and bamboo groves made famous through centuries of Chinese art. This evening savor a special dinner followed by a walking tour of Guilin's exciting night market. Royal Garden Hotel (B,L,D)

China and the Yangtze River

Day 15: Li River Cruise. Towering limestone pinnacles and misty waters form the backdrop of today’s leisurely cruise on the fabled Li River. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery before arriving at the bustling market town of Yangshou where you have some free time to explore and shop. Later, visit the famous Reed Flute Cave. (B,L)

Day 16: Guilin/Hong Kong. Fly to Shenzhen, a prosperous coastal town in southern China. Here, board a high-speed catamaran for a short ride through the Pearl River Delta to the scenic harbor of Hong Kong. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of bustling Kowloon, near the majestic harbor promenade. This afternoon savor first glimpses of thriving Hong Kong as you join your tour director for an orientation walk. Regal Hotel Kowloon (B)

Day 17: A morning tour of Hong Kong Island features a drive to the top of Victoria Peak for a spectacular city and harbor view. Then visit the renowned Stanley Market where bargains await, the scenic Repulse Bay and the Aberdeen floating fishing village. Afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace, visit one of the fascinating museums or “shop until you drop”. (B)

Day 18: Hong Kong/USA. Following a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you arrive back in the U.S. later today. (B)

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles via Korean Air (Add $100 if departing from New York, JFK)
Airline fuel surcharge
All intra-China flights and ground transportation
Accommodation at deluxe hotels with private bath
Deluxe Yangtze River cruise aboard Victoria Cruises Premier ship in outside cabin with picture window and private balcony
33 meals: 15 full buffet American breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L) and 8 dinners (D)
Comprehensive sightseeing tours, admission fees included
All shore excursions
English-speaking Tour Director and local guides

Victoria Cruises operates one of the newest fleets of luxury cruisers sailing the Yangtze River. Your air-conditioned cabin has a picture window and balcony facing the river, two lower beds and a private bath. Superb facilities include a restaurant featuring delicious cuisine, bar, viewing lounge, gift shop and a fitness center. On-board activities include demonstrations, lectures and local entertainment.

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED*
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY JUL 31	RESERVE AFTER JUL 31
2008
Jul 11	Jul 28	$ 2899	–
Sep 2	Sep 19	$ 2899	$ 3299
Sep 5	Sep 22	$ 2899	$ 3299
Sep 9	Sep 26	$ 2899	$ 3299
Sep 12	Sep 29	$ 2899	$ 3299
Sep 23	Oct 10	$ 2999	$ 3399
Sep 30	Oct 17	$ 2999	$ 3399
Oct 7	Oct 24	$ 2999	$ 3399
Oct 10	Oct 27	$ 2999	$ 3399
Oct 14	Oct 31	$ 2999	$ 3399
Oct 21	Nov 7	$ 2899	$ 3299
Oct 31	Nov 17	$ 2799	$ 3199
Nov 7	Nov 24	$ 2699	$ 3099
Nov 11	Nov 28	$ 2599	$ 2999
BANGKOK EXTENSION: Add $499 per person double occcupancy / $699 single. Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement is $799. ($999 for Sep and Oct departures) Add $100 if departing from New York (JFK) *Departure and airport taxes and fees ($165) and China visa fee not included.

Bangkok, Thailand

4-day extension
Why not take advantage of your already included international airfare and add four days in exotic Bangkok. Your extension includes airfare from Hong Kong to Bangkok, river view accommodations at the deluxe Sheraton Royal Orchid Hotel, full buffet breakfast daily, city and temples tour and all transfers.

Your Extension Itinerary

Day 18: Hong Kong/Bangkok. Today board a short flight to Thailand, the "Land of Smiles". Upon arrival in Bangkok, the breathtaking capital situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, you'll be escorted to your deluxe, river front hotel. Sheraton Royal Orchid Hotel

Day 19: Following breakfast embark on an included tour introducing you to some of Bangkok's most outstanding Buddhist temples: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable 5-tons solid gold statue of Buddha and Wat Po, the temple featuring the colossal 150 foot long "Reclining Buddha" and the White Marble Temple representing the finest Thai architecture. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 20 & 21 : Two days to discover Thailand's vibrant and exotic capital at your own pace. We suggest an optional full day excursion to the bustling and colorful Damneon Saduak floating market followed by a rice barge ride to the Rose Garden, a Thai village featuring a presentation of local arts and customs. You may also take a dip in your hotel's pool or shop to your heart’s content. (B)

Day 22: Bangkok/USA. Early this morning board your homebound flight. Your magical journey to the Orient ends as you arrive the USA later today.

Your Extension includes:

Airfare from Hong Kong to Bangkok
River view accommodations at the deluxe Sheraton Royal Orchid Hotel
Full buffet breakfast daily
City and temples tour
All transfers

BANGKOK EXTENSION:
Add $499 per person / $699 single.

Also available: 11-day tour China Sampler

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For more information and reservations please call

1-800-337-7773

1-800-337-7773 • 501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1402, New York, NY 10017