WONDERS OF CHINA and TIBET with YANGTZE CRUISE and HONG KONG (OCE2010)

Meals
American breakfast daily (B),14 lunches (L), 13 dinners (D), including a Peking Duck welcome dinner in Beijing and a farewell dinner in Shanghai.

Hotels


Beijing
Traders Hotel (F),

Xi’an
Grand Mercure on Renmin Square (F),

Lhasa
Four Points by Sheraton (F),

Chengdu
Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel (SF),

Kunming
Bank Hotel Kunming (D),

Lijiang
Grand Hotel (F),

Victoria Cruises
Victoria Katarina,

Shanghai
Sofitel Hyland Shanghai (F),

Hong Kong Extension
Holiday Inn Golden Mile (F)

Day 1:
(Thu.) Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Beijing, China. (Fri.) Welcome to China. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 3:
Beijing. (Sat.) Today your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. Then, proceed to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. This evening, enjoy a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Beijing. (Sun.) The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved. Walk along the wall and enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. Before returning to Beijing, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight you may decide on the optional tour of the Peking Opera with its various forms of drama and music tracing back to the late 13th century. (B,L)

Day 5:
Beijing–Xi’an. (Mon.) This morning is free. Time permitting, you may wish to take our optional tour to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture, or you may decide to take the optional Hutong tour of the city’s ancient alleys. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China. Look forward to this evening’s highlight, the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)

Day 6:
Xi’an. (Tue.) One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing starts with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the impressive legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the emperor’s burial site for 2,000 years. Also visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Xi’an–Lhasa, Tibet. (Wed.) Early this morning, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet and locked away in the mountains of the Himalayas. The balance of the day is free for you to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,D)

Day 8:
Lhasa. (Thu.) Take a brief city tour this morning, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a TYPICAL TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Lhasa. (Fri.) Today, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also, visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Lhasa–Chengdu. (Sat.) This morning, fly to Chengdu, the capital of the province of Sichuan and a city known for its flavorful food. Visit the GIANT PANDA BREEDING RESEARCH BASE and marvel at these beautiful animals. Time permitting, enjoy a brief city tour. (B,L)

Day 11:
Chengdu–Kunming. (Sun.) Enjoy the morning at leisure in Chengdu. Then, fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province and often called the “City of Eternal Spring.” Enjoy a Western-style dinner tonight at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Kunming. (Mon.) Today, travel to the remarkable STONE FOREST, an area of limestone pillars—some almost 100 feet high—dotted with small lakes and waterfalls. Return to Kunming and visit the Western Hills and the magnificent Dragon Gate. Later, enjoy free time to stroll along the city’s wide boulevards. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Kunming–Lijiang. (Tue.) A short flight brings you to Lijiang, home to the Naxi people, one of China’s minority ethnic groups. This afternoon, visit the MUSEUM OF NAXI DONGBA CULTURE to learn about their ancient culture or Dongba, which consists of hieroglyphs, scripture, paintings, music, and dance. Then, visit BLACK DRAGON POOL with stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, followed by a late-afternoon WALKING TOUR through the medieval town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 16,000-foot-plus mountains. Dinner tonight is a fascinating experience at a local restaurant in the medieval town. (B,L,D)

Day 14:
Lijiang. (Wed.) This morning, take a short trip outside of Lijiang and hike to a mountain meadow for a closer view of 18,464-foot-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Lijiang on your own. (B, L)

Day 15:
Lijiang–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise. (Thu.) Today, fly via Kunming to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is set high up on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Time permitting, take a stroll through one of its many attractive parks or through the historic Old Town before you board the Victoria Katarina to prepare for your 3-night CRUISE down the mighty Yangtze River. During the next few days, when not on deck, attend lectures on Chinese medicine, calligraphy, history, or the Three Gorges Dam project. (B,D)

Day 16:
Cruising: Shibaozhai or Wanxian or Fengdu. (Fri.) Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff; or Fengdu, known as “Ghost City,” where you’ll visit several temples. (B,L,D)

Day 17:
Cruising: Shennong Stream or Daning River. (Sat.) Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges—Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for your BOAT EXCURSION down the Daning River or the Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. Continue through the passage, sailing through the Three Gorges ship locks. (B,L,D)

Day 18:
Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai. (Sun.) View tiny villages clinging precariously to hillsides as you proceed to Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest of its kind in the world. Upon arrival in Yichang, say farewell to your crew as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city. (B,L)

Day 19:
Shanghai. (Mon.) Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard; visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Later, visit LONG HUA TEMPLE, the oldest temple in Shanghai. This evening your Tour Director hosts a lavish farewell dinner, a fitting finale to your exploration of Asia’s most fascinating destinations. (B,L,D)

Day 20:
Shanghai–Hong Kong. (Tue.) Fly to Hong Kong, Asia’s vibrant commercial capital. Your approach is a memorable experience, with sweeping views of the countless islands dotting the South China Sea. Check into your hotel. Evening at leisure. (B)

Day 21:
Hong Kong. (Wed.) During today’s sightseeing tour, take a cable tramcar up VICTORIA PEAK for a panoramic view of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village where you will enjoy a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET and its narrow streets filled with inexpensive clothing and arts and crafts stalls. The remainder of the day is free for you to experience the city at your own pace. (B)

Day 22:
Hong Kong. (Thu.) A free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to sign up for an optional excursion to learn about Hong Kong’s history before the British colonized the area. Perhaps a full-day outing to visit Macau. Shopping is always a highlight of Hong Kong. There are markets, malls, and shops to fit any budget and taste. For those who want to try out some of the local fare, head over to Lan Kwai Fong Street or to a teahouse on Tang Lung Street. (B)

Day 23:
Hong Kong. (Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

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Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8/5/2010 - 8/27/2010	$5,269
9/2/2010 - 9/24/2010	$5,579
9/16/2010 - 10/8/2010	$5,499
9/30/2010 - 10/22/2010	$5,759
10/14/2010 - 11/5/2010	$5,579
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City Highlights


Cruise:
3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang in an outside stateroom with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony

Sightseeing including a personal headset in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai


Beijing:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonné workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Duck welcome dinner

Xi’an:
Enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Dayan Pagoda and the Terracotta Warriors; noodle-making demonstration

Lhasa:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Summer Palace, a Tibetan’s home, a Tibetan monastery, a Tibetan hospital, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and a local bazaar

Chengdu:
Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Kunming:
Visit the Stone Forest

Lijiang:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture and Black Dragon Pool; walking tour of old town

Chongqing:
Begin your cruise aboard the Victoria Katarina

Shibaozhai/Wanxian/ Fengdu:
View a wooden pagoda, an acrobatic show, or statues at numerous temples on Mingshan Hill

Shennong Stream or Daning River Boat Excursion:
Enjoy a boat excursion down one of the lesser gorges of the Yangtze

Three Gorges Dam Site:
Sightseeing of the impressive dam site with a Local Guide

Shanghai:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; stroll along the Bund; visit the Shanghai Museum, Yu Yuan Gardens, and a local kindergarten; farewell dinner

Hong Kong Extension:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; take a cable car ride up Victoria Peak; sampan ride on harbor; visit Stanley Market; Host service during your stay

All Intra-Tour Flights
Note:This trip is for travelers who are fit. It requires climbing stairs to visit many of the attractions. You’ll also visit regions reaching almost 14,000 ft. in elevation.

Ship
Victoria Katarina

Related Tours
OC|Wonders of China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise

Price Details US
Single Room Supplement: $1830Triple rooms are not available.Extra nights per person in Beijing:Weekdays (Mon.-Thu.): in single room $163; in twin room $93Weekends (Fri.-Sun.): in single room $123; in twin room $73Extra nights per person in Hong Kong:May-Aug. & 1 Oct.-9 Oct.: in single room $204; in twin room $123Sep. & Nov.: in single room $283; in twin room $16210 Oct.-31 Oct.: in single room $333; in twin room $188Suites are available on board the Victoria Katarina upon request. Please call for prices.

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