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Cruising the Yangtze River
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A four-day cruise on the legendary Yangtze, a highlight of this tour, is one of the great river odysseys through spectacular scenery and timeless history. You'll see ancient sites and remote rural villages as well as an up-close look at the world's largest construction project, the Three Gorges Dam. The scenic highlights of this river journey are many, but most spectacular are the Three Gorges that lie upstream of the dam site. Quatang Gorge is dramatic with steep cliffs that guard ancient sites such as the Meng Liang staircase carved into rock. Wu Gorge with its twelve peaks and pristine, forest-clad mountains has been admired for centuries. During one day of your cruise, you will visit Wanxian where you may visit a silk-weaving factory and the Three Gorges Museum. This ideal tour combines the splendors of the Yangtze River with China's historic treasures. You begin in Shanghai where a full day of sightseeing introduces you to sites like the Bund, referring to Shanghai's famous waterfront which today consists of a marvelous promenade, the perfect platform for strolling along the busy riverway. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple and a tour of the tranquil YuYuan Gardens are other highlights. Following your cruise, you fly to the unique city of Guilin where you will visit the Chinese Art Institute and later participate in a private Tai Chi lesson. In Xian, located in China's interior, you'll marvel at China's greatest archaeological excavation site, the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors, and enjoy a special dumpling dinner. Your tour concludes with a 3-night stay in Beijing, the capital of China. Highlights include Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City, which provides a glimpse of the lives of China's mighty emperors. You'll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and alleys of Beijing's oldest part, share lunch with a family in their Hutong home, and go kite-flying during an excursion to the Great Wall.
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| Call 1 (800) 935-2474 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6806932 | | Collette Vacations | | Offer valid through 5/31/2008 | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Overnight Flight | | | Day 2 | Shanghai | 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 | 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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 4 | Wuhan | Shanghai - Wuhan - 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 Wuhan. Later, board your ship for a 5-night cruise of the Yangtze River, and enjoy a welcome briefing and orientation with the crew. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 5 | Cruising | Cruising : Relax during a day of leisure on the ship and enjoy on-board events such as the river briefing before joining the Captain for a welcome dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 6 | Xiling Gorge | 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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 7 | Wu Gorge | Cruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge : Your excursion today includes a visit to the Shennong Stream in pea boats on the Daning River. You will see breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat gorges. You will also pass through the Wu & Qutang gorges. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 8 | Wanxian | Cruising - Wanxian : Your morning includes a visit to Wanxian, guarded by two nine-story pagodas and known as "the gateway to East Sichuan." You may visit the Three Gorges Museum where you will see many archaeological treasures unearthed before the dam project flooding began. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the busy local market. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 9 | Guilin | 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. This afternoon you fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 10 | Guilin | Guilin : Today enjoy a cart tour of Guilin, viewing some of the unique scenery that has been inspiring Chinese poets for centuries. Enjoy leisure time in Yangshuo to visit the markets and bargain with the locals for souvenirs. Visit the Guilin Tea Institute to learn the art of tea picking and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 11 | Xi'an | 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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 12 | Xi'an | 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. Visit the impressive Provincial Museum before returning to your hotel. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 13 | Beijing | 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. This evening a special treat is in store - a Peking duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera show. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 14 | Beijing | 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. While here, experience the time-honored and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 15 | Beijing | 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! Later, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 16 | Beijing | Beijing - Tour Ends : Your tour ends in Beijing. |
| | | Shanghai Marriott Hongqiao, Shanghai | | China Regal Cruises | | Guilin Bravo Hotel, Guilin | | Grand New World Hotel, Xian | | Loong Palace Hotel & Resort, Beijing | |
| | Total meals - 40 | Breakfasts - 14 | | Lunches - 13 | Dinners - 13 |
| Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: San Francisco Intl Airport
Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above.
*All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts. |
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