Summary of Highlights of China & the Yangtze
A journey to China is an enchanting odyssey through more than 5,000 years of history recorded against a vast and stunning landscape. Discover the great diversity of this fascinating country from the rural to the exotic and from Beijing to Shanghai, two of the world's most sophisticated metropolitan cities. This program provides insight to all the major marvels of this grand country. Discover Beijing, China's second largest city and home to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Stand in the middle of Tiananmen Square, visit the Forbidden City, and walk along the Great Wall - a man-made wonder. Travel to Xi'an and visit Emperor Qin's life-sized Terracotta Soldiers and Horses, a sight to behold. Explore Shanghai, China's largest city and home to Shanghai's legendary Acrobats. Cruise the breathtaking Yangtze River with its stunning surroundings and the famous Three Gorges, each with its own unique characteristics. Experience all the highlights of China on this all-inclusive holiday specifically designed for guests who want.
Highlights:
- Beijing
- Great Wall
- Xi'an
- Yangtze River Cruise
- Shanghai
Highlights of China & the Yangtze
Day 1 - Depart North America
Day 2 - Arrive Beijing (3 nights)
Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a Trafalgar Tour Director who will escort you to your hotel. Hotel: Sheraton
Day 3 - Beijing
Beijing is home to many of the sights that make China a must-see destination. Among the fascinating places you will visit is the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world, with more than 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms. Visit Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. Walk through the Tiananmen Gate, the “Gate of Heavenly Peace” and the entranceway to the Forbidden City. Admire one of China’s best-preserved imperial gardens at the Summer Palace. In the evening, top off a fabulous day with an authentic Peking Duck dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
Day 4 - Beijing
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall is without question one of the man-made wonders of the world. To walk this marvel of the ancient world is truly memorable. Later in the day, travel the Sacred Way, home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. End your day with yet another highlight, an evening at the magnificent Beijing Opera. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 - Beijing to Xi’an (2 nights)
Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs (ancient lanes and alleyways), located in the old residential area of Beijing. Later in the day, you’ll fly to Xi’an and check into the Sheraton Hotel with a delicious dumpling dinner waiting for you. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner) Hotel: Sheraton
Day 6 - Xi'an
Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the site of one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Visit the City Wall, one of the oldest and best preserved walls in China. In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
Day 7 - Xi’an to Chongqing to Cruising the Yangtze (3 nights)
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Fly to Chongqing, where you’ll board an elegant Victoria Cruises ship for your cruise of the awe-inspiring Yangtze. But, before we cast off, visit the Chongqing Zoo for a glimpse of giant pandas, lesser pandas and Chinese tigers. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Days 8 - Cruising the Yangtze River
Sail along the Yangtze with its vertical limestone cliffs. Your journey will take you through the Three Gorges. If water levels cooperate, we’ll stop at Shibaozhai, a magnificent wooden pavilion constructed without nails. You may visit Fengdu or Wanzhou depending on water levels. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 9 - Cruising the Yangtze River
Board a riverboat and embark on a voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges, depending on water levels. It’s an enchanting and tranquil journey that will take you through “Dragon Gate,” “Misty Gorge” and “Emerald Gorge.” After returning to the cruise ship, you’ll sail through Xiling Gorge, and in the evening, you’ll pass through the Three Gorges ship locks. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 10 - Cruising the Yangtze River to Yichang to Shanghai (2 nights)
On the way to Yichang, visit the site of the controversial Three Gorges Dam before disembarking your luxury ship. Fly to Shanghai and transfer to the your hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Regal International
Day 11 - Shanghai
You’ll stroll through Old Town and along the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its distinctive artistic spheres representing “large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate.” On your final night in China, prepare to be dazzled by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 12 - Shanghai North America
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue your tour with one of our popular optional extensions. (Buffet breakfast)Note: Substitute visits to other sights along the Yangtze may occur depending on water levels, or other factors.
Extend your vacation with this Optional Extension
HONG KONG Recently reunited with China in 1997 after years of British rule, Hong Kong has always remained true to its Chinese roots and culture. Shop at Stanley Market. Explore Hong Kong Island and drive up to Victoria Peak. Visit Repulse Bay and the fishermen’s village at Aberdeen.Included in your 4-day grand city stay: 3 nights at the Sheraton Hotel with breakfast* All transfers Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong Half-day Hong Kong Island Tour * Hotel subject to change. HONG KONG & GUILIN Hong Kong and Guilin Combine Hong Kong, with its vibrant blend of Eastern and Western culture, with beautiful Guilin into one grand extension. Tour Reed Flute Cave and relax on a spectacular full-day cruise with lunch down the Li River of Guilin. Be enthralled by the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong as you explore the island and drive up to Victoria Peak. Included in your 5-day stay: Flights between Shanghai and Guilin and to Hong Kong
Dates & Rates
| Departs On |
Returns On |
Land Price |
Availability |
| Wednesday, September 2 2009 | Sunday, September 13 2009 | $3130 |  |
| Wednesday, September 9 2009 | Sunday, September 20 2009 | $3130 | |
| Wednesday, September 16 2009 | Sunday, September 27 2009 | $3130 | |
| Wednesday, September 23 2009 | Sunday, October 4 2009 | $3130 | |
| Wednesday, September 30 2009 | Sunday, October 11 2009 | $3130 | |
| Wednesday, October 7 2009 | Sunday, October 18 2009 | $3130 | |
| Wednesday, October 14 2009 | Sunday, October 25 2009 | $3130 | |
| Wednesday, October 21 2009 | Sunday, November 1 2009 | $3130 | |
| Wednesday, October 28 2009 | Sunday, November 8 2009 | $2980 | |
| Wednesday, November 4 2009 | Sunday, November 15 2009 | $2880 | |
The “LAND+CRUISE ONLY” prices include all intra-China air.
Please Note: Guarenteed roomshare is not available on this tour.
Ship and hotels are subject to change.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.
These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
