Essence of China with Yangtze River Cruise - 2020

Arrive Beijing

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing the capital of the People’s Republic of China. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to the hotel.

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace

Day 2: Start your tour this morning with a visit to the Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the Forbidden City, the 250-acre palace containing more than 9,000 rooms. Closed to the common people for centuries, it was only opened to the public in 1949. Afternoon explore the Summer Palace, the retreat of China’s royal families for over 2,000 years (BL)

Great Wall Excursion & Ming Tomb

Day 3: Visit the Great wall, stopping en route at the Bird’s Nest & Water Cube for a picture stop. The Great Wall, built 2,300 years ago and extending 3,750 miles, can be seen from space!. Afternoon visit Sacred Way and Ming Tomb - Changling Tomb. Tonight enjoy Peking Duck dinner. (BLD)

Temple of Heaven & Lama Temple / Xian

Day 4: In the morning visit the Temple of Heaven, possibly the country’s most popular symbol and the Lama Temple, considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in present day China. Later fly to Xian, once the largest city in the world. Xian was the national capital for eleven Chinese dynasties and a major link between Asia and Europe. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. (BL)

Terra Cotta Warriors & Wild Goose Pagoda

Day 5: Xian captured the interest of the world in 1974 with the discovery of the astonishing third-century BC burial sites of the first emperor to unite China, Qin Shi Huangdi. Visit the archaeological site to see thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors, which have been standing guard over the Imperial Tomb for 2,000 years and the the ceramics & pottery workshop. Enjoy Noodle making demonstration followed by lunch. Afternoon visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Temple and the Ancient City Wall. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty Show. (BLD)

Xian / Chongqing / Cruise

Day 6: Morning is free until transfer to airport for flight flying to Chongqing. Arrive Chongqing, city tour if time permits. Sichuan flavor dinner at local restaurant, and then transfer to pier to board on the cruise , embark on Victoria Jenna or Sabrina (Superior Cabin on the Main Deck) to explore and discover the mysteries of the Yangtze River. Relax and enjoy your downstream Cruise on the Yangtze. (BLD)

Shibaozhai

Day 7: Shore excursion to Shibaozhai, literally translated into English as the "Stone Treasure Fortress." Located in Zhong County at the south bank of the Yangtze River (30 miles away from Wanxian), it was first built in Qing Dynasty in 1750 with a height of 56 meters. Shibaozhai is simply a rectangular rock with sheer cliffs, standing on the riverside. A red wooden pagoda, 12 stories high, was built against the rock wall. Visitors can climb to the top by spiral staircase in the pagoda, 160 meters above the river to gain a panoramic view of the winding river, the village and the countryside. (BLD)

Qutang Gorge / Wu Gorge / Shennong Stream

Day 8: Qutang Gorge finds the river carving its way between sheer precipices of overhanging mountains on both sides. Continue through the wondrous Wu Gorge, a meandering landscape of dazzling peaks and rocks, forming a whimsical gallery of natural beauty. Upon arrival at the famed Shennong Stream, board the small boat and sail deep into the fabled Three Lesser Gorges. Enjoy the vistas of Parrot Gorge and Dragon Boat Gorge with their breathtaking scenery. Return back to the boat and continue to the third Xiling Gorge as we pass through many historical sites. Sail through the huge Three Gorges Dam and the five ship locks. (BLD)

Xiling Gorge / Yichang / Shanghai

Day 9: Take a shore excursion to see the massive construction of Three Gorges Dam, the world largest hydroelectric project. Continue sailing down in the second section of Xiling Gorges. Disembark in Yichang and proceed to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, "the Paris of the East"- China’s most westernized and largest city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the hotel. (B)

Shanghai Sightseeing

Day 10: Your morning tour of Shanghai includes a visit to Yuyuan Garden and the Old Town. Afternoon visit the Shanghai Museum and the Bund, a wide, tree-lined avenue along the Huangpu River and Tianzifang Artist area, famous for small craft stores, coffee shops, trendy art studios and narrow alleys. Evening enjoy a performance by the famous Chinese acrobats. (BD)

Shanghai / Home

Day 11: Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)