China, the Yangtze River & Hong Kong 2018

16 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Tauck's 16-day China trip includes ancient cities and tranquil country villages, a culturally enriching Yangtze River cruise aboard the newly renovated Yangzi Explorer, special talks and presentations by local experts, and cultural connections from Beijing to Shanghai to Hong Kong.

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • 3-night Yangtze River cruise
    • Hutong visit in Beijing
    • meet a curator at the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi'an
    • local dining experiences
    • acrobatic show
    • sampan ride on Shennong Stream

What's this trip about?

    Tauck's 16-day China trip includes ancient cities and tranquil country villages, a culturally enriching Yangtze River cruise aboard the newly renovated Yangzi Explorer, special talks and presentations by local experts, and cultural connections from Beijing to Shanghai to Hong Kong.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBeijing, China
End CityHong Kong, China

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Beijing
  • Chongqing
  • Guilin
  • Hong Kong
  • Shanghai
  • Three Gorges Dam
  • Victoria Peak
  • Xian

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • 3-night eastbound Yangtze River cruise between Chongqing and Yichang aboard the Yangzi Explorer Insider experience in Beijing's disappearing hutongs including a rickshaw ride and a visit with a local hutong family Private talk with a conservation expert at the Terra Cotta Warriors museum in Xi'an Special visits to the Han Yang Ling Underground Museum and the Shaanxi History Museum Introduction to Shanghai at the Shanghai Urban Planning Center Unique dining experiences at local restaurants Performance of Shanghai's daring, hi-tech ERA acrobatic show Sampan ride on Shennong Stream during your Yangtze cruise Small Group Departures - Select small group departures averaging 24 Tauck guests; specific dates apply - ask at booking for details. Special Solo Traveler Savings on select departures; specific dates apply; ask at booking Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted 37 meals (15 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners) with gratuities to ship staff, local guides, taxes, service charges, admission fees and porterage

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing
Tour begins: The Waldorf Astoria Beijing at 6:30 PM. Transfers are included from Beijing Capital Int'l Airport to the Waldorf Astoria Beijing. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening. MEALS : D LODGING : Waldorf Astoria Beijing PORTOFCALL : Beijing, China

Day 2 The Great Wall & Beijing's Hutongs
They don't call it "The Great Wall" for nothing... Besides being the only man-made structure visible from space, the Great Wall of China tops most travelers' lists of the Earth's must-visit places. Take a walk atop the highest point of its Badaling section, then walk dow...
Day 3 Temple of Heaven to Tiananmen Square
This morning, visit a grand example of traditional Chinese architecture - Beijing's Temple of Heaven, a round, three-tiered wood structure intricately decorated with gold leaf and colorful designs; try to imagine a long-ago time when the emperor and his entourage would t...
Day 4 Fly to Xi'an and Visit an Underground Museum
Board a flight to 3,000-year-old Xi'an, one of China's great ancient capitals. Upon arrival, you'll visit an amazing place - the Han Yang Ling Underground Mausoleum and museum. Known locally as "the most underrated tomb in Xi'an," it was undisturbed for about 2,100 years...
Day 5 Terra Cotta Warriors & Shaanxi Museum
8,000 lifelike soldiers guarding an emperor's tomb for 2,000 years... get an insider's view of the Terra Cotta Warriors from a leading museum staffer! Enjoy a traditional dumpling lunch at a local restaurant. Explore ancient China further with a special visit to the Sha...
Day 6 On to Guilin & a Canal Cruise
Fly to Guilin, among China's most picturesque places, whose landscapes have inspired poets and artists for centuries. After checking in and relaxing at bit at your hotel, the Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin, set out on an evening cruise through the center of the city along its ...
Day 7 Cruising the Li River & a Cooking Lesson
Spend the morning on a private Tauck cruise along the storied Li River today; feast your eyes and your soul on tranquil groves, fishermen on bamboo rafts, breathtaking limestone peaks and views of traditional village life that seem to be lifted from an ancient Chinese sc...
Day 8 Chongqing / Embark Your Yangtze Cruise
After touching down in Chongqing, enjoy lunch and a visit to the Chongqing Zoo before boarding the newly renovated Yangzi Explorer for a memorable three-night cruise through the Three Gorges of the mighty Yangtze River. Dine aboard ship this evening before setting sail on your cruise, bound downstream to Yichang. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : Aboard Yangzi Explorer PORTOFCALL : Chongqing, China

Day 9 Yangzi Explorer & a choice of shore excursions
Visions of knobby, mist-shrouded mountains steeped in the mystique of old China travel with you as you experience the Yangtze from dawn to dusk aboard the recently renovated Yangzi Explorer, one of the finest and roomiest ships on the river - and completely renovated for...
Day 10 Cruising the Three Gorges
Otherworldly vistas greet you as the Yangzi Explorer takes you into the Yangtze River's Qutang and Wu gorges. Following a Shennong Stream excursion via sampan, then lunch, enjoy shipboard activities including a calligraphy lesson as Yangzi Explorer cruises through Xiling Gorge, largest of the Three Gorges, this afternoon and evening. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : Aboard Yangzi Explorer

Day 11 Three Gorges Dam & On to Shanghai
Sail into Yichang through a series of locks adjacent to the site of the Three Gorges Dam, one of the world's largest construction projects. Following your private visit to the site and lunch aboard the ship, disembark and fly to Shanghai, one of the country's most cosmop...
Day 12 In Shanghai, the Bund and Acrobats
Explore Shanghai's famous waterfront Bund today. Visit the historic and harmonious Yu Gardens, whose original grounds and temple date back to the 1550s; the word yu translates to "peace and health." Pathways wind through rock gardens and bamboo stands, and stone bridges ...
Day 13 The Past Meets the Future in Shanghai
Get a good introduction to Shanghai at the Shanghai Urban Planning Center, showcasing the city's past and future urban development through detailed models and multimedia displays, including a mock-up of 1930s Shanghai; a huge model of what the city might look like in 202...
Day 14 Welcome to Hong Kong
Fly from Shanghai to Hong Kong this morning, exploring the city as you wish for the rest of the day from your world-class hotel - The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, located on floors 102-118 in the International Commerce Centre overlooking Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour in Kowloon, and offering spectacular panoramic views of the city. MEALS : B LODGING : The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong PORTOFCALL : Hong Kong, China

Day 15 Hong Kong from Many Viewpoints
You'll experience this fascinating city from different perspectives today - by ferry, by double-decker bus, and on a funicular tram ride up Victoria Peak, then have lunch at a local dim sum restaurant. The rest of the day is free to explore the city as you please. Hong K...
Day 16 Journey Home
Tour ends: Hong Kong. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong to Hong Kong International Airport. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in. MEALS : B PORTOFCALL : Hong Kong, China

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,690
Price per day$418
Last Updated: 10/26/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tauck

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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What they’re known for
Fun group tours and cruises that are culturally-focused and great for families and seniors on vacation.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Ship & cabin information
YANGZI EXPLORER,
YANGZI EXPLORER Our 4-night Westbound cruise aboard Yangzi Explorer takes you through the scenic heart of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges, with included shore excursions – note that the 16-day Eastbound itinerary (downstream) features a 3-night cruise. The 5-star Yangzi Explorer carries no more than 124 guests with a crew of 130, and boasts the highest ship staff-to-guest ratio on the river. All cabins include a mini bar, bathrobes and slippers, phone, private safety box, TV, hair dryer, and private balcony. Offering all the amenities one would expect at a 5-star hotel,Yangzi Explorer features a fitness center; multi-language library; spa facilities; theater; lounge; and espresso bar. International buffets are offered for breakfast and lunch, while dinner tempts with a variety of international and Chinese specialties; wine and beer are included with meals aboard the ship. The Yangzi Explorer cruise runs west from Yichang and east from Chongqing.
Built: 1995; refurbished 2008 Length: 300 ft. Draft: 9.2 ft. Beam: 54 ft. Tonnage: 5,900 tons Cruising Speed: 10 knots upstream, 16 knots downstream Air Conditioned: Yes Elevator: Yes Number of Guests: 124 Crew Members: 130 Registry: China Crew Nationality: International Internet: Yes
YANGZI EXPLORER
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-CEE2018

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