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Explore the grand waterfront promenade of cosmopolitan Shanghai, known as the Bund. Visit the historic streets of Tongli and the elegant gardens of Suzhou before taking a Yangtze River cruise through the majestic Three Gorges. In Chongqing, stop to see the giant pandas and then on to the city of Xi’an, home to the ancient Terra Cotta Warriors. Embrace modern Beijing, with its rich history and fascinating sights such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Summer Palace.

Highlights
Shanghai, Tongli, Suzhou , Yangtze River Cruise, Chongqing, Xi an, Beijing

Day 1 DEPART USA
Depart from your home gateway city, bound for Shanghai.

Day 2 ARRIVE SHANGHAI (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Shanghai! You’ll be taken directly to your luxury hotel where your Tour Director is on hand to greet you and answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead.
Hotel: Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai (Deluxe)

Day 3 SHANGHAI SIGHTSEEING
Begin in the former international settlement of the Bund and visit Old Town. Enjoy a traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant. Then, rise above it all for a panoramic view of the city from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the tallest building in Asia, and visit the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. This evening, enjoy a performance by the renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

Day 4 SHANGHAI - TONGLI SIGHTSEEING - SUZHOU
Take a cruise through the 1,000-year-old city of Tongli’s system of canals, viewing the ancient stone bridges and lovely gardens. Continue to Suzhou for an enthralling musical performance in the exquisite garden of the Master of the Fishing Nets.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel Suzhou (Deluxe)

Day 5 SUZHOU - NANJING - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (8 NIGHTS)
Spend the morning immersed in the grandeur of Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage Humble Administrator Garden. Learn how silk is manufactured at the Embroidery Institute. Then travel to Nanjing, where you see the splendid mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen and a traditional bazaar. Then board your luxurious cruise ship and begin your travels on the Yangtze.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: M/V Victoria Empress (Onboard)

Day 6 CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Disembark your ship for a full-day excursion to scenic Huangshan Mountain, home to limestone towers and majestic pine forests. This evening, raise a glass at the Captain’s Welcome Reception.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 7 CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Spend a relaxing day cruising the placid waters of the Yangtze. Get to know your luxurious ship, snap some photos and maybe even enjoy a mid-afternoon siesta.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 8 CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Disembark in the provincial capital of Wuhan. Discover the wonders of the Hubei Provincial Museum which houses national treasures such as the famed Sword of Goujian and a set of 2,400-year-old bronze chime bells.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 9 CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
The day is yours. Kick back with a good book, chat with your fellow travelers and watch the lovely scenery go by.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 10 CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Disembark at Yichang to take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, one of the world’s great feats of engineering. Back on board, cruise through spectacular Xiling Gorge before traversing the dam’s incredible five-stage locks.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 11 CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Marvel at the scenery in the world-renowned Qutang and Wu Gorges as the mighty river winds its way through the spectacular verdant landscape. Board a small riverboat to take a side trip to the Lesser Gorges, where misty evergreen forest drapes the sheer cliffs.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 12 CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Disembark at Fengdu, also known as the “Ghost City,” to see the aboveground necropolis with its elaborately carved tombs. Back on board, celebrate your journey at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell Dinner)

Day 13 CHONGQING SIGHTSEEING - XI'AN (2 NIGHTS)
Bid farewell to your ship in Chongqing and take a short city tour before visiting the giant pandas at the zoo. This afternoon, fly to the city of Xi’an. Upon arrival, check in to your stylish hotel and enjoy a sumptuous Highlight Dinner of traditional dumplings at a local restaurant.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square (Deluxe)

Day 14 XI'AN SIGHTSEEING
Marvel at the meticulously sculpted subterranean army of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Then ascend to the old city wall for a panoramic view of Xi’an. This evening, step back in time at a Tang Dynasty Highlight Dinner with entertainment.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Highlight Dinner)

Day 15 XI'AN - BEIJING SIGHTSEEING (3 NIGHTS)
This morning, fly to China’s capital city. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the splendid Summer Palace and its lovely gardens before checking in to your luxury hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Sofitel Wanda Beijing (Deluxe)

Day 16 BEIJING SIGHTSEEING
Visit Tiananmen Square, home to the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the soaring Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes. Pass through the south gate to enter the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial palace for more than 500 years. Take a unique tour by rickshaw through the old section of the city (the Hutongs) where you join a local family for a Be My Guest Lunch in their home. This evening, attend a lively show of acrobatics, kung fu and dance at the Red Theater.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner / Dinner)

Day 17 BEIJING SIGHTSEEING AND THE GREAT WALL
Travel outside the city and look down upon the Chinese countryside from your perch atop the Great Wall. Then walk the Sacred Way past the tombs and memorials of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Back in Beijing, savor a festive Farewell Dinner of Peking duck.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell Dinner)

Day 18 DEPART BEIJING
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue your tour with an optional extension to Hong Kong. (CB/BB)

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights
Shanghai Stroll the famed Bund waterfront promenade. Discover Old Town. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Explore the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Attend a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats.
Tongli Visit this historic market town and ply its peaceful canals by sampan.
Suzhou Enjoy an evening performance of native classical music and dance. Explore the Humble Administrator's Garden.
Yangtze River Cruise Tour Nanjing and visit the Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, a Qing Dynasty-style bazaar and a Confucian Temple. Take a full day trip to Huangshan or Jiuhuanshan. Take a shore excursion in Wuhan and visit the Hubei Provincial Museum. Visit the Three Gorge Dam. Sail through the Three Gorges. Voyage down the Lesser Gorges on a small riverboat. Visit the "Ghost Town" of Fengdu.
Chongqing Tour the city and stop at the zoo to view the giant pandas.
Xian Explore the excavation site of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. View the famous City Wall. Attend a Tang Dynasty cultural show.
Beijing Visit Tiananmen Square. Explore the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Wander along the Sacred Way, home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs. Walk along the Great Wall. Experience an evening of Kung fu, dance and acrobatics at the Red Theater.

Dining Highlights
16 buffet breakfasts.
13 lunches.
11 dinners.
Traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch in Shanghai.
2 Highlight Dinners in Xi'an.
Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard the ship on the Yangtze River
Farewell Dinner with wine in Beijing.
Be My Guest Lunch in Beijing.

First Class Travel Highlights
8-night luxury Yangtze River cruise in a Standard Stateroom with private balcony aboard Victoria Cruises' Victoria Empress.
The services of one top professional Tour Directors.
Qualified local English-speaking guides in each city.
Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 18.
Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.

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PRICES
From approx $3,449 US per person based on double occupancy, land only