WONDERS OF CHINA & TIBET WITH YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
20 DAYS FROM $4,459 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
Immerse yourself in the
rich history and culture of China and Tibet during this unforgettable
land and river cruise vacation! Your trip begins in Beijing, where you
visit the Great Wall of China, the Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square,
and the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs. On to Xi’an to marvel at the
Dayan Pagoda, built in 652 AD, and the famous legion of Terracotta
Warriors guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s (China’s first Emperor’s)
tomb. Then journey into the Himalayas to see the religious sites in the Buddhist city of Lhasa, Tibet. Tour the Potala Palace, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Visit the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy at the Tibetan Hospital, and visit a typical Tibetan monastery. Visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, Jokhang Temple.
Fly to Chengdu and visit the fascinating Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Then fly to Kunming to view the Stone Forest, an area of limestone pillars—some almost 100 feet high—dotted with small lakes and waterfalls. Then travel to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 16,000-foot-plus mountains. Tour the medieval town and the Black Dragon Pool.
After flying to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II, embark on your 3-night river cruise on the magical Yangtze River aboard the Victoria Katarina, where you witness beautiful landscapes and visit the Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest of its kind in the world. Disembark in Yichang and fly to Shanghai, China’s most populous city. In Shanghai, tour the Shanghai Museum and experience the spectacular beauty of the Yu Yuan Gardens. This vacation to China and Tibet, with the wonderful Yangtze River Cruise, is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Day 1
(Thu.)
Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Beijing, China (Fri.)
Welcome to China. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 3 Beijing (Sat.)
Today your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. Then, proceed to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. This evening, enjoy a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Beijing (Sun.)
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved. Walk along the wall and enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. Before returning to Beijing, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight you may decide on the optional tour of the Peking Opera with its various forms of drama and music tracing back to the late 13th century. (B,L)
Day 5 Beijing–Xi’an (Mon.)
This morning is free. Time permitting, you may wish to take our optional tour to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture, or you may decide to take the optional Hutong tour of the city’s ancient alleys. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China. Look forward to this evening’s highlight, the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)
Day 6 Xi’an (Tue.)
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing starts with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the impressive legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the emperor’s burial site for 2,000 years. Also visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Xi’an–Lhasa, Tibet (Wed.)
Early this morning, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet and locked away in the mountains of the Himalayas. The balance of the day is free for you to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Lhasa (Thu.)
Take a brief city tour this morning, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a TYPICAL TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Lhasa (Fri.)
Today, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also, visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Lhasa–Chengdu (Sat.)
This morning, fly to Chengdu, the capital of the province of Sichuan and a city known for its flavorful food. Visit the GIANT PANDA BREEDING RESEARCH BASE and marvel at these beautiful animals. Time permitting, enjoy a brief city tour. (B,L)
Day 11 Chengdu–Kunming (Sun.)
Enjoy the morning at leisure in Chengdu. Then, fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province and often called the “City of Eternal Spring.” Enjoy a Western-style dinner tonight at your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Kunming (Mon.)
Today, travel to the remarkable STONE FOREST, an area of limestone pillars—some almost 100 feet high—dotted with small lakes and waterfalls. Return to Kunming and visit the Western Hills and the magnificent Dragon Gate. Later, enjoy free time to stroll along the city’s wide boulevards. (B,L,D)
Day 13Kunming–Lijiang (Tue.)
A short flight brings you to Lijiang, home to the Naxi people, one of China’s minority ethnic groups. This afternoon, visit the MUSEUM OF NAXI DONGBA CULTURE to learn about their ancient culture or Dongba, which consists of hieroglyphs, scripture, paintings, music, and dance. Then, visit BLACK DRAGON POOL with stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, followed by a late-afternoon WALKING TOUR through the medieval town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 16,000-foot-plus mountains. Dinner tonight is a fascinating experience at a local restaurant in the medieval town. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Lijiang (Wed.)
This morning, take a short trip outside of Lijiang and hike to a mountain meadow for a closer view of 18,464-foot-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Lijiang on your own. (B)
Day 15 Lijiang–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise (Thu.)
Today, fly via Kunming to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is set high up on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Time permitting, take a stroll through one of its many attractive parks or through the historic Old Town before you board the Victoria Katarina to prepare for your 3-night CRUISE down the mighty Yangtze River. During the next few days, when not on deck, attend lectures on Chinese medicine, calligraphy, history, or the Three Gorges Dam project. (B,D)
Day 16 Cruising: Shibaozhai or Wanxian or Fengdu (Fri.)
Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff; or Fengdu, known as “Ghost City,” where you’ll visit several temples. (B,L,D)
Day 17 Cruising: Shennong Stream or Daning River (Sat.)
Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges—Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for your BOAT EXCURSION down the Daning River or the Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. Continue through the passage, sailing through the Three Gorges ship locks. (B,L,D)
Day 18 Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai (Sun.)
View tiny villages clinging precariously to hillsides as you proceed to Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest of its kind in the world. Upon arrival in Yichang, say farewell to your crew as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city. (B,L)
Day 19 Shanghai (Mon.)
Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard; visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Later, visit one of China’s famous KINDERGARTENS. This evening your Tour Director hosts a lavish farewell dinner, a fitting finale to your exploration of Asia’s most fascinating destinations. (B,L,D)
Day 20 Shanghai (Tue.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Beijing, China (Fri.)
Welcome to China. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 3 Beijing (Sat.)
Today your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. Then, proceed to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. This evening, enjoy a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Beijing (Sun.)
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved. Walk along the wall and enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. Before returning to Beijing, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight you may decide on the optional tour of the Peking Opera with its various forms of drama and music tracing back to the late 13th century. (B,L)
Day 5 Beijing–Xi’an (Mon.)
This morning is free. Time permitting, you may wish to take our optional tour to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture, or you may decide to take the optional Hutong tour of the city’s ancient alleys. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China. Look forward to this evening’s highlight, the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)
Day 6 Xi’an (Tue.)
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing starts with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the impressive legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the emperor’s burial site for 2,000 years. Also visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Xi’an–Lhasa, Tibet (Wed.)
Early this morning, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet and locked away in the mountains of the Himalayas. The balance of the day is free for you to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Lhasa (Thu.)
Take a brief city tour this morning, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a TYPICAL TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Lhasa (Fri.)
Today, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also, visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Lhasa–Chengdu (Sat.)
This morning, fly to Chengdu, the capital of the province of Sichuan and a city known for its flavorful food. Visit the GIANT PANDA BREEDING RESEARCH BASE and marvel at these beautiful animals. Time permitting, enjoy a brief city tour. (B,L)
Day 11 Chengdu–Kunming (Sun.)
Enjoy the morning at leisure in Chengdu. Then, fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province and often called the “City of Eternal Spring.” Enjoy a Western-style dinner tonight at your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Kunming (Mon.)
Today, travel to the remarkable STONE FOREST, an area of limestone pillars—some almost 100 feet high—dotted with small lakes and waterfalls. Return to Kunming and visit the Western Hills and the magnificent Dragon Gate. Later, enjoy free time to stroll along the city’s wide boulevards. (B,L,D)
Day 13Kunming–Lijiang (Tue.)
A short flight brings you to Lijiang, home to the Naxi people, one of China’s minority ethnic groups. This afternoon, visit the MUSEUM OF NAXI DONGBA CULTURE to learn about their ancient culture or Dongba, which consists of hieroglyphs, scripture, paintings, music, and dance. Then, visit BLACK DRAGON POOL with stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, followed by a late-afternoon WALKING TOUR through the medieval town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 16,000-foot-plus mountains. Dinner tonight is a fascinating experience at a local restaurant in the medieval town. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Lijiang (Wed.)
This morning, take a short trip outside of Lijiang and hike to a mountain meadow for a closer view of 18,464-foot-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Lijiang on your own. (B)
Day 15 Lijiang–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise (Thu.)
Today, fly via Kunming to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is set high up on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Time permitting, take a stroll through one of its many attractive parks or through the historic Old Town before you board the Victoria Katarina to prepare for your 3-night CRUISE down the mighty Yangtze River. During the next few days, when not on deck, attend lectures on Chinese medicine, calligraphy, history, or the Three Gorges Dam project. (B,D)
Day 16 Cruising: Shibaozhai or Wanxian or Fengdu (Fri.)
Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff; or Fengdu, known as “Ghost City,” where you’ll visit several temples. (B,L,D)
Day 17 Cruising: Shennong Stream or Daning River (Sat.)
Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges—Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for your BOAT EXCURSION down the Daning River or the Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. Continue through the passage, sailing through the Three Gorges ship locks. (B,L,D)
Day 18 Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai (Sun.)
View tiny villages clinging precariously to hillsides as you proceed to Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest of its kind in the world. Upon arrival in Yichang, say farewell to your crew as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city. (B,L)
Day 19 Shanghai (Mon.)
Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard; visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Later, visit one of China’s famous KINDERGARTENS. This evening your Tour Director hosts a lavish farewell dinner, a fitting finale to your exploration of Asia’s most fascinating destinations. (B,L,D)
Day 20 Shanghai (Tue.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
INCLUDED FEATURES
Cruise: 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang in an outside stateroom with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony. Sightseeing including a personal headset in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai
Beijing: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonné workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Duck welcome dinner
Xi’an: Enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Dayan Pagoda and the Terracotta Warriors; noodle-making demonstration
Lhasa: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Summer Palace, a Tibetan’s home, a Tibetan monastery, a Tibetan hospital, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and a local bazaar
Chengdu: Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Kunming: Visit the Stone Forest
Lijiang: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture and Black Dragon Pool; walking tour of old town
Chongqing: Begin your cruise aboard the Victoria Katarina
Shibaozhai/Wanxian/ Fengdu: View a wooden pagoda, an acrobatic show, or statues at numerous temples on Mingshan Hill
Shennong Stream or Daning River Boat Excursion: Enjoy a boat excursion down one of the lesser gorges of the Yangtze
Three Gorges Dam Site: Sightseeing of the impressive dam site with a Local Guide
Shanghai: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; stroll along the Bund; visit the Shanghai Museum, Yu Yuan Gardens, and a local kindergarten; farewell dinner
All Intra-Tour Flights
Note: This trip is for travelers who are fit. It requires climbing stairs to visit many of the attractions. You’ll also visit regions reaching almost 14,000 ft. in elevation.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
American breakfast daily (B),14 lunches (L), 13 dinners (D), including a Peking Duck welcome dinner in Beijing and a farewell dinner in Shanghai.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Beijing Traders Hotel (F), Xi’an Grand Mercure on Renmin Square (F), Lhasa Four Points by Sheraton (F), Chengdu Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel (SF), Kunming Bank Hotel Kunming (D), Lijiang Grand Hotel (F), Victoria Cruises Victoria Katarina, Shanghai Sofitel Hyland Shanghai (F)
VICTORIA KATARINA
Freshly appointed, the Victoria Katarina is one of the newest and most spacious ships cruising the Yangtze.
With her special blend of modern and elegant architecture, the vessel takes luxury cruising on the Yangtze to a whole new level. Generous cabin space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies ensure that you feel right at home.
On the Yangtze, the decor and ambience of the Victoria Katarina will emphasize the exotic surroundings of your destination. The service by the friendly Chinese crew is impeccable. At mealtimes there is always a sampling of typical Chinese fare as well as Western cuisine.
Cruise: 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang in an outside stateroom with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony. Sightseeing including a personal headset in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai
Beijing: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonné workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Duck welcome dinner
Xi’an: Enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Dayan Pagoda and the Terracotta Warriors; noodle-making demonstration
Lhasa: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Summer Palace, a Tibetan’s home, a Tibetan monastery, a Tibetan hospital, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and a local bazaar
Chengdu: Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Kunming: Visit the Stone Forest
Lijiang: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture and Black Dragon Pool; walking tour of old town
Chongqing: Begin your cruise aboard the Victoria Katarina
Shibaozhai/Wanxian/ Fengdu: View a wooden pagoda, an acrobatic show, or statues at numerous temples on Mingshan Hill
Shennong Stream or Daning River Boat Excursion: Enjoy a boat excursion down one of the lesser gorges of the Yangtze
Three Gorges Dam Site: Sightseeing of the impressive dam site with a Local Guide
Shanghai: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; stroll along the Bund; visit the Shanghai Museum, Yu Yuan Gardens, and a local kindergarten; farewell dinner
All Intra-Tour Flights
Note: This trip is for travelers who are fit. It requires climbing stairs to visit many of the attractions. You’ll also visit regions reaching almost 14,000 ft. in elevation.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
American breakfast daily (B),14 lunches (L), 13 dinners (D), including a Peking Duck welcome dinner in Beijing and a farewell dinner in Shanghai.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Beijing Traders Hotel (F), Xi’an Grand Mercure on Renmin Square (F), Lhasa Four Points by Sheraton (F), Chengdu Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel (SF), Kunming Bank Hotel Kunming (D), Lijiang Grand Hotel (F), Victoria Cruises Victoria Katarina, Shanghai Sofitel Hyland Shanghai (F)
VICTORIA KATARINA
Freshly appointed, the Victoria Katarina is one of the newest and most spacious ships cruising the Yangtze.
With her special blend of modern and elegant architecture, the vessel takes luxury cruising on the Yangtze to a whole new level. Generous cabin space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies ensure that you feel right at home.
On the Yangtze, the decor and ambience of the Victoria Katarina will emphasize the exotic surroundings of your destination. The service by the friendly Chinese crew is impeccable. At mealtimes there is always a sampling of typical Chinese fare as well as Western cuisine.
April - October
Prices
from approx $4,459 US per person
double occupancy
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
tours@a-ztravel.com