The Best of China

3. Shanghai
After breakfast, embark on a guided city tour with stops at the Jade Buddha Temple and the Bund waterfront.  Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or take an optional excursion (1) to the magnificent Shanghai Museum with lunch at a genuine Mongolian BBQ.   Tonight, why not take in the optional (2) famous Shanghai Acrobat dinner show?
Included Meals: Breakfast

4. Shanghai
Leisure day.  Optional (3) tour (via train) to Souzou, capital of the Silk route immortalized by Marco Polo.  Embark on a motorboat for a fascinating cruise down the Grand Canal, the largest man-made waterway in the world.  Thousands make their homes on floating barges and in quarters lining the canal.  After lunch, a city tour and visit to a working silk factory complete your day in the country.
Included Meals: Breakfast

5. Shanghai to Yichang
Fly from Shanghai to Yichang and enjoy a city tour. Sightseeing in ancient Jingsha, a walled city whose gate dates from the Three Kingdoms period (220-265 AD). Later board the deluxe ship and embark on your 5 Star Yangtze River Cruise.  This evening set sail.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ship: m/s ship5 Star Rating

6. Cruising the Yangtze River
Pass through the locks of Geshouba Dam and arrive in Sandouping, site of the Three Gorges Dam project.  Tour the construction area, which will so drastically affect the country.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7.  Cruising
This morning pass the Shennong Stream and continue sailing through the second Wu Gorge.  Afternoon arrival in Wushan, where you will board a sampan for a thrilling trip up the Daning River to see the Small Gorge, showcasing some of China’s most spectacular scenery.  Towering cliffs soar over the narrow river canyon where unique wildlife abounds.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Cruising
Your boat anchors at this river town, followed by a walking tour of the village.  One of the Yangtze’s most spectacular sites, Shiboshai boasts a 12 story wooden pagoda built against the side of the sheer rectangular cliff.  Over 400 years old, it has appropriately been named the “Shining Pearl on the Yangtze” and is a gem of Chinese architecture.  This evening you are special guests at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner reception.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Chongqing to Xian
This morning we disembark our cruise and, time permitting, tour the Stillwell Museum and city sites including the Panda Zoo, free market, Artist Village and People’s Square.  After lunch, transfer to the airport for a flight to Xian.  Arrive at your four star hotel for two nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: beautiful four star hotel

10. Xian
An included morning tour takes you to the recently uncovered treasure trove of over 7,000 life-sized buried Terra Cotta warriors from China’s first emperor, Xin.  You will see an introductory film chronicling the history of the site on a 360 degree screen, visit the extraordinary archaeological dig, and tour the adjacent museum.  After lunch, the afternoon optional (4) city tour takes you to the Wild Goose pagoda and to the top of the city wall.  In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal and cultural show at the optional (5) Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.
Included Meals: Breakfast

11. Xian to Beijing
After breakfast, fly to Beijing, China’s vibrant capital for the last seven centuries.  You’ll be escorted to your hotel, the centrally located first class hotel close to the cities exciting attactions.  
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: four star hotel

12. Beijing  
On today’s exhilarating included excursion, you will travel to the legendary Great Wall, a man-made structure visible from outerspace!  Enjoy the breathtaking view before proceeding to visit the Ming Tombs, burial site of the Ming Dynasty royalty.  This evening, sample Peking Duck and other regional delicacies at an optional (6) night a the Peking Opera and dinner event.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

13. Beijing
Today is a day of leisure.  Optional (7) comprehensive tour to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.  
Included Meals: Breakfast

14. Beijing
Another  day of leisure!  Optional (8) morning tour through the ancient Hutong district by pedicab rickshaws, where you have the opportunity to enter a Chinese house and visit with a local family.  Afternoon optional excursion to Temple of Heavenly Peace and the Panda Zoo is also available.
Included Meals: Breakfast