Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Beijing, China

Day 2: Arrive Beijing We arrive in the Chinese capital and transfer to our hotel. After time to relax, we take a brief walking tour of the area surrounding our hotel. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Day 3: Beijing After this morning’s briefing about the journey ahead, we begin our discovery of this 2,000­-year-old city at vast Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, seat of imperial power from 1368-1911. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant. B,D

Day 4: Beijing/Great Wall This morning we tour the splendid Temple of Heaven complex where Chinese royalty once worshipped; this afternoon we visit a section of the 4,000-mile Great Wall. B,L,D

Day 5: Beijing Our day begins with a small group highlight as we ride rickshaws through Bejiing’s ancient back roads and alleys (hutongs) to glimpse the traditional communal lifestyle that is ages old (and fast disappearing). We also visit with a local family in their home here. This afternoon we tour the Summer Palace, the former royal retreat that is now a lovely park. B,L

Day 6: Beijing/Xian We fly this morning to Xian, where we visit a local restaurant for a special dumpling lunch. This afternoon we tour the impressive ancient city walls and moat, followed by a tour of Shanxi Provincial Museum, housing an acclaimed collection of historic and cultural artifacts. Tonight we attend a Tang Dynasty show and dinner. B,L,D

Day 7: Xian This morning we visit Wild Goose Pagoda, one of China’s best preserved Buddhist temples. Then we tour one of the world’s greatest arch­aeo­logical finds: the army of 7,000-plus life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors that had lain buried and for­gotten for more than two millenia until rediscover­ed accidentally by local farmers in 1974. We also visit the site’s fascinating museum, where we see a brief film about this amazing find. B,L,D

Day 8: Xian/Shanghai This morning we venture into the countryside to visit a typical farming village. After lunch at a local restaurant we fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city and economic engine. We dine together tonight at our hotel. B,L,D

Day 9: Shanghai Our day begins with a walking tour of the Xin Tian Di shopping and entertainment area of reconstituted traditional homes. We continue on to beloved 16th-century Yu Yuan Gardens, whose plantings, courtyards, and pavilions create the illusion of moun­tains, caverns, and lakes. Then after lunch together we tour the acclaimed Shanghai Museum of ancient Chi­nese art and artifacts, known especially for its bron­zes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. To­night we dine on our own then attend a lively acrobatics show. B,L

Day 10: Shanghai This morning we visit the Bund, the mile-long riverside embankment where foreign investors – and their buildings – once held sway over Shanghai. Still one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Bund draws visitors and locals alike. Then the remainder of the day is at leisure; your tour director will help you find your way from here. B

Day 11: Shanghai/Yichang/Yangtze Cruising We fly this afternoon to Yichang, where we have dinner in a local restaurant before boarding our Victoria Cruises river ship and setting sail. B,D

Day 12: Yangtze Cruising – Three Gorges Dam Site/Xiling Gorge Prized for its haunting natural beauty, the 3,600-mile Yangtze is one of the world’s busiest and longest rivers. We tour the site of the immense Three Gorges Dam this morning; later we transit the locks of 42-mile Xiling Gorge. B,L,D

Day 13: Yangtze Cruising – Small Three Gorges/Wu Gorge/Qutang Gorge Scenes from ancient Chinese scroll paintings come to life this morning as we dock in Wushan, board a small sampan, and cruise along the Daning River or Shennong Stream to the stunning Small Three Gorges. We return to the ship for lunch; this after­noon we cruise tranquil Wu Gorge, considered the most beau­ti­ful of the Three Gorges, and grand Qutang Gorge. B,L,D

Day 14: Yangtze Cruising – Fengdu or Shibaozhai/Qutang Gorge Depending on water levels, today we visit either the “ghost city” of Fengdu, or the Red Pagoda in Shibaozhai. B,L,D

Day 15: Chongqing/Guilin We disembark this morning in Chongqing, where we visit the beloved pandas at the local zoo. This afternoon we fly to Guilin, known for its ethereal landscapes and ­cul­tural riches. After checking in at the hotel, we take an informal walk with our tour director. B,L,D

Day 16: Guilin Scenes from ancient Chinese paintings come alive as we enjoy a half-day cruise on the scenic Li River, floating through breathtaking mountain passes, languid waters overhung with bamboo fronds, and fairy tale hills. B,L,D

Day 17: Guilin/Daxu/Hong Kong Today we visit two popular sights outside Guilin: the ancient Li River town of Daxu, with stone-paved streets, historic buildings, and a Ming Dynasty bridge; and Reed Flute Cave, whose stalactites and stalagmites offer a fascinating glimpse of the natural world. Tonight we fly to Hong Kong. B,L

Day 18: Hong Kong Our tour of this city that uniquely blends East and West begins with a tram ride up Victoria Peak, for truly spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. Then we take a sampan ride in Aberdeen Bay, where traditional fishermen live; visit the popular beach at Repulse Bay; and tour famed Stanley Market. After a special dim sum lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore independently. Dinner tonight is on our own in this most sophisticated city. B,L

Day 19: Hong Kong Today is at leisure to discover Hong Kong as we wish: perhaps riding the historic Star Ferry on Hong Kong harbor; shopping Nathan Road’s “Golden Mile;” or visiting the Jade Market, Ladies Market, exotic Bird Market, or one of the city’s 600 temples. Tonight we toast our China adven­ture together at a farewell dinner. B,D

Day 20: Depart for U.S. We depart for the U.S. this morning, arriving on the West Coast then connecting with our flights home. B

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