Highlights of China and the Yangtze 2012

Roam breathtaking historical sites such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing before taking a traditional rickshaw along the city’s ancient laneways. Walk the impressive Great Wall, one of the manmade wonders of the world before heading to Xi’an and Chongqing. Board a luxury ship to relax on a Yangtze River Cruise where you’ll take in the Three Gorges Dam and absorb the spectacular Chinese landscape. Enjoy a stroll along the famed Bund waterfront promenade in cosmopolitan Shanghai.

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart from your home gateway city, bound for Beijing.

Day 2
ARRIVE BEIJING (3 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, you’ll be taken directly to your luxury hotel. Your Tour Director will be on hand to greet you and answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead.

Hotel: Ritz-Carlton, Beijing (Deluxe)

Day 3
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING
Begin your visit to one of the world’s great capital cities with an exploration of the world’s largest public area—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. Continue your contemplation of Chinese culture in the splendid Summer Palace and its lovely gardens. This evening, savor a traditional Welcome Dinner of Peking duck.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Welcome Dinner)

Day 4
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Travel outside the city and look down upon the Chinese countryside from your perch atop the Great Wall, which is actually a collection of fortifications built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century to repulse nomadic invaders like the Mongols. Then walk the Sacred Way past the tombs and memorials of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Back in Beijing, attend a lively show of acrobatics, kung fu and dance at the Red Theater.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 5
BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - XI'AN (2 NIGHTS)
Begin your day by embarking on a unique tour by rickshaw through the twisting lanes and labyrinthine alleyways of an old section of the city (the Hutongs). In one of these atmospheric neighborhoods, join a local family for a Be My Guest Lunch in their home. This afternoon, depart Beijing and 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 / Be My Guest dinner / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square (Deluxe)

Day 6
XI'AN SIGHTSEEING
The legendary army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang awaits you in his subterranean tomb. Marvel at the meticulously sculpted Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then get a panoramic view of the city from the old city wall, which protected Xi’an’s inhabitants from marauding invaders. This evening, step back in time at a special Tang Dynasty Highlight Dinner, complete with local delicacies, music and dancing.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Highlight Dinner)

Day 7
XI'AN SIGHTSEEING - CHONGQING SIGHTSEEING - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (3 NIGHTS)
Ascend Xi’an’s famed Wild Goose Pagoda for inspiring views of the city and surrounding countryside before transferring to Chongqing. Pay your respects to the friendly giant pandas at the city zoo before heading to the dock where you board your luxurious cruise ship and begin your travels on the mighty Yangtze.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Ship: M/V Victoria Jenna

Day 8
CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Sail through some of the loveliest areas of China as you cruise through the world-renowned Three Gorges. Marvel at the scenery as the mighty river winds its way through the spectacular verdant landscape. Stop at Fengdu to see the aboveground necropolis with its elaborately carved tombs. This evening raise a glass at the Captain’s Welcome Reception and relax with dinner aboard your ship.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 9
CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER
Continue your grand tour on a side trip to the Lesser Gorges, where misty evergreen forest drapes the sheer cliffs, rising from the river. Keep your eyes out for playful monkeys and Mandarin ducks, as well as some lovely hidden grottoes. This afternoon, sail through the incredible five-stage locks at the Three Gorges Dam. On the other side, savor a festive feast at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell Dinner)

Day 10
YICHANG - SHANGHAI (2 NIGHTS)
Take a tour of one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering today at the Three Gorges Dam. Then, wing your way from Yichang to China’s window to the future, the vibrant city of Shanghai. Upon arrival, relish a sumptuous buffet dinner at your world-class hotel.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai (Deluxe)

Day 11
SHANGHAI SIGHTSEEING
Spend the day exploring one of the most exciting cities in the world. Begin in the former international settlement of the Bund on the banks of the Huangpu River. Tuck into a traditional dim sum Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant. Then, rise above it all for a panoramic view of the city in the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the tallest building in Asia. You'll get a taste of Old Shanghai at the Municipal History Museum dedicated to preserving some of the rich traditions of the past. This evening, celebrate your travels with a performance by the renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

Day 12
DEPART SHANGHAI
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue your tour with one of our optional extensions. (CB/BB)

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• Beijing: Visit Tiananmen Square. Tour the Forbidden City. Explore the Summer Palace. Walk the ancient Great Wall. Travel the Sacred Way. Experience an evening of kung fu, dance and acrobatics at the Red Theater. Explore the Hutongs by rickshaw.
• Xi'an: Explore the excavations of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. View the famous City Wall. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Attend a Tang Dynasty cultural show.
• Chongqing: Visit the Chongqing Zoo and view the giant pandas.
• Yangtze River Cruise: Sail along the Yangtze through the Three Gorges. Visit the "Ghost City" of Fengdu. Voyage down the Lesser Gorges aboard a small riverboat. Visit the site of the Three Gorges Dam.
• Shanghai: Stroll the famed Bund waterfront promenade. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Explore the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Tour Old Town. Attend a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats.

Dining Highlights

• 10 buffet breakfasts
• 7 lunches
• 5 dinners
• Traditional Dim Sum highlight lunch in Shanghai
• 2 Highlight Dinners in Xi'an
• Welcome dinner with wine in Beijing
• 'Be My Guest' Lunch in Beijing
• Farewell Dinner aboard the ship on the Yangtze River.
28 meals in total (see day by day itinerary)

Travel Highlights

• 3-night luxury Yangtze River cruise in a Standard Stateroom with private balcony onboard Victoria Cruises’ Victoria Jenna.
• The services of one of Trafalgar’s top professional Tour Directors.
• Qualified local English-speaking guides throughout the tour.
• Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 12.