Itinerary

• Day 1

  DAY 1, Friday - Arrive in Shanghai

  Arrive in Shanghai, the thriving metropolis on China's eastern coast. This dynamic city is constantly changing and growing, with an unforgettable skyline. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the time change Overnight: Shanghai

• Day 2

  DAY 2, Saturday - Shanghai City Tour

  This morning, see some of the city's major highlights. Begin at the lively Bund, Shanghai's popular promenade; stroll along the park-like waterfront and experience the old world charm. After, on to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the most active Buddhist temples in Shanghai, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Return to the hotel late afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, gather together at your hotel's restaurant for an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager about the exciting trip that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner Overnight: Shanghai Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3

  DAY 3, Sunday - Full Day in Shanghai

  Today, is at leisure in Shanghai. Join the optional full day tour to Suzhou, including lunch and a cruise on the Grand Canal. Morning departure from Shanghai for the drive to Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East". Upon arrival in this charming city, relax on a boat ride along the narrow waterways of the legendary Grand Canal. Later, walk along bustling Pingjiang Road, where the locals gather for entertainment and food and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, continue to the beautiful and fragrant Garden of the Master of the Nets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Shanghai later this evening Optional: Full Day Suzhou with Lunch Overnight: Shanghai Meals: Breakfast

• Day 4

  DAY 4, Monday - Fly to Yichang, Embark Cruise

  Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Shanghai. In the afternoon, visit the classical Yuyuan Garden in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty, a quiet and serene sanctuary in this frenetic city, with its scenic pavilions, ponds, and streams. Afterward, continue to a silk carpet and embroidery shop in Shanghai to understand more about this ancient Chinese craft; see some of the beautiful creations, unusual styles and masterful techniques. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Yichang, the second largest city in Hubei province after Wuhan, its capital. Upon arrival, continue to the port for embarkation on your cruise ship. This evening, you'll begin the scenic journey on the fabled Yangtze, the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. You'll be warmly welcomed aboard by the friendly international staff. A memorable voyage awaits you Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 5

  DAY 5, Tuesday - Xiling Gorge

  This afternoon, an optional tour to the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. In addition to producing electricity, the dam was constructed to increase the Yangtze River's shipping capacity and reduce the potential for floods. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River and has also forced the relocation of people who once lived along the river. Tour the massive site to see this impressive achievement of engineering. Following the visit, return to the ship as it cruises upstream and enters the dramatic Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest section of the Three Gorges Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Three Gorges Dam Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 6

  DAY 6, Wednesday - Wu Gorge & Qutang Gorge

  Awake this morning to beautiful vistas on the river. Sail through the Wu Gorge, famed for its magnificent Twelve Peaks. Today, your optional tour will take you either on a scenic journey up Shennong Stream, traveling in small boats between rolling hills and rocky cliffs or on a scenic journey up Shennv Stream, the journey is accompanied by local folk songs and dances. Continue through the Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three gorges, flanked by lush terraced hillsides Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Shennv Stream or Shennong Stream Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 7

  DAY 7, Thursday - Cruise to Shibaozhai

  The ship arrives this morning at Shibaozhai, built during the Ming Dynasty. This pagoda is sometimes referred to as one of the eight construction wonders of the world, built into the side of a rocky cliff face and constructed without the use of nails. This vermilion 12-story pagoda stands impressively over 100 feet high. The optional tour highlights the main attraction of the temple, with its traditional Chinese design. The structure is inspired by the mountains with patterns and figures that vary from odd to extraordinary. Climb the stairs and experience the most spectacular sights of the valleys below Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Shibaozhai Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 8

  DAY 8, Friday - Disembark Cruise; Fly to Xian

  Disembark the Yangtze River cruise this morning in Chongqing, a major metropolis and one of the top emerging cities in China. Continue to Eling Park, located on a hill near the heart of the city. The park was established at the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1909 by a wealthy businessman. Discover hundreds of plant species during a stroll though the different parts of the well-tended gardens. Ascend to the lookout tower for stunning views of the Chongqing skyline. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Xian, ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove Overnight: Xian Meals: Breakfast

• Day 9

  DAY 9, Saturday - The Terracotta Army

  Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity where you may have the chance to join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise, singing and dancing. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to learn more about this technique. Lunch is a local restaurant. Then, an unforgettable experience! Visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered by local farmers in 1974, is still being discovered and excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its unearthing. This evening, an optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment Overnight: Xian Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 10

  DAY 10, Sunday - Flight to Beijing

  Depart Xian on a flight to Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China. The afternoon is at leisure. Feel the pulse of this city of contrasts with its astonishing history and wondrous sights. Join the optional half-day Hutong Tour which begins with a Rickshaw ride through the old narrow streets and alleyways. See the courtyard homes which once covered all of Beijing - only a few still survive today. Hear more about "old China" from a local family who will welcome you to their home Optional: Half Day Hutong Tour (PM) Overnight: Beijing Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 11

  DAY 11, Monday - Great Wall of China, Summer Palace

  An amazing day! Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. En route, stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. Then it's time to climb the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view breathtaking mountain passes, plateaus, and grasslands from this 7th-century defensive fortification. Afterward, a relaxing lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to the fabled Summer Palace, a resort of the Empress Dowager with its palace grounds, filled with a variety of picturesque gardens and architectural structures. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery before strolling along the sprawling palace. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Beijing restaurant Overnight: Beijing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 12

  DAY 12, Tuesday - The Forbidden City, Beijing Zoo

  Start your day with a visit to a huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Next, enter the Forbidden City, which served as the Imperial Palace until 1912. The extraordinary and immense walled complex is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, continue to a local pearl shop to learn about the famous Chinese pearls. Have lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Beijing Zoo to see the famous Pandas - a must for all travelers to China. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner featuring China's famous Peking Duck Overnight: Beijing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 13

  DAY 13, Wednesday - Depart China

  Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast

Ports of Call may vary by departure date and subject to weather and other conditions.

Accommodation