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Cruising the Yangtze River
Prices
from $1649 land only or $2599 including air
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AARP
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A
four-day cruise on the legendary Yangtze, a highlight of
this tour, is one of the great river odysseys through
spectacular scenery and timeless history. You’ll see
ancient sites and remote rural villages as well as an
up-close look at the world’s largest construction
project, the Three Gorges Dam. The scenic highlights of
this river journey are many, but most spectacular are
the Three Gorges that lie upstream of the dam site.
Quatang Gorge is dramatic with steep cliffs that guard
ancient sites such as the Meng Liang staircase carved
into rock. Wu Gorge with its twelve peaks and pristine,
forest-clad mountains has been admired for centuries.
During one day of your cruise, you will visit Wanxian
where you may visit a silk-weaving factory and the Three
Gorges Museum. This ideal tour combines the splendors of
the Yangtze River with China’s historic treasures. You
begin in Shanghai where a full day of sightseeing
introduces you to sites like the Bund, referring to
Shanghai’s famous waterfront which today consists of a
marvelous promenade, the perfect platform for strolling
along the busy river way. A visit to the Jade Buddha
Temple and a tour of the tranquil YuYuan Gardens are
other highlights. Following your cruise, you fly to the
unique city of Guilin where you will visit the Chinese
Art Institute and later participate in a private Tai Chi
lesson. In Xian, located in China’s interior, you’ll
marvel at China’s greatest archaeological excavation
site, the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and it is here
that you will enjoy a special dumpling lunch. Your tour
concludes with a 3-night stay in Beijing, the capital of
China. The Summer Palace is a must-see architectural
wonder and the Forbidden City provides a glimpse of the
lives of China’s mighty emperors. Go kite flying in
Tiananmen Square; enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw
ride through the narrow streets and alleys of Beijing’s
oldest part; and share lunch with a family in their
Hutong home. And, finally, no visit to Beijing would be
complete without an excursion to the Great Wall.
- Walk along the awesome 3,7000-mile long
Great Wall of China.
- Savor dumplings filled with exotic
ingredients at a dumpling lunch in Xian.
- Experience the breathtaking scenery of the
Parrot & Dragon Boat Gorges on a "pea" boat excursion.
- Feel the energy at a daredevil performance
at the Acrobatic Show in Shanghai.
- See amazing stalagmite and stone flower
shapes during a visit to the underground Reed Flute Caves.
- Experience the Yangtze River from aboard a
Regal China Cruise ship.
- You'll be astounded at the sight of the
Terra Cotta Warriors.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Shanghai, China - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of
the People's Republic of China and one of the most
fascinating countries in the world. Prepare to immerse
yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient
culture. (D)
Day 3: Shanghai
Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of the booming city of
Shanghai. The tour includes visits to the Old Town, with
its narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan
Gardens, an island of tranquility amid the hustle and
bustle of the city; the Bund, the waterfront area that
was the center of 19th century colonialism; and the
Children's Palace, a Chinese-style fortress where local
children play after school. Tonight you are sure to
enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show. (B,
L, D)
Day 4: Shanghai - Yichang - Shashi - Board Cruise
A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the
Jade Buddha Temple, brings you to the home of two white
jade statues of Buddha, given to China as a gift from
Burma. Fly to Yichang, the "Gateway to the Three
Gorges", then travel a short distance to Shashi. En
route, visit the famed City Wall of Jingzhou, the
ancient capital of the Chu Kingdom. Then, board your
ship for a 4-night cruise of the Yangtze River. (B, L,
D)
Day 5: Cruising - Gezhou Dam - Xiling Gorge
Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam
project. The dam is 27 miles upstream from Yichang City
proper, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the
three gorges. It is planned to be, by far, the largest
hydroelectric project in the world. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Cruising - Wu Gorge
Your excursion today includes a visit to the Shennong
Stream in pea boats on the Daning River. You will see
breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat gorges.
You will also pass through the Wu & Quatang gorges. (B,
L, D)
Day 7: Cruising - Wanxian
Your morning includes a visit to Wanxian, guarded by two
nine-story pagodas and known as "the gateway to East
Sichuan." You may visit silk-weaving factories and the
Three Gorges Museum. After lunch, enjoy an exciting
acrobatic show and take a leisurely stroll through the
busy local market. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin
You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing.
Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the
Stilwell Museum, Eling Park and Painter's Village. This
afternoon you fly to the unique city of Guilin. (B, L,
D)
Day 9: Guilin
Cruise along the Li River and behold the beauty of
Guilin's unique scenery, which has been inspiring
Chinese poets for centuries. Enjoy leisure time in
Guilin to visit the markets and bargain with the locals
for souvenirs. Visit the fascinating Chinese Art
Institute in Guilin for an informative artisan
demonstration. This evening's entertainment includes a
Minority Cultural Show. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Guilin - Xian
This morning, participate in one of the oldest and most
revered Chinese traditions - Tai Chi. Experience peace
and tranquility as you participate in a private Tai Chi
lesson. Today you will visit the Reed Flute Caves, with
its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch enjoy a
tour of landmark Guilin City and stop at Elephant Trunk
Hill before boarding your flight to Xian, located in
China's interior. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Xian
Your tour of this former capital of China begins with
visits to its imposing city walls and the classical Wild
Goose Pagoda. Later, a visit to the excavation site of
the Terra-Cotta Warriors will simply astound you with
its vast stone army created to guard one of China's
emperors in the afterlife. After lunch you will visit
the impressive Provincial Museum. Tonight features a
special Xian dumpling dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Xian - Beijing
This morning you fly to the capital of China, Beijing. A
fascinating sightseeing tour of Beijing includes visits
to imposing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the
vast 15th century complex of palaces, courtyards, and
gardens that was once home to the emperors of the Ming
and Qing dynasties. A visit is also made to the Temple
of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors
worshipped their gods. Experience a time-honored and
favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying
on the Temple of Heaven grounds! Attend a tea ceremony
at the Imperial Tea House. This evening, a special treat
is in store - a Peking duck dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 13: The Great Wall
No visit to China would be complete without visiting the
Great Wall. You will have the chance to walk along a
portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Later, travel through
the valley of the Ming Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming
Dynasty emperors. Your route takes you along a scenic
avenue called the Way of the Spirit. Tonight, enjoy a
special Peking Opera show. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Beijing
This morning you take a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour
through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part
of Beijing. With help from an interpreter, learn about a
local family's history and way of life when you share
lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also
teach you the art of traditional dumpling making! Then
enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Summer Palace. Later,
join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. (B, L,
D)
Day 15: Beijing - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Beijing. (B)
Stay Another Night - Add a pre night stay in San
Francisco or Shanghai or a post night stay in Beijing or San
Francisco. Prices start at $75 per person, double.
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Extend Your
Vacation with... |
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An Optional
2-Night Stay in Hong Kong
3 Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
$699-899 USD per person, double, air included
Your Hotel: Harbour Plaza Hotel, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Day 15: Beijing - Hong Kong
This afternoon you arrive in Hong Kong, one of Asia's most
cosmopolitan and dynamic cities. You will stay in Kowloon,
located in the heart of Hong Kong's bustling shopping district.
The remainder of your day is at leisure. Perhaps you will
purchase custom-made clothing sewn by some of the most talented
tailors in the world. Hong Kong is noted for fabulous savings on
jewelry, silk, and leather products. (B from base tour)
Day 16: Hong Kong - Aberdeen
Later today, enjoy a tour of Hong Kong's business district and
the fishing village of Aberdeen where you will enjoy a sampan
ride. Time is available for more bargain hunting at the Stanley
Market. Next, you are whisked by tram to Victoria Peak for a
spectacular view of Hong Kong and its harbor. Tonight farewell
dinner is atop Victoria Peak with incredible views of the city
and harbor below. (B,D)
Day 17: Hong Kong - Extension Ends
You will board your flight home, crossing the International
Dateline. (B)
Day 17: Arrive USA - Depart for Home |
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Uniquely For You
Li River |
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Towering limestone pinnacles and misty waters
form the backdrop of your leisurely cruise on the fabled Li
River in Guilin. Gorgeous karst peaks provide surprises at each
bend of this calm river. It is a Chinese tradition to give each
peak an imaginative name like Elephant Trunk Hill, which
resembles an elephant drinking water from the river with its
long trunk. Listening to your tour guide's legendary stories
behind each peak is a delightful experience as you appreciate
the moving landscapes. Water buffalo patrol the fields, and
peasants reap rice paddies, while school children and fishermen
float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery and
taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, this
magnificent landscape along the Li River is sure to leave a
lasting imprint.
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Base Rates Per Person
| Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
| Mar 17 2006 |
$1699 |
$2599 from LAX |
| Mar 31 2006 |
$1699 |
$2649 from LAX |
| Apr 14 2006 |
$1699 |
$2649 from LAX |
| Apr 21 2006 |
$1699 |
$2649 from LAX |
| Apr 28 2006 |
$1699 |
$2649 from LAX |
| May 19 2006 |
$1899 |
$2849 from LAX |
| Jun 16 2006 |
$1649 |
$2599 from LAX |
| Aug 18 2006 |
$1649 |
$2769 from LAX |
| Sep 01 2006 |
$1899 |
$3019 from LAX |
| Sep 15 2006 |
$1899 |
$2849 from LAX |
| Oct 06 2006 |
$1899 |
$2849 from LAX |
| Oct 13 2006 |
$1899 |
$2849 from LAX |
| Oct 27 2006 |
$1899 |
$2849 from LAX |
| Nov 10 2006 |
$1699 |
$2599 from LAX |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a
specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not
include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates.
Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is
listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For
tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above.
Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
15 days, 38 meals
13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2, 3 - Renaissance Pudong Hotel or Radisson
SAS Lansheng Hotel, Shanghai
Day 4 - 7 - China Regal Cruises
Day 8, 9 - Guilin Bravo Hotel, Guilin
Day 10, 11 - ANA Grand Castle Hotel, Xian
Day 12 - 14 - Beijing
On some dates alternate hotels may be used
NOTES:
- The land price does not
include trans-Pacific flights or flights within China.
- Seven of the included dinners
are Western cuisine.
- Dinners on the cruise ship are a
combination of Eastern and Western cuisine.
- Due to the ongoing dam/flood project, the itinerary may vary
slightly with little or no advance notice.
- This trip requires: passport,
visa.
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