Day
1
| USA-Beijing
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Board your trans-pacific flight to the capital city of Beijing.
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Day
2
| Arrive-Beijing
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Upon arrival, we are greeted by our Ritz Tours guide in the airport and are transferred to our deluxe accommodations.
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Day
3
| Beijing
(AB,L,DP)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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As China s capital for over five dynasties, this ancient city abounds with cultural treasures at every corner. We begin our exploration with a visit to the world-famous Tiananmen Square, followed by a tour of the Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex constructed in the early 15th century. Admire the imperial decadence as you tour the bays of rooms, then take a trip to the serene Summer Palace. Complete our tour with photo stops at the 2008 Olympic sites, Bird s Nest and Water Cube. Tonight, enjoy the local delicacy of a Peking Roast Duck Banquet.
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Day
4
| Beijing
(AB,L,DH)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Like a giant dragon snaking its way 4000 miles across China s ever-changing landscapes, the Great Wall stands today as a bastion of culture in the hearts and minds of the Chinese people. After climbing its ancient steps, continue on to visit the Sacred Way leading to the Ming Tombs Museum. Lined with intricately carved stone statues, it was believed that the emperor would return to Heaven through this divine road.
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Day
5
| Beijing
(AB)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Enjoy the entire day free at leisure, exploring all the city has to offer. Uncover the charm of Old Beijing on an optional rickshaw tour of the Hutongs (narrow alleyways or lanes), lined with wood carvings, ornate brick designs and the occasional street vendor. Arrive at a traditional courtyard home of a resident and enjoy a meal of local delights.
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Day
6
| Beijing-Xian
(AB,L,DH)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Sightseeing today includes a visit to the Temple of Heaven, China s largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. Constructed in 1420, it was frequented by emperors for annual pilgrimages of prayer. Arrive in Xian, a veritable treasure trove of cultural jewels and ancient wonders spanning its 3100 year history.
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Day
7
| Xian
(AB,L,DS)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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The intrepid discovery of Emperor Qin s Terra Cotta Army in 1974 has catapulted Xian into international stardom. Walk through the massive underground pits and admire the life-sized army of soldiers, horses and carriages, which stand in fighting formation for China s first emperor. During lunch, enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration. Continue on to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and City Wall, then head back to the hotel and prepare for dinner – a tasty Imperial Dumpling Banquet. After dinner, enjoy the cultural musings of a Tang Dynasty Performance.
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Day
8
| Xian-Chongqing
(AB,L,DH)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Board a short flight to Chongqing, a mountain city located on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Famous for its fiery-hot Chongqing cuisine, this mountain city is also the nation s largest and most populous municipality. Upon arrival, we head to the western suburbs of the city to visit Chongqing Zoo, home to over 230 species of rare animals including the adorable panda.
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Day
9
| Chongqing-Yangtze River Cruise
(AB,L,D )
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Board our cruise ship, the Victoria Jenna, and set sail for our majestic Yangtze River adventure. The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, flowing nearly 4000 miles into the East China Sea at Shanghai.
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Day
10
| Yangtze River Cruise
(B,L,D )
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Arrive at the "Ghost City" of Fengdu or the relocation village for our first shore excursion. Fengdu is a peculiar site that is accessed via cable car, and contains numerous statues of devils and ghosts that roam the afterworld.
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Day
11
| Yangtze River Cruise
(B,L,D )
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Enter the highlight of our cruise, the famed Three Gorges, collectively known as "Sanxia" in Chinese. Our ship first passes the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and the most dramatic of the three. Next up is the 25-mile long Wu Gorge, famed for its 12 unique peaks and its quiet elegance. Disembark and board a smaller vessel to navigate through the impressive Lesser Gorges. Return aboard the cruise ship and enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) of the three. In the evening, sail through the ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam.
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Day
12
| Yangtze River Cruise-Yichang-Shanghai
(B,L,DH)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Disembark at Sandouping and visit the Three Gorges Dam site, a controversial hydroelectric project that is the largest of its kind ever undertaken. Return aboard our ship and sail to our final destination, Yichang, where we board a short flight to Shanghai.
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Day
13
| Shanghai-Suzhou-Shanghai
(AB,L,D )
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Depart for Suzhou, a beautiful water village lined with canals, pagodas and classical gardens. Among these gardens, the Humble Administrator s Garden is the largest (covering 12 acres) and most renowned. Admire its ethereal beauty and design, and continue on to take a cruise of the 2000 year-old Grand Canal. The longest man-made waterway in the world, this ancient wonder offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding scenery in Suzhou. Complete our city tour with a visit to a silk factory to learn more about this exquisite fabric s history and see how it s made.
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Day
14
| Shanghai
(AB,L,DS)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Often regarded as the "Pearl of the Orient," Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis situated on the estuary of the Yangtze River. Sightseeing today includes a walk along the waterfront promenade, the Bund, and a drive past shopping district, Nanjing Road. Continue on to tour the Shanghai Museum, home to over 120,000 relics of ancient Chinese arts. During the evening, enjoy dinner followed by a Chinese Acrobatics performance.
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Day
15
| Shanghai-USA
(AB)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Return home to the US with fond memories of your China & Yangtze journey or make the most of your vacation with an optional extension to Hong Kong, Asia s world city.
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