Day
1
| USA - Beijing, China
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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 an international flight bound for Beijing. Fly over the Pacific Ocean and across the International Date Line.
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Day
2
| Arrive in 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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Arrive in China’s capital and check in to our deluxe hotel. Spend the remainder of the evening free at leisure.
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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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Explore Beijing’s incredible history as we walk across the iconic Tiananmen Square, the site of many important events in modern Chinese history. Arrive at the opulent Forbidden City, so named because it was off-limits for over 500 years, and then continue to the exquisite Summer Palace. On the way back to the hotel, we stop for photos at the 2008 Olympic sites, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. This evening we may feast on Beijing’s culinary gem – Peking Duck Banquet.
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Day
4
| Beijing
(AB ,L )
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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 legendary Great Wall of China has captured the imagination of people worldwide and remains a symbol of the country’s strength and pride. Trek across its ancient steps and marvel at the sweeping views of the wall as it snakes its way across rolling mountains and valleys. Descend the wall and visit the Sacred Way, a “divine road” lined with intricately carved stone statues, which leads to the Ming Tombs Museum.
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Day
5
| Beijng - Xian
(AB ,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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En route to the airport, we visit the Temple of Heaven, a massive complex built in 1420 and frequented by emperors for annual religious ceremonies. After a short flight we arrive in the “Eternal City” of Xian, one of the ancient birthplaces of Chinese civilization.
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Day
6
| 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 starting point of the Silk Road, Xian boasts a rich history spanning more than 3,100 years. Today, we visit its ultimate attraction, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Walk through the underground pits and marvel at the rows of soldiers, horses and chariots, and then continue to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and stop by Xian’s massive Old City Wall. This evening we enjoy a colorful Tang Dynasty Show following an Imperial Dumpling Dinner Banquet.
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Day
7
| Xian - Lhasa
(AB ,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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Fly to the mystical city of Lhasa (“Holy City”), the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Soaring more than 13,000 feet above sea level, Lhasa is home to some of the world’s most glorious mountain vistas. No sightseeing has been planned for the day and it is highly recommended that we relax in the hotel so that our bodies can acclimate to the high elevation.
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Day
8
| Lhasa
(AB ,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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Today we visit the architectural wonder and Lhasa’s landmark, Potala Palace. After exploring this exquisite palace we venture to the Barkhor Street, the colorful old section of Lhasa lined with street stalls and local handicrafts. Continue to visit Jokhang Monastery, the spiritual heart of the city and Tibet’s most important pilgrimage site.
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Day
9
| Lhasa
(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 Lhasa and drive to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. Enjoy a picnic lunch alongside the lake and admire the sweeping vistas of rolling mountains and sparkling turquoise waters. Later on we drive back to Lhasa and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure.
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Day
10
| Lhasa - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise
(AB ,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 a flight to Chongqing, a scenic cliff-side city famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine. After visiting the pandas at the Chongqing Zoo we drive to the docks and board our cruise ship. Set sail this evening and witness life along the river, gliding past peaceful villages and stunning scenery.
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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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Disembark at the “Ghost City” of Fengdu for our first shore excursion. Walk through this unique city, which dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, and admire the temples and shrines dedicated to gods of the underworld. Alternate shore excursion to Shibaozhai may be substituted depending on river conditions. Return aboard the ship for evening cruising.
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Day
12
| Yangtze River Cruise
(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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Today, we approach the Three Gorges, collectively known as “Sanxia” in Chinese. We first sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic of the three, then through Wu Gorge, known for its serene beauty and 12 unique peaks. Board a smaller boat to reach the dramatic Lesser Gorges and admire the marvelous scenery of terraced hillsides and soaring cliffs. Return aboard and sail through the intricate Three Gorges Dam locks systems.
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Day
13
| Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai
(B ,L )
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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 ship sails through Xiling Gorge and we disembark for the Three Gorges Dam to learn about the construction of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Afterward we return aboard the ship and sail on to Yichang, the final point of our Yangtze cruise. Transfer to the airport and board a flight to cosmopolitan Shanghai.
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Day
14
| Shanghai
(AB ,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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Today our sightseeing tour starts at the 16th century classical Yu Garden, where we admire the traditional pavilions, ponds and rock gardens. Continue to stroll along the Bund and take in dazzling vistas of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline. Drive by the premiere shopping district, Nanjing Road, and later this evening we enjoy dinner followed by a special Chinese
Acrobatics Show.
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Day
15
| Shanghai
(AB ,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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Following breakfast at hotel, free at own leisure or take the optional tour to Suzhou, a tranquil garden city that comprises of over several thousand years of careful landscaped gardens of classical Chinese design. Visitors will be able to study the harmonious balance of all natural elements and appreciate its ascent to become one of the few cities in the world to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening we gather again to enjoy a Farewell Dinner Party.
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Day
16
| 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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Our adventure draws to a close as we depart Shanghai. We may also choose to extend our vacation with an optional extension to the dynamic island of Hong Kong.
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