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Majestic China & Yangtze River 18 Days(2009)[CEAD]
Tour Code:  CEAD  |  0  Reviews
A comprehensive tour of China with all its luxuries, including sailing the mighty Yangtze River on the Victoria Anna and a visit to the bustling city of Hong Kong.
Price From $ 5307.00+ tax
No hidden charges!
Price includes fuel surcharge		 Book Now
  Visiting:   Beijing,Xian,Guilin,Chongqing,Yangtze River Cruise,Yichang,Shanghai,Hong Kong  |  Max.# of Travelers:  24
During our stay in Beijing, we will visit the Olympic Garden for entry to the Bird’s Nest and a photo-op of the Water Cube.

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 Day 1  |   USA-Beijing       Top
Start our Ritz Tours Premiere Series vacation by boarding an international flight bound for China. The jetliner traverses multiple time zones as it flies over the Pacific Ocean, crossing the international date line to arrive at the ancient Land of the Dragon. Depending on the season, China is 15 or 16 hours ahead of the Pacific Time Zone. Spend the night aboard the plane.
  
 Day 2  |   Arrive-Beijing       Top
The jetliner touches down in Beijing, capital city of China. After clearing customs and baggage retrieval, exit to the arrival hall where our Ritz Tours guide awaits (look for the red Ritz Tours flag). As the motorcoach enters the city, we see the result of China's new construction which took place for last year's 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. The Olympics brought into the spotlight an ancient 5000 year old civilization whose vast lands offer countless cultural treasures which we shall soon see. Our accommodations are at one of the newest, most luxurious hotels in Beijing. Settle in to the plush accommodations to catch up on some rest. A full day of sightseeing awaits tomorrow!
  
 Day 3  |   Beijing      AB,L,DP Top
Beijing is home to over 13 million inhabitants and is China's political center. Ever since emperor Yongle moved the capital here from Nanjing in 1620 during the Ming Dynasty, it has served as China's capital city. Our first full day of sightseeing starts with the 99 square acres of Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Just across the street is the Forbidden City, home to the emperor and his royal court. Enter through the gates of the Forbidden City, realizing that in the past, commoners were not allowed onto its grounds. Ample time will be allocated to this, the largest imperial palace compound in the world. Located on the grounds is the famous Palace Museum, which we visit as well. Finish up the city tour with an afternoon visit to the emperor's Summer Palace. Later tonight, our group congregates to attend a special Peking Duck Feast, savoring delicious morsels of duck prepared the traditional Beijing way.
  
 Day 4  |   Beijing      AB,L,DH Top
Certainly the focal point of any visit to Beijing must be the incomparable Great Wall of China. Unrivalled in sheer size, the Great Wall snakes its way 4000 miles across China's north and was reputedly seen by astronauts with the naked eye from the moon. Construction began during the Qin dynasty and did not reach its current state until the Ming dynasty. Do not miss the opportunity to climb the Wall; take care not to go too far - remember that time is needed to walk back to the meeting point as well. This afternoon, the motorcoach drops us off at the nearby Ming Tomb Museum. Walk through the Sacred Way to arrive at the tombs where 13 Ming emperors are buried. We arrive back at the hotel later in the afternoon to wash up before enjoying dinner at the hotel.
  
 Day 5  |   Beijing      AB,L Top
Our group takes a morning excursion to the Hutongs of Old Town Beijing. The hutongs are narrow alleyways formed by the lines of Siheyuan (traditional style Beijing homes) on both sides. Step aboard pedicabs which take us on a meandering path through the hutongs to arrive at the siheyuan of a local Beijing resident. Here we stop for a visit, catching a glimpse at of Old Beijing culture on these ancient walkways. Lunch is prepared by our host and served at the home. After lunch, we bid the host family farewell and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
  
 Day 6  |   Beijing -Xian      AB,L,DH Top
In China's imperial era, the emperor was considered to be the "Son of Heaven" sent here to administer matters on earth under mandate of heaven. Every year, the emperor would abstain from meat and come to the Temple of Heaven to pray for a bountiful harvest. Our group visits the Temple of Heaven this morning before heading by jet to Xian, capital of China's Shaanxi Province. Citizens of Xian often boast of their city's 5000 year history is unmatched by any other city in China. Xian is certainly rich in history and culture as it served as the capital of thirteen dynasties. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening after.
  
 Day 7  |   Xian      AB,L,DS Top
An intrepid farmer's accidental uncovering of Xian's Terra Cotta Warriors in 1974 ranks as one of the 20th century's greatest archaeological discoveries. The Terra Cotta Army created was buried to protect China's unifying emperor, Qin Shi Huang, as he journeyed into the afterlife. Three excavation pits are open to the public with a fourth dig underway. Spend ample time reviewing the troops and horses in battle formation. During our lunch break an authentic noodle-making demonstration will be performed. Head back into town, stopping at Xian's massive City Wall and visiting to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD to house figurines of Buddha brought here from India. Our group meets together again in the evening to enjoy the internationally acclaimed Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.
  
 Day 8  |   Xian -Guilin      AB,L,DS Top
Before departing Xian, enjoy a sumptuous Imperial Dumpling Banquet lunch. Later in the afternoon board a short flight bound for Guilin, an important city located in Southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Guilin is considered to be the jewel of China's tourism industry due to its extraordinary natural beauty and wealth of historic treasures. We begin our city tour with a visit to the Reed Flute Cave and gaze in astonishment at the stalactite and stalagmite formations in the eery, unearthly lighting. Continue on to the Elephant Trunk Hill, a local landmark so named because it resembles the a giant elephant dipping his trunk into the Li River. Tonight after dinner, we attend a local Minority Dance Show.
  
 Day 9  |   Guilin      AB,L,DH Top
The highlight of today's sightseeing is a scenic cruise down the Li River. Meandering through valleys, bamboo groves and mysterious karst rock formations, the Li River cruise affords you a glimpse of a life far removed from the concrete jungle. It is not uncommon to see cormorant fishing being done as we journey down the river; lunch is served onboard the ship. After several hours we arrive and disembark at Yangshuo for a leisurely stroll down Xijie, the main boulevard of this quaint town. Board our motorcoach and head back to Guilin.
  
 Day 10  |   Guilin -Chongqing -Yangtze River Cruise      AB,L,D Top
Depart Guilin for Chongqing by air. Chongqing is a bustling mountain city located in the Sichuan province, home of the spiciest cuisine in all of China. It is the country's largest municipality with a total population of over 31 million. After a lunch of local fare, take a brief tour of this important mountain city before heading to the docks to begin our highly anticipated Yangtze River adventure. The Anna and Jenna are Victoria Cruises' latest and most luxurious ships and one will be our home for the next three nights. As the sun sets, the ship picks up anchor and prepares to sail down the majestic Yangtze.
  
 Day 11  |   Yangtze River Cruise      AB,L,D Top
The first shore excursion of your cruise will occur at one of two towns (depending on local river conditions): Fengdu or Wanzhou. Fengdu is a peculiar site that is accessed via cable car. It contains numerous statues of devils and ghosts that roam the afterworld. Wanzhou was agglomerated in 1997 to become a part of the greater Chongqing Municipality, although it lies 143 miles away. By the time the Three Gorges Dam is completed, 47% of Wanzhou's old urban area will be submerged.
  
 Day 12  |   Yangtze River Cruise      AB,L,D Top
Enter the exciting part of the cruise, the famous Three Gorges! The ship passes through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest, but most visually dramatic of the three. Next up is Wu Gorge, known for its serene beauty, forest covered mountains and sheer cliffs. Arrive at Wushan where you disembark to board smaller vessels. These vessels allow access to the Lesser Gorges via one of the tributaries of the Yangtze - either Daning River or Shennong Stream. Reboard the cruise ship to pass through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges ship locks.
  
 Day 13  |   Yangtze River Cruise -Yichang -Shanghai      AB,L,DH Top
On this last day of the cruise the ship arrives at Sandouping Village where you disembark to board a motorcoach taking you to the Three Gorges Dam Site. The controversial project is the largest of its type in the world and once completed in 2009, will change the landscape of the Yangtze River Valley forever. Reboard and sail on to our final destination, Yichang, where you transfer to the airport for a fligh to Shanghai, China's largest metropolis. Cosmopolitan and dynamic, Shanghai stirs the senses. China's most modern city exudes an international flair that can be traced back 100 years when it quartered off into sections occupied by foreign nationals. Check into the incomparable St. Regis and enjoy dinner without going out tonight.
  
 Day 14  |   Shanghai      AB,L,DS Top
Be sure to eat plenty of breakfast this morning as a busy day of sightseeing has been scheduled for today. We start by visiting the Yu Garden, a Ming dynasty garden ranked as one of the top four gardens in China. It was built by a wealthy man for his parents as an act of filial piety. Continue on to the waterfront Bund, stopping to walk along the mile-long stretch along the Huangpu River lined by buildings of European heritage. Our bus also drives by bustling Nanjing Road, a favorite shopping area for locals. After dinner tonight, we have been provided the hottest ticket in town - admission to the Chinese Acrobatics Show!
  
 Day 15  |   Shanghai      AB Top
Finish up our city tour with a visit this morning to the Shanghai Museum as we admire the 120,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art arranged in twelve exhibition halls. Free time is provided at the Shanghai Museum with no pre-set itinerary. The nearby shopping area Nanjing Road is within easy walking distance should you decide to leave the Museum. Our bus will come back at appointed times this afternoon to provide transfer service back to the St. Regis.
  
 Day 16  |   Shanghai -Hong Kong      AB Top
We depart the Mainland on a short flight bound for Hong Kong. Hong Kong was ceded to Great Britain as a result of China's loss during the Opium Wars in 1842 and remained a British territory until 1997 when it was returned to China. Hong Kong enjoys a stellar international reputation and has long been a center of commerce, the perfect gateway between East and West. Among its many nicknames, Hong Kong is called the "Asia's Shopping Paradise" and "Asia's World City." Upon arrival, our group is met by the Ritz Tours guide and transferred to the hotel. No sightseeing has been planned for today.
  
 Day 17  |   Hong Kong      AB Top
Hong Kong was originally incorporated into China in the Qin dynasty and served as a naval base and trading post during subsequent dynasties. Today, it enjoys special treatment from China as a Special Administrative Region with the ability to self-govern. Take a half-day tour of Hong Kong highlighted by visits to Stanley Market, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen's Floating Community and a cable car ride up Victoria Peak to catch a panoramic vista of Hong Kong Harbor. After lunch, free time is provided for us to do some last minute shopping, relaxing at the hotel, or doing whatever our hearts desire.
  
 Day 18  |   Hong Kong -USA     AB Top
Our vacation is over all too soon as you're transferred to the airport to board the homebound international flight, bidding a fond farewell to China and the Yangtze River.
  

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