Day
1
| 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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Arrive in the nation s capital and gaze in wonder at this magnificent nation. Check in to our deluxe accommodations and rest up in preparation for a full day s sightseeing tomorrow.
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Day
2
| 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 rich imperial history on a city tour starting at Tiananmen Square, the world s largest public square. Pass by the Memorial of Chairman Mao and venture to the Forbidden City, a massive palace complex so named because it was off-limits to commoners for over 500 years. Walk through lavish palace grounds and the on-site Palace Museum, then visit the imperial retreat, the Summer Palace. Enjoy the peaceful landscapes of graceful arched bridges and wispy trees surrounding the lake, and continue on to stop for photos at the 2008 Olympic sites, Bird s Nest and Water Cube. This evening we enjoy a local specialty that cannot be missed when in Beijing – a Peking Duck dinner.
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Day
3
| 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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Today we visit the nation s crown jewel and one of its most globally recognized icons, the Great Wall of China. Like a majestic ridge-back dragon, the wall winds its way 4,000 miles across China s northern face. Ascend the wall and take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek across its ancient steps, marveling at the rolling landscapes of serene mountains and valleys. After climbing the wall, we continue on to visit the Sacred Way, a "divine road" at the foot of the Tianshou Mountain which leads to the imperial 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
4
| 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 or take an optional hutong tour of Old Beijing. Discover the other side of this bustling capital on the back of a pedicab (rickshaw), weaving through the labyrinth of hidden alleyways in the quiet corners of Beijng. Enjoy the timeless charm of this traditional neighborhood, lined with wood carvings and ornate brick designs, and stop for lunch at the courtyard home of a local family.
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Day
5
| 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 takes us to the Temple of Heaven, China s largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. Previously known as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, the park is rounded (symbolizing Heaven) in the south and square (symbolizing Earth) in the north. After our tour we board a short flight to historic Xian. One of the world s four ancient capitals, Xian boasts a textured history spanning over 3,100 years.
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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 chance discovery of China s first emperor s Terra-Cotta Warriors in 1974 catapulted Xian into the international spotlight. Regarded as the most sensational archaeological discovery of the 20th century, the life-size army of soldiers stands in fighting formation near the tomb of China s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Walk through the underground pits, then enjoy an authentic noodle-making demonstration during lunch. Continue on to stroll across the Ming Dynasty City Wall and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Later this evening, we gather for dinner followed by a colorful Tang Dynasty Performance.
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Day
7
| 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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Take a short flight to Chongqing. This cliff-side city is situated on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and is most famous for its spicy cuisine and adorable pandas. After a brief city tour we head to the western suburbs of the city to visit the Chongqing Zoo, where we observe the famous pandas and learn about the zoo s conservation efforts.
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Day
8
| 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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Today we board the Victoria cruise ship and set sail for our majestic Yangtze River cruise in our luxury cabin. The longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, the Yangtze flows nearly 4,000 miles into the East China Sea in Shanghai.
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Day
9
| 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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Glide past reconstructed villages and breathtaking landscapes, witnessing the ways the Three Gorges Dam has changed the Yangtze Valley s scenery. Dock in the "ghost city" of Fengdu for our first shore excursion and meander through this peculiar city, filled with statues of devils and ghosts that roam the afterlife.
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Day
10
| 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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Today we approach the highlight of our cruise, the spectacular Three Gorges. Pass through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic of the three, followed by the 25-mile long Wu Gorge. Admire its 12 unique peaks and board smaller boats to travel up a narrow tributary to the dramatic Lesser Gorges. Return aboard the ship and sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the three. This evening we arrive at the Three Gorges Dam and pass through its intricate lock system.
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Day
11
| Yangtze River Cruise-Yichang-Shanghai
(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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Disembark at Sandouping and meet an engineer from the Three Gorges Dam project to learn about the construction of the world s largest hydroelectric dam. Return aboard the ship and sail on to Yichang, the final stop on our Yangtze River adventure. Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis situated on an estuary of the Yangtze River. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival where dinner is served this evening.
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Day
12
| 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 by coach to Suzhou, a breathtaking water village lined with canals, pagodas and over 100 classical gardens. Admire the ethereal beauty of the Humble Administrator s Garden, which enjoys special government protection as one of China s four most important gardens. On a cruise along the 2,000 year-old Grand Canal, view beautifully preserved homes and peaceful waterside scenery, then visit a silk factory and learn about the history and process of creating the delicate fabric. Return back to Shanghai later in the day.
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Day
13
| 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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Stroll along Shanghai s waterfront promenade, known as the Bund, and admire the city s futuristic skyline. Drive past the famous shopping district, Nanjing Road, and arrive at the Shanghai Museum, an award-winning museum which boasts the world s finest showcase of ancient Chinese art and antiquities. Browse the stunning collections of jades, bronze and ceramics and spend the afternoon exploring Shanghai on our own. This evening we gather for a thrilling Chinese Acrobatics performance following dinner.
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Day
14
| Shanghai
(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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After breakfast, bid China a fond farewell or continue on our adventure by adding on a Hong Kong extension.
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