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Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise
Experience the rich history of China and Tibet on this 15-day river cruise vacation. Arrive in Beijing to visit the Forbidden City and its Imperial Palace, the Great Wall, and other cultural treasures. Next, travel to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors and the Dayan Pagoda. Next, your journey takes you high in the Himalayas to the capital city of Lhasa, Tibet. During your stay in this Buddhist land, learn about typical Tibetan life and visit holy sites. Then travel to Chongqing to embark on your 3-night river cruise aboard the Victoria Anna. This magical cruise offers breathtaking views of natural landscapes""as well as a visit to the modern engineering marvel at the Three Gorges Dam Site""as you sail through this spectacular region. Disembark in Yichang and travel on to Shanghai. Visits to the Shanghai Museum, the Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Children's Palace round out your unforgettable vacation.
Call (203) 238-1251 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6530373
Tour OperatorGlobus
Duration
15 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
Itinerary
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1Board your transpacific flight(Sun.) Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2Beijing(Mon.) Welcome to China's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.
Day 3Beijing(Tue.) Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China's great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds. This evening, meet your traveling companions at a special Chinese WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director, featuring delectable Peking Duck. (B,L,D)
Day 4Beijing(Wed.) The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China's barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful make-up being applied to the performers. (B,L,D)
Day 5Xi'an(Thu.) This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's HUTONGS, the city's ancient alleys. During this visit, you're welcomed into the courtyard of a family's home, a daycare center, and a retirement community to experience life in this historic neighborhood. Fly to Xi'an where you spend the next two nights. This evening, enjoy "The Tang Dynasty" DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)
Day 6Xi'an(Fri.) One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi'an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 A.D. Then learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. (B,L,D)
Day 7Lhasa(Sat.) This morning, visit Xi'an's South Gate; you may even see some locals practicing their morning Tai Chi. Visit a LACQUER WORKSHOP before flying to the holy city of Lhasa, the capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. The balance of the day is free to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)
Day 8Lhasa(Sun.) This morning, after a city tour, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also visit one of Tibet's oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, and then spend time in the local BAZAAR. This afternoon, visit the SUMMER PALACE and a typical Tibetan monastery. (B,L,D)
Day 9Lhasa(Mon.) Today, take a special trip to a Tibetan home , including lunch, a visit to the Drepung Temple (the largest in Tibet), and a Tibetan Hospital to learn of traditional medicine and therapy. (B,L,D)
Day 10Yangtze River Cruise(Tue.) Fly to Chongqing, China's capital during World War II. The city is high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local zoo to see pandas before boarding the Victoria Anna for a 3-night CRUISE through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,D)
Day 11Wanxian or Shibaozhai or Fengdu(Wed.) Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, "Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province," where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai, with its 400-year-old, 12-story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side; or Fengdu, where you'll visit Snow Jade Caves. (B,L,D)
Day 12Shennong Stream or Daning River(Thu.) Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges""Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can almost touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. Continue sailing through Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges ship locks. (B,L,D)
Day 13Shanghai(Fri.) View tiny villages clinging to hillsides as you proceed toward Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam site, where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, say farewell to your ship's crew in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China's most populous city and center of trade and industry. (B,L)
Day 14Shanghai(Sat.) Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You'll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, then visit a SILK FACTORY and the CHILDREN'S PALACE, one of China's famous kindergartens. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special FAREWELL DINNER followed by a spectacular ACROBATIC SHOW. (B,L,D)
Day 15Return Home(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Dates/Pricing
Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
September 01, 2008Land/Cruise Price$3,869.00 (USD)Quote
September 08, 2008Land/Cruise Price$3,869.00 (USD)Quote
September 15, 2008Land/Cruise Price$3,869.00 (USD)Quote
September 22, 2008Land/Cruise Price$3,869.00 (USD)Quote
Lodging
BEIJING Westin Beijing (D)XI'AN Shangri-la Golden Flower (SF)
LHASA Lhasa Hotel (MF)VICTORIA CRUISES Victoria Anna
SHANGHAI Westin Shanghai (D) 
Disclaimer
US$ Price Details

Applicable air fare taxes and fees

*Air inclusive prices are based on departure from San Francisco. Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11 fee of up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.40 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Air inclusive prices are not guaranteed until payment is made in full. Restrictions apply.

Single Room Supplement : $1400

Triples are not available
Extra nights per person in Beijing:
Mon.-Thu.: in single room $244; in twin room $134
Fri.-Sun.: in single room $199; in twin room $111

Extra nights per person in Shanghai
Mon.-Thu.: in single room $258; in twin room $140
Fri.-Sun.: in single room $206; in twin room $115

Suites are available on board the Victoria Anna upon request. Please call for pricing.


Our volume buying power saves you money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.

Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.

Price Guarantee: All vacation prices are based on rates (including foreign exchange rates) expected to be in effect at the time of departure. Prices are subject to increase without notice if such rates change prior to departure. The current price will be confirmed at the time of reservation. However, once Globus has received your deposit for any vacation departing during the current year, that land price is guaranteed, and any subsequent land cost increases are at our expense, not including any government tax increases. Airfares included as part of air-inclusive vacation prices are guaranteed when we receive confirmation of air itinerary and full payment. Vacation prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single room supplements and triple room reductions may be applicable.

Not included in the tour price: Federal Inspection Fees for the U.S. Customs and immigration; International Air Transportation Tax; agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fee; airport taxes and fees; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your tour director; tour host; tour driver; local city guides; gratuities on ferries, trains and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol; beverages and food not on the regular table d'hote menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); optional excursions; porterage at airports; travel protection; excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature.
  

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