Cruising the Yangtze River
See China's marvels, ancient and modern, rural and cosmopolitan on this fantastic tour that features a 5-night cruise up the Yangtze River. Float by dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges. Marvel at the 7,000 life-size terra-cotta warriors in Xi'an. Discover booming Shanghai's mix of ultra-modern and traditional. Tour the old, narrow streets of Beijing by rickshaw. Walk a section of the Great Wall. Explore Beijing with a three-night stay and share lunch with a local family in their home.Walk along the awesome 3,700-mile long Great Wall of China. Savor dumplings filled with vegetables and meat at a dumpling lunch in Xi'an. Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat gorges on a "pea" boat excursion. Feel the energy at a daredevil performance at the Acrobatic Show in Shanghai. See amazing stalagmite and stone flower shapes during a visit to the underground Reed Flute Caves.
Highlights
Shanghai, Acrobatic Show, Yangtze River Cruise, The Three Gorges, Guilin, Reed Flute Caves, Xi'an, Terra-Cotta Warriors, Beijing, Peking Opera Show, The Great Wall, Rickshaw Tour
Collette Experience
Call (800) 388-1207 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7608353
- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2008
- Duration
- 16 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Air 1 | Overnight Flight | Overnight Flight |
| Day 2 | Shanghai | Shanghai, China - Tour Begins: Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Prepare to immerse yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture. |
| Day 3 | Shanghai | Shanghai: |
| Day 4 | Yichang | Shanghai - Yichang - Board Cruise: A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple, brings you to the home of two white jade statues of Buddha, given to China as a gift from Burma. Fly to Yichang. Following a short drive to Shashi, board your ship for a 5-night cruise of the Yangtze River and enjoy a welcome briefing and orientation with the crew. |
| Day 5 | Cruising | Jingzhou - Cruising: This morning, visit Jingzhou's city wall from the 3 Kingdoms Period, followed by the museum where you will see a mummy that is over 2,000 years old, ancient silk and lacquer wares, and other cultural relics. After lunch, relax on board the ship. You may choose from many possible onboard events such as the river briefings, tai chi classes, and calligraphy demonstrations. Or, perhaps you will choose to indulge in one of the ship's spa treatments, such as a traditional Chinese massage. This evening, join the Captain for a welcome dinner. |
| Day 6 | Xiling Gorge | Gezhou Ship Lock - Xiling Gorge: |
| Day 7 | Cruising | Cruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge: Your excursion today includes a visit to the Shennong Stream in pea boats. You will see breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat gorges. You will also pass through the Wu & Qutang gorges. |
| Day 8 | WanXi'an | Cruising - WanXi'an: Your morning includes a visit to WanXi'an, guarded by two nine-story pagodas and known as "the gateway to East Sichuan." While here, you have the opportunity to visit with a family that has been relocated from the home on the banks of the river because of the flooding of the dam. Hear their story first hand and learn how this technological marvel has impacted the local communities. Next, take a leisurely stroll through a busy local market and learn about the various produce and ingredients, then shop as the locals do. Visit the Three Gorges Museum where you will see many archaeological treasures unearthed before the dam project flooding began. |
| Day 9 | Guilin | Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin: You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Stilwell Museum and Eling Park. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. |
| Day 10 | Guilin | Guilin: Today you have a full day at leisure to relax or explore Guilin on your own. Or, you may choose to take an optional excursion which includes a cruise on the Li River where you'll admire the landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for centuries, followed by a visit to Yangshuo's bustling market to bargain with the locals for souvenirs. |
| Day 11 | Xi'an | Guilin - Xi'an: |
| Day 12 | Xi'an | Xi'an: Your tour of this former capital of China begins with a visit to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. This vast clay army, 7,000 strong, was created to guard one of China's emperors in the afterlife. You'll be amazed by the craftsmanship - each soldier has a different face. Later, visit Xi'an's imposing city walls and the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. |
| Day 13 | Beijing | Xi'an - Beijing: This morning you fly to the capital of China, Beijing. A fascinating sightseeing tour of Beijing includes visits to imposing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the vast 15th century complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that was once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit is also made to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors worshipped their gods. |
| Day 14 | Beijing | The Great Wall: No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall. You will have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Later, travel through the valley of the Ming Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Your route takes you for a scenic walk along an avenue called the Sacred Way. |
| Day 15 | Beijing | Beijing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Summer Palace. Later take a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part of Beijing. |
| Day 16 | Tour ends | Beijing - Tour Ends: Your tour ends in Beijing. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
