Day 1 – October 22, 2017
Your journey begins with your trans-Pacific flight to Shanghai.
Day 2 – October 23, 2017
Arrive in Shanghai, the largest city in China. Meet with your friendly guide and transfer to our hotel for rest.
Day 3 – October 24, 2017
The highlights of today’s sightseeing of Shanghai include Old Street, Nanjing Road, the famous Bund. Continue to Ming Dynasty Yuyuan Garden, one of the four largest Chinese gardens. In the evening, we may join an optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” ($50 pp) (B/L/D).
Day 4 – October 25, 2017
Today we travel to Suzhou, also known as “Venice of the East” as a large area of the city is covered by water. We’ll visit Lingering Garden, one of the four famous classical Chinese gardens, one of UNESCO World Heritage sites. You may take a cruise along the Grand Canal (optional, $30 pp). After that we’ll head for the Suzhou Silk Spinning Factory to learn about Chinese silk culture. (B/L/D).
Day 5 – October 26, 2017
After breakfast we travel by coach to Wuxi, a city of 3000 years of history. Upon arrival we visit one of the largest Fresh Water Pearl Farms, followed by the Lingshan Grand Buddha. Later stroll along Nanchang Street, a charming and fashionable pedestrian street. (B/L/D).
Day 6 – October 27, 2017
This morning we travel by coach to Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. After tea-tasting at the Dragon Well Tea Plantation, take a boat ride on the serene West Lake. In the evening an optional performance of “Impression West Lake” ($68 pp) (B/L/D).
Day 7 – October 28, 2017
After breakfast we travel by coach to Shanghai and then fly to Yichang, the starting point of Yangtze River Cruise.
After dinner we board the luxury President 7 cruise ship. (B/L/D).
Day 8 – October 29, 2017
In the morning we disembark to visit the massive Three Gorges Dam Project. The world’s largest dam, measuring 606 feet high and 6,500 feet long was completed in 2003. Re-embark the ship and sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and highest of three gorges. (B/L/D).
Day 9 – October 30, 2017
Disembark at Wushan where we board small riverboat for a leisurely ride through Shennong Stream with picturesque rock formations. Return to our cruise ship and continue sailing through magnificent Wu and Qutang Gorges.(B/L/D).
Day 10 – October 31, 2017
Today`s shore excursion will take us to Shibao Village. Shibaozhai Pogoda is a 12-story temple and one of the gems of Chinese 18th century architecture. (B/L/D).
Day 11 – November 1, 2017
This morning we disembark from the cruise in the port of Chongqing and visit Ciqikou Old Town with 1700 years of history. After that an optional tour to visit Panda House in Chongquin Zoo ($40 pp) before flying to Beijing (B/L).
Day 12 – November 2, 2017
Full day tour of Beijing. Visit Tiananman Square, the largest public plaza in the world, and the Forbidden City where two dozen emperors once resided and which now houses numerous priceless treasures. In the afternoon, continue your tour to the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking Roast Duck Banquet. (B/L/D).
Day 13 – November 3, 2017
This morning, we’ll have an opportunity to shop at the largest Jade Center of Asia. Then continue a trip to the Great Wall – one of the wonders of the world, a symbol of Chinese traditional culture. After lunch, see skilled artisans at work at a Cloisonne Factory. Then take motor coach to the Ming Tombs and visit the Spirit Way of Ming Tombs. In the evening you can choose to attend an optional musical “The Golden Mask Dynasty” ($US50 pp). (B/L/D).
Day 14 – November 4, 2017
In the morning tour to the exquisite Summer Palace, the largest ancient preserved garden in China, with a boat ride on Lake Kunming (weather permitting).Afternoon free to explore the city by yourself. You may choose to join the optional Experience the Hutong Life Tour by a pedi-cab, plus a visit to a local family and a local market ($US50 pp); or just pace yourself in the Wang-fu-jing Street, the best place to capture the historical and modern cultures of Beijing. Dinner on your own. (B/L).
Day 15 – November 5, 2017
After breakfast transfer to the airport and board your homebound international flight. (B). Afternoon arrival.
** THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**
***HOTELS AS LISTED OR SIMILAR***