Cultural China and Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise and Hong Kong (Beijing to Hong kong) 2010
Speak to a friendly River Cruise Specialist, call 1-800-342-0019
Current Promotions
Your Group can save up to $700!
Mention Promo Code: PR259
Group Savings of up to $700!
When your group of five, six or seven people book a 2010 vacation you will receive a $100 off the river cruise portion of your vacation. Booking must be made and under deposit before April 6, 2010 for travel through December 31, 2010. Individuals must be traveling together to receive discount. Other restrictions may apply.
When your group of five, six or seven people book a 2010 vacation you will receive a $100 off the river cruise portion of your vacation. Booking must be made and under deposit before April 6, 2010 for travel through December 31, 2010. Individuals must be traveling together to receive discount. Other restrictions may apply.
Dates & Prices
Only with AffordableTours.com, receive 10% Off this Cruise - GUARANTEED! That's right, only with AffordableTours.com you can subtract 10% from any brochure cruise only price listed below!
| Start Date | End Date | Cat1 | Cat2 | Cat3 | Cat4 | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, May 02, 2010 | Wed, May 19, 2010 | $4699 | Quote | |||
| Sun, May 09, 2010 | Wed, May 26, 2010 | $4699 | Quote | |||
| Sun, May 16, 2010 | Wed, Jun 02, 2010 | $4699 | Quote | |||
| Sun, May 23, 2010 | Wed, Jun 09, 2010 | $4599 | Quote | |||
| Sun, Sep 05, 2010 | Wed, Sep 22, 2010 | $5069 | Quote | |||
| Sun, Sep 12, 2010 | Wed, Sep 29, 2010 | $5069 | Quote | |||
| Sun, Sep 19, 2010 | Wed, Oct 06, 2010 | $4879 | Quote | |||
| Sun, Sep 26, 2010 | Wed, Oct 13, 2010 | $5009 | Quote |
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
Itinerary
This exciting river cruise vacation introduces you to the rich history and cultural treasures of China and Tibet. Visit world-famous historical sites in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the legendary Terracotta Warriors, and the Yu Yuan Gardens. High in the Himalayas, explore Lhasa, Tibet's mystical capital, and marvel at the Three Gorges Dam site on your delightful Yangtze River cruise. Finish this China river cruise vacation in Hong Kong with a cable car ride up Victoria Peak for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village for a Sampan Ride on the harbor.
Day 1: (Sun.) Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2: Arrive in Beijing, China. (Mon.)
Welcome to China's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 3: Beijing. (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 PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Beijing. (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 makeup being applied to the performers. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Beijing-Xi'an. (Thu.)
This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's HUTONGS, the city's ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as you are invited into a daycare center and into the courtyard of a family's home for tea. 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 6: Xi'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 the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD, followed by a LACQUER WORKSHOP. Next, visit the enormous tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Then, visit the Xi'an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Xi'an-Lhasa. (Sat.)
Today, fly 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 8: Lhasa. (Sun.)
This morning, take a brief city tour then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN'S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a TYPICAL TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Lhasa. (Mon.)
Today, 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, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Lhasa-Chongqing, China (Embarkation)-Yangtze 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 11: Cruising: Wanxian 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; or Fengdu, where you'll visit Snow Jade Cave. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Cruising: Shennong 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 13: Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site-Yichang (Disembarkation)-Shanghai. (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 14: Shanghai. (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 15: Shanghai-Hong Kong. (Sun.)
Today, fly to exciting Hong Kong. (B)
Day 16: Hong Kong. (Mon.)
This morning's sightseeing begins with a cable car ride up to VICTORIA PEAK for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village for a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET, a narrow street jammed with stalls offering clothing, arts, and crafts. Tonight, consider an optional sunset cruise on Hong Kong's magnificent harbor. (B)
Day 17: Hong Kong. (Tue.)
Take advantage of a full free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to join one of our optional excursions to view the giant Buddha on the island of Lantau or to learn about Hong Kongs history before the British colonized the area. (B)
Day 18: Hong Kong. (Wed.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
What's Included
INCLUDED FEATURES
Cruise:
Deluxe 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang in an outside stateroom with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony
Sightseeing including a personal headset in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.
Beijing:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets, visit the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tian'anmen Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonne workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Opera performance; Hutong tour by rickshaw; Peking Duck welcome dinner
Xi'an:
Enjoy "The Tang Dynasty" dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets, visit Dayan Pagoda and the Terracotta Warriors; calligraphy class, lacquer workshop, and noodle-making demonstration
Lhasa:
Sightseeing with a local guide, visit the Summer Palace, a Tibetan's home, a Tibetan Monastery, a Tibetan Hospital, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and a local bazaar.
Chongqing:
Visit a local zoo; begin your Yangtze cruise aboard the Victoria Anna
Wanxian/Shibaozhai/Fengdu:
View a wooden pagoda, an acrobatic show, or visit Snow Jade Cave
Shennong Stream or Daning River:
Boat excursion down one of the Yangtze's lesser gorges
Three Gorges Dam Site:
Sightseeing of the impressive dam site with a Local Guide
Shanghai:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets, visit the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, a silk factory, the Children's Palace, and the Shanghai Museum; attend an acrobatic show
Hong Kong Extension:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; cable car ride up Victoria Peak; sampan ride on harbor; visit Stanley Market; Host service during your stay
Notes:
Wine with dinner on cruise.
Intra-tour flights included in both land-only and air-inclusive prices.
This trip is for travelers who are fit. You will visit regions reaching almost 14,000 ft. in elevation.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
NOT INCLUDED:
Intra-Tour Air
Cruise:
Deluxe 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang in an outside stateroom with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony
Sightseeing including a personal headset in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.
Beijing:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets, visit the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tian'anmen Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonne workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Opera performance; Hutong tour by rickshaw; Peking Duck welcome dinner
Xi'an:
Enjoy "The Tang Dynasty" dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets, visit Dayan Pagoda and the Terracotta Warriors; calligraphy class, lacquer workshop, and noodle-making demonstration
Lhasa:
Sightseeing with a local guide, visit the Summer Palace, a Tibetan's home, a Tibetan Monastery, a Tibetan Hospital, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and a local bazaar.
Chongqing:
Visit a local zoo; begin your Yangtze cruise aboard the Victoria Anna
Wanxian/Shibaozhai/Fengdu:
View a wooden pagoda, an acrobatic show, or visit Snow Jade Cave
Shennong Stream or Daning River:
Boat excursion down one of the Yangtze's lesser gorges
Three Gorges Dam Site:
Sightseeing of the impressive dam site with a Local Guide
Shanghai:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets, visit the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, a silk factory, the Children's Palace, and the Shanghai Museum; attend an acrobatic show
Hong Kong Extension:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; cable car ride up Victoria Peak; sampan ride on harbor; visit Stanley Market; Host service during your stay
Notes:
Wine with dinner on cruise.
Intra-tour flights included in both land-only and air-inclusive prices.
This trip is for travelers who are fit. You will visit regions reaching almost 14,000 ft. in elevation.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
NOT INCLUDED:
Intra-Tour Air
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
1-800-342-0019
1-281-269-2600
Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET
Sat-Sun 10am-6pm ET
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