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Cruising the Yangtze River
Experience China's marvels, ancient and modern, rural and cosmopolitan, on this fantastic 15-day tour that features a relaxing 4-night cruise of the Yangtze River. Float by the dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges. Marvel at the 7,000 warriors in the life-size terra-cotta army in Xian. 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. Marvel at the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Explore Beijing with a 3-night stay and share lunch with a local family in their home.

Collette Experiences

  • Take a relaxing 4-night upstream cruise on the Yangtze River.
  • Feel the energy at a daredevil performance at the Acrobatic Show in Shanghai.
  • Savor traditional Chinese food and drink, including a Peking Duck dinner, dumpling making and a tea ceremony.
  • Walk along the awesome 3,700-mile long Great Wall of China.

    Tour Highlights

  • Shanghai, Acrobatic Show, Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges Dam, Shennong Stream, Reed Flute Caves, Terra-Cotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, The Great Wall, Peking Opera, Rickshaw Tour
  • Call (770) 436-1334 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10649248
    Tour OperatorCollette Vacations
    OfferOffer valid through 6/30/2012
    Duration
    15 Days
    Itinerary
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight FlightOvernight Flight
    Day 2ShanghaiShanghai, China - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of the People's Republic of China. Prepare to immerse yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture.
    Day 3ShanghaiShanghai : After a short lesson in the local language, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the booming city of Shanghai. The tour includes visits to Old Town's narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan Gardens, an island of tranquility; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the center of 19th century colonialism; and the Children's Palace, an ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including calligraphy, piano and dance. Tonight you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 4YichangShanghai - Yichang - Board Cruise : Enjoy a morning of leisure before flying to Yichang. Following a short drive, board your ship for a 4-night cruise of the Yangtze River.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 5Xiling GorgeThree Gorges Dam - Xiling Gorge : In the morning, sail into the Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges. Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam project. The dam, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three gorges, is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Afterwards, sail through the five-step ship locks.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 6Qutang GorgeCruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge - Qutang Gorge : Enjoy an excursion visiting the Shennong Stream in traditional pea boats. Upon return to your ship, sail through the Wu Gorge which is 25 miles long and well-known for its 12 forest-covered peaks and quiet beauty with ever-changing scenery. This afternoon, sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 7FengduCruising - Fengdu : Arrive in the city of Fengdu, depicted as the "City of Ghosts" in ancient works. The origin of the town's extraordinary reputation can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It is home to over 48 temples. Visit some of these temples as well as a relocation village.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 8GuilinChongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin : You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Chongqing Zoo to see China's national treasure, the pandas. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 9GuilinGuilin : 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.

    Today breakfast will be included.

    Day 10Xi'anGuilin - Xian : Experience peace and tranquility as you participate in a private Tai Chi lesson. Many believe that this ancient form of exercise is the secret to Chinese longevity. Next, visit the Reed Flute Caves, with its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch enjoy a stop at Elephant Trunk Hill before boarding your flight to Xian, located in China's interior.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 11XianXian : 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, 8,000 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. After lunch, visit one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the Wild Goose Pagoda.

    Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

    Day 12BeijingXian - 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. Learn about jade carving and help design your very own custom-made jade name seal stamp, a perfect way to commemorate your visit to China.

    Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

    Day 13BeijingThe Great Wall : No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall where you can 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. Next, feel the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics when you view the Olympic Green where you have the opportunity to take photos of two famous structures - the Bird's Nest and Water Cube! This evening a special treat is in store - a Peking Duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera show.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 14BeijingBeijing : 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. With help from an interpreter, learn about a local family's history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making! Next, visit with a local Kite Master and learn the art of making kites and the history of this most cherished pastime of the Chinese people. Your final stop is a traditional tea ceremony before returning to your hotel. Later, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 15BeijingBeijing - Tour Ends : Your tour ends in Beijing.

    Today breakfast will be included.

    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call (770) 436-1334 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
    April 13, 2012Land Only$2,349.00 (USD)Quote
    May 18, 2012Land Only$2,449.00 (USD)Quote
    June 15, 2012Land Only$2,349.00 (USD)Quote
    August 03, 2012Land Only$2,349.00 (USD)Quote
    September 14, 2012Land Only$2,449.00 (USD)Quote
    October 05, 2012Land Only$2,449.00 (USD)Quote
    November 02, 2012Land Only$2,349.00 (USD)Quote
    Lodging
    Broadway Mansions , ChinaWuhan Yangtze Cruise Company , LTD , China
    Guilin Bravo Hotel , ChinaGrand New World Hotel , China
    Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall , China 
    Disclaimer
    NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
    Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
    The trans-Pacific and internal flights on this program are not included in the land price. All air including internal flights can be purchased through us.

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