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Sample
Itinerary - China
 Day
1: FLY USA TO BEIJING, CHINA
CROSS THE
INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE The International Date Line is
an imaginary line on the earth's surface, that
approximately coincides with the 180th meridian
(LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling
east across the line, takes the traveler back one day;
traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day.
Without the date line, calendar confusion would result
for the traveler.
Day 2:
ARRIVE BEIJING
An
ancient frontier settlement, China's modern capital of
Beijing now rambles across a 7000 square mile area and
is often referred to as "the city of three million
bicycles. Located in the North, it is the home to over
10 million people and is the center of China's politics
and a busy capital city. As the seat of power of Chinese
emperors throughout the centuries, Beijing is steeped in
history and the traditions of the Ming and Qing
dynasties (1368-1911). Reigning as both an ancient
capital of Imperial China and the modern capital of a
thriving nation, Beijing retains plenty of evidence of
its royal past, with aristocratic parks, temples and
palaces. Beijing is home to an incredible cultural
display of art and historical artifacts in more than 50
museums, folk traditions that flourish in theatres,
delicious dinners in exotic settings and cultural
centers with fascinating demonstrations of centuries-old
art and craft-making.
TRANSFER
BEIJING AIRPORT TO HOTEL Once you clear immigration,
look for a representative holding a sign with the
company logo. The guide will then transfer you to your
Beijing hotel by private vehicle.
Accommodation: 3 nights CHINA WORLD HOTEL,
BEIJING-SUPERIOR ROOM Located in the heart of the
diplomatic and financial district and close to the
Forbidden City, China World Hotel is one of Beijing’s
finest hotels. Being part of the China World Trade
Center, and a Shangri-La hotel, this luxury property
offers unrivalled access to its extensive conference and
exhibition facilities, making it a perfect starting
point for both business and leisure.
All 738
rooms offer panoramic city views and are equipped with a
complete range of amenities. Complimenting its excellent
facilities is a world-class fitness center and the
finest restaurants Beijing has to offer.
Day 3:
[B, L, D] Tour: HALF DAY HUTONG TOUR
Today,
your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your
hotel for a morning departure. Please note that your
local guide will inform you of the exact pick up time
upon arrival into each city. Today you will learn about
the history of Beijing and about Chinese people's life
and feelings on this tour of the Hutongs and the
Shiheyuans.
A hutong
is an old city lane unique in Beijing. The Siheyuan is a
building complex formed by four houses around a
quadrangular courtyard. Siheyuans are arranged in rows
and vary in size and design according to the social
status of residents, and hutong is long and narrow path
between each row, dividing the Siheyuans and at the same
time connecting them to each other.
This
morning your tour will start from the north entrance to
Beihia Park on pedicab to the picturesque Shishahai lake
area. You will then visit Gu Lou, the drum Tower, where
you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the old city. Then
proceed to the neighbor- hood in the rear of the
Shishahai Lake area and walk down the hutongs to drop in
one or two courtyard-style homes.
Tour:
FORBIDDEN CITY AND TIANANMEN SQUARE Tiananmen Square,
the largest public square in the world, where Mao's
picture hangs over the rostrum at the entrance of the
Imperial Forbidden City. Walk in the steps of ancient
emperors as you tour the powerful Forbidden City, hidden
from public view for over 500 years. This is where
Chinese emperors resided and ruled the country for 700
years until the year of 1911.
You will
also witness the masterpiece Temple of Heaven, the
embodiment of grace and harmony. This is where Ming and
Qing emperors prayed for good harvest and it is the
largest temple complex remaining in China today. The
pomp and grandeur of imperial China lives on in these
historic landmarks so integral to the nation's soul.
Tour:
PEKING DUCK DINNER Tonight you will be transferred to a
prestigious city location where you will enjoy a
sumptuous Peking Duck dinner.
Day 4:
[B, L, D] Tour: FULL DAY GREAT WALL
Today,
your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your
hotel for a morning departure. Please note that your
local guide will inform you of the exact pick up time
upon arrival into each city.
Snaking
3700 miles along the country's vulnerable northeastern
boundary, the 2000- year-old Great Wall was constructed
as a barrier to protect China from invasion. It was
built section by section between the 5th century BC and
the 16th century AD. A walk along the Great Wall of
China ranks high on the wish list of many travelers and
todays excursion will confirm it is one of the world's
greatest travel experiences.
Linger at
the towers and broad promenades; contemplate on the
spectacular scenery and the lives lost in building this
monumental construction that never truly ful- filled its
purpose. There is ample time to stroll along its ancient
stone promenade and photograph the wall as it winds
across impossibly steep mountain areas.
After
enjoying a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant you will
be driven to the Ming Tombs along the Sacred Way, which
features giant marble figures and animals guarding the
tomb area for deceased emperors of the Ming Dynasty
(1368-1644). On the way back to the city, you will also
visit the Beijing Cloisonne Factory. Cloisonne is famous
for traditional enamelware known as the 'Blue of Jingtai'
in China, with a history of over 500 years. It is one of
the famous art and craft forms of Beijing. You will
witness this elaborate and complicated process.
Todays
tour departs around 8.30am, returning mid to late
afternoon, subject to traffic conditions. Lunch is
included.
Dinner:
Dinner will be included at your hotel today.
Day 5:
[B. L, D] Transfer: BEIJING HOTEL - AIRPORT
Your
guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. The
guide will then transfer you from your hotel to the
Beijing airport by private vehicle.
FLY
BEIJING TO XIAN Your flight time today is approx 1 hour
& 30 mins.
ARRIVE
XIAN Xian is one of the most ancient cities in China.
Beginning from the eleventh centure B.C. and spanning
1,100 years, 11 dynasties have built their national
capital there. Not only was it the political, economic,
and cultural center of the country, but it was also
important international metropolis carrying on the
economic and clutural exchange between China and many
foreign countries. Xian, once existed as the start point
of Silk Road, Xian had been the very first Chinese city
open to the world. In recent years, Xian has activated
international exchange profoundly. In 1974, vaults
containing terra-cotta figures were found 1.5 kilometers
east of the mausoleum. Eight thousand pottery soldiers,
hundreds of chariots and a large number of real weapons
were unearthed from these vaults. In 1980, two large
bronze horse chariots were found. Exhibition halls were
set up over the three vaults where the restored terra-
cotta warriors and horses are on display. Discovery of
the buried legion has aroused great interest all over
the world, making it the world's eighth wonder listed in
the "Records of World's legacies".
Transfer:
XIAN AIRPORT TO HOTEL Please look for a representative
holding a sign with the company logo. The guide will
then transfer you to your Xian hotel by private vehicle.
Accommodation: 2 nights HYATT REGENCY, XIAN- STANDARD
ROOM A remarkable setting within Xian’s ancient city
walls, close to the business and shopping districts, and
convenient to popular landmarks, such as the tomb of Qin
Terracotta Warriors, Banpo museum, Uqing hot springs and
Shaanxi provincial museum, 43 kilometres to Xian
Airport.
Lunch:
Lunch will be included at your hotel today.
Tour:
TANG DYNASTY WITH DUMPLING BANQUET Please note your show
is a short walk away from your hotel. This evening, your
guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel
for your departure.
The
performance at the Tang Dynasty Theatre Restaurant
tonight will introduce you to Changan Music and Dance
which originated over a thousand years ago in Changan,
the capital of the Tang Dynasty, which is now known as
Xian.It is during the time of the Tang Dynasty (618AD to
907AD), when China experienced tremendous achievements
in culture,the Arts and technology.
Built in
1988,the Tang Dynasty Theater Restaurant is known as the
first Chinese style nightclub and can hold up to 1,200
people.The entertainment tonight will be performed by
the Tang Dynasty Song and Dance Troupe and will include
pieces played on unique musical Chinese instruments and
dances displaying dramatic masks and costumes.
Day 6:
[B, L, D] Tour: TERRA COTTA & PROVINCIAL MUSEUM
Today,
your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your
hotel for a morning departure. Please note that your
local guide will inform you of the exact pick up time
upon arrival into each city.
Walk in
the steps of ancient traders and travelers on today's
sightseeing of Xian, the head of the great caravan route
once used for shipping silk and other prized Chinese
goods to the West. Tour the archaeological site which so
far has yielded some 8000 terra cotta soldiers and
horses, each a unique, finely-detailed sculpture.
Also tour
the Provincial Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and City
Gate. Lunch is included during todays tour.
Dinner:
Dinner will be included at your hotel today.
Day 7:
[B, L, D] Transfer: XIAN HOTEL TO AIRPORT
Your
guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. The
guide will then transfer you from your hotel to the Xian
airport by private vehicle.
FLY XIAN
TO CHONGQING Your flight time today is approximately 1
hour & 15 minutes.
ARRIVE
CHONGQING Chongqing is a state-listed historical and
cultural city. The largest city in Southwest China, it
is a hub of water and land communications and an
important industrial center. It is also the starting
point for a cruise on the Yangtze River to see the many
scenic spots and historical sites along its banks. "When
the sun shines in Sichuan in winter, the dogs bark."
This proverb is particularly apt for Chongqing, since
through most of the winter, from around October to March
when temperatures can fall to 4ºC, the town is shrouded
in fog that rises from the rivers, hiding the sun and
depressing spirits of people. Chongqing is rare among
Chinese cities, because it is built on a rocky
promontory hugging the river. Actually, it sits right at
the confluence of two rivers where the Jialing River
joins the Yangtze River, and has always been an
important trading centre. The houses in the old city
centre are typical of the architecture in this region,
closing to the slopes with their black roofs resembling
swallows nests. The top floor has a door to the street
and the lower floors overlook one of the two rivers.
Transfer:
CHONGQING AIRPORT TO PIER Please note, time permitting,
you will see the sights of Chongqing prior to your
Dinner. After dinner you will be transfered to your
cruise.
Tour and
Accommodations: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE - 4 DAY/3NIGHT A
cruise on the Yangtze River is one of the great river
journeys of the world - The Yangtze is the longest river
in Asia, and the third longest in the world. See some of
China's premier points of interest in relaxing comfort,
without the hassle of packing and unpacking luggage.
Enjoy extraordinary scenery, delicious food and the on
board programs, and experience China's ancient culture
while cruising its greatest river! All of Victoria
Cruise's well-appointed cabins are outside cabins with
lower berths, private facilities, picture windows and a
television. Facilities onboard include bar and
nightclub, fitness center and beauty salon.
There is
no special dress code on board, however, there will be a
Captain's cocktail party on the second night of your
upstream cruise, and a Captain's farewell banquet on the
last night of sailing, for which suit and tie for
gentlemen and dresses or pantsuits for ladies are
recommended.
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DAY
01: Depart Chongqing late evening
-
DAY
02: Shore excursion to Shibaozhai or Wanzhou (B,L,D)
-
DAY
03: Sail through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge.
Excursion to Daning River Small Gorges Or Shennong
Stream. Sail through Three Gorges shiplocks (B,L,D)
-
DAY
04: Arrive Yang Jia Wang early this morning. Morning
visit Three Gorges Dam site Disembark at Yichang at
around noon.
Day 8:
[B, L, D] CRUISE
Day 9:
[B, L, D] CRUISE
Day 10:
[B, D] Transfer: CRUISE SHIP TO YICHANG AIRPORT
FLY
YICHANG TO SHANGHAI
ARRIVE
SHANGHAI Shanghai, whose name literally means "on the
sea," is one of the world's largest seaports and a major
industrial and commercial centre of the People's
Republic of China. It is located on the coast of the
East China Sea between the mouth of the Yangtze River to
the north and the bays of Hangchow and Yu-p'an to the
south. Shanghai was the first Chinese port to be opened
to Western trade, and it long dominated the nation's
commerce. Since the Communist victory in 1949, however
it has also become an industrial giant whose products
supply China's growing domestic demands. There are many
interesting tourist sites to visit whilst in Shanghai
and these include, Huangpu River, Jade Buddha Temple,
Shanghai museum and the Yuyuan gardens.
Transfer:
SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO HOTEL Please look for a
representative holding a sign with the company logo in
the baggage claim area. The guide will then transfer you
to your Shanghai hotel by private vehicle.
Accommodation: 3 nights PUDONG SHANGRI-LA,
SHANGHAI-DELUXE ROOM The award-winning Pudong Shangri-La
Hotel is located in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone
of Shanghai. It enjoys easy access to both Hongqiao and
Pudong international airports and is also close to the
subway connecting Pudong to Puxi (West Shanghai).
Prominently sited along the famous Huangpu River, the
Hotel has breathtaking views of Shanghai's legendary
riverfront - the Bund and the Orient Pearl TV Tower.
There are 612 spacious rooms, complemented by an
extensive range of restaurants and lounges. Rooms
feature computer dataport, voice mail, cable television,
International direct dial telephone, electronic safe,
mini-bar, coffee/tea making facilities, executive
writing desk and in-house movie channels.
Dinner:
Dinner will be included at your hotel today.
Day 11:
[B, L, D] Tour: CITY AND SHANGHAI MUSEUM
Today,
your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your
hotel for a morning departure. Please note that your
local guide will inform you of the exact pick up time
upon arrival into each city.
Immerse
yourself in the culture and sophistication of Shanghai
on a full-day tour of the city's premier attractions.
View all manners of Chinese arts, beautifully displayed
in the astounding galleries of the Shanghai Museum.
Explore the paths and pavilions of Yuyuan Gardens;
stroll the waterfront Bund; visit the endearing
Children's Palace. Lunch is included during todays full
day tour.
Tour:
ACROBATIC SHOW WITH DINNER After enjoying a Chinese
dinner at a local restaurant you will witness a
spectacular acrobatic display. Chinese acrobatics are a
favorite art of the Chinese people, with a distinct
style evolving from everyday life and work. Despite the
new dazzling film shows and song-and-dance performances,
acrobatics still shines as one of the brightest stars in
Chinese culture. With about 2,500 years of history,
Chinese acrobatics have won the nation the title of
'Kingdom of Acrobatics'.
This
evening you will enjoy the acrobatics played by the
Shanghai Acrobatic Theatre, a famous circus-acrobatic
troupe in China. It was founded on 21 November 1951 and
has since enjoyed high reputation in international
circus-acrobatic circles.
Dinner
pickup is at 5.45pm. Show is from 7.30pm to 9.00pm and
includes hotel pickup and drop off.
Day 12:
[B] DAY AT LEISURE IN SHANGHAI
Day 13:
[B] Transfer: SHANGHAI HOTEL TO PUDONG AIRPORT
This
morning you will be picked up at your hotel by coach and
transfered to the Shanghai Train Station where you will
catch the Bullet Train to the airport. Your luggage will
remain on the coach and will transfer to the airport
seperately.
FLY
SHANGHAI TO USA Cross the date line and arrive home on
the same day!
Welcome
Home!
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner |
