Highlight of China & Yangtze

Tour Duration: 12 days

Day 1 – Depart North America Your adventure begins the moment you board your overnight flight to Beijing.

Day 2 – Arrive Beijing (3 nights) Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your deluxe hotel. The rest of your day is at your leisure.

Hotel: Sheraton Great Wall

Day 3 – Beijing Stand in the middle of Tiananmen Square and marvel at the enormity of the worlds largest public square. Walk through the Tiananmen Gate, the entrance way to the Forbidden City where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once resided. This 250–acre complex is comprised of pavilions, courtyards and gardens and is the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. An interesting contrast to the immense Forbidden City is the tranquil Summer Palace, one of China's best–preserved imperial gardens. Enjoy this masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design and its charming pavilions. In 1998, UNESCO added the Summer Palace to its World Heritage List. In the evening, top off a fabulous day with an authentic Peking Duck dinner. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 4 – Beijing Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Wall is without question one of the manmade wonders of the world. To walk this wonder of the ancient world is truly memorable. Later in the day, travel the Sacred Way, home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. End your day with yet another highlight, an evening at the Peking Opera. (Breakfast / Lunch / DInner)

Day 5 – Beijing Xian (2 nights) Spend the morning exploring the Temple of Heaven where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped heaven and prayed for good harvests. It has been said that a prayer uttered at the Echo Wall will circulate around the world. After exploring this magnificent temple, youll fly to Xian. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: Sheraton (2 nights)

Day 6 – Xian View this ancient metropolis from the old city walls. Then see its archaeological treasures, the life–sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC), the first emperor of China. After exploring this amazing excavation, enjoy a traditional dumpling lunch. After dining, youll meet with a local farmer and see his cave home along the Yellow River. In the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 7 – Xian Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise (3 nights) After visiting Xians Big Wild Goose Pagoda, fly to Chongqing to join your deluxe Yangtze River Cruise ship. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Days 8 – Yangtze River Cruising Sail along the Yangtze with its vertical limestone cliffs. Your journey will take you through the Three Gorges, each with its own unique characteristics. If water levels cooperate, stop at Shibaozai, a magnificent wooden pavilion constructed without nails, perched dramatically against a sheer rectangular cliff. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 9 – Yangtze River Cruising Board a riverboat and embark on a voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges, depending on water levels. Its a tranquil journey that will take you through Dragon Gate, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 10 –Yichang Shanghai (2 nights) On the way to Yichang, visit the site of the controversial Three Gorges Dam before disembarking your luxury ship. Fly to Shanghai, China's largest city. During the evening, youll have free time to do as you please in Asias shopping and culinary center. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: Hilton (2 nights)

Day 11 – Shanghai Spend the morning strolling the famed Bund waterfront promenade and enjoying the peacefulness of Yu Yuan Garden. Visit the Childrens Palace where youngsters receive advanced training in art and music. Spend time shopping in the Palace gift store for unique gifts made by the children. And in the evening, join fellow guests for a lavish farewell dinner and an amazing performance of the Shanghai Acrobats. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 12 – Shanghai North America Board your return flight from Shanghai home with great memories and new friends. (Breakfast)