Highlights of China

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Detailed Trip Description

Enjoy 11 Days Highlights of China Escorted Family Vacation tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai and Xian. Spend 4-Day /3-Night on Yangtze River Cruise.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Commercial Flight

Board your transpacific flight.


Day 2 - Beijing

 
Arrive In Beijing, China.

Transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free.

Beijing picture
Hotel

Stay at Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven (SF).


Day 3 - Beijing

 
Great Wall & Summer Palace Excursion.
Sightseeing

Head northwest to the Great Wall of China, an architectural wonder. There is plenty of time to explore the ramparts of this awesome structure. Back in Beijing, visit the splendid Summer Palace. (B,L,D)


Day 4 - Beijing

 
Sightseeing

This morning, the energetic can join an excursion to exercise with the locals in a nearby park. Then continue sightseeing with a visit to the Temple of Heaven. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, it represents the pinnacle of Ming and Qing architecture.

Sightseeing

Next is the Xishiku Church, one of just 17 churches in China. See Tiananmen Square, reputed to be the world’s largest. Finally, visit the Forbidden City, an immense maze of palaces. The evening is at leisure. (B,L)


Day 5 - Xian

 
Beijing - Xi’an.
Relaxation

A free morning to relax or explore on your own. There is an optional visit to a Hutong, an ancient city alley or lane between courtyards, via rickshaw.

Sightseeing

A Hutong visit is an ideal way to learn about the daily life of ordinary Beijing citizens.

Commercial Flight

This afternoon, fly to ­fascinating Xi’an. (B,L,D)

Hotel

Stay at Gloria Plaza Hotel (SF).


Day 6 - Xian

 
Museums

Your first stop today is a highlight tour of the magnificent Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses.

Arts, Crafts and Antiques

Next, visit a pottery workshop where you will have a chance to make your own pottery warrior.

Cooking Classes

At lunch, meet a local chef for a dumpling cooking demonstration.

Sightseeing

This afternoon, see the ancient city wall.

Performing Arts

Tonight, attend the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, featuring colorful classical performances of dance and song. (B,L,D)


Day 7 - Xian

 
Xi’an - Chongqing - Embark Cruise.
Commercial Flight

Fly to Chongqing, a major port city on the Yangtze.

River or Barge Cruise

Your deluxe ship is moored here. During the next few days, when you are not sightseeing, you can relax on board, converse with new friends or attend an interesting acupuncture demonstration. (B,L,D)


Day 8 - At Sea

 
Cruising.
River or Barge Cruise

Cruise peacefully along the scenic Yangtze.

Sightseeing

Depending on river con­ditions, stop in Fengdu, a typical little riverside village, also called the “Ghost City.” (B,L,D)


Day 9 - At Sea

 
Cruising.
Sightseeing

Continue through the first and second of the three gorges – Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. After lunch, enjoy a small boat excursion down the Daning River or Shennong Stream to see the lesser gorges (depending on river conditions).

Sailing

Later, sail through the Three Gorges locks. (B,L,D)


Day 10 - Shanghai

 
Cruising - Three Gorges Dam - Yichang - Shanghai.
River or Barge Cruise

Take in the beautiful scenery as you view tiny villages clinging precariously to hillsides above the river.

Sightseeing

Then tour the gargantuan Three Gorges Dam. On arrival in Yichang, disembark and visit a local kindergarten.

Commercial Flight

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. (B,L,D)

Hotel

Stay at The Bund (SF).


Day 11 - Shanghai

 
Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing. First visit Yuyuan Garden, a 400-year-old classical garden. Next is The Bund, with its unique modern architecture. On to see a Linong, blocks of old Shanghai neighborhoods with criss-crossing lanes and alleys.

Museums

Visit the Silk Museum where you spend time in its workshop and view a demonstration of the ancient process of making silk from silkworm cocoons.

River or Barge Cruise

After a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant, enjoy an evening cruise along the Huangpu River. (B,L,D)


Day 12 - Shanghai

 
Depart Shanghai.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)


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