Cruising the Yangtze River

Experience China's marvels, ancient and modern, rural and cosmopolitan, on this fantastic 16-day tour that features a relaxing 4-night cruise up 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. Explore Beijing with a three-night stay and share lunch with a local family in their home.

Highlights
Shanghai, Acrobatic Show, Yangtze River Cruise, The Three Gorges, Guilin, Reed Flute Caves, Xian, Terra-Cotta Warriors, Beijing, The Great Wall, Peking Opera Show, Rickshaw Tour

Collette Experience

  • Walk along the awesome 3,700-mile long Great Wall of China.
  • Savor dumplings filled with traditional ingredients at a dumpling lunch in Xian.
  • Visit the Small Three Gorges along the Daning River.
  • Feel the energy at a daredevil performance at the Acrobatic Show in Shanghai.
  • See amazing stalagmite and stone flower shapes during a visit to the underground Reed Flute Caves.
  • Call (407) 246-7055 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8876497

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Offer
    Offer valid through 2/28/2010
    Duration
    16 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight Flight Overnight Flight
    Day 2Shanghai Shanghai, China - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Prepare to immerse yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture.
    Day 3Shanghai Shanghai : LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of the booming city of Shanghai. The tour includes visits to the Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan Gardens, an island of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the city; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the center of 19th century colonialism; and the Children's Palace, a European-style fortress where local children play after school. Tonight you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show.
    Day 4Yichang Shanghai - Yichang - Board Cruise : A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple, brings you to the home of two white jade statues of Buddha, given to China as a gift from Burma. Fly to Yichang. Following a short drive and dinner, board your ship for a 4-night cruise of the Yangtze River.
    Day 5Xiling Gorge Three Gorges Dam - Xiling Gorge : Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam project. The dam is 27 miles upstream from Yichang City proper, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three gorges. It is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Continue sailing through the Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges system.
    Day 6Wu Gorge Cruising - Daning River - Wu Gorge : Your excursion today includes a visit to Small Three Gorges along the Daning River. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains as you pass through the Wuxia Gorge, famous for its Twelve Peaks. Continue to the Qutang Gorge, the smallest and most dramatic of the three Yangtze gorges.
    Day 7Fengdu Cruising - Fengdu : Visit either Fengdu, the "Ghost City," known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill or the new relocation village which was built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze's rising waters brought about by the dam project.
    Day 8Guilin Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin : You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Stilwell Museum and Eling Park. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.
    Day 9Guilin Guilin : 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.
    Day 10Xi'an Guilin - 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.
    Day 11Xi'an Xian : 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, 7,000 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.
    Day 12Xi'an Xian : Begin your day with a visit to one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. From here you will step into the courtyards of Xian's Islamic Mosque, which reflects the city's gateway to the Silk Road. Enjoy an imperial lunch today with 20 courses of dumplings! Later, climb to the top of the ancient city wall and enjoy the views of the city.
    Day 13Beijing Xian - 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.
    Day 14Beijing The Great Wall : No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall. You will have the chance to 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. This evening a special treat is in store - a Peking duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera show.
    Day 15Beijing Beijing : 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, you have the opportunity to 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.
    Day 16Beijing - Tour Ends Beijing - Tour Ends : Your tour ends in Beijing.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    03/26/2010$2,149.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    04/23/2010$2,299.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    05/28/2010$2,299.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    07/16/2010$2,049.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    09/10/2010$2,349.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    10/08/2010$2,349.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    11/05/2010$2,149.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    Millennium Hongqiao Hotel
    Century Cruises: Century Star
    Guilin Bravo Hotel
    New World Hotel
    Grand Millennium Hotel
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.

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