Grand China & the Yangtze 2010

Experience the best of China from its bustling cities to its breathtaking natural splendors in one grand journey. This amazing 20-day tour takes you from grand cities to the far reaches of China's dramatic countryside. Visit the imperial city, Beijing, where history is all around you from the Forbidden City to Tiananmen Square. Enjoy the splendors of Shanghai and marvel at a performance of its world-famous acrobats. See the natural wonders of the gorge-carved Yangtze and the man-made wonders of the Great Wall, the Dazu Rock Carvings, and the Terra Cotta Warriors. Visit a tea farm; see an opera; gaze at giant pandas; and enjoy local musicians and dancers in Suzhou. Discover the mighty Yangtze, Guilin's awe-inspiring landscape and Hong Kong Cruise down the Yangtze River where you'll see the Three Gorges with their sharp, cloud-enshrouded peaks. Marvel at awe-inspiring landscape as you cruise along the Li River, and visit Guilin's Reed Flute Cave, a dripstone cave boasting stalactites and stalagmites in dazzling colors. Cap your grand adventure off with a visit to the great city of Hong Kong. Great natural wonders, scenic beauty, imperial splendor, and ancient history come together in this never-to-be-forgotten journey.

Highlights

  • Beijing
  • Great Wall
  • Xi'an
  • Shanghai
  • Yichang
  • Chongqing
  • Yangtze River Cruise
  • Guilin
  • Hong Kong

    Whats Included

    Sightseeing Highlights

  • Beijing: Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the sites of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the Ming Tombs. Attend the Beijing Opera. Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea service. Explore the hutongs by rickshaw. Visit a local family. Delight in a moonlight cruise on Shishahai Lake.
  • Great Wall: Walk this wonder of the ancient world.
  • Xi'an: Experience a Royal Welcome Ceremony. Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty music and dance.
  • Shanghai: Stroll along the famed Bund. Tour Old Town. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Explore the Old Shanghai Museum. Attend a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats.
  • Tongli: Enjoy a walking tour of this historic town.
  • Suzhou: Attend a peformance of native classical music and dance at the Master-of-Nets Garden. Explore the Humble Administrator's Garden. Visit the Embroidery Institute and learn about silk manufacturing.
  • Yangtze River Cruise: Visit the Three Gorges Dam. Voyage down the Lesser Gorges aboard a small riverboat. Cruise through the Three Gorges. Visit either Fengdu, Wanzhou or Shibaozhai.
  • Chongqing: Tour the city. Stop at the zoo to view the giant pandas.
  • Guillin: Cruise the spectacular Li River. Tour historic Yangshuo. Explore the brilliant Reed Flute Cave. Visit a Chinese tea farm.
  • Hong Kong: Visit Victoria Peak, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Stanley Market.

    Dining Highlights

  • 17 buffet breakfasts
  • 14 lunches
  • 9 dinners
  • Traditional dim sum highlight lunch in Shanghai
  • Chinese home-hosted highlight dinner with a local family in Beijing
  • 4 highlight dinners in Beijing, Xi'an and aboard ship on the Yangtze River

    First Class Travel Highlights

  • Superior to Deluxe hotel accommodation includes two-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and local taxes.
  • 4-night luxury Yangtze River cruise in a Standard Stateroom with private balcony onboard Victoria Cruises Victoria Jenna.
  • The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional Tour Directors Days 2-17.
  • Qualified local English-speaking guides throughout the tour.
  • All domestic flights within China: Beijing -Xi'an - Shanghai - Yichang and Chongqing - Guilin - Hong Kong.
  • All transportation and airport transfers on Day 2 and 19.

    • Call 1 (800) 999-2599 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8649756

    Tour Operator
    Trafalgar Tours
    Duration
    19 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1Depart USA Depart USA :
    Depart from your home gateway city, bound for Beijing.
    Day 2Beijing Arrive Beijing (4 nights) :
    Welcome to Beijing! On arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be met and escorted to your hotel.

    Hotel: Sofitel Wanda
    Day 3Beijing Beijing sightseeing :
    Beijing is home to many of the sites that make China a must-see destination. This morning, explore the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. This afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven. Later, relax with a traditional foot massage and this evening enjoy a succulent Peking Duck Feast. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
    Day 4Beijing Beijing sightseeing & The Great Wall :
    Begin your day visiting the sites of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Next is the Great Wall, where you have a chance to walk along this historic man-made wonder, a not-to-be-missed experience. Afterwards, walk along the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue bordered by massive animal statues guarding the Ming Tombs. This evening, enjoy a performance at the famous Beijing Opera, including a traditional Chinese tea service. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
    Day 5Beijing Beijing sightseeing :
    Visit the Summer Palace, China's most spectacular and best-preserved example of imperial garden design. Later, take a rickshaw tour of the hutongs in the old residential area of Beijing. Here, you will experience a traditional Chinese Home-Hosted Highlight Dinner with a local family, followed by an enchanting moonlight cruise on beautiful Shishahai Lake. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
    Day 6Xi'an Beijing - Xi'an (2 nights) :
    Fly to the ancient city of Xi'an and enjoy a special Royal Welcome Ceremony at the city gate. This evening, indulge in a delicious Traditional Dumpling Dinner (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)

    Hotel: Sofi tel Xi'an on Renmin Square
    Day 7Xi'an Xi'an sightseeing :
    Visit the iconic life-sized statues of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. In the evening, partake in a Tang Dynasty Dinner and cultural show. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
    Day 8Suzhou Xi'an - Shanghai - Tongli sightseeing - Suzhou :
    Fly to Shanghai and head for charming Tongli with its narrow streets, elegant homes, and enchanting teahouses. Next, visit Suzhou, known for its beautiful and delicate gardens. This evening, enjoy a delightful evening at the Master-of-Nets Garden, featuring a special performance of native classical music and dance. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

    Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel
    Day 9Shanghai Suzhou - Shanghai (2 nights) :
    Tour Suzhou's famous Humble Administrator's Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. Next, visit the Embroidery Institute and learn about silk manufacturing before returning to bustling Shanghai. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

    Hotel: Regal International East Asia Hotel
    Day 10Shanghai Shanghai sightseeing :
    Discover the many splendors of Shanghai, including Old Town and the Bund, Shanghai's famed waterfront promenade. Enjoy a delicious Dim Sum Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant. This evening, attend a performance by the world-famous Shanghai Acrobats. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight lunch / Dinner)
    Day 11Yangtze River Cruise Shanghai sightseeing - Yichang - Yangtze River cruise (4 nights) :
    Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Old Shanghai Museum before flying to Yichang, where you'll board your luxurious Victoria Cruises ship. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
    Day 12Cruising the Yangtze River Cruising the Yangtze River :
    Visit the Three Gorges Dam and then sail the dramatic shoals and verdant cliffs of Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. This evening, join the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
    Day 13Cruising the Yangtze River Cruising the Yangtze River :
    Board a small riverboat for a voyage down the enchanting Lesser Gorges of the Daning River or Shennong Stream. After returning to the cruise ship, sail through the breathtaking Qutang and Wu Gorges. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
    Day 14Cruising the Yangtze River Cruising the Yangtze River :
    Visit Fengdu or the port cities of Wanzhou or Shibaozhai, depending on water levels. This evening, enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
    Day 15Guilin Chongoing sightseeing - Guilin (2 nights) :
    Disembark in Chongqing. Tour the city and stop at the zoo to view the giant pandas before flying to Guilin. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

    Hotel: Sheraton Guilin Hotel
    Day 16Guilin Guilin sightseeing :
    Sail along the Li River and enjoy some of China's most breathtaking scenery as you glide past tall limestone peaks and peaceful pastoral life. Then, visit historic Yangshuo, a leading cultural center since the Tang Dynasty. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
    Day 17Hong Kong Guilin sightseeing - Hong Kong (2 nights) :
    Explore the Reed Flute Cave and marvel at the distinctly colored stalactites and stalagmites. Later, visit a Chinese tea farm before flying to Hong Kong. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch)


    Hotel: Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
    Day 18Hong Kong Hong Kong sightseeing & at leisure :
    Discover the best sights of Hong Kong on a morning sightseeing tour including Victoria Peak, the Aberdeen Fishing Village and Stanley Market. This afternoon is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)

    Note: The Tour Director leaves the tour on Day 17 in Guilin; the services of a local, English-speaking guide are provided in Hong Kong.
    Day 19Depart Hong Kong Depart Hong Kong :
    You will be transferred to Hong Kong International Airport for your return flight home. (Buffet breakfast)

    Note: Substitute visits to other sites along the Yangtze River may occur depending on water levels or other uncontrollable factors.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call 1 (800) 999-2599 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    03/21/2010$4,699.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    04/11/2010$5,099.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    04/25/2010$4,999.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    05/09/2010$4,999.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    05/23/2010$4,999.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    06/13/2010$4,599.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    06/27/2010$4,549.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    07/18/2010$4,549.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    08/08/2010$4,599.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    09/05/2010$5,099.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    09/12/2010$5,149.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    09/19/2010$5,149.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    09/26/2010$5,149.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    10/10/2010$5,149.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    10/17/2010$5,149.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    Disclaimer
    ** Yangtze River Cruise Suite Upgrade Junior Suite Deluxe Suite Shangri-La Suite Twin Share supplement, per person: $839 $1139 $1439
    ** This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
    *** Please Note: Guarenteed roomshare is not available on this tour.
    **** Above prices are per person and inclusive of all intra-China airfares.
    ***** Ship and hotels are subject to change.
    For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
    The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

    - These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
    - All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
    - For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.