Cruising The Yangtze River

br />Experience China’s marvels, ancient and modern, rural and cosmopolitan, on this fantastic 15-day tour that features a relaxing 4-night cruise of 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. Marvel at the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Explore Beijing with a 3-night stay and share lunch with a local family in their home.

Day 1: Overnight Flight


Day 2: Shanghai, China - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of the People’s Republic of China. Prepare to immerse yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture.

Day 3: Shanghai
After a short lesson in the local language, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the booming city of Shanghai. The tour includes visits to Old Town’s narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan Gardens, an island of tranquility; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the center of 19th century colonialism; and the Children’s Palace, an ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including calligraphy, piano and dance. Tonight you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show.

Day 4: Shanghai - Yichang - Board Cruise
Enjoy a morning of leisure before flying to Yichang. Following a short drive, board your ship for a 4-night cruise of the Yangtze River.

Day 5: Three Gorges Dam - Xiling Gorge
In the morning, sail into the Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges. Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam project. The dam, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three gorges, is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Afterwards, sail through the five-step ship locks.

Day 6: Cruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge - Qutang Gorge
Enjoy an excursion visiting the Shennong Stream in traditional pea boats. Upon return to your ship, sail through the Wu Gorge which is 25 miles long and well-known for its 12 forest-covered peaks and quiet beauty with ever-changing scenery. This afternoon, sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic.

Day 7: Cruising - Fengdu
Arrive in the city of Fengdu, depicted as the “City of Ghosts” in ancient works. The origin of the town’s extraordinary reputation can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It is home to over 48 temples. Visit some of these temples as well as a relocation village.

Day 8: Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin
You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Chongqing Zoo to see China’s national treasure, the pandas. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.

Day 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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, 8,000 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. After lunch, visit one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the Wild Goose Pagoda.

Day 12: 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. Learn about jade carving and help design your very own custom-made jade name seal stamp, a perfect way to commemorate your visit to China.

Day 13: The Great Wall
No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall where you can 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. Next, feel the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics when you view the Olympic Green where you have the opportunity to take photos of two famous structures - the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube! This evening a special treat is in store - a Peking Duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera show.

Day 14: 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, 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 15: Beijing - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Beijing.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/13/2012 - 4/27/2012	$2,349
5/18/2012 - 6/1/2012	$2,449
6/15/2012 - 6/29/2012	$2,349
8/3/2012 - 8/17/2012	$2,349
9/14/2012 - 9/28/2012	$2,449
10/5/2012 - 10/19/2012	$2,449
11/2/2012 - 11/16/2012	$2,349
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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