Tour Code: RDR

Visiting: Beijing/Yichang/Yangtze River Cruise/Chongqing/Xian/Guilin/Shanghai

Day 1 | USA – Beijing, China

Our voyage to China and the mysterious Yangtze River begins as we board the international flight to Beijing.

Day 2 | Arrive in Beijing

Beijing is China's capital city and its center for all things political. Check in to our luxury hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure.

Day 3 | Beijing (AB ,L ,DH )

Spend the day exploring Beijing's imperial monuments, beginning with a walk through the world-famous Tiananmen Square. Arrive at the Forbidden City, a massive palace renowned for its resplendent imperial architecture. Continue to the Summer Palace, a peaceful imperial retreat surrounded by graceful bridges, pagodas and a glistening lake. On the way to the hotel, we stop for photos at the 2008 Olympic sites, Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

Day 4 | Beijing (AB ,L )

Experience the incredible heritage of China's Great Wall as we walk across its ancient steps. Created piecemeal over a period of 2,000 years, the wall was built as a defense from the marauding tribes of the north. From atop the wall, enjoy the sweeping vistas of China's rugged mountains and valleys, then descend the wall and visit the Sacred Way. Follow this “divine way”, lined with ethereal willows and intricate stone statues, and arrive at the Ming Tombs Museum.

Day 5 | Beijing – Yichang – Yangtze River Cruise (AB ,D )

Arrive at the Temple of Heaven, a massive complex constructed in the 15th century where emperors performed religious ceremonies. Board a short flight to Yichang, the cultural and economic center of the western Hubei Province. Upon arrival we board our cruise ship and settle in to the executive deck as the ship sets sail for our Yangtze River adventure.

Day 6 | Yangtze River Cruise (B ,L ,D )

This morning we disembark to visit the Three Gorges Dam site and learn about the construction of the world's largest hydroelectric dam. Return aboard the ship and sail through the intricate locks system. Today, we approach the spectacular Three Gorges and begin sailing through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the three.

Day 7 | Yangtze River Cruise (B ,L ,D )

Disembark and board a smaller boat to traverse a narrow tributary to the dramatic Small Gorges. Return aboard the cruise ship and arrive at the elegant Wu Gorge, renowned for its vertical cliffs and 12 mist-shrouded mountains. Enter the final gorge, Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most impressive of the three.

Day 8 | Yangtze River Cruise (B ,L ,D )

Disembark at the “ghost city” of Fengdu for a shore excursion. Explore this fascinating river town, decorated with temples and shrines dedicated to the gods of the underworld. Alternate optional shore excursion to Shibaozhai may be substituted depending on river conditions. Return aboard the ship for dinner and evening cruising.

Day 9 | Yangtze River Cruise – Chongqing – Xian (B ,DH )

Our Yangtze River journey comes to an end as we dock in Chongqing, a scenic cliff-side city that overlooks the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. After a brief city tour we visit the Chongqing Zoo to see the famous pandas. Transfer to the airport and board a flight to Xian, the capital of Shaanxi Province.

Day 10 | Xian (AB ,L ,DS )

Deeply ingrained in history as the political and cultural capital of China for more than 1,000 years, Xian also marks the starting point of the Silk Road. Today, we visit one of China's supreme treasures, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Walk through the underground pits and then continue to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening we attend a Tang Dynasty Performance following an Imperial Dumpling Banquet.

Day 11 | Xian – Guilin (AB ,L )

After breakfast at hotel we visit the Old City Wall and then transfer to the airport for a flight bound to Guilin, a strikingly beautiful city with scenery “unmatched under Heaven.” Upon arrival in Guilin we are transferred to our 5-star hotel to relax and be at own leisure.

Day 12 | Guilin – Yangshuo – Guilin (AB ,L ,DH )

From Guilin, we take a cruise along the emerald green Li River and marvel at the timeless landscape of mist-shrouded mountains, fishermen and unearthly karst formations. Arrive in Yangshuo, where we disembark and board our coach back to Guilin.

Day 13 | Guilin – Shanghai (AB ,L )

Our day begins with a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, a unique rock formation and long-time symbol of Guilin, then continue on to visit Reed Flute Cave. Walk through the cave and marvel at the magnificent rock formations illuminated in colored lights, which create an otherworldly atmosphere. Fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai, known in the 1930's as the “Pearl of the Orient.”

Day 14 | Shanghai (AB ,DS )

This morning we visit Yu Garden, a renowned classical garden from the Ming Dynasty complete with ornate pavilions, glittering pools and exotic flora. Continue on to stroll along the Bund, Shanghai's famed waterfront boulevard, and admire the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Drive past the premiere shopping district, Nanjing Road, and arrive at the spectacular Shanghai Museum, where we browse some of the 120,000 cultural relics. This evening we enjoy an exciting Chinese Acrobatics Show following dinner.

Day 15 | Shanghai (AB ,DP )

Enjoy the full day free at leisure or take an optional excursion to Suzhou. Known as the Venice of the East, Suzhou is renowned for its tranquil natural beauty. The city tour begins at the Humble Administrator's Garden, which enjoys special designation as one of China's four most important gardens. Then take a cruise along the 2000 year-old Grand Canal, the world's longest man-made waterway. Complete our tour with a visit to a silk factory to learn more about the history and process of creating this delicate fabric. We gather again in the evening for a farewell dinner party.

Day 16 | Shanghai – USA (AB )

All too soon our scenic Yangtze adventure has drawn to a close. If we desire, we can choose to continue on our voyage by adding on an optional extension to Hong Kong.

Legend:

• AB = American Breakfast


• B = Breakfast


• L = Lunch


• LH = Lunch at Hotel


• D = Dinner


• DH = Dinner at Hotel


• DP = Special Dinner Party


• DS = Dinner and Show

Hotel

Beijing: Crowne Plaza Wangfujing

Address: 48, Wangfujing Ave, Dongcheng Dist, Beijing China. 100006

Tel: 86-10-5911-9999

Guilin: Sheraton

Address: 15 Bin Jiang Road, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China

Tel: 86-773-282-5588

Xian: Sheraton Xian North City

Address: 32 Wei Yang Rd Xian, Shaanxi 710014

Tel: 86-29-8886-6888

Shanghai: Sheraton Hongkou

Address: No. 59 Siping Road, Hongkou, Shanghai 200086

Tel: (86)(21) 26010088

Yangtze River Cruise: Victoria Cruises

Address: 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377, USA

Tel: 1-800-348-8084

Date and Pricing

Single Supplement

Notes:

• Advertised int'l airfares include fuel surcharge of $ 363.00 and taxes/fees of $120.00


• Early booking discount of $ 200.00 will be shown during booking

Notes about tour prices:

• Advertised land portion prices are based on per person and twin-sharing accommodation basis.


• Advertised total package prices include land tour as per itinerary (with applicable China domestic airfares), and roundtrip international airfare from LAX or SFO based on the services of Air China (CA) including fuel surcharge and applicable taxes/fees. Roundtrip international airfares from JFK Airport in New York will incur an additional charge of $100. Air travel on different international carrier is at a different price.


• For child rate please see “CHARGE FOR CHILDREN” in “Terms & Conditions”.


• CA international flight upgrades to business class are subject to availability and surcharge: LAX/SFO – $3,000, NYC – $3,6000


• Special preferred USA add-on fares from other airports are available with purchase of international air. Flight upgrades are available at best market rates, subject to additional fees and availability.


• Preferred rate is only valid if booked in conjunction with RPH tour, outside of 60 days prior to departure and has limited availability. Rates are based on Air China and are guaranteed once full payment is received


• Above prices include all government imposed taxes and fees, including the September 11th security fee. Additional baggage charges may apply.

For more INFORMATION, please contact us:

Toll Free: 1-800-865-6221

Email: info@chinacustomtours.com