China's Cultural Delights - 17 Days
This 17-day odyssey explores China’s cradle of culture with
an epic 11-day Yangtze cruise between Chongqing and Nanjing. See
all the wonders of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai—the Great
Wall, Forbidden City, Terra Cotta Army and Old Shanghai. And,
uncover the roots of Chinese civilization from Jingdezhen, birthplace
of porcelain; to Mt. Jiu Hua’s remote Buddhist Temple complex;
to Suzhou with its elegant classical gardens. Those who really
want to understand the origins of Chinese culture should strongly
consider this itinerary, our ultimate China experience.
Day 1 Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s former imperial capital whose
rich history dates back more than 3,000 years. We meet you at
the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, you
have free time to relax.
Day 2 Beijing
This morning visit Tiananmen Square. Then, tour Beijing’s
mysterious Forbidden City, off limits to visitors for 500 years;
explore its pavilions, courtyards and gardens. After lunch, walk
among the elegant buildings and landscaped grounds of the 700-acre
Summer Palace complex. Tonight enjoy a dinner of local specialties.
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Beijing
After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills to walk the fabled
Great Wall of China. Lunch in a local restaurant is followed by
a stroll along the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue with massive
animal sculptures guarding the Ming Tombs. This evening you can
relax and dine at your hotel—or, enjoy an optional evening
featuring China’s famous Peking duck and a recital by performers
from the world-renowned Peking Opera. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Beijing & Xian
Today, discover the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese life
in Old Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleys) via rickshaw.†
Visit a silk carpet workshop for a demonstration. After lunch,
fly to Xian, China’s capital during several important dynasties.
From 618 to 907 A.D., the Tang Dynasty presided over one of China’s
most glorious cultural periods. This evening, you may choose to
dine surrounded by the song and dance of this colorful era, or
dine and relax at your hotel. (B, L, D)
†Rickshaw tour only available on Beijing to Shanghai itinerary
direction.
Day 5 Xian & Chongqing
After breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang
was buried over 2,000 years ago. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized
terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen and horses provided
to accompany him into the afterlife. After lunch fly to Chongqing,
gateway to the Yangtze, to board your ship. Enjoy a Western dinner
aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Fengdu
This afternoon, sail into Fengdu, a city dating back to the Han
Dynasty. From here, embark on a tour of Snow Jade Cave, an underground
labyrinth of caverns featuring dramatic karst limestone formations.
Return to your ship for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Shibaozhai
After a morning of scenic cruising along the Yangtze, tour the
12-story Shibaozhai Temple, an impressive example of Qing Dynasty
architecture set on the banks of the river. Dine aboard. (B, L,
D)
Day 8 Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
This morning, begin cruising past the spectacular limestone cliffs
known as the Three Gorges. During your 150-mile journey, first
pass Qutang Gorge, shortest and narrowest of the three larger
gorges. Then board smaller boats to the Lesser Three Gorges. Marvel
at the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank
road carved into the cliffside. Return aboard for lunch and spend
the afternoon sailing through Wu (Witches) Gorge. Dine aboard;
this evening, pass through the five-stage locks of the Three Gorges
Dam. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Three Gorges Dam & Three Gorges
First thing this morning, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges
Dam, an immense hydroelectric engineering project completed in
2008. After your tour, cruise through Xiling Gorge, longest of
the Three Gorges. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Jingzhou
This morning, visit a town where Viking River Cruises has sponsored
a much-needed elementary school. Arrive to a warm greeting from
the children. Return aboard for afternoon cruising and meals.
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Dongting Lake
After breakfast, cross Dongting Lake, China’s second largest
freshwater lake. Stop for a visit to the 66-foot-high Yueyang
Tower and its nearby pavilions, originally built during the Qing
Dynasty. Cruise overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Wuhan
After breakfast, stop in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. Go
through the Hubei Provincial Museum to see its many ancient artifacts,
including a large collection of bronze bells. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Jingdezhen
Today, visit the Ceramic History Museum in this city dubbed “the
Porcelain Capital” due to its 1,700-year history of making
pottery. Learn how ceramics were produced in ancient times and
their significance to each dynasty. Dine aboard and sail overnight.
(B, L, D)
Day 14 Mt. Jiu Hua
Marvel at the tranquil beauty of Mt. Jiu Hua, one of only four
sacred Buddhist mountains. Visit one of the area’s Buddhist
temples, then return to your ship for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Nanjing, Suzhou & Shanghai
After breakfast in Nanjing, enjoy a scenic journey to Suzhou,
nicknamed “Venice of the East” for its intricate canals.
Take a guided walk through the Old Town and along the city’s
canals, then tour a silk factory and the exquisite Fishermen’s
Garden.
After lunch, continue to Shanghai; check in to your hotel and
have dinner with evening free to relax or explore. (B, L, D)
Day 16 Shanghai
This morning, tour Old Shanghai and the Bund, an elegant riverfront
promenade lined with historic buildings. Visit the comprehensive
Shanghai Museum to see some of its extensive collection of art
and artifacts. Dine in a restaurant, then enjoy a performance
of the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. (B, L, D)
Day 17 Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the
airport for your return flight.* Or continue your China journey
with an escorted land program that includes 3 nights in Hong Kong
and 1 night in Guilin. Sightsee and shop in Hong Kong, then enjoy
a relaxing day along Guilin’s scenic Li River. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Please send us an Email
for detailed prices and departure dates. We also can design your
private tour - only for your family or your friends. We guatantee
we offer low price and best / professional travel service.
Send us an Email for detailed information
Booking@FlyGreatChina.com
or FlyGreatChina@Hotmail.com
 If you
do not receive a response in your "inbox"
within 24 hours, check your "bulk mail"
or "junk mail" folders.
Thank you.
.
|
