12 Day Classic China with 3 Day Yangtze River Cruise

$1499 Land Only

$2279* Air & Land

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Highlights Guided Package Includes Flights LAX-Beijing, Shanghai-LAX Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices. Airline fuel surcharges Intra-flights 10 nights First Class accommodations 3 nights Best Western, Beijing 2 nights Garden Hotel, Xian 3 nights cruise downstream on the Victoria Rose, Yangtze River 2 nights Galaxy, Shanghai All transfers 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking local guides Entrance fees per itinerary Special Features: Great Wall of China Terracotta Army Itinerary DAY 1, Sunday - Depart the USA Depart the USA to China. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Beijing Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure Overnight: Beijing DAY 3,Tuesday - Forbidden City & Summer Palace Tour Enjoy a full day tour of the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Begin at Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Erected in 1417 at the height of the Ming Dynasty, the square was renovated and renamed two centuries later at the onset of the Great Qing Dynasty. View several impressive monuments outlining the Square's perimeter, including the Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Square's famed ceremonial gateway. From here, venture north for a visit to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), a construction comparable to the Pyramids in Egypt. Known today as the Palace Museum, the entire site is comprised of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Enjoy lunch at an authentic Chinese Restaurant close to the Forbidden City, before a visit to the Summer Palace Optional: Peking Duck Dinner Overnight: Beijing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 4, Wednesday - Great Wall of China Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Great Wall of China, the longest man-made structure on Earth, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. Walk along the promenades and enjoy the unrivaled scenic views of beautiful mountain passes, plateaus and grasslands from this 7th-century defensive fortification. Afterwards, depart for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Following lunch, continue for a tour of the Ming Tombs and a visit to a local jade factory before returning to Beijing Overnight: Beijing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 5, Thursday - Temple of Heaven Tour, Flight to Xian This morning enjoy a tour to the 15th century Temple of Heaven, where the Emperor, once considered the "Son of Heaven," displayed his respect to the heavens through ceremonial prayer. The Temple is the grandest of the four great temples located in Beijing and is famous for its white-marbled, circular altar. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian, and transfer to your hotel upon arrival Overnight: Xian Meals: Breakfast DAY 6, Friday - Xian Antiquities Tour with Terracotta Army This morning enjoy a tour of Xian's antiquities. Your tour includes the archaeological site at the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 B.C.), where more than 8,000 finely sculpted, life-size terracotta soldiers and horses were discovered by local farmers in 1974. The archaeological excavation of the three pits where the Terracotta Army was found continues today, more than thirty years since the time of its unearthing. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a porcelain and terracotta factory before returning to your hotel Optional: Xian Dumpling Dinner Overnight: Xian Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 7, Saturday - Xian Sightseeing, Flight to Chongqing This morning, enjoy a half day sightseeing of the City Wall. Xian's City Wall is one of the largest and oldest military fortifications built during the Tang Dynasty. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then transfer to board your ship on the Yangtze River Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 8, Sunday - Yangtze River Cruise Cruise to Fengdu, the "Ghost City," and view the temples at Mingshan Hill. (Alternatively, the cruise may visit Wanxian or Shibaozhai) Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 9, Monday - Yangtze River Cruise Sail through Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three Yangtze gorges, and dock at Wushan for an excursion through the Small Three Gorges along the Daning River. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountain passes as you sail through the 25-mile long Wuxia (Witches) Gorge, famous for its fabled Twelve Peaks. According to legend, the peaks are believed to be the spirits of 12 fairies, the most famous of them being the Shennu Feng (Goddess) Peak, which is topped by a huge rock resembling a kneeling maiden Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 10, Tuesday - Yangtze River Cruise, Flight to Shanghai Sail downstream through Xiling Gorge. The longest section of the Three Gorges system, it comprises the Xietan, Qintan, and Kongling rapids in what is known as the Three Rapids of Xiling. Visit the Three Gorges Dam near Sandouping Village. The dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. This afternoon, disembark at Yichang to board your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel Overnight: Shanghai Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 11, Wednesday - Shanghai City Tour This morning, tour the major attractions of Shanghai. Wander the classical Yuyuan Garden, built during the Ming Dynasty by the high-ranking government official Pan Yunduan. The Gardens' total area occupies approximately five acres, and features pavilions, ponds, rockeries, cloisters, and streams all within six scenic zones, including the Sansui Hall and Wanhua Chamber. In existence for 400 years, the Gardens were specifically constructed for Pan's aging parents as a sanctuary in which to live out their lives. Next, experience the old world charm of the Bund, the former "Wall Street" of the foreign powers. Walk along its park-like waterfront promenade between the Wusong River and Old Town. Later today, enjoy a stop at a local silk factory. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure Optional: Acrobatic Show Overnight: Shanghai Meals: Breakfast DAY 12, Thursday - Depart for the USA Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast Optionals Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. Peking Duck Dinner with R/T Transfers Day #3 01 Sep 2008 - 31 Mar 2009     $32 01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2010     $40 The Peking Duck Dinner has the reputation of being the most culturally famous meal in China. It is a must to experience during your visit to the country. Enjoy the culinary presentation as the chef roasts the duck directly over the fire and than slices the meat tableside. The duck is served with very thin pancakes, Chinese onions and special sauce. Transfers to and from your hotel included. Xian Dumpling Dinner with R/T Transfers Day #6 01 Apr 2008 - 31 Mar 2009     $31 01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2010     $22 This evening, enjoy a delicious dumpling banquet featuring nearly 20 varieties of jiaozi, or dumplings, stuffed with an assortment of vegetables, meats, and seafood. The traditional banquet also includes rice wine and bronze hot pot soup. Pick-up from your hotel at 6:30pm. Drop-off at your hotel at approx. 8:30pm. Acrobatic Show in Shanghai Day #11 01 Sep 2008 - 31 Mar 2009     $31 01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2010     $39 Having undergone thousands of years of evolution, the Shanghai acrobatic arts has now blossomed into a unique style. The Shanghai Circus death-defiers will amaze and astound you with their high-flying versatility, fearlessness, and flexibility. This evening, enjoy a world-class performance that includes dance, magic, acrobatics and beautiful music. Departs at 6:45 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. Rates & Hotels Click On A Date To Book Online * All Prices are in USD 2009 Land/Cruise Only Air & Land/Cruise   Book By Dec 12 Book After Dec 12 Book By Dec 12 Book After Dec 12 Mar 15; 29; Apr 19 1499 1599 2279 2379 May 10; 24 1619 1819 2509 2709 Jun 14 1549 1749 2849 3049 Jul 12 1549 1749 2939 3139 Aug 9 1549 1749 2849 3049 Sep 13 1649 1849 2679 2879 Oct 11; 25; Nov 8; 22 1549 1749 2579 2779 *Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, optional tours, tips to local guides and drivers & visa fees (see Terms & Conditions). Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Beijing - Xian, Xian-Chongqing and Yichang-Shanghai. Cruise Itineraries are subject to change. River conditions may not always permit the cruise to see all three of the Small Gorges due to water levels and darkness. Victoria Rose Cruise cabin cannot comfortably accommodate 3 adults; therefore, a double, plus a single room configuration should be purchased. US travelers will need a visa for this trip. Click here to learn more about entry requirements. Cabin Categories 12 Day Classic China with 3 Day Yangtze River Cruise - [details]   Victoria Cruises, Inc.   Chongqing Aboard a Victoria Cruises' journey, you'll experience the thrilling ebb and flow of Chinese life in the 21st century - from the 3000 year-old "Mountain City" of Chongqing to the economic and cultural center of the western Hubei Province, Yichang. [more] Best Western Beijing   Beijing This first class hotel is located in the heart of the Beijing Cultural Business District and Lufthansa Center. [more] Garden Hotel   Xi'an This first class hotel is near to city center, close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Dynasty Temple. [more] Galaxy Hotel   Shanghai This first class hotel is located in the Hongqiao Business District. [more] Package Date: Select Date   Pre/Post Accommodations Pre-Accommodations: Nights   Post-Accommodations: Nights   Include Flight? Yes No Inner Air Departure City Departure Date   Return Date   Preferred Airline [Any] Accesrail Aces Airlines Aegean Airlines Aer Lingus Aero California Aerocontinente Aeroflot Russian Airlines Aerolineas Argentinas Aerolineas Internacionales Aeromar Aeromexico Aeropostal Airlines Aerosvit Airlines Afrinat International Airlines Air Alm Air Berlin Air Canada Air Caraibes Air China International Air D'ayiti Air Europa Air France Air India Air Jamaica Air Liberte/Aom Air Malta Air New Zealand Air One Airlines Air Pacific Air Santo Domingo Air Tahiti Nui Air Transat Airtran Airways Alaska Airlines Alitalia Airlines All Nippon Airways Allegro Airlines Aloha Airlines America West Airlines American Airlines American Trans Air Amtrak Asiana Airlines Austrian Airlines Aviacsa Avianca Azteca Airlines Bahamasair Big Sky Airlines British Airways British Midland Airways Bwia Intl Airways Caribbean Star Airlines Caribbean Sun Airlines Cathay Pacific Airways Cayman Airways China Airlines China Eastern Airlines China Southern Airlines Continental Airlines Copa Croatia Airlines Crossair Dba Swiss Csa Czech Airlines Delta Airlines Deutsche Ba DragonAir Airlines Dutch Caribbean Airlines Egyptair El Al Israel Airlines Emirates Era Aviation Ethiopian Airlines Etihad Airways Eva Airways Finnair Oy Frontier Airlines Garuda Indonesian Airways Ghana Airways GOL Linhas Aereas Great Lakes Aviation Great Plains Airlines Gulf Air Hahn Air Hainan Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Iberia Icelandair Indigo Airlines Isair Japan Air Lines Jet Airways JetBlue Airways Klm Royal Dutch Airlines Korean Air Kuwait Airways Lacsa Airlines Lan Argentina Lan Chile Airlines Lanecuador Lanperu Lapa Lin Aer Privadas Liat (1974) Lloyd Aereo Boliviano Lot Polish Airlines Ltu International Airways Lufthansa Airlines Malaysia Airlines System Malev Hungarian Airlines Martinair Holland Meridiana Mesa Air Lines Mexicana Airlines Middle East Airlines Midwest Express Airlines National Airlines North American Airlines Northwest Airlines Olympic Airways Pakistan Intl Airlines Penair Philippine Airlines Pluna Lineas Polynesian Airlines Qantas Airways Qatar Airways Royal Air Maroc Royal Jordanian Airlines Saudi Arabian Airlines Scandinavian Airlines Singapore Airlines SkyEurope Airlines Sn Brussels Airlines Solair South African Airways Southern Winds Southwest Airlines Spanair Spirit Airlines Sun Country Airlines Surinam Airways Swisswings Ag Taca International Airlines Tam Airlines Tam Mercosur Tap Air Portugal Tarom Romanian Air Transport Thai Airways Turkish Airlines Ukraine International Airlines United Airlines Universal Airlines US Airways Varig Airlines Vasp Brazilian Airlines Via Rail Canada Virgin Atlantic Airways Virgin Blue Virgin Express # of Adults # of Children 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 -- 1 2 3 Preferred Class Economy Business What is Airfare Type? Gate 1 Travel Airfare - These are Gate 1 Travel fares which allow you to book your trip while paying a minimal deposit at time of booking. Instant Purchase/Published Airfare - These are fares that airlines have published which require payment in full at time of purchase. In some cases, these fares may be displayed as Gate 1 Airfare with Instant Purchase Requirement. To find the lowest available airfare, select [ANY] and you will get results for both kinds of airfare. Each of these fare types has its own set of restrictions which cover changes, cancellations, fuel surcharges, etc. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details. Airfare Type [Any] Gate 1 Travel Airfare Only Published Airfare Only We are unable to reserve airline seats for you until 11 months prior to your date of travel. Until then, we offer a choice of airfares from major US cities which you may select for your reservation. Your final flight details, airfare, airport taxes and fees will be advised 11 months prior to travel. Airfares are subject to change. Air reservations may be completed no more than 11 months prior to the date of travel. For travel more than 11 months prior, please call Gate 1 at (800) 682-3333. Accommodations Select Number of Rooms/Cabins   1 2 3 4 Room 1 # of Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # of Children -- 1 2 3 First Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Second Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Third Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Room 2 # of Adults -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # of Children -- 1 2 3 First Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Second Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Third Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Room 3 # of Adults -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # of Children -- 1 2 3 First Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Second Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Third Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Room 4 # of Adults -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # of Children -- 1 2 3