16 Day China with 4 Day Yangtze River Cruise

$2689 Land Only

$3799* Air & Land

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Highlights Escorted Package Includes Flights LAX-Beijing, Hong Kong-LAX Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline fuel surcharges Intra-flights 14 nights first class accommodations 3 nights Best Western, Beijing 4 nights cruise upstream on the Victoria Empress, Yangtze River 2 nights Garden Hotel, Xian 2 nights Guilin Plaza, Guilin 3 nights Kimberley, Hong Kong All transfers 28 meals: 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking manager in China Services of English-speaking local guides Entrance fees per itinerary Special Features: Great Wall of China Terracotta Army Three Gorges Dam Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show Itinerary DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA Depart the USA to China. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Beijing Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure Overnight: Beijing DAY 3, Saturday - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven Tour Enjoy a full-day tour of the Forbidden City and the 15th-century Temple of Heaven. 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 outset 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 in scope 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 and the Temple of Heaven Overnight: Beijing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 4, Sunday - Great Wall of China Excursion 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. Afterward, depart for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Following lunch, continue for a tour of the Ming Tombs before returning to Beijing. This evening, enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner Overnight: Beijing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 5, Monday - Yangtze River Cruise Morning at leisure. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Yichang. 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 6, Tuesday - Yangtze River Cruise This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam near the Sandouping Village. This dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. Following your visit, cruise upstream to Xiling Gorge. The longest section of the Three Gorges system, it comprises the rapids of Xietan, Qintan and Kongling, collectively known as the Three Rapids of Xiling Overnight: Yangtze River  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 7, Wednesday - Yangtze River Cruise This morning, enjoy an excursion to 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. Continue through the Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three Yangtze gorges, and admire its bluffed banks and lush terraced hillsides Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 8, Thursday - Yangtze River Cruise Cruise to Fengdu, the "Ghost City," to view the temples at Mingshan Hill. Alternatively, the cruise may visit Wanxian or Shibaozhai depending on local conditions  Overnight: Yangtze River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 9, Friday - Flight to Xian Disembark the cruise in Chongqing and transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure  Overnight: Xian Meals: Breakfast DAY 10, Saturday - Xian Antiquities Tour with Terracotta Army Today's tour of Xian's antiquities 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. Later, trace the beginnings of Chinese civilization at the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum. Opened to the public in 1991, the museum is in southern Xian, and is home to a wealth of historical artifacts and treasures from the Han and Tang dynasties. This evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner and gala show at the Tang Dynasty Theater Overnight: Xian Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 11, Sunday - Xian City Wall, Flight to Guilin, Reed Flute Cave Today, visit Xian's City Wall, a massive stone wall originally built to protect what was once one of China's four great ancient capitals. With colorful flags decorating the battlements and pagoda-topped wall towers, the structure clearly reflects aesthetic interests in addition to practical defensive considerations. After your tour, transfer to the airport for the flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, visit the Reed Flute Cave, Guilin's largest and most impressive grotto, offering a world of beautiful stalactite deposits, stone pillars and intriguing rock formations Overnight: Guilin Meals: Breakfast DAY 12, Monday - Li River Cruise with Pearl Factory Visit Cruise the crystalline Li River and view the many vertical rock formations, stone pinnacles, bamboo groves and villagers reaping rice along the river banks. The high forested peaks that dominate the banks and terraced hillsides are why the Li River is one of China's top sightseeing destinations, with many of the peaks being associated with legendary stories of mystical spirits and love.  Then, visit a pearl factory to see local artisans at work and browse a selection of fine pearl products. Finally, return ashore in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure Overnight: Guilin Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 13, Tuesday - Flight Guangzhou, Guangzhou Orientation Tour, Train to Hong Kong Depart to the airport for a short flight to Guangzhou, the old seaport of Canton. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city's ancient temples, old European estates and boulevards, time permitting. Travel via first-class rail to nearby Hong Kong Overnight: Hong Kong Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 14, Wednesday - Hong Kong City Tour Today, enjoy a half-day morning tour of Hong Kong Island. Visit the famed Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the city and bay below. The Peak, as it is referred to locally, is the highest mountain on the island, and is home to a variety of birds and colorful butterflies. Visit Stanley Market, famous for its bargain shopping, before returning along the coast of Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay to Aberdeen Harbor, the floating fishermen's village. Stop at a local jewelry factory near Aberdeen for a glimpse into the art and craftsmanship that has made Hong Kong famous. Balance of the day at leisure Overnight: Hong Kong Meals: Breakfast DAY 15, Thursday - Full Day in Hong Kong Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Hong Kong on your own or opt for some last-minute souvenir shopping  Optional: Full Day Lantau Tour with Lunch Overnight: Hong Kong Meals: Breakfast DAY 16, Friday - 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. Full Day Lantau Tour with lunch Day #15 01 Apr 2008 - 31 Mar 2009     $105 01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2010     $120 Enjoy a full day tour to Lantau Island, an island often referred to as "the lungs of Hong Kong," owing to its abundant indigenous forests and undeveloped land. Highlights of this full day excursion include visits to Cheung Sha Beach, Shek Pik Reservoir, the tranquil Tai O fishing village, and a steep mountain climb to Po Lin Monastery on the Ngong Ping plateau in Hong Kong. Founded in 1927, the Buddhist monastery of Po Lin features the impressive Tian Tan Buddha, the tallest outdoor seated Buddha in the world (L). Please note: This tour involves a steep climb Departs daily; times to be advised locally. 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 Mar 19 2789 3799 Apr 16 2819 3899 May 14 2859 3939 Jun 11 2699 4239 Jul 9; Aug 6 2689 4149 Sep 3 2999 4179 Oct 1 3119 4299 Oct 29 2999 4179 Nov 26 2709 3889 *Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, tips to local guides and drivers, tour escort/manager & visa fees (see Terms & Conditions). Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include intra-China flights Beijing - Yichang, Chongqing - Xian, Xian - Guilin, Guilin - Guangzhou. 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. Yangtze River Cruise cabins cannot comfortably accommodate 3 adults; therefore, our triple adult pricing reflects the additional cost of an upgrade to Junior Suite. US travelers will need a visa for this trip. Click here to learn more about entry requirement Cabin Categories 16 Day China with 4 Day Yangtze River Cruise - [details]   Victoria Cruises, Inc.   Yichang 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] Guilin Plaza   Guilin This first class hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city. [more] Kimberley Hotel   Hong Kong This first class hotel is located in the heart of Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong's most vibrant 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