16 Day China with Tibet & 3 Day Yangtze River Cruise

$3149 Land Only

$4159* 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 14 nights First Class accommodations 3 nights Best Western, Beijing 2 nights Garden Hotel, Xian 1 night Tibet Hotel, Chengdu 3 nights Tibet Guest House, Lhasa 3 nights cruise downstream on the Victoria Empress, Yangtze River 2 nights Galaxy, Shanghai All transfers 28 meals: 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 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 Potala Palace Three Gorges Dam Itinerary DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart the USA Depart the USA for China. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Beijing Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure Overnight: Beijing DAY 3, Thursday - 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 , Friday - 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, Saturday - 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, Sunday - Xian Antiquities Tour with Terracotta Army This morning enjoy a full-day 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. 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 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, Monday - Flight to Chengdu, Panda Research Center This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. The breeding research base imitates the Giant Panda's natural habitat and was created in an effort to protect this endangered native animal, of which there are fewer than 1000 living in the wild. Tonight, enjoy dinner in a local Chinese restaurant Overnight: Chengdu Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 8, Tuesday - Flight to Lhasa This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. You will be greeted upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure and this evening dinner will be served at your hotel Overnight: Lhasa Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 9, Wednesday - Lhasa City Tour Today, enjoy a full-day tour of Lhasa, one of the highest cities in the world, at an elevation of 12,000 feet. Your tour of this ancient Tibetan capital begins with a visit to Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Built in the 7th century, the palace is the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama, and is considered the political center of Tibet. Later, visit the 15th-century Sera Monastery, situated in the foothills of Tatipu. One of the "great three" Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, the Sera was built by the Dharma King of Great Mercy to house and preserve the treasures bestowed upon him by Emperor Chengzu. Lastly visit the Jokhang Monastery, which houses a collection of cultural relics that date back to the Tang Dynasty. Before returning to the hotel, visit a local Tibetan carpet factory Overnight: Lhasa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 10, Thursday - Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, visit a local Tibetan family Today, visit the sacred Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of the three largest holy lakes in Tibet. Then, proceed to visit a local Tibetan family. The hostess will prepare a traditional snack, Yak butter tea, and barley wine. Additionally, take the opportunity to chat with the hostess with the assistance of a local guide. Afterwards, browse the local arts and crafts shops on Bakhor Street. Here you will have a chance to shop for local arts and savor the flavors of Tibet. This evening, enjoy a Tibetan dinner and show at a local restaurant Overnight: Lhasa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 11, Friday - Flight to Chongqing 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 12, Saturday - 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 13, Sunday - 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 14, Monday - Yangtze River Cruise, Flight to Shanghai Sail downstream through Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges system, comprising the Xietan, Qintan, and Kongling rapids, and 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 15, Tuesday - 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 16, Wednesday - 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 #15 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 Mar 17; Apr 7 3189 4159 May 5 3379 4299 Jun 2 3149 4399 Jun 30 3159 4599 Jul 28 3159 4499 Aug 25 3329 4399 Sep 22; Oct 20 3389 4459 Nov 17 3189 4259 *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 Intra-China flights Beijing-Xian, Xian - Chengdu, Chengdu-Lhasa, Lhasa-Chongqing, 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. ▲ 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 requirements. Cabin Categories 16 Day China with Tibet & 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] Tibet Hotel   Chengdu This first class hotel is located on the river bank of Funan river. [more] Tibet Guest House   Lhasa This first class hotel is located in the city center. [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