Day 2 Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, capital of the People’s Republic of China. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to the deluxe Tianlun Dynasty Hotel for four nights stay.

Day 3 Beijing
Today we have a full day excursion to the magnificent Great Wall, the only man-made object visible from the moon by naked eyes. After a very traditional northern Chinese style lunch served at a local restaurant, we return the city via the Valley of Ming Tombs. This evening, you are invited to a Peking duck banquet. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Beijing
After breakfast, you are off to see the sights, including the vast Tian An Men Square, and Ming treasures adorning the imperial palace in the once Forbidden City. In the afternoon, more Ming extravagances are evident as you tour the exquisite architecture and vivid embellishment of the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. We end the day with the pleasure of an evening cultural performance of The Beijing Opera. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Beijing
In the morning, we take rickshaws for a fascinating tour of Beijing’s Hutongs, old narrow lanes lined with ancient courtyard houses, giving us a glimpse into the daily life of Beijing residents. En route, we climb to the top of Drum Tower, used to report time in Ancient China, for a panoramic view of old Beijing. After lunch at the Imperial Fangshan Restaurant inside the Beihai Park, you are free to explore the city this afternoon. (B, L)

Day 6 Beijing/Xian
We fly to Xian, a former grand capital of 11 Chinese dynasties, renowned for its wealth of antiquities. A city tour takes us to the 700 years old City Walls and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best history museums in the nation. We stay at Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel for two nights. (B, L)

Day 7 Xian
We have an excursion to the world renowned Terra-Cotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of the first emperor of Qin Dynasty for over 2000 years. We also visit the Huaqin Hot Springs and Banpo Neolithic Museum. Back in the city, we visit the Grand Mosque and its nearby Muslim living quarters. In the evening, we enjoy a fabulous Tang Dynasty Dance and Music performance. (B, L, Dinner show).

Day 8 Xian/Chongqing
Fly to Chongqing, a mountainous city at the conjunction of Yangtze and Jialing rivers. A guided city tour takes us to the City Museum, a local market and city's famous artist's colony.We stay overnight at the Harbor Plaza Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Dazu Excursion
We drive through the lush hills of the Sichuan countryside to Dazu, a UNESCO world heritage site. You can witness a collection of 50,000 stone carvings depicting both profound Buddhist religious subjects and the everyday life of the 8th century in rich detail. Return Chongqing in the late afternoon, and transfer to the pier to board China Regal Cruises for a memorable voyage down the mighty Yangtze River. All our cabins have a picture window, affording us an intimate view in to the life of the people along the river. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Yangtze River Cruise
Sail from Chongqing early morning. Time to explore the ship's amenities, including the restaurant where appetizing meals are served, before afternoon arrival at Ghost City of Fengdu. Go ashore to view Mingshan Hill's temples, filled with statues of ghosts and devils. Sail from Fengdu this evening for Wanxian. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise
Unforgettable experiences today begin as you cruise through the first of the fabled Three Gorges, Qutang. Its towering rock formations have names which reflect their bizarre shapes such as Hanging Monk Rock or Rhinoceros Looking at Moon. The ship continues its sailing toward the second gorge, Wu Gorge, celebrated for its lofty Twelve Peaks, it almost blots out the sky. Later today, we will be drifting along Shennong Stream where we are poled by local boatmen. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Yichang/Shanghai
Early this morning, our ship will pass through the massive Three Gorges Dam. After lunch on board, we will disembark at the pier nearby Yichang, and transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. We stay at the deluxe Oriental Riverside Hotel or similar for two nights. Free at leisure in the evening for your independent exploration of this vibrant city. We recommend you visit Xin Tiandi ( New Heaven and Earth),Shànghai's trendiest lifestyle destination, with 2-block complex of high-end restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment facilities, mostly lodged in refurbished traditional Shanghainese shíkù mén (stone-frame) housing.(B, L)

Day 13 Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s most populous city with 13 million inhabitants, and it is China's capital of commerce, industry, and finance. We start the day with a visit to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for an stunning panoramas of the city, then head downstairs and visit the excellent Municipal History Museum telling the story of Shànghai with an emphasis on the colonial period between 1860 and 1949. Fascinating exhibits include dioramas of the Huángpu River, the Bund, Nánjing Lù, and foreign concessions, evoking the colorful street life and lost trades of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Then we drive to the old Chinese quarter,the site of Shanghai’s original settlement. Step into Yuyuan, a classical Chinese garden. The artfully placed pools, rock gardens, and hilltop pavilions of this 16th-century scholar’s garden are a delight. The most famous sight here is the Huxinting teahouse, a five-sided traditional teahouse with pointed eaves. The gardens are part of the sprawling Yu Garden bazaar, where specialized shops in Ming-style buildings sell chopsticks, canes, kites, fans, jewelry, and antiques. After lunch at the elegant Lubolang Restaurant, we will take a short stroll on the Bund overlooking the Huangpu River with its backdrop of early 20th century buildings, then head to the Shanghai Museum with China’s premier collection of sculpture, bronzes and painting. In the evening, enjoy the performance of the city's famous Acrobatics Show. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Tongli
This morning we'll set out on an short overland drive to Suzhou stopping first to explore the traditional "water" town of Tongli. Tongli is surrounded by rivers and waterways and the layout of the town and the residences along both banks of the river retain the traditional style. The buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties account for almost 40% of all buildings in the town. Many of them are large residences, and the largest has 9 rows of houses. A trip to Tongli is like a trip back in time yet still relatively undiscovered by the masses. Lunch at one of local Chinese restaurants overlooking the enchanting canal. Afterwards we will continue to Suzhou and check into the centrally located boutique style hotel Suzhou Ren Jia for two nights. Evening at leisure to explore the nearby restaurants, cafes and local souvenir shops.(B,L)

Day 15 Suzhou
Suzhou, the ancient and moated city famed for its gardens and silk, that the Chinese describe as " a paradise on earth", is built on a network of interlocking canals whose waters feed the series of renowned, classical gardens. During the day we'll explore the gardens which incorporate man-made ponds, sparkling streams, peaceful pavilions, zigzagging walkways and architecture designed to inspire contemplation and shelter gatherings of friends and family. They are truly masterpieces of design and art. We will visit the Humble Administrators Garden, the Garden of the Master of the Nets and the Lion Grove. We will also visit a local Silk Spinning factory and ancient City gate. (B,L,D)

Day 16 Suzhou/Hangzhou
In the morning, we are transferred to the train station for our comfortable train ride to Hangzhou. Enjoy the beautiful countryside of Eastern China Plain en route. This afternoon, we will take a short cruise on the famous West Lake, surrounded by the idyllic gardens. After visiting the unique Guo Family Garden, we will taste the once world famous Dragon Well Green Tea at a tea plantation. Stay overnight at luxurious Shangri-la Hotel or Hyatt Regency Hangzhou overlooking the poetic West Lake.(B, L)

Day 17 Hangzhou/Guilin
In the morning, we visit the famous Buddhist Linying Temple. After lunch, we will fly to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful cities that bring to life the classical scenery celebrated in Chinese paintings. Transfer to the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel for two nights stay. (B, L)

Day 18 Guilin
In the morning, we take a leisurely cruise along the Li River, which winds its way through the pointed, craggy hills, rice paddies, limestone rock formations and be charmed by the romantic effects of mist and cloud. After lunch on board, we spend the afternoon browsing Yangshuo's antique and craft stalls before driving back Guilin in the late afternoon. Evening dinner at a local authentic Chinese restaurant featuring different local speciaties and produce(B, L,D)

Day 19 Guilin/Hong Kong
Embark on a unique morning excursion to Yaoshan for a chair-lifted ride and some magnificent views over the undulating hills around Guilin. In the afternoon, visit the extraordinary underground caverns of Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill. Then board our evening flight to Hong Kong where we are transferred to the centrally located Royal Garden Hotel for two nights stay. (B, L)

Day 20 Hong Kong
We spend today enjoying this vibrant city's many sights and experiences. A half-day guided orientation tour will take us atop Victoria Peak for a 360-degree view of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the surrounding harbors and outer islands. Then a scenic drive takes us past Repulse Bay to the colorful floating community of Aberdeen and vibrant Stanley Market, a favorite bargain shopping area. You are free to explore the other aspects of the city for the remainder of the day. (B)

Day 21 Hong Kong/Home
Transfer to airport for your homeward flight. Arrive home the same day. (B)

2008 Departures and Prices
(Each departure is limited to 12 participants only)

Land package price includes:

• Deluxe hotel accommodation twin sharing with daily American breakfast
  
• Yangtze River cruises with all shore excursions
  
• Domestic airfare and train fare
  
• Round trip transfers in each city
  
• Comprehensive guided tours, visits and excursions in a private vehicle with your English-speaking guide. In Hong Kong, seat-in-coach tour will be arranged
  
• Admission and entrance fees
  
• Lunch and dinner indicated by symbols L, D
  
• Evening cultural performances
  
• Applicable hotel taxes and domestic airport tax.
  

Not included in the package price:

• Trans-pacific airfare.
  
• China Visa fee
  
• Other costs not stated as included

* This trip can be customized to meet your interest and schedule.