Yangtze River Cruise (upstream)

Day 1   ARRIVE IN SHANGHAI

Upon arrival in Shanghai ; our tour guide will meet you at the customs exit of Shanghai airport holding a welcome sign board with your name on it. The guide will assist your transfer to the hotel and help you check in. The rest of the day is on your own and can be used for relaxing or exploring the city.

	Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower

Day 2 SHANGHAI (AB, L, SD)

This morning you’ll recall Shanghai’s past as you visit the Bund, the city’s lively waterfront, and see the remains of the banks and other colonial institutions of the 19th century. You’ll visit Yuyuan Garden in the old part of the city and the Jade Buddha Temple with its fine collection of carved jade statues. You’ll also tour a carpet factory and visit the Oriental Pearl Tower for a spectacular 360-degree view of Shanghai. In the evening you will sample the traditional Dim-sum Banquet, and then you will enjoy a wonderful Acrobatic Show.

Day 3 SHANGHAI / ZHUJIAJIAO (AB, L, -)

This morning you’ll travel by road to Zhujiajao (50 minute drive from Shanghai), a well-preserved, traditional river town with lovely water views, ancient arched stone bridges and elegant gardens. At Zhujiajiao, you will walk through Fangsheng Bridge, Beida Street, and the Xi Family Residence. You will feel as though you have stepped back in time. After lunch, you’ll return to Shanghai and tour the fascinating Shanghai Museum to see artifacts from every period of China’s past. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Shop, discover more of the city on your own or revisit your favorite sites.  

Day 4 SHANGHAI / YICHANG  (AB, L)

Enjoy your free morning for leisure before taking a transfer to the airport for your flight to Yichang. Upon arrival in Yichang, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the pier to embark on the Cruise ship. Spend the night on the cruise.

Day 5 YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE / THREE GORGES DAM (AB, L, D)

In the early morning you’ll set sail on the Yangtze, the third longest river in the world, bound for the magnificent, wild scenery of the Three Gorges (Xiling, Wu and Qutang Gorges). Later today you’ll visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world.    

	Yangtze River Cruise

Day 6 YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE / SHENNONG STREAM (AB, L, D)

This morning you’ll sail through miles of stunning gorges. At noon you’ll arrive at Badong where you’ll disembark for a magical excursion down the Shennong Stream. Local trackers will pull us in wooden sampans through awesome gorges and lush pine forests. Along the way you’ll see the remnants of ancient roads and pass cliff-top grottos that held the coffins of warriors. You’ll see translucent pools, aquatic caves and rainbow fountains. If you are lucky, you’ll glimpse rare animals, such as the golden-haired monkey. Afterwards continue cruising the Yangtze River.      

Day 7 YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE / SHIBAOZHAI (AB, L, D)

You’ll take a short break from the fabulous natural scenery to visit the most spectacular manmade site along the river, Shibaozhai, the Stone Treasure Fortress. You’ll disembark to explore this 12-story red, wooden pagoda that stands against a sheer rock wall.

Day 8  CHONGQING / XI’AN (AB, L, SD)

In the morning your boat will arrive at Chongqing. You’ll disembark after breakfast and visit the World War II and Stillwell Museums. You’ll also stop at the Painters’ Village on your way to the airport for your flight to Xi'an, the ancient capital city for 11 dynasties in Chinese history. Upon arrival in Xi’an, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures from India. Tonight you will be served a delicious dumpling dinner banquet.
Optional program: Enjoy the on-stage performance of Tang Dynasty dance and music in the evening.

	Xi'an Terra-Cotta Warriors

Day 9 XI’AN (AB, L, SD)

Today you’ll visit the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors, for many the high point of their trip to China. More than 6000 soldiers, ministers and horses, each individually sculpted from a real life model, stand guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s still unopened tomb. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the site, get a good look at the warriors from various vantage points and visit the excellent museum. You’ll stroll through Xi'an’s bustling markets and visit the Provincial History Museum where you’ll see artifacts from the Paleolithic period, priceless Tang Dynasty bronzes and treasures from the Silk Road caravans.

Day 10 XI’AN / BEIJING (AB, L, -)

Take a morning flight to Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China. An English-speaking guide will meet your flight and take you to visit the Summer Palace, a fairyland of pagodas, pavilions and stone bridges on the outskirts of the city. Lunch will be in a local restaurant and we’ll assist you with hotel check in.

Day 11 BEIJING (AB, L, SD)

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most photographed attractions. This ornate wooden structure was where the “Sons of Heaven”, as the Chinese Emperors were known, worshipped the gods and prayed for good harvests. It is the largest temple complex in China and the lovely park surrounding the ancient tower is a popular spot for morning Tai Chi. You’ll also visit Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the largest public space in the world. Step back in time as you pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter the Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Courts of the Ming and Qing Dynasty for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City is an enormous complex of perfectly preserved palaces, temples, magnificent squares and formal gardens. You’ll stroll cobblestone paths once known only to the Emperor’s most intimate advisors, visit the private apartments of Imperial concubines and see stunning collections of priceless art, furnishings, and jewelry. Tonight you’ll sample the delicious local cuisine at a neighborhood restaurant;

Day 12 BEIJING (AB, L, SD)

Leave the bustle and traffic of Beijing behind and journey through the countryside to see one of the Wonders of the World – The Great Wall. There will be plenty of time to walk along a portion of this 3700-mile long marvel or to simply sit and contemplate the wonders of China’s past. After lunch you’ll visit the massive tomb complex of the Ming Emperors where you’ll walk along the “Sacred Way” passing between pairs of huge stone sculptures. This evening you’ll enjoy the capital’s most famous dining experience - a Peking Duck Dinner Party – then attend a special cultural performance;

Day 13; DEPART FROM BEIJING (AF)

Bid farewell to Beijing. You will be driven to the airport for your return flight.

Itinerary: AB: American Breakfast 　L: Lunch 　D: Dinner 　SD: Special Dinner