Highlights of China

12 Days Beijing/Shanghai
from $2219 land & cruise only

YOUR TRAVEL VALUE INCLUDES

• Airport transfers in Beijing on day 2 and Shanghai on day 12
• All intra-China air
• Hotel accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower in hotels listed or similar; hotel taxes, ­service charges, and tips for baggage handling
• 3-night cruise on the 5-star East King in an outside cabin in Standard ­category
• 10 breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L) and 8 dinners (D) featuring American and Chinese cuisines
• Services of professional bilingual Tour Director and Cruise Director; Local Host on Hong Kong extension
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
• All on board activities and entertainment
• All local taxes
• Portfolio of travel documents

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 DEPART USA* Board your overnight transpacific flight.
• DAY 2 ARRIVE IN BEIJING, CHINA Transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free.
• DAY 3 GREAT WALL AND SUMMER PALACE EXCURSION Head northwest to the Great Wall of China, an architectural wonder. There is plenty of time to explore the ramparts of this awesome structure. Back in Beijing, visit the splendid Summer Palace, a stunning complex of pavilions, temples and gardens situated around man-made Kunming Lake. (B,L,D)
• DAY 4 BEIJING This morning, the energetic can join an excursion to exercise with the locals in a nearby park. Then continue sightseeing with a visit to the Temple of Heaven. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, it represents the pinnacle of Ming and Qing architecture. Next is the Xishiku Church, one of just 17 churches in China. See Tiananmen Square, reputed to be the world’s largest. Finally, visit the Forbidden City, an immense maze of palaces. The evening is at leisure. (B,L)
• DAY 5 BEIJING / XIAN A free morning to relax or explore on your own. There is an optional visit to a Hutong, an ancient city alley or lane between courtyards, via rickshaw. A Hutong visit is an ideal way to learn about the daily life of ordinary Beijing citizens. This afternoon, fly to fascinating Xi’an. (B,L,D)
• DAY 6 XIAN Your first stop today is a highlight tour of the magnificent Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. See some of the 7,000 life-sized warriors who have been standing guard for the last 2,000 years. Next, visit a pottery workshop where you might want to make your own pottery warrior. At lunch, meet a local chef for a dumpling cooking demonstration. This afternoon, see the ancient city wall. Tonight, attend the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, featuring colorful classical performances of dance and song. (B,L,D)
• DAY 7 XIAN / CHONGQING / EMBARK CRUISE Fly to Chongqing, a major port city on the Yangtze River. Your deluxe ship is moored here. During the next few days, when you are not sightseeing, you can relax on board, converse with new friends or attend an acupuncture demonstration. (B,L,D)
• DAY 8 CRUISING Continue your cruise along China’s longest river, the ­beautiful Yangtze. Depending on river conditions, stop in Fengdu, a typical little riverside village, also called the “Ghost City.” (B,L,D)
• DAY 9 CRUISING Cruise through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Then, enjoy a small boat excursion down the Daning River or Shennong Stream to see the Lesser Gorges (depending on river conditions). Later, sail through the Three Gorges locks. (B,L,D)
• DAY 10 CRUISING / THREE GORGES DAM / YICHANG / SHANGHAI Take in the beautiful scenery as you view tiny villages clinging precariously to ­hillsides above the river. Then tour the gargantuan Three Gorges Dam. On arrival in Yichang, disembark and visit a university. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. (B,L,D)
• DAY 11 SHANGHAI Enjoy a full day of sightseeing. First visit Yuyuan Garden, a 400-year-old classical garden. Next is The Bund, with its unique modern architecture. On to see a Linong, blocks of old Shanghai neighborhoods with criss-crossing lanes and alleys. Visit the Silk Museum where you spend time in its workshop and view a demonstration of the ancient process of making silk from silkworm cocoons. After a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant, enjoy an evening cruise along the beautiful Huangpu River. (B,L,D)
• DAY 12 DEPART SHANGHAI Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

2009 Cruises

*Savings are cruise only, based on select new 2009 river cruises booked and deposited by September 30, 2008. Cabin upgrades are available at an additional cost. Port taxes from $84 - $168 per person are additional. Valid on new bookings only. Not valid for groups. Ask about our low international airfares. Other restrictions apply. Savings on select cruises include: Book and deposit by September 30, 2008 and save $150 per person ($300 per cabin) or Book and pay in full by September 30, 2008 and save $300 per person ($600 per cabin). Save $150 or $300 per person on: Casltes along the Rhine, Enchanting Danube, Paris & Normandy, Burgundy & Provence, Douro Valley, Paris & Europe River Romance, Danube Holiday Markets, European Holiday Markets, Parisian Winter Holiday and Imperial Russia. Book and deposit by September 30, 2008 and save $250 per person ($500 per cabin) or book and pay in full by September 30, 2008 and save $500 per person ($1000 per cabin). Save $250 or $500 per person on: Legendary Rhine & Moselle, European Serenade, Eastern European Explorer, European Jewels, Grand France. Book and pay in full 10 months in advance and save up to 7.5% on: Best of Egypt, Wonders of Egypt, Egyptian Voyager, Highlights of China, and China Discovery.