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Cruising the |
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Visit Includes Visa: approximate cost $175.00 USD. |
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Itinerary |
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| Day 1: Sunday, April
26, 2009 Overnight Flight
from New York to Shanghai, China.
Day 2: Monday, April 27, 2009 Shanghai, China:
After arriving in Shanghai, China, you will taken to your hotel (
Shanghai Marriott Hongqiao ) for a much need rest. Shanghai, the economic capital of the People's Republic of China
and one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Prepare to immerse yourself
in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture. |
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Day 4: Wednesday, April
29, 2009 Shanghai - Yichang - Board Cruise
Ship: A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple,
brings you to the home of two white jade statues of Buddha, given to China as a
gift from Burma. You will then be taken to the airport for a short
flight to Yichang. From Yichang a short drive will take you to Shashi,
where you will board your ship for a 5-night cruise of the Yangtze River.
Arriving at the ship you will enjoy a welcome briefing and orientation with the crew. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Thursday, April 30, 2009 Jingzhou - Cruising: This morning, visit Jingzhou's city wall from the 3 Kingdoms Period, followed by the museum where you will see a mummy that is over 2,000 years old, ancient silk and lacquer wares, and other cultural relics. After lunch, relax on board the ship. You may choose from many possible onboard events such as the river briefings, tai chi classes, and calligraphy demonstrations. Or, perhaps you will choose to indulge in one of the ship's spa treatments, such as a traditional Chinese massage. This evening, join the Captain for a welcome dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. |
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Day 6: Friday, May
01, 2009
Gezhou Ship Lock - Xiling Gorge: Visit the construction site of the Three
Gorges Dam project. The dam is 27miles upstream from Yichang City proper, at Sandouping Village, inside the first
of the three gorges. It is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project
in the world. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Saturday, May 02, 2009 Cruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge: Your excursion today includes a visit to the Shennong Stream in pea boats. You will see breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat gorges. You will also pass through the Wu & Qutang gorges. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. |
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| Day 8: Sunday, May 03, 2009 Cruising - Wanxian:
Your morning includes a visit to Wanxian, guarded by two nine-story pagodas and known
as "the gateway to East Sichuan." While here, you have the opportunity to visit with a
family that has been relocated from the home on the banks of the river because of the
flooding of the dam. Hear their story first hand and learn how this technological marvel
has impacted the local communities. Next, take a leisurely stroll through a busy local
market and learn about the various produce and ingredients, then shop as the locals do.
Visit the Three Gorges Museum where you will see many archaeological treasures unearthed
before the dam project flooding began.Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Day 9: Monday, May 04, 2009 Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Cuilin: You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Stilwell Museum and Eling Park. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Day 10: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 Guilin: Today you have a full day at leisure to relax or explore Guilin on your own. Or, you may choose to take an optional excursion which includes a cruise on the Li River where you'll admire the landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for centuries, followed by a visit to Yangshuo's bustling market to bargain with the locals for souvenirs. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. |
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Day 11: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 Guilin - Xian:
Experience peace and tranquility as you participate in a private Tai Chi
lesson. Many believe that this ancient form of exercise is the secret to Chinese longevity. Next,
visit the Reed Flute Caves, with its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch enjoy a
stop at Elephant Trunk Hill before boarding your flight to Xian, located in China's
interior. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 12: Thursday, May 07, 2009 Xian: Your tour of this former capital of China begins with a visit to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. This vast clay army, 7,000 strong, was created to guard one of China's emperors in the afterlife. You'll be amazed by the craftsmanship - each soldier has a different face. Later, visit Xian's imposing city walls and the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Day 13: Friday, May 08, 2009 Xian - Beijing: This morning you fly to the capital of China, Beijing. A fascinating sightseeing tour of Beijing includes visits to imposing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the vast 15th century complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that was once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit is also made to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors worshipped their gods. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. |
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Day 14: Saturday, May
09, 2009 The Great Wall:
No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall. You will have the
chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Later, travel through the
valley of the Ming Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Your route takes you
for a scenic walk along an avenue called the S acred Way. This evening a special treat is
in store - a Peking duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera
show. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.Day 15: Sunday, May 10, 2009 Beijing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Summer Palace. Later take a once-in-a-lifetime pedicab tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part of Beijing. With help from an interpreter, learn about a local family's history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong* home. They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making! Next, you have the opportunity to visit with a local Kite Master and learn the art of making kites and the history of this most cherished pastime of the Chinese people. Your final stop is a traditional tea ceremony before returning to your hotel. Later, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Day 16: Monday, May 11, 2009 Beijing - Tour Ends: Your tour ends in Beijing. Today breakfast will be included. |
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Extend Your Vacation With. |
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Itinerary |
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Day 16: Beijing - Hong Kong: This afternoon you arrive in Hong Kong, one of Asia's most cosmopolitan and dynamic
cities. You will stay in Kowloon, located in the heart of Hong Kong's bustling shopping district. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Hong Kong is noted for fabulous savings on jewelry, silk and leather products. Day 17: Hong Kong - Hong Kong Island: Begin your day being whisked by tram to Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the city and harbor below. Then, descend to Repulse Bay Beach and visit the longest beach on Hong Kong Island and its small temple of the Chinese Sea Goddess. Proceed to Aberdeen fishing village for a sampan ride inside the typhoon shelter. Continue to the Star Ferry and cross the harbor on one of these famous ferries! Today breakfast will be included. Day 18: Hong Kong - Extension Ends: You will board your flight home, crossing the International Dateline. Today breakfast will be included. Please Note: This extension is fully hosted by a local representative. |
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Hotels Day 1 Overnight
Flight On some dates alternate hotels may be used |
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| Exploring Beijing's Hutongs A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typically found in Beijing. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned a city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. The main buildings in the hutong were all quadrangles - a building complete with four houses around a quadrangle. The quadrangle varies in size and according to the social status of the family. You will have the opportunity to roam through Beijing's old, narrow streets, hutongs, in a fashioned pedicab. You'll also enjoy a simple lunch in the home of a local family, and with the help of an interpreter, learn about the family's history and way of life. |
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| Please Note: To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times. The trans-Pacific and internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through Collette Vacations. Internal flights that are purchased will be ticketed and distributed on tour by your Tour Manager.* Dinners on the cruise ship are a combination of Eastern and Western cuisine. Due to the ongoing dam/flood project, the itinerary may vary slightly with little or no advance notice. The order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. A Visa is required for this tour at your expense. The approximate visa cost is $175.00. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. |
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Fine Print: Deposit of $200.00 is non refundable. The round trip cost of transportation to
JFK airport is
not included. All pricing that includes airfare
now includes air fuel surcharges per U.S.
D.O.T Regulations. Air taxes are additional. In the past fuel surcharges
were paid with final payment and were collected along with the taxes,
now the fuel surcharge is collected as part of the package price. Bottom
line is the same. You are not paying more now, you did not pay less
before!
Prices quoted do include fuel surcharges, but do not include airport fees or airline taxes. |
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