Splendors of China and the Yangtze River

Dates: 
2007
Clipper Odyssey
September 13, 27
October 4, 11, 25

Price starting from: $5,495

Discover firsthand the great diversity of the People’s Republic of China and witness a remarkable culture. From her major cities to the tranquil countryside along the Yangtze River, delve into China’s history, tradition, and ancient mysteries; visit areas of great natural beauty; and observe the lifestyle of the Chinese people.

With stays at the finest five-star hotels near prime touring sights and shopping venues; the services of an American travel director, a Chinese national guide, cruise specialists, and local guides in each destination; and expedited flights within China, INTRAV promises an enriching experience to last a lifetime!

Join fellow travelers for an in-depth discovery of one of the world’s greatest nations. Begin with three nights in historic Beijing, offering ample time for visits to the many treasures of this ancient city. Explore the legendary Great Wall — the architectural wonder that winds across 4,000 miles of Chinese countryside. Cruise the Yangtze River for three nights aboard the deluxe 192-passenger East King.

Experience the dramatic Three Gorges — a region of great natural beauty characterized by many small villages that will likely disappear upon completion of the world’s largest dam now under construction. Then visit Xi’an, site of the famous life-sized army of terra-cotta warriors.

Your journey continues with two nights in Guilin, set along the Li River and surrounded by some of China’s most spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Guilin during a leisurely cruise along the serene Li River. You’ll have plenty of leisure time for independent discoveries. In colorful Shanghai, enjoy an included tour of the city’s renowned museum and explore the nearby canal village of Zhujiajiao.

Inquire now on an Asian Cruise...

Itinerary:

Day 1 — Depart the U.S.A.

Day 2 — Cross the International Dateline

Day 3-5 — Beijing, People’s Republic of China
During your three-night stay at The Peninsula Beijing, you’ll visit such exceptional places as Tiananmen Square, home of the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People; and the opulent walled complex of the Forbidden City, an a symbol of traditional China that was the seat of power for 24 emperors. Discover the legendary Great Wall, an astonishing human accomplishment. Journey to the serene valley, Shi San Ling, where 13 of 16 Ming emperors are buried. Stroll along the emperors’ “Sacred Way,” through 12 sets of sculptured animals that guard the burial chambers. Experience Beijing’s old quarter by rickshaw and witness daily life up close.

Day 6-8 — Xi'an
Early in its history, this city was the starting point of the well-known Silk Road. Today, Xi’an is the political, economic, and cultural center of the Shaanxi province. Enjoy the serenity of the Sofitel Xi’an Hotel for two nights as you explore the many attractions of this fascinating city. No stay in Xi’an would be complete without a visit to the vast subterranean mausoleum of Emperor Ch’in Shih Huang-ti, where nearly 7,000 life-size terra-cotta warriors are grouped in battle order. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built as a Buddhist retreat; and see the nearby Great Mosque, the largest in China. Peruse the selection of fine artifacts Shaanxi Historical Museum. On day 8, fly to Chongqing, embark the Yangtze Explorer, and begin your cruise of the Yangtze River.

Day 9 — Shibaozhai / Cruising the Yangtze River
The first stop of your three-night cruise is Shibaozhai, or Precious Stone Fortress. China’s tallest ancient building, this red, nine-story pavilion clings to 720-foot tall rock face of Jade Seal Hill.

Day 10 — The Yangtze River & Three Gorges Dam
Enter Qutang Gorge — the first of the legendary Three Gorges region — where mountains tower above as you cruise through five miles of fjordlike waters. Continue into the reaches of Wu Gorge, famed for its serene beauty. At lovely Shennong Stream, board ferry boats to sail into the stream to Bamboo Gorge. Switch to peapod-shaped boats and gently drift downstream back to the Yangtze Explorer. After this interlude, cruise through the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the dramatic three gorges.

Day 11 — Three Gorges Dam / Yichang (Disembark) / Shanghai
Disembark this morning and join a shore excursion to the site of the controversial new Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping. See the permanent ship lock, the ship lift, and the Xiling Yangtze River bridge from a lookout point at the project’s center.

This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Enjoy an evening at leisure while staying at the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel Shanghai — one of Shanghai’s finest hotels conveniently located in the entertainment district near famous Nanjing open-air market.

Day 12-13 — Shanghai
Immersed in a cultural and architectural renaissance, modern Shanghai is a vibrant city. Along with a visit to Shanghai’s celebrated promenade — the Bund — you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Shanghai Museum, renowned as one of Asia’s finest. One night, witness the flexibility, poise, courage, and humor of an acrobatic troupe at a local theater.

Join a delightful excursion to nearby Zhujiajiao. Here, you’ll find Ming- and Ch’ing-dynasty architecture lining the town’s intricate canal system; no less than 36 distinctive bridges, built from stone, wood, or marble; and cobblestone streets that lead to hidden medieval treasures, gardens, and tranquil courtyards. Known as “Pearl Stream,” it is the best-preserved of Shanghai’s ancient suburban towns.

Day 14 — Shanghai / Guilin
After a morning at leisure in Shanghai, fly to Guilin and transfer to the Sheraton Guilin Hotel.

Day 15 — Guilin
Set along the Li River, Guilin is surrounded by some of China’s most spectacular scenery. An unparalleled cruise along the Li River presents the splendor of the region as you sail leisurely past fantastically shaped, pine-studded peaks along its banks. Leisure time affords the opportunities to shop for souvenirs or to explore some of the area’s most famous hills on foot.

Day 16 — Guilin / Hong Kong / Depart for U.S.A.
Fly to Hong Kong for your return international flight in the afternoon.

What's Included:

• Each departure is limited to 40 guests to ensure individualized, personal service

• The finest deluxe accommodations at Peninsula Palace Beijing (3 nights), Hyatt Regency Xian (2 nights), Sheraton Guilin Hotel (2 nights), and Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai (3 nights); each in the very best city-center location

• Exclusive concierge service at INTRAV hospitality desks

• Three nights cruising the Yangtze River aboard the 192-passenger Yangtze Explorer; exclusive lecture by chief naturalist and services of an onboard cruise director

• All sightseeing and shore excursions

• 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 4 dinners, including meals during the cruise plus welcome and farewell receptions

• All flights within China, including INTRAV’s comprehensive and expedited flight-preparation services

• Services of a professional INTRAV travel director and an English-speaking Chinese National Guide, plus local guides and deluxe coaches in each city

• All overseas airport/hotel transfers for INTRAV~Air passengers traveling on scheduled dates of departure and return, including tips to hotel porters for luggage handling

What's Not Included:

• International airfare is not included.

Call Toll Free: (888) 815-5428 or Inquire Today!

All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.