| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Depart USA | DEPART USA: Depart from your home gateway city, bound for Beijing. |
| Day 2 | Beijing | ARRIVE BEIJING (3 NIGHTS): Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, you'll be taken directly to your luxury hotel. Your Tour Director will be on hand to greet you and answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead.
Ritz Carlton Beijing (Deluxe) |
| Day 3 | Beijing | BEIJING SIGHTSEEING: Begin your visit in Tiananmen Square, home to the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the soaring Monument to the Peoples' Heroes. Then visit the Forbidden City-the imperial palace for more than 500 years-and the splendid Summer Palace. This evening, savor a traditional Welcome Dinner of Peking duck. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Welcome Dinner) |
| Day 4 | Beijing | BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - THE GREAT WALL: Travel outside the city and look down upon the Chinese countryside from your perch atop the Great Wall, which was built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century to repulse nomadic invaders. Then walk the Sacred Way past the tombs and memorials of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Back in Beijing, attend a lively show of acrobatics, kung fu and dance at the Red Theater. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) |
| Day 5 | Xi'an | BEIJING SIGHTSEEING - XI'AN (2 NIGHTS): Begin your day with a unique tour by rickshaw through the old section of the city (the Hutongs). Then join a local family for a Be My Guest Lunch in their home. This afternoon, depart Beijing and fly to the city of Xi'an. Upon arrival, check in to your stylish hotel and enjoy a sumptuous Highlight Dinner of traditional dumplings at a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner / Highlight Dinner)
Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square (Deluxe) |
| Day 6 | Xi'an | XI'AN SIGHTSEEING: Marvel at the meticulously sculpted subterranean army of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in the tomb of Qin Shi Huant. Then ascend to the old City Wall for a panoramic view of the city. This evening, step back in time at a Tang Dynasty Highlight Dinner with entertainment. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Highlight Dinner) |
| Day 7 | Lhasa | XI'AN - LHASA (3 NIGHTS): Soar above the plains this morning on your way to the magnificent city of Lhasa, once the home of the Dalai Lama and one of Buddhism's holiest sites. This afternoon, get acclimated to the altitude before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa (Superior First Class) |
| Day 8 | Lhasa | LHASA SIGHTSEEING: Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture with a guided tour of the stunning Jokhang Temple, a visit to the Tibet Museum and a special invitation to share some conversation with a local family in their home. This evening, savor a Highlight Dinner of traditional specialties and a folk dance performance. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Highlight Dinner) |
| Day 9 | Lhasa | LHASA SIGHTSEEING: The heady scent of incense and yak butter perfumes your steps at the striking Potala Palace, which looms above the city, and the sprawling Sera Monastery-once home to nearly 5,000 monks-with its stupendous collection of painting and sculpture. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) |
| Day 10 | Yangtze River Cruise | LHASA - CHONGQING - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (3 NIGHTS): Fly from the Tibetan plateau to riverside Chongqing. Take a short city tour and visit the giant pandas at the zoo before heading to the dock to board your luxurious cruise ship and begin your travels on the mighty Yangtze. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Ship: M/V Victoria Anna |
| Day 11 | Cruising the Yangtze River | CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER: Stop at Fengdu to see the aboveground necropolis with its elaborately carved tombs. Or, depending on river conditions, visit a bustling port town. This evening, enjoy a special Captain's Welcome Reception. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) |
| Day 12 | Cruising the Yangtze River | CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER: Marvel at the scenery in the world-renowned Three Gorges as the mighty river winds its way through the spectacular verdant landscape. Then take a side trip to the Lesser Gorges, where misty evergreen forest drapes the sheer cliffs. Keep your eyes open for playful monkeys and Mandarin ducks, as well as lovely hidden grottoes. This afternoon, sail through the incredible five-stage locks at the Three Gorges Dam. On the other side, savor a festive feast at the Captain's Farewell Dinner. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Farewell Dinner) |
| Day 13 | Shanghai | YICHANG - SHANGHAI (2 NIGHTS): Take a tour of one of the world's greatest feats of engineering today at the Three Gorges Dam. Then, wing your way from Yichang to China's window to the future, the vibrant city of Shanghai. Upon arrival, relish a sumptuous buffet dinner at your world-class hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai (Deluxe) |
| Day 14 | Shanghai | SHANGHAI SIGHTSEEING: Spend the day exploring one of the most exciting cities in the world. Begin in the former international settlement of the Bund. Then, tuck into a traditional Dim Sum Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant. For a panoramic view of the city, ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the tallest building in Asia, and visit the Municipal History Museum. This evening, celebrate your last night in China with a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner) |
| Day 15 | Depart Shanghai | DEPART SHANGHAI: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue your tour with an extension to Hong Kong. (CB/BB) |
