Day 1 – Depart USA
Your journey to China begins today as you depart the USA aboard your flight to Beijing.
Day 2 – Arrive Beijing, China
Much has been written about China over the centuries, but there are many aspects of the culture that remain a mystery. Today you arrive in Beijing; after clearing customs formalities, you transfer to your hotel.
Day 3 – Beijing
This morning’s sightseeing tour of Beijing shows you the imposing Forbidden City, the secluded home of the Emperors of China that was considered to be the cosmic center of the universe. In front of the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Across town at the 15thcentury Temple of Heaven is where the Emperors, as sons of heaven, made offerings for the harvest. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Summer Palace built as a retreat for the Machiavellian Dowager Empress. (B,L)
Day 4 – Beijing
It’s a thrill to walk along the Great Wall of China — a formidable construction that winds its way over hills for more than 2,000 miles. On a full-day excursion you also visit the Ming Tombs, burial site of the Ming Dynasty’s royalty. Entrance to this sacred burial ground is via the Avenue of the Animals. (B,L)
Day 5 – Beijing / Yichang / Yangtze River Cruise Embarkation
This morning’s 'Make A Friend' program includes a rickshaw tour of the Hutong area — an old Chinese settlement within Beijing. Here, workers live in typical Chinese houses with carved doors; the neighborhood is laced with canals crossed by small bridges. You’ll visit a kindergarten where we invite you to give small, practical gifts, i.e. school supplies, to the children. In the afternoon, fly to Yichang and board your deluxe Victoria Cruises ship for a fascinating adventure up the mighty Yangtze. During the cruise, you’ll hear stories and legends about many of the scenic spots and places of historical interest. Today you sail through Gezhouba shiplock. (B,D)
Day 6 – Cruising / Three Gorges Dam site
Today we arrive in Yang Jia Wang and visit the Three Gorges Dam site, a controversial, immense construction project that is the largest hydroelectric and flood-control dam in the world. This afternoon we continue up the Yangtze and pass through Xiling Gorge. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Cruising
Today we have a really wonderful excursion when we board small sampans for a journey up the crystalclear Danning River to see the Small Three Gorges. Along the way we’ll travel between towering rock walls, see sites of ancient hanging coffins and (with luck) spot some golden-haired monkeys. Later we cruise along as the river winds through the spectacular Qutang and Wu Gorges. (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Cruising / Fengdu, Shibaozhi or Wanxian
Depending on river conditions, we’ll sail to either Fengdu, Shibaozhi or Wanxian. Each of these ancient cities offer our first glimpse into local life along the river. Whether it’s Wanxian tucked in between rolling mountains, China’s 'Ghost City' or Fengdu with its grim statues of ghosts and devils or Shibaozhi’s 12-story red wooden pagoda, each is sure to delight. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Arrive Chongqing / Fly to Xian
Today the ship arrives in Chongqing where we disembark. Nicknamed the 'mountain city,' Chongqing is renowned for its unique scenic spots, especially the parks, and many places of historical and cultural interest. The steep streets make it difficult for the citizens to cycle; you’ll see far fewer bicycles here than in other Chinese cities. In the afternoon we fly to Xian, the ancient capital of China for 11 dynasties, and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 10 – Xian
A tour of Xian features the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and a walk along the ancient Ming city wall. Today’s highlight is a visit to the tomb of China’s first emperor, guarded by thousands of terra-cotta warriors buried centuries ago and only unearthed in the late 1970s. The terra-cotta warriors are now on UNESCO’s World Heritage protection list — recognized not only as a part of the cultural wealth of China, but also as part of the common heritage of the world. (B,L)
Day 11 – Xian / Fly to Shanghai
Today you fly to Shanghai, China’s principal port on the deep estuary of the Yangtze River. Following check-in at your hotel, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shanghai, a city that has retained the flavor of its European-influenced past. This heritage is particularly evident on the Bund, Shanghai’s main street lined with stately buildings. You also visit the beautiful Yu Yuan Gardens, built during the Ming Dynasty. Tonight, there’s a special dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 12 – Free Day in Shanghai
The day is free to explore Shanghai on your own or join one of our many optional tours. (B)
Day 13 – Return to USA or Extend Your Stay
After breakfast bid farewell to China as you board your return flight to the USA. Or extend your stay to Hong Kong. (B) | 
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