Grand China & the Yangtze 2009
Day 1 - Depart North America
Day 2 - Arrive Beijing (4 nights) Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a Trafalgar Tour Director who will escort you to the Kempinski Hotel.
Day 3 - Beijing Beijing is home to many sights that make China a must-see destination, including your stops today: the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. You - ll also be treated to a relaxing foot massage, and in the evening, savor a traditional Peking Duck feast. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
Day 4 - Beijing You - ll walk along the Great Wall, which dates from the 3rd century BC and extends 4,000 miles — a not-to-be-missed experience. Afterwards, visit the lavish and historic Ming Tombs. In the evening, enjoy a historic Beijing Opera performance. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 - Beijing Join your tour guides for a visit to one of China's best-preserved imperial gardens at the Summer Palace. Take a rickshaw tour of the Hutongs in the old residential area of Beijing. In the evening, enjoy a boat tour of Shichahai Lake. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 6 - Beijing — Xi'an (2 nights) This morning, you - ll fly to the ancient city of Xi - an, where upon arrival, you - ll be greeted by a Royal Welcome Ceremony held just for you at the city gate. After the ceremony, transfer to the Sofitel Hotel, and then be treated to a spectacular dumpling dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
Day 7 - Xi'an Visit the iconic life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. During the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)
Day 8 - Xi'an — Shanghai - Tongli - Suzhou Fly to Shanghai, and then continue on to charming Tongli with its narrow streets, and elegant homes, teahouses and intriguing shops. Next you - ll visit Suzhou, known for its famous and delicate gardens. Before going to your evening performance of music and dance, you - ll check in to the Shangri-La Hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 9 - Suzhou - Shanghai (2 nights) You will tour the Humble Administrator Gardens, a splendid example of Suzhou's famous gardens and also listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Visit the Embroidery Institute before returning to bustling Shanghai where you will transfer to the Regal International Hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 10 - Shanghai Enjoy the many splendors of Shanghai including Old Town, the Bund, and an evening performance by the world-famous Shanghai Acrobats. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 11 - Shanghai — Yichang — Yangtze Cruise (4 nights) Tour the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its distinctive artistic spheres before your flight to Yichang, where you - ll board your luxurious Victoria Cruises ship. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 12 - Cruising the Yangtze River Visit the Three Gorges Dam. Admire the dramatic shoals and verdant cliffs of Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 13 - Cruising the Yangtze River Board a riverboat for a voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges, depending on water levels. After returning to the cruise ship, sail through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 14 - Cruising the Yangtze River You - ll visit Shibaozhai, Fengdu or Wanzhou, depending on water levels. These are some of the Yangtze River's most impressive sights. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 15 - Cruising the Yangtze River - Chongqing - Dazu - Chongqing Disembark in Chongqing, and travel to Dazu to enjoy the Dazu Rock Carvings from the Tang, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Marvel at the more than 50,000 Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian rock carvings. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 16 - Chongqing - Guilin (2 nights) Tour Chongqing, known for its great Sichuan cuisine. Next tour Chongqing Zoo and visit the pandas before flying to Guilin. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 17 - Guilin - Yangzhou Enjoy a half-day cruise down the Li River. Visit Yangshuo, a leading economic and cultural center since the Tang Dynasty. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 18 - Guillin — Hong Kong (2 nights) Marvel at the distinctly-colored stalactites and stalagmites in the Reed Flute Cave. Visit a Chinese tea farm and fly to Hong Kong. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch)
Day 19 - Hong Kong Enjoy the best of the island on a half day tour — Victoria Peak, the Aberdeen Fishing Village and Stanley Market. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 20 - Hong Kong — North America Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Buffet Breakfast)
Note: Substitute visits to other sights along the Yangtze River may occur depending on water levels, or other factors.
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