Alan & Becky's China Trip

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

This is 1 pit of the terra-cotta soldiers. The size of the place is just immense. To think these were created over 2000 years ago and kept a secret until 1974. This is still an active archeological site and there were teams of people digging and reconstructing while we were there. Wow!

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Our Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA. Your comprehensive journey to China and Hong Kong begins this evening as you check-in for your flight bound for Shanghai. Your flight departs late tonight.

Day 2: En route. Cross the International Date Line and lose one day en route.

Day 3: Arrive Shanghai. Morning arrival in Shanghai, often described as “Paris of the East”. An intriguing, dynamic city, today’s Shanghai weaves the seaport legacy of its past with impressive new 21st century architecture. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to your luxury hotel. This afternoon embark on a guided orientation drive followed by a stroll down the Bund, the bustling and exciting waterfront along the Huangpu River. Later, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at your hotel. Crowne Plaza Fudan Hotel (D)

Day 4: Start your day with a guided walk amidst the scenic ponds, colorful pavilions and walkways of the 16th century Yu Yuan Garden, a delightful reminder of old Shanghai. You’ll also visit the acclaimed Shanghai Museum displaying exquisite ancient Chinese art and artifacts. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace. This evening you may join an optional ($35) dinner followed by a mesmerizing acrobatic show.(B)

Day 5: Shanghai/Beijing. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before boarding a short flight to Beijing, China’s lively capital and host to the 2008 Summer Olympics. On arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of downtown Beijing and tour the vast Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments. It is also an excellent spot for people watching! Later, arrive at your deluxe, conveniently located hotel. Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Hotel (B,L)

Day 6: On today’s exhilarating excursion venture outside the city to the legendary Great Wall, which extends nearly 4,000 miles. Time to view and mount the well-preserved ramparts of this ancient wonder before proceeding to the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat of the Empress Dowager and now a lovely park. Here, enjoy a scenic boat ride on peaceful Kunming Lake. (B,L)

Day 7: A day at leisure to explore as you wish. You may join an optional excursion ($55, lunch included) to Beijing's ancient back alleys (Hutong) by rickshaw and witness the way the Chinese have lived for centuries. You’ll also visit the home of a local family and have lunch with them. Continue to the splendid Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture. This evening, delight in an included special banquet featuring the famous “Peking Duck” and make a brief visit to a traditional performance of the renowned Beijing Opera. (B,D)

Day 8: Beijing/Xian: Start your day with a guided tour of the Forbidden City, the former seat of the emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It’s a true architectural masterpiece and home to the National Palace Museum. You'll also delight in a visit to the Beijing Zoo where you'll see the adorable Giant Pandas. Later, fly to Xian, ancient capital of China for eleven dynasties and historic gateway to the old silk trading route.
Golden Flower Shangri-La Hotel (B,L)

Day 9: On a guided excursion visit one of the world’s most amazing archaeological discoveries: a life-size Terra Cotta Army of soldiers and horses guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi. It was unearthed in 1974 after being buried with the first Qin emperor for 22 centuries! Later, visit the intriguing Shanxi Museum and view the stone carvings and precious art treasures from the ancient Han and Tang Dynasties. This evening savor a delicious dumpling dinner, a local specialty, and delight in a Tang Dynasty spectacular folklore show. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Xian/Wuhan/Yichang. Free time this morning to explore independently before your afternoon flight to Wuhan. On arrival, journey by road to Yichang, the gateway to the Yangtze River Gorges where you embark your luxurious River Cruiser. Set sail late tonight. Victoria Cruises Premier Ship (B,L,D)

Day 11: Spend the day cruising along one of the world’s finest stretches of river scenery. First, dock at Sandouping village and visit the ongoing Yangtze Dam project, the world’s largest hydroelectric power project. You’ll enjoy a lecture on the progress of the project, view a model of the completed dam and savor the scenic views. Return to your ship and sail through the Three Gorges ship-locks towards the Xiling Gorge, a long, twisting passage through rushing rapids, weathered peaks, landmark caves and temples. Tonight, you’ll be the Captain’s guest at a cocktail reception. (B,L,D)

Day 12: An unforgettable day begins as you continue sailing through the Three Gorges. Proceed through the misty Wu Gorge, its twelve peaks soaring above. Dock in Wushan and board a smaller boat for a thrilling side trip up the Daning River to see the “Small Gorges,” presenting some of China’s most spectacular scenery. Towering cliffs soar over the narrow river and unique wildlife abound. Your spectacular voyage unfolds as you pass through the last of the “Three Gorges”, Qutang. This breathtaking narrow passage is the grandest of them all. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Today, continue your cruise along the Yangtze River. Dock in Shibaozhai, a rural river town where you’ll enjoy a shore excursion to see the 400 years old, 12-story wooden pagoda. (On some sailings you may stop instead in Wanxian or the “Ghost Town” of Fengdu. A shore excursion will be included). Tonight, enjoy a farewell banquet and cultural show on board. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Arrive Chongqing/Guilin. Disembark in the mountain city of Chongqing, a modern river port with ancient history spanning 3000 years. Later, fly southward to Guilin, home to the magnificent karst limestone formations, mist-covered hills and bamboo groves made famous through centuries of Chinese art. This afternoon, visit the famous Reed Flute Cave. Royal Garden Hotel (B,L)

Day 15: Li River Cruise. Towering limestone pinnacles and misty waters form the backdrop of today’s leisurely cruise on the fabled Li River. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery before arriving at the bustling market town of Yangshou where you have some free time to explore and shop. This evening savor a special dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 16: Guilin/Hong Kong. Fly to Guangzhou, a prosperous city in southern China. Here, board a high-speed catamaran for a short ride through the Pearl River Delta to the scenic harbor of Hong Kong. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of bustling Kowloon, near the majestic harbor promenade. This afternoon savor first glimpses of thriving Hong Kong as you join your tour director for an orientation walk. Regal Kowloon Hotel (B)

Day 17: A morning tour of Hong Kong Island features a drive to the top of Victoria Peak for a spectacular city and harbor view. Then visit the renowned Stanley Market where bargains await, the scenic Repulse Bay and the Aberdeen floating fishing village. Afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace, visit one of the fascinating museums or “shop until you drop”. (B)

Day 18: Hong Kong/USA. Following a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you arrive back in the U.S. later today. (B)