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Collette Worldwide Holidays Presents…
Cruising the Yangtze River Tour Summary: A four-day cruise on the legendary Yangtze, a highlight of this tour, is one of the great river odysseys through spectacular scenery and timeless history. You'll see ancient sites and remote rural villages as well as an up-close look at the world's largest construction project, the Three Gorges Dam. The scenic highlights of this river journey are many, but most spectacular are the Three Gorges that lie upstream of the dam site. Quatang Gorge is dramatic with steep cliffs that guard ancient sites such as the Meng Liang staircase carved into rock. Wu Gorge with its twelve peaks and pristine, forest-clad mountains has been admired for centuries. During one day of your cruise, you will visit Wanxian where you may visit a silk-weaving factory and the Three Gorges Museum. This ideal tour combines the splendors of the Yangtze River with China's historic treasures. You begin in Shanghai where a full day of sightseeing introduces you to sites like the Bund, referring to Shanghai's famous waterfront which today consists of a marvelous promenade, the perfect platform for strolling along the busy riverway. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple and a tour of the tranquil YuYuan Gardens are other highlights. Following your cruise, you fly to the unique city of Guilin where you will visit the Chinese Art Institute and later participate in a private Tai Chi lesson. In Xian, located in China's interior, you'll marvel at China's greatest archaeological excavation site, the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors, and enjoy a special dumpling dinner. Your tour concludes with a 3-night stay in Beijing, the capital of China. Highlights include Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City, which provides a glimpse of the lives of China's mighty emperors. You'll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and alleys of Beijing's oldest part, share lunch with a family in their Hutong home, and go kite-flying during an excursion to the Great Wall. For more information on this vacation, please contact:
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Shanghai, China - Tour Begins
Collette Worldwide Holidays Phone: 01895 812333 Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Prepare to immerse yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture. Day 3: Shanghai Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of the booming city of Shanghai. The tour includes visits to the Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan Gardens, an island of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the city; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the centre of 19th century colonialism; and the Children's Palace, a Chinese-style fortress where local children play after school. Tonight you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show. (B, L, D) Day 4: Shanghai - Wuhan - Board Cruise A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple, brings you to the home of two white jade statues of Buddha, given to China as a gift from Burma. Fly to Wuhan. Later, board your ship for a 5-night cruise of the Yangtze River, and enjoy a welcome briefing and orientation with the crew. (B, L, D) Day 5: Cruising Relax during a day of leisure on the ship and enjoy on-board events such as the river briefing before joining the Captain for a welcome dinner. (B, L, D) Day 6: Gezhou Ship Lock - Xiling Gorge Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam project.O The dam is 27 miles upstream from Yichang City proper, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three gorges. It is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. (B, L, D) Day 7: Cruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge Your excursion today includes a visit to the Shennong Stream in pea boats on the Daning River. You will see breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat gorges. You will also pass through the Wu & Qu tang gorges. (B, L, D) Day 8: Cruising - Wanxian Your morning includes a visit to Wanxian, guarded by two nine-story pagodas and known as "the gateway to East Sichuan." You may visit the Three Gorges Museum where you will see many archaeological treasures unearthed before the dam project flooding began. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the busy local market. (B, L, D) Day 9: Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Stilwell Museum and Eling Park. This afternoon you fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. (B, L, D) Day 10: Guilin Today enjoy a cart tour of Guilin, viewing some of the unique scenery that has been inspiring Chinese poets for centuries. Enjoy leisure time in Yangshuo to visit the markets and bargain with the locals for souvenirs. HVisit the Guilin Tea Institute to learn the art of tea picking and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.H (B, L, D) Day 11: Guilin - Xian Experience peace and tranquility as you participate in a private Tai Chi lesson.H Many believe that this ancient form of exercise is the secret to Chinese longevity. Next, visit the Reed Flute Caves, with its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch enjoy a stop at Elephant Trunk Hill before boarding your flight to Xian, located in China's interior. (B, L, D) Day 12: Xian Your tour of this former capital of China begins with a visit to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. This vast clay army, 7,000 strong, was created to guard one of China's emperors in the afterlife, You'll be amazed by the craftsmanship - each soldier has a different face. Later, visit Xian's imposing city walls and the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. Visit the impressive Provincial Museum before returning to your hotel. (B, L, D) Day 13: Xian - Beijing This morning you fly to the capital of China, Beijing. A fascinating sightseeing tour of Beijing includes visits to imposing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the vast 15th century complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that was once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit is also made to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors worshipped their gods. HThis evening a special treat is in store - a Peking duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera show.O (B, L, D) Day 14: The Great Wall No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall. You will have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Later, travel through the valley of the Ming Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Your route takes you for a scenic walk along an avenue called the Sacred Way. While here, experience the time-honoured and favourite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite flying. (B, L, D) Day 15: Beijing This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Summer Palace. Later take a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part of Beijing. HWith help from an interpreter, learn about a local family's history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home.H They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making! Later, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D) Day 16: Beijing - Tour Ends Your tour ends in Beijing. (B) *Unless otherwise noted, this offer is land only, valid on new retail bookings only and not combinable with any offer. All special offers are only valid for a set period of time, which varies by offer. Please also refer to our Privacy Policy and our Terms and Conditions for more information. |
 
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