Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Shanghai, China - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in booming Shanghai, the economic capital of the People’s Republic of China.

Day 3: Shanghai

Ease your way into the local culture as your tour manager teaches you a few key phrases of the native language. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shanghai. Set out for the waterfront district, known as the Bund, which runs along the Huangpu River. Famous for its impressive colonial buildings, you’ll feel as though you have stepped back into 19th century Europe. After a lunch that features xiao long bao soup dumplings, explore Old Town’s narrow streets and relax in the tranquil Yuyuan Garden. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner overlooking the Shanghai skyline. Afterwards, enjoy an amazing acrobatics show.

Day 4: Shanghai

Discover the treasures of the Shanghai Museum, home to artifacts that span China’s rich history. Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and view the centerpiece of the museum, a vast scale model of Shanghai as it will look in 2020. Explore the shops, galleries and cafes of the Tian Zi Fang district. Your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 5: Shanghai - Yichang - Board Cruise Ship

Visit a silk factory and learn how artisans create this luxurious fabric. For your trip to the airport, climb aboard the MagLev train, a magnetic levitation line that can reach 268 miles per hour. After touching down in Yichang, board your ship for a 4-night Yangtze River cruise.

Day 6: Cruising - Three Gorges Dam - Xiling Gorge

Begin your day with a tai chi lesson on the sundeck. Sail into Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges. Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam. Upon completion, the dam, inside the first of the three gorges, will be the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Afterwards, sail through the five-step locks. Tonight, enjoy the captain’s welcome dinner and cabaret.

Day 7: Cruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge - Qutang Gorge

Enjoy an excursion visiting the Shennong Stream in traditional pea boats. Upon returning to your ship, sail through Wu Gorge, well-known for its 12 forest-covered peaks. This afternoon, sail through Qutang Gorge, the river’s most dramatic.

Day 8: Cruising - Fengdu

Arrive in the city of Fengdu, depicted as the “City of Ghosts” in ancient works. Home to over 48 temples, the origin of the town’s extraordinary reputation can be traced back to the Han Dynasty.

Day 9: Chongqing - Disembark Cruise Ship - Xian

Arrive at the mountain city of Chongqing and disembark. Fly to the ancient city of Xian. Upon arrival, savor a lunch of Xian’s most celebrated local dish. Visit the Xian city wall, China’s largest and best-preserved. Take a stroll or perhaps rent bicycles to navigate part of the 8-mile loop. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Xian dumpling banquet.

Day 10: Xian

Today, explore the excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors. This vast clay army, 8,000 strong, was created to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. You'll be amazed – each soldier has a different face. After lunch, visit the Muslim Quarter, a fascinating area filled with exotic local shops. See the Great Mosque and its fusion of Chinese and Arabian architecture.

Day 11: Xian

Visit the Shaanxi Museum and view bronze wares, pottery and ancient murals. Afterwards, visit one of the world’s most famous Buddhist temples, the Wild Goose Pagoda. Your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight you may choose to enjoy an opulent Tang Dynasty dinner and show.

Day 12: Xian - Beijing

Fly to Beijing, capital of China. Upon arrival, savor a traditional dim sum lunch. Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world. Next, visit the Forbidden City, an awe-inspiring palace complex that has been home to 24 Chinese emperors. Take a special tour of the Treasure Hall, a section normally closed to the public. Tonight, experience an authentic hot pot dinner.

Day 13: The Great Wall

Visit the picturesque Juyongguan section of the Great Wall and walk along a portion of this legendary structure. Visit a cloisonné workshop to learn how local artists create these masterpieces. On your way back to Beijing, relive the excitement of the 2008 Summer Olympics when you view the Olympic Green, the Water Cube and the famous Bird’s Nest.

Day 14: Beijing

Visit the Summer Palace, considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Explore a pearl factory and learn about the different varieties of these underwater gems. Visit the Beijing Zoo, home of the famous pandas. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, you may opt to attend the Peking Opera and explore the Donghuamen night market.

Day 15: Beijing

Visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to pray. Relax amidst the locals doing their morning exercises. Later, take a thrilling rickshaw tour through the oldest part of Beijing. With an interpreter, learn about a local family’s way of life and share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will also teach you the art of dumpling making. Next, meet a Chinese calligraphy master and learn about this ancient art. Your final stop features a traditional tea ceremony. Later, enjoy a special Peking Duck farewell dinner.

Day 16: Beijing - Tour Ends