 |
|
Beijing Sightseeing |
 |
Full Day Forbidden City & Summer Palace with lunch |
 |
| Enjoy a full day excursion to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Begin at Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Erected in 1417 at the height of the Ming Dynasty, the square was renovated and renamed two centuries later at the onset of the Great Qing Dynasty. View several impressive monuments outlining the Square''''''''s perimeter, including the Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the Square''''''''s famed ceremonial gateway. From here, venture north for a visit to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), a construction comparable to the Pyramids in Egypt and the flowing Great Wall of China. Known today as the Palace Museum, the entire site is comprised of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant close to the Forbidden City before visiting the Summer Palace. Known for its architecture and exquisite scenery, the Palace once served as the summer residence for the imperial households of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Return to Beijing in the early evening. |
|
|
 |
Full Day Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven with lunch |
| |
| Enjoy a full day excursion to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Begin at Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Erected in 1417 at the height of the Ming Dynasty, the square was renovated and renamed two centuries later at the onset of the Great Qing Dynasty. View several impressive monuments outlining the Square''''''''s perimeter, including the Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the Square''''''''s famed ceremonial gateway. From here, venture north for a visit to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), a construction comparable to the Pyramids in Egypt and the flowing Great Wall of China. Known today as the Palace Museum, the entire site is comprised of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant close to the Forbidden City before visiting the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperor (considered the "Son of Heaven") displayed his respect to the heavens through ceremonial prayer. The temple is the grandest of the four great temples located in Beijing and is famous for its white-marbled, circular altar. Departs at 9:30 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel. |
|
|
|
Full Day Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Panda visit at Beijing Zoo with lunch |
| |
| Begin at Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Erected in 1417 at the height of the Ming Dynasty, the square was renovated and renamed two centuries later at the outset of the Great Qing Dynasty. View several impressive monuments outlining the Squares perimeter, including the Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Squares famed ceremonial gateway. From here, venture north for a visit to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), a construction comparable in scope to the Pyramids in Egypt. Known today as the Palace Museum, the entire site is comprised of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Enjoy lunch at an authentic Chinese Restaurant close to the Forbidden City before a visit to the Summer Palace and Panda Visit in the Beijing Zoo |
|
|
 |
Full Day Great Wall & Ming Tombs |
| |
| Full-day excursion to the Great Wall of China, the longest man-made structure on Earth, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China''s northern frontier. Walk along the promenades and enjoy the unrivaled scenic views of beautiful mountain passes, plateaus and grasslands from this 7th-century defensive fortification. Afterwards, depart for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Following lunch, continue for a tour of the Ming Tombs |
|
|
 |
Half Day Hutong Tour |
| |
| In Old China, Hutongs (lanes no wider than 9 meters) are formed by lines of siheyuan (compounds comprising of rooms around a courtyard) that connect the ancient city surrounding the Forbidden City. As is tradition, the houses of Old Beijing were constructed in this form on the basis of Fengshui: the ancient Chinese practice of design and spatial arranging. On this tour, travel by rickshaw through Beijings unique Hutong area to absorb the culture and traditions of Old China, including a visit with a local family. Here you will have the opportunity to interact and discover the similarities and differences of the Hutong people |
|
|
|
Half Day Hutong Tour with Transportation & lunch |
| |
| In Old China, Hutongs (lanes no wider than 9 meters) are formed by lines of siheyuan (compounds comprising of rooms around a courtyard) that connect the ancient city surrounding the Forbidden City. As is tradition, the houses of Old Beijing were constructed in this form on the basis of Fengshui: the ancient Chinese practice of design and spatial arranging. On this tour, travel by rickshaw through Beijings unique Hutong area to absorb the culture and traditions of Old China, including a visit with a local family. Here you will have the opportunity to interact and discover the similarities and differences of the Hutong people. Further to this discovery, you will learn to prepare Jiao Zi (Chinese dumpling) which you will dine on for lunch with your new found friends |
|
|
 |
Peking Duck Dinner |
| |
| The Peking Duck Dinner has the reputation of being the most culturally famous meal in China. It is a must to experience during your visit to the country. Enjoy the culinary presentation as the chef roasts the duck directly over the fire and than slices the meat tableside. The duck is served with very thin pancakes, Chinese onions and special sauce. Transfers to and from your hotel included. |
|
|
|
Fengdu Sightseeing |
 |
Shibaozhai Excursion |
| |
| Straddling a narrow strip of land between mountains and the Yangtze, Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-tier wooden pavilion, is a gem of Chinese architecture. The temple, whose name means Stone Treasure Stronghold, is an incredible feat of engineering, having been built without any nails. In the rear hall, you will learn the legend Rice Flowing Hole, a small hole in one of the walls that produced a steady trickle of rice. When the monks became greedy and attempted to make the hole larger, the rice flow ceased forever.
If you decide not to purchase this optional tour, there will be an approximately 100 RMB / $15 fee to disembark from the ship at this port |
|
|
|
Fengjing Sightseeing |
 |
Full Day Fengjing |
| |
| Enjoy a full day tour of the historical water town of Fengjing with its 1,500 year history. It is famous for its beautiful canals, old bridges, temples, and well-preserved architecture. In the small town, visit famous attractions including the Old Street Long Corridor along the river and the Ancient Drama Stage. Continue to visit a well-preserved former Peoples Commune, a historical site and museum, representing the Chinese Cultural Revolution period. Enjoy the beautiful and naturally scenic river cruise through the water town canals passing by the ancient stone bridges. We will stop for a lunch at the local restaurant before returning to Shanghai |
|
|
|
Hong Kong Sightseeing |
 |
Full Day Lantau & Po Lin Monastery Tour with Lunch |
| |
| Enjoy a full day tour to Lantau Island, the largest island in Hong Kong. Drive along the expressway and the Tsing Ma Bridge which is the worlds longest road-and-rail suspension bridge to the island. The island is often referred to as “the lungs of Hong Kong”, owing to its abundant indigenous forests and undeveloped land. Highlights of this full day excursion include visits through Tsing Ma Bridge, the tranquil Tai O Fishing Village, and a steep mountain climb to Po Lin Monastery on the Ngong Ping plateau in Hong Kong. Founded in 1927, the Buddhist monastery of Po Lin features the impressive Tian Tan Buddha, the tallest outdoor seated Buddha in the world. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at the local restaurant. The tour ends with a spectacular ride aboard the Skyrail cable car offering stunning views as you descent to Tung Chung (Should the Skyrail be canceled due to inclement weather or other safety reasons, alternative transportation will be arranged). |
|
|
 |
Full Day Macau Tour with lunch |
| |
| Enjoy a full day tour of Macau, with lunch. After an hour-long ferry ride, your sightseeing begins with a drive along the famous Guia Circuit, site of the annual Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix. Continue to visit the Temple of A-Ma, dedicated to the deity after whom Macau was named by the Portuguese settlers in 1554. See Porta do Cerco, the historic barrier gate between Macau and China, en route to visit the ruins of St. Paul''s Cathedral in Sao Paulo. Considered Macau''s most notable landmark, the ruins of this 16th-century church feature an impressive facade with ornate carvings by Italian and Japanese Jesuit priests. Continue to Penha Hill Church, a graceful chapel first built in the 17th century as part of the Guia Fort, and enjoy commanding views of the Pearl River, Macau Inner Harbor and the city. Afterwards, enjoy a Western-style lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to Macau''s world-famous Casino Lisboa (L). Departs daily; times to be advised locally. |
|
|
 |
Full Day Sea & Land Tour with Lunch |
| |
| This value-added tour offers the best of both worlds, combining a harbour cruise, a delicious dim-sum lunch and an afternoon land tour. Cruise leisurely around the famous Victoria Harbour with its stunning waterfront followed by a traditional Chinese lunch. After lunch, begin your afternoon adventure with a tour to Lantau Island with enchanting beaches and quaint fishing villages crafting its shores ancient monasteries and temples nestling among its lush mountains. Lantau is truly an adventurous island close to the metropolis. Embark on an adventurous ride on the Skyrail to Lantau and enjoy delightful panoramas along the way. (Should the Skyrail be cancelled due to inclement weather or other safety reasons, alternative transportation will be arranged.). Upon arrival, pay tribute to the giant bronze Buddha at Po Lin Monastery before exploring the ancient Tai O Fishing village with its traditional stilt houses. Finish your adventure with a ferry ride from Lantau back to Central before navigating your way back to hotel.
Tour departs at 10:15 am from Kowloon Public Pier No. 3. Please report 30 minutes prior to departure. Tour is approximately 8.5 hours |
|
|
 |
Hong Kong Cultural Walking Tour |
| |
| This half day walking tour introduces you to the living culture of the locals by visiting Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok districts. The journey begins at Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. This charming Chinese-style garden is the favored gathering place of Hong Kong’s songbird owners. Next, you will visit the Flower Market which is the center of Hong Kong’s wholesale and retail flower business. Visit Goldfish Market, also known as “Goldfish Street”. It is a place for turtles, corals, fish food, fish tanks, and all kinds of aquarium supplies. Walk along Nathan Road to Shanghai Street, one of the city’s oldest streets. Before the 1970s, Shanghai Street was the leading business corridor in Hong Kong. With over a hundred shops, the district became the most prosperous area from late 19th century to mid 20th century. The shops there were related to traditional Chinese trades, including wedding gowns, Fung Shui tools, pawnshops, traditional Chinese utensils and ceremonial items. Be sure to take your camera with you as you won’t want to miss these unique photo opportunities of Hong Kongs everyday life, away from the tourist areas |
|
|
 |
Hong Kong Island Tour PM |
| |
| This afternoon, enjoy a half day tour of Hong Kong Island. Visit the famed Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the city and bay below. The Peak, as it is referred to locally, is the highest mountain on the island, and is home to a variety of birds and colorful butterflies. Visit Stanley Market, famous for its bargain shopping, before returning along the coast of Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay to Aberdeen Harbor, the floating fishermen''s village. Stop at a local jewelry factory near Aberdeen for a glimpse into the art and craftsmanship that has made Hong Kong famous. |
|
|
 |
Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village Dinner Cruise |
| |
| Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village, situated at Hong Kongs Eastern Harbour is widely known to gourmets as a seafood paradise. Here you can watch locals choose from a variety of seafood fresh from fishmongers stalls and tanks, and have it cooked to their own specifications in one of Lei Yue Muns many restaurants. This evening begins with a harbour cruise on a traditional Chinese sightseeing junk where you will enjoy the exciting night views of Hong Kong Harbour. Unlimited drinks are included during the cruise. You will disembark at Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village for a brief walk ashore, and for a delicious Chinese Dinner. On the return journey, enjoy more of the glittering harbour views by night.
Tour departs at 6:15 pm from Kowloon Public Pier No. 3. Please report 30 minutes prior to departure. Tour is approximately 3 hours |
|
|
 |
Symphony of Lights Cruise PM |
| |
| "A Symphony of Lights" has been awarded the worlds "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records. This nightly spectacle combines interactive lights of 33 key buildings on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with musical effects to showcase the vibrancy and glamorous night vista of Victoria Harbour.
Board the authentic Chinese sightseeing cruise boat as she sails around the Victoria Harbour, one of the worlds most impressive natural habours. At night time, the spectacular Hong Kongs skyline on both side of the harbour will fire your imagination as the dazzling neon cityscape emerges. The synchronized 20-minute Symphony of Lights display is set to music and commentary that depicts the growth of Hong Kong from a sleepy fishing village to the dynamic world city it is today. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the dazzling show with unlimited drinks on board for an unforgettable Hong Kong by Night.
Tour departs at 7:45 pm from Kowloon Public Pier No. 3. Please report 30 minutes prior to departure. Tour is approximately 1.5 hours |
|
|
|
Qutang Gorge Sightseeing |
 |
White Emperor City Excursion |
| |
| Explore the White Emperor City, which overlooks the western end of Qutang Gorge. It has long been a refuge for would-be kings and poets, who have traveled here to be inspired by the majestic views of Qutang Gorge. Legend has it that in 25 AD, white vapor in the shape of a dragon rose from a well here, and Gong Sunshu, a soldier who had his headquarters here, declared himself the White Emperor. Remains of the city wall can be seen on the hill behind Baidi Mountain, and a temple built to commemorate Gong’s reign dates back over 1,950 years.
If you decide not to purchase this optional tour, there will be an approximately 100 RMB / $15 fee to disembark from the ship at this port |
|
|
|
Shanghai Sightseeing |
 |
Acrobatic Show in Shanghai |
| |
| Having undergone thousands of years of evolution, the Shanghai acrobatic arts has now blossomed into a unique style. The Shanghai Circus death-defiers will amaze and astound you with their high-flying versatility, fearlessness, and flexibility. This evening, enjoy a world-class performance that includes dance, magic, acrobatics and beautiful music. Departs at 6:45 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel. |
|
|
|
Acrobatic Show with dinner |
| |
| Having undergone thousands of years of evolution, the Shanghai acrobatic arts has now blossomed into a unique style. The Shanghai Circus death-deifiers will amaze and astound you with their high-flying versatility, fearlessness, and flexibility. This evening, enjoy a world-class performance that includes dance, magic, acrobatics and beautiful music after dinner at local restaurant |
|
|
 |
Full Day Suzhou with lunch |
| |
| This morning, depart your hotel for a 2.5 hour drive from Shanghai to Suzhou. Located in Jiangsu Province, this ancient city enjoys the name of "Paradise on the earth" or Venice of the East. Your day begins on the famous Grand Canal, the longest man made Canal in the world. Travel leisurely down the narrow waterways and under the elegant bridges. From your boat you will see the sites of this ancient city and the daily life of the people who inhabit the banks of the canal. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, visit the local Silk Factory, which Suzhou is famous for. After lunch, visit the Garden of the Master of the Nets. This privately owned garden is one of the most beautiful and most perfectly proportioned in Suzhou.The garden demonstrates Chinese garden designers'' adept skills for synthesizing art, nature, and architecture to create unique metaphysical masterpieces. Return to Shanghai later this evening. |
|
|
 |
Half Day Shanghai Museum |
| |
| Visit the Shanghai Museum, home to a collection of 120,000 precious cultural relics. Steeped in ancient wisdom and philosophical vision, the museum''s galleries are overrun with art from various China dynasties, including the Ming, Qing, Shang and Zhou. View bronzeware, jadeware, pottery and porcelain, Chinese calligraphy and paintings, seals and Buddhist sculptures, as well as priceless tokens and handicrafts of the minority nationalities |
|
|
 |
Half Day Yu Garden & Bund |
| |
| Enjoy a visit to one of Shanghais main attractions, the classical Yuyuan Garden. Built during the Ming Dynasty by the high-ranking government official, Pan Yunduan. The Gardens total area occupies 20,000 square meters (about five acres), and features pavilions, ponds, rockeries, cloisters, and streams all within six scenic zones, including the Sansui Hall and Wanhua Chamber. Existing some 400 years, the Gardens were specifically constructed for Pans aging parents as a sanctuary in which to live-out their lives. Depart Yuyuan Gardens for a visit to Bund. Walk the park-like promenade between the Wusong River and Old Town and experience the old-world charm of the Bund, former "Wall Street" of the foreign powers. |
|
|
 |
Shanghai by Night with dinner |
| |
| Depart for dinner in a local restaurant. After the dinner, drive to the pier near the Bund water front to board a ship for a 40 minute cruise on the Huangpu River,the mother river of Shanghai. Witness the 200 years of Colonial history. You will see European style buildings on one side of the river and the futuristic, skyline of Shanghai on the other side. After the cruise, experience an exciting driving through the city Wall of buildings to witness this thriving capital of the Far East. |
|
|
|
Xian Sightseeing |
 |
Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment in Xian |
| |
| Dine on traditional Chinese dumplings to the beat of Chang'' an music. After dinner, enjoy the celebrated Tang Dynasty show, a one-thousand-year-old dance performed by the passionate Tang Dynasty Troupe. This historical performance is a national art, reflective of the glory and richness of China''s Tang Dynasty. Tour details and departure times to be advised locally. |
|
|
 |
Xian Dumpling Dinner with R/T Transfers |
| |
| This evening, enjoy a delicious dumpling banquet featuring nearly 20 varieties of jiaozi, or dumplings, stuffed with an assortment of vegetables, meats, and seafood. The traditional banquet also includes rice wine and bronze hot pot soup. Pick-up from your hotel at 6:30pm. Drop-off at your hotel at approx. 8:30pm |
|
|
|
Yichang Sightseeing |
 |
4 nights Yangtze River Optional Shore Excursion Package |
| |
| DAY 6 - Visit Three Gorges Dam, the worlds largest electricity-generating plant
DAY 7 - Visit the natural scenic wonders of the Lesser Three Gorges, the separate valleys on the Daning River "Dragon Gate Gorge", "Misty Gorge" and "Emerald Gorge"
DAY 8 - Visit Fengdu, with a stop at the Snow Jade Cave. Named the Snow Jade because of the abundant white stalactites of this recently discovered cave |
|
|
|
Yangtze River Optional Shore Excursion Package |
| |
| 1) Visit Three Gorges Dam, the worlds largest electricity-generating plant (2) Enjoy the natural scenic wonders at the Small Three Gorges Dam (3) Visit Fengdu, "Ghost City" Well known as the resting place of the spirits of the dead, Fengdu is now the most characteristic and reputed historic and cultural town in China |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
