Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/103673
Beijing (3N) Be j 0 0 miles km 400 400 Xian (2N) Shanghai (2N) ai (2 Chengdu (1N) C e Chongqing on Yangtze River Cruise (4N) Macau Hong Kong Air Road Boat Yangtze River majestiC yangtZe - 14-day itinerary Inbound (1N) Yichang (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner The highlight of this two week tour is a four night cruise on the Yangtze River. Sail through the Three Gorges where the vertical cliffs rise dramatically from the water. Add to this a visit to the famous panda reserve in Chengdu and it's easy to see why this tour is a long-time favorite. days 1-2: us to shanghai Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. day 3: shanghai Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which houses over 120,000 pieces of bronze, coins, jade, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy. Walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920's style shikumen buildings. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River, where the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong come together as you enjoy traditional Shanghai cuisine. (B, L, D) day 4: shanghai to yiChang Visit the modern Pudong area with its 21st century buildings and then fly to Yichang and board the Yangtze River Cruise vessel. (B, L, D) days 5-7: yangtZe river Cruise Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a peapod boat or visit the Lesser Three Gorges. Also enjoy various shore excursions along the way, including the 'Ghost City' of Fengdu with its captivating temples and statues. (B, L, D) day 8: Chongqing to Chengdu Disembark from the cruise vessel and transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening. (B, L, D) day 9: Chengdu to xian Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat before flying to Xian, the former ancient capital. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. (B, L, D) 28 Majestic Yangtze day 10: xian Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – The Terracotta Warriors. These figures were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. A walk along the Ancient City Wall will also be enjoyed. (B, L, D) day 11: xian to Beijing Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. Stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to explore the Islamic food markets. Later, fly to Beijing, China's capital city. (B, L, D) day 12: Beijing Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which is the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. These buildings are from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and house over 8,000 rooms. Also tour the exquisite Summer Palace and enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening. (B, L, D) day 13: Beijing Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance and admire the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Also visit the unique Temple of Heaven. The evening's meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck. (B, L, D) day 14: Beijing to us Fly to the US, arriving home the same day or the following morning depending on flight schedules. (B) Consult your American Express travel counselor for more details.