China Tours, Yangtze River Cruising, Mekong River Cruises, Vietnam Tour, Cambodia Travel
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36 Take an in-depth tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Day 8. Xi'an, Chongqing, Embark Ship. Farewell Xi'an this morning as you fly to Chongqing. Head to the famous Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the famous Giant Pandas, a critically endangered species. Later, visit a local restaurant for an authentic hotpot lunch before transferring to your luxury river ship, the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, for your cruise along the Yangtze River. Enjoy dinner on board this evening, followed by a documentary detailing the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Three Night Stay: the luxurious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. BLD Day 9. Fengdu OR Relocation Tour. Perhaps rise early to participate in a Tai Chi class atop the ship's Observation Deck. Following breakfast, you may learn the authentic method of preparing traditional Chinese tea, then participate in a dumpling-making session run by the ship's talented chef. Later, after lunch on board, disembark for a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little 'Ghost City' that lies in the foothills of the mountains by the river. Alternatively, choose to visit the Relocated Village, a village for families who have been forced to move due to the rising waters caused by the Three Gorges Dam. You'll also stop by a Kindergarten and take a tour through the local market. Back on board this evening, enjoy the Captain's Welcome Reception, followed by a special Welcome Dinner. Later, enjoy an entertaining crew show. BLD Day 10. Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennong Stream, Xiling Gorge. Cruise along the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges region, considered by many to be China's most picturesque area. Today your ship will pass between the majestic Chijia Mountain and Baiyan Mountain to enter the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Also considered the most beautiful, Qutang Gorge is bordered by a white cliff face. Continue to Wu Gorge, the second of the Three Gorges system, and cruise along Shennong Stream. Disembark your ship at Badong and transfer by ferry to a traditional Chinese sampan (longboat). As you cruise on this longboat, poled by local Tujia boatman, you're able to absorb the serenity of the river. This afternoon, glide through the longest of the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge. Later, you may wish to attend an optional lecture, or take part in an onboard arts and crafts demonstration. This evening, enjoy a Chinese banquet. BLD ARRIVE & EXPLORE IMPERIAL BEIJING Day 11. Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Disembark Ship, Beijing. After breakfast, arrive at Three Gorges Dam and take a tour of the world's largest engineering project. Cruise to Yichang where you'll disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing. After time at leisure, enjoy dinner at your hotel restaurant this evening. Three Night Stay: Raffles Beijing, in a Business Room. BLD EXPERIENCE THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA Day 12. Beijing, Freedom of Choice. Your sightseeing today begins with a tour of Tiananmen Square. Afterwards, head to the World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, the largest surviving palace complex on earth, followed by a visit to the Summer Palace. After exploring the gardens with a local guide, board a traditionally styled boat for a private cruise along the shores of the Summer Palace. Admire the scenery of gardens, parklands and palaces as you are served tea and cakes. After dinner at leisure back in Beijing, choose to attend a Peking Opera show at Qianmen Liyuan Theatre, watch an exhilarating Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre or explore Silk Alley market. BL Day 13. Beijing, Great Wall of China. Set out for the Great Wall of China today. Be captivated by the magnitude of this 8th-century monument as you wander along an unrestored and rarely visited stretch of the Badaling section. Later, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet lunch and free-flowing beverages overlooking the wall, prepared just for APT guests. This evening, indulge in an authentic Peking Duck banquet back in Beijing. BLD Day 14. Depart Beijing. Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your onward flight. B www.aptouring.com.au