2017 - TM China

26 Forbidden City, former home to an ancient line of Chinese Emperors. As you explore, admire the superbly preserved traditional Chinese palatial-style architecture. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to explore. Tonight savour a delicious Peking Duck banquet at a local restaurant. BD Day 3. Beijing, Great Wall of China Today head for the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea into the Gobi Desert for over 6,000 kilometres. Here, absorb fantastic views during a cable car ride to the Mutianyu section, one of the best-preserved parts of the wall. Later, visit the Sacred Way of the Ming Dynasty Tombs and marvel at the statues representing Ming Dynasty Emperors. Stop at a jade factory for an insight into the 6,000 year- old craft of grinding and polishing jade. Then return to the city via Beijing National Stadium (the Bird's Nest). This evening, you may wish to attend a dramatic kung fu show (see page 44). BL Day 4. Beijing, Yichang, Embark Cruise Today, enjoy a pedicab tour of Beijing's old hutongs (alleys) and stop along the way to visit the home of a local Chinese family. Then head to the airport for your included flight to Yichang. Transfer to your river ship and settle in for your four-night cruise along the Yangtze River. Four Nights: a premium Victoria Cruises river ship. BLD Day 5. Three Gorges Dam, Xiling Gorge Relax today and take in the stunning scenery of the Yangtze River as you cruise through the Three Gorges region, considered by many to be China's most picturesque area. Disembark to tour the Three Gorges Dam, a hydroelectric dam that spans more than 2.3 kilometres across the Yangtze. Later, cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. BLD Day 6. Three Lesser Gorges, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge Early risers may like to begin the day with a tai chi class on board this morning. After breakfast, today's excursion takes you along the Daning River, home to the smaller but equally spectacular Three Lesser Gorges: Dragon Gate, Misty and Emerald Green. Following your exploration here, your cruise continues on through Wu Gorge, known for its sheer peaks and towering cliff faces. After lunch, pass between the IMPERIAL CHINA Beijing to Shanghai Beijing n Yangtze River Three Gorges n Chongqing Xi'an n Wuzhen n Shanghai 13 Days YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES ✓ Four nights on a premium Yangtze River cruise with Executive Lounge privileges ✓ Eight nights in premium accommodation ✓ All flights within China ✓ Services of a Cruise Director, Tour Director and local guides ✓ 26 meals – 12 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L) and 7 dinners (D) ✓ Airport transfers, port charges and tipping INSIDER EXPERIENCES Indulge in a sumptuous Peking Duck banquet at a local restaurant in Beijing Take a pedicab tour through Beijing's old hutongs (alleys) and stop to visit the home of a local family Indulge in a dumpling banquet and take in an enthralling Tang Dynasty show in Xi'an Wander amid the street food stalls in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter Stay at Tong'an Guesthouse in the water town of Wuzhen Take part in a traditional tea ceremony in Shanghai's beautiful Yu Garden Day 1. Arrive Beijing On arrival in Beijing, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception. Three Nights: Beijing, Jianguo Hotel Beijing. Day 2. Beijing, Forbidden City This morning's sightseeing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest city squares. After taking in this vast open space, continue on to the

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