Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/208476
DAY 9: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE This morning, visit the site of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken. Back on your cruise vessel, sail through Xiling Gorge, once the most treacherous stretches of the Yangtze, which has now been tamed by the new dam. (B, L, D) DAYS 10-11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Take an excursion through the Daning River Small Gorges before entering the Wu Gorge. Continue on through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic gorge. The next day's shore excursion is to Fengdu, the Ghost City. Walk through the town, observing statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill. (B, L, D) DAY 12: DISEMBARK CRUISE – CHONGQING TO CHENGDU Disembark from the cruise vessel and transfer to Chongqing to visit the ancient village of Ciqikou, dating back over 1,700 years. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the steep, pedestrian street with tea houses, artist studios and embroidery workshops lining both sides, located in old structures made of bamboo and timber. Here you will have a glimpse of a way of life existing for centuries. Later, you drive to Chengdu, capital of the Sichuan Province. (B, L, D) DAY 13: CHENGDU TO KUNMING Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these famous animals. Later, fly to Kunming and sample the local specialty, Across the Bridge Noodles. (B, L, D) DAY 14: KUNMING Travel to the Stone Forest and explore the massive limestone columns that form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images. (B, L, D) DAYS 15-16: KUNMING TO DALI Leave Kunming and drive to Dali where you will visit the beautiful Three Pagodas. The following morning, visit Xizhou Village and then explore the local market and the Yen family home, an ancient courtyard house. Later, cruise on Erhai Lake, enjoy traditional tea-tasting and explore Dali's Ancient Quarter. (B, L, D) DAY 17: DALI TO GUILIN Drive to Kunming Airport and fly to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful cities. (B, L, D) DAY 18: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO Cruise the stunning Li River to Yangshuo and witness the breathtaking landscape. Explore this small mountain town, stroll the colorful markets and people watch at an outdoor café. (B, L, D) DAY 19: YANGSHUO This morning you discover the beautiful rural countryside around Yangshuo, with its pretty hills and local farms. The afternoon is at leisure. You meet again this evening for a display of traditional cormorant fishing. (B, L, D) DAY 20: YANGSHUO TO HANGZHOU This morning you drive to Reed Flute Caves to view the stunning stalactites and stalagmites before transferring to Guilin Airport for your flight to stunning Hangzhou. (B, L, D) DAY 21: HANGZHOU Discover the Temple of Inspired Seclusion, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and relax as you cruise on tranquil West Lake. (B, L, D) DAYS 22-23: HANGZHOU TO SUZHOU Explore the local markets and experience a traditional tea-tasting. Continue to Suzhou, known as the Venice of the East. Wake up in beautiful Suzhuo and stroll through the Humble Administrator's and the Master of the Nets Gardens. Visit a traditional silk mill and enjoy a cruise on the ancient Grand Canal. (B, L, D) DAY 24: SUZHOU TO SHANGHAI Continue to Shanghai this morning and explore the unique shikumen buildings in the Xintiandi area. This evening, feast on delicious Shanghai cuisine. (B, L, D) DAY 25: SHANGHAI Walk through the Yu Gardens and the Old Town, see the antiques and fine arts at the Shanghai Museum and stroll along the famous Bund. This evening, enjoy a cruise along the stunning Huangpu River. (B, L, D) DAY 26: DEPART SHANGHAI Fly to the US, arriving home later the same day or the following morning, depending on flight schedules. (B) TOUR DATES & RATES Outbound Return To USA MAR 12, 2014 APR 6, 2014 MAR 19, 2014 APR 13, 2014 APR 2, 2014 APR 27, 2014 APR 9, 2014 MAY 4, 2014 APR 23, 2014 MAY 18, 2014 MAY 7, 2014 JUN 1, 2014 SEP 3, 2014 SEP 28, 2014 OCT 8, 2014 Rates* NOV 2, 2014 $4,670 $4,190 $4,640 $4,390 $4,430 $4,630 $4,790 $4,670 $4,700 NOTE: SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. For your convenience, we implement a one time tipping protocol of $125 per person on this tour to be paid locally. MEALS INCLUDED: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner Consult your travel agent for more details on this and other escorted tours. *RATES ARE PER PERSON, BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE: Visa services for US and Canada passport holders only Group airport transfers Domestic airfare and current taxes (within China) Domestic ground transportation (within China) Accommodations & taxes • Meals as indicated Sightseeing and entrance fees with English-speaking guide National Escort throughout with Local Insider Guides at each destination Hong Kong Grand Tour of China 31