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12-day Classic China & Yangtze Cruise (2008)

Shanghai - Yichang - Yangtze Cruise - Chongqing - Beijing

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Day 1/Sun: Departing Home City
The journey begins with our transpacific flight (Air Canada or United Airlines) departing the west coast in early afternoon. Cross the International Date Line.

Day 2/Mon: Arrival in Shanghai
Meet your guide upon arrival in late afternoon and transfer to hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 3/Tue: Shanghai
Paris of China, Pearl of the Orient, city of quick riches, paradise of the adventurers - those were some of the names by which Shanghai was known before the Communists took it over from the Nationalist Government in 1949. Like of the rest of the country Shanghai is currently undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen, having experienced 19% GDP growth per year for the past 16 years.

Our sightseeing today begins with a walk on the Bund, a waterfront promenade famous for its landmark neoclassical buildings of European style. We then visit Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden. Evening entertainment is a dazzling acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 4/Wed: Shanghai
Today is a free day. Exploring China's most dynamic city on your own is easy and fun. Our recommended to-do list includes a visit to glitzy Pudong New District, a ride aboard the world's only commercially run Maglev train, and the popular evening cruise on Huangpu River to enjoy the city's spectacular neon-lit skyline. (B)

Day 5/Thu: Shanghai - Yichang
Free morning. After a tour of Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center we fly to Yichang. Upon arrival we tour a local food market and board the ship to start our 3-day/4-night Yangtze cruise. (B/L/D)

Day 6/Fri: Yangtze Cruise
At 6,380km the Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world after the Nile and the Amazon. The most impressive section of the Yangtze is the Three Gorges.

This morning we tour the site of the Three Gorges Dam. Construction of the dam began in 1992 and is scheduled to be completed by 2009. Estimated to cost over $24 billion, the project upon completion will become the largest hydroelectric dam in the world with a reservoir stretching hundreds of kilometres upstream. (B/L/D)

Day 7/Sat: Yangtze Cruise
This morning we navigate Shennong Stream on a small vessel. Originating in the southern slopes of Shennongjia Nature Reserve, the crystal clear river twists and turns 60 kilometres through forested mountains before emptying into the mighty Yangtze. Admire nature’s grandeur while sailing through spectacular Wu Gorge (44km) and Qutang Gorge (8km) later today. (B/L/D)

Day 8/Sun: Yangtze Cruise
Today’s onshore visit features Shibaozhai or Stone Treasure Fortress, an ancient wooden pagoda built against rock cliffs facing the Yangtze. For the captain-hosted farewell dinner tonight we advise smart casual dress. (B/L/D)

Day 9/Mon: Chongqing - Beijing
Our cruise comes to an end in Chongqing this morning. Transfer to airport to fly to Beijing. Beijing, capital of China and host of 2008 Summer Olympics, is not only the country's second largest city in terms of population but also its cultural and educational centre. Afternoon sightseeing at Tian'anmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. (B)

Day 10/Tue: Beijing
Full-day excursion to the legendary Great Wall, 90km northwest of the city. Zigzagging over 6,000 kilometres from east to west along the undulating mountains, the Great Wall, said to be visible from the moon, was built to hold off tribal invaders from the north. (B/L)

Day 11/Wed: Beijing
Today's schedule features the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and a hutong - traditional alleyway flanked with courtyard residences. (B/L)

Day 12/Thu: Beijing - Home City
Free morning to pack and relax. Transfer to airport on your own by taxi (cab fare approx. $15) to board return flight and arrive home the same day. (B)

Hotels & Cruise Ship
City	Nights	Hotels/Ship	Star Rating
Shanghai	3	Sheraton Shanghai Pudong
Yangtze Cruise	4	Victoria Cruises
Beijing	3	Sheraton Beijing

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