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Day 1
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Arrive Beijing
After a warm welcome at the airport, take a private airport transfer to your hotel for assistance with check-in. The remainder of your day is at your leisure to rest up for the following days activities.
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Day 2
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Beijing (B/L/D)
Your first full day in China’s capital introduces you to the world’s largest city square, Tian’anmen Square, to the north of the Forbidden City before wandering this large Imperial Palace, once the seat of power for nearly 500 years during the Ming & Qing dynasties. The landscaped gardens, historic artifacts, and nearly 10,000 rooms captivate you in what is now called the Palace Museum. Beijing’s hutong neighbourhoods lined by traditional courtyard homes will be explored by pedicab including a visit to a local home. End the day at the local ‘Red Theatre’ watching the Legend of Kung Fu production; the story of a young boy on the road to enlightenment as a Kung Fu master.
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Day 3
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Beijing (B/L/D)
A visit to the tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors and a walk along the ‘Spirit Way’ begin your day en route to the Great Wall of China. Gain insight into the Wall’s historic story & construction before a leisurely walk and climb up the wall where you can award yourself with views of the surrounding mountains and the snaking wall making its way into the distance. As you return to the city, stop by the 2008 Olympic site to see the famed Water Cube & Bird’s Nest stadiums. This evening, enjoy a delectable Peking duck dinner. |
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Day 4
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Beijing – Yichang – Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
This morning visit the Temple of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer. After lunch, fly to Yichang, where you will be met and then transferred to the cruise pier to board the Victoria cruise ship. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board.
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Day 5
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Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Early this morning, depart Yichang passing the eastern part of Xiling Gorge. Arrive at Yangjiawan Pier where you will visit the Three Gorges Dam Project. Later this afternoon, pass through the Three Gorges Dam shiplocks.
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Day 6
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Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Awake to the wonders of the Yangtze River. Continue cruising through the Wu Gorge, and then pass through the Qutang Gorge, whose cliffs rise more than 1,000 meters above the river. In Badong, disembark for the Shennong Stream ferry and sampan tour where you will see the amazing hanging coffins and hear Tuja Songs.
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Day 7
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Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Slowly cruise down the Yangtze River and marvel at its natural beauty. Sail past ancient villages and historic sites before reaching Fengdu, Shibaozhai or Wanzhou for today’s shore excursion.
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Day 8
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Yangtze River Cruise – Chongqing – Xian (B/L/D)
This morning, arrive in Chongqing. Upon disembarking, meet your local guide and then transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival in Xian, be warmly greeted and then take a stroll through the Tang Paradise Cultural Park.
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Day 9
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Xian (B/L/D)
Spend the day exploring Xian’s ancient monuments. The highlight of your visit to Xian is the extraordinary site of the Terra Cotta Warriors. Not discovered until 1974 by local farmers, the Warriors are amongst the most fascinating discoveries of modern day. Tour the site with insightful commentary before enjoying a dumpling banquet lunch featuring dumplings of all shapes & sizes. Nearby Xian’s Drum Tower, take a walk through the Muslim quarter and visit the Great Mosque. Today’s tour concludes as you step back in time for a Tang Dynasty dinner & show before seeing the historic City Wall lit up at night.
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Day 10
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Xian – Hangzhou (B/L)
This morning, visit the Yangling Museum. The museum is located underground in order to minimize impact on the landscape. Located beneath the mausoleum is the final resting place of Han Dynasty emperor Jingdi which dates back to the 2nd century BC. In the tomb a huge number of relics were found which reflect the prosperity of the time. Exhibits include pottery wares, terra cotta sculptures and jewelry. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hangzhou. On arrival, you will be met and then transferred to the hotel for assistance with check-in. The evening is at your leisure.
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Day 11
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Hangzhou – Suzhou (B/L)
This morning, enjoy a boat ride on the breathtaking and scenic West Lake. Then visit Lin Yin Temple, noted as one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples in China. Later, visit the Museum of Chinese Herbal Medicine and the Temple of Yue Fei. In the afternoon, travel to Suzhou and check-in to your hotel. The evening is at your leisure in Suzhou.
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Day 12
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Suzhou – Shanghai (B/L)
Start the day with a visit to Tiger Hill and the Garden of the Master of Nets. After lunch, visit the Silk Embroidery Research Institute, and tour the fascinating Suzhou Museum. In the afternoon, head to Shanghai and check-in for your two nights stay.
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Day 13
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Shanghai (B/L/D)
In the morning, start your full day tour of Shanghai. Visit the Shanghai Museum, a large museum containing ancient Chinese art, and then the Garden & Bazaar of Mandarin Yu Yuan. Explore the colonial Bund waterfront lining the Huangpu River with unimpeded views of the modern Pudong Skyline. Once home to trading houses & financial institutions, the buildings along the Bund are of European style. See the Oriental Pearl Tower, and then stroll along pedestrian-friendly Nanjing Road. This evening, enjoy an exciting Acrobatic show.
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Day 14
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Shanghai – Departure (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and at the appointed time you will be met and then transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
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| Best of China & Yangtze River Cruise |
| Land Only* 2012 |
April - October |
| Twin Occupancy |
4,300 |
| Single Occupancy |
6,400 |
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*Tour operates with arrival daily except Saturdays
*Price includes internal China flights, hotel with daily breakfast, private car transportation, Victoria Yangtze River Cruise, comprehensive sightseeing and admissions with English-speaking guide.
Price per person, minimum 2 persons traveling together.
Entry Regulations:
Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into China. A visa is necessary to enter China. You will need to fill out an application form, 1 passport size photo and your passport to obtain an entry visa.
Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Canadians and Americans.
Climate:
The size of China ensures that its climate is extremely diverse, ranging from tropical in the south to sub arctic in its northern latitudes. Winter in the north, between December and March, is bitterly cold and very dry, with temperatures in Beijing dropping as low as -4ºF (-20ºC). During summer, May to August, rain falls and temperatures soar. In central China the Yangtze River valley experiences long, humid and hot summers between April and October, while in winter temperatures drop below freezing. In south China, around Guangzhou, summer brings typhoons and high temperatures between July and September. Winters are short and chilly.
Currency:
The Yuan Renminbi is the basic unit of currency in mainland China, the Hong Kong Dollar in Hong Kong and Macau Pataca in Macau. At present, the exchange rate is CNY6.77 to CAD$1 and CNY6.53 to USD$1; As exchange rates fluctuate each day, please check the current exchange rate near your date of travel.
Electricity:
The current used in China is 220AC 50Hz.
Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room.
Language:
The official language in China is Mandarin along with hundreds of local dialects.
Health Requirement:
Normally, vaccinations are not longer required unless one travels from or via an infected area. Check with your local health authority for further requirements.
Airport Facilities and Tax:
China has various ports of entry. The international airport in the capital city is the Beijing Capital International Airport. Departure taxes are formulated into the price of the airline ticket.
Shopping:
Bargaining is common in China. Other than Friendship stores where prices are fixed, shoppers should bargain anywhere they shop. Friendship stores are popular with most foreign visitors as they are well stocked and can arrange shipping.
Cuisine:
Chinese cuisine has a long history and is one of China’s cultural treasures. Local flavors and snacks and special dishes have formed according to regions, local products, climate, historical factors and eating habits.
For more information please visit:
www.cnto.org
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- Private journey covering China's highlights
- Climb the Great Wall of China
- Walk within the walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing
- See the Terra Cotta Soldiers in Xian
- Evening shows at local theatres showcasing local culture
- Cruise on the Victoria Cruise line on China's mother river, the Yangtze
- Tour Shanghai's modern skyline and nearby canal town
- Beijing: The Regent Beijing *****
- Cruise ship: MS Victoria *****
- Xian: Sofitel on Renmin Square *****
- Hangzhou: JW Marriott Hotel *****
- Suzhou: Keminski Hotel *****
- Shanghai: The Langham Yangtze Boutique Hotel *****
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