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THREE CRUISE CHINA SPECIAL

Yangtze River - Li River - Grand Canal
19-DAYS

Beijing - Xian - Wuhan - Yangtze River Cruise (Yueyang, Shasi, Wushan, Yichang, Fengdu)
- Chongqing - Guilin - Suzhou - Shanghai

Join us our sensational tour to China, crowned by a once in a lifetime cruise on the Yangtze River aboard the exquisite MS EAST QUEEN or MS EAST KING. From our luxury liner, behold the spectacular shores, lined with jagged cliffs, magnificent peaks and lush farm land. This fascinating scenery will be submerged under the waters of the Yantze River flood-control project, covering the spectacular Three Gorges forever.   ITINERARY INCLUDEDIN THE TOUR HOTELS NOT INCLUDED TOUR PRICE

ITINERARY

Day 1 :	FLIGHT USA - BEIJING
Our transpacific flight takes off for Beijing, the Capital of China, where centuries of imperial tradition blend with modernization. (Inflight meals)
Day 2 :	BEIJING
We arrive late this evening in Beijing where our local guides will meet us. We will check into our hotel and have time to get acquainted with our fellow passengers. (Inflight meals)
Day 3 :	BEIJING
We start today's sightseeing at the Great Wall. A stirring sight as it winds like a dragon into the hills, we walk along its famous path. After lunch, we will explore the magnificent tombs of 13 of the Ming Emperors. Here we visit the only open tomb, that of Emperor Shen Zong and his two empresses, with displays of the emperor's crown and robe. Tonight we enjoy a spectacular performance of the Peking Opera. (B-L-D)
Day 4 :	BEIJING
We continue our sightseeing in Beijing with a tour of the Forbidden City. Through the Meridian Gate, we enter a world Qf incredible extravagance and intrigue as stroll the walled city. Later, we visit the Tian'anmen Square with Mao's Tomb. This afternoon we go out to the Summer Palace, which is followed by a spectacular Peking Duck dinner. (B-LD)
Day 5 :	BEIJING - XIAN BY AIR
This morning's sightseeing will include a visit to the beautiful Temple of Heaven. An afternoon flight will bring us to Xian, for eleven dynasties the capital of ancient China. It was also the starting point for Marco Polo's famous Silk Road. The influence of both past's can still be seen: in the famous Terra Cotta Warriors and in the large Muslim population. Afternoon's sightseeing includes a visit to Shaanxi Provincial Museum, another step back into time as we survey its fabulous Forest of Steles, China's oldest and richest assembly of ancient stone tablets. (B-L-D)
Day 6 :	XIAN
One of the absolute highlights of any visit to China is the tomb O{ Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China -here an extraordinary army of over 6000 terra-cotta warriors (no two alike!) with their horses and chariots have protected the dead Emperor for over 2000 years. The striking Ming Dynasty Bell Tower and Drum Tower further underline Xian's historical significance. (B-LD)
Day 7 :	XIAN
A morning excursion to the surrounding country side shows you the many still untouched burial mounds and  Xianyang’s City museum with its miniature terra cotta soldiers collection. Afternoon and evening are free (B-L)
Day 8 :	XIAN - WUHAN BY AIR - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Morning flight to Wuhan and on to Yichang to start our Yangtze River cruise. (B-L-D)
Day 9 :	YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE BY
Cruising upstream, we'll pass through the locks of the enormous Gezhou Dam at Yichang. Sheer cliffs and gushing rapids set the tone for today's entry into the fabled Three gorges. For the next three days we'll travel on rushing, twisting waters through the most spectacular stretch of river scenery in the world. The gorges's towering cliffs and fascinating rock formations are each enshrouded in legend, which our cruise director will narrate as we travel in their midst. The first gorge entered is Xiling, a shallower section of weathered shoals and turbulent rapids. The second gorge is Wu Gorge, famous for her deep zigzagging valley and forested mountains. In addition to the magnificent gorges, we'll enjoy charming villages, lush terraced hillsides, and historic landmarks dotting the countryside we cruise by.  (B-L-D)
Day 10 :	YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Next is Wushan, the "Misty Gorge," known for its odd misty rock formations and soaring mountain backdrop-here we'll board a smaller junk to cruise up the Daning River for vistas of the awe-inspiring Three Small Gorges- Dragon Gate, Misty and Emerald.  (B-L-D)
Day 11 :	YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Today we will enjoy the last gorge Qutang Gorge, considered the most beautiful with its gentle bluff banks and ancient plank pathways. This evening we will dock in Fengdu gateway to the Three gorges of eastern Sichuan. Here we're free to stroll through this small mountain city, and shop in its colorful local market before returning aboard ship and continuing to sail, bound for Chongqing.   (B-L-D)
Day 12 :	CHONGQING - GUILIN BY AIR
This morning, we disembark in Chongqing. On the banks of the Yangtze River, throughout World II, Chongqing was China's temporary wartime capital, and we'll view memorabilia of that era at the Red Crag Museum, featuring a renowned photo collection of wartime leaders. Also, on out tour is a stop at the Sichuan Fine Arts Academy, China's most important artistic training center: and Loquat Hill to enjoy sweeping views of Yangtze River Traffic Below. Later, we fly to the mist wrapped mountains of Guilin, China's most scenic region. Guilin's unusual topography is an eye opening sight as we visit Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill.     (B-L-D)
Day 13 :	GUILIN - LI RIVER CRUISE
Artists throughout the centuries have celebrated the almost unearthly beauty of Guilin's landscape, with the Li river winding around mist covered limestone peaks rising suddenly out of the flat, green plain. You'll feel as though you've stepped back into one of those ancient scroll paintings during our full day cruise of the Li River as we float past lush green valleys, bamboo groves and such striking land formations as Elephant Trunk Hill, Old Man Mountain and Nine Horse Hill.  (B-LD)
Day l4 :	GUILIN - SHANGHAI BY AIR
Today we will fly to Shanghai, the fifth largest city in the world, one of China's most cosmopolitan areas. This afternoon's guided sightseeing in Shanghai shows us the Bund, the famous waterfront Boulevard, which reflects the influence of Western trading interests, and the Nanjing Road, a famous shopping center.      (B-L-D)
Day 15 :	SHANGHAI - SUZHOU BY TRAIN
This morning a first class train brings us to Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Suzhou's classical gardens, canals and bridges are one of China's most visited scenic wonders. Today We'll also take a cruise down the famous Grand Canal, which was built in 589 AD to facilitate imperial travels and also as part of an extensive irrigation system.        (B-L-D)
Day 16 :	SUZHOU - SHANGHAI BY TRAIN
We will see more of this beautiful garden city. Today's sightseeing will include Garden of the Master of Fishing Net, Silk Reeling Factory, the National Embroidery Research Institute. This evening we go back to Shanghai by train.    (B-L-D)
Day 17 :	SHANGHAI
A full day of sightseeing introduces us to Shanghai's intriguing past which embraces both the notoriety of its corruption and decadence during the 40's and the birth of the Communist party. Enjoy the tranquillity of Yu Garden (the Mandarin's Garden which served as the model for the famous Blue Willow China) and the Jade Buddha Temple housing two beautiful white Jade Buddha ages. After dinner, we applaud a show of Chinese acrobats.   (B-L-D)
Day 18:	SHANGHAI
Free day. (B)
Day 19 :	SHANGHAI-LAX
Today we bid farewell to Shanghai and China, flying home. (B - in flight meals)
(B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

• Round-trip air fare not included and available upon request 
• Local escorts  throughout entire program 
• All ground transportation by private car and all indicated cruises within China 
• All domestic Chinese flights inclusive all airport development fees, air taxes and security fees
• Comprehensive sightseeing with qualified local guides 
• First Class hotel accommodation as listed or similar. 
• Daily American Breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner as indicated in itinerary 
• All listed sights with entrance fees and all special events as listed in itinerary
• Peking Roast Duck Welcome Banquet 
• Xian Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Performance 
• Shanghai Acrobatic Show 
• Suzhou Grand Canal Cruise 
• Full day Li River Cruise 
• Five exciting days on the Yangtze River aboard the deluxe MS EAST QUEEN or EAST KING

NOT INCLUDED

• Gratuities for drivers, bellboys and tour guides 
• US Departure Tax and Customs Fee 
• Departure Tax in China 
• Items of personal nature 
• Optional travel insurance 
• Chinese Visa Application Fee ( USD 65.00)

EAST QUEEN & EAST KING ON-BOARD FACILITIES  Grand View Lounge Bar: Formal Chinese and Western Restaurant  Fitness Center, Sauna & Massage  Beauty Salon  Medical clinic  Ball Room & Karaoke Room  Game Room, Conference Room, Library  Fitness Center  Same day laundry service  Philippine Band, Violin and Chinese Folk Music  Whirlpool  Vessel Information: Built in 1995, 88 deluxe cabins, 4 passenger decks,  length: 91.5 meters, speed: 32 km/h  Totally renovated and upgraded in Jan  2004