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
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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.
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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)
| TOUR PRICES OF 19-DAY DEPARTURES |
| USA Departure Date |
Return Date |
Price |
| Jul 03, 2007 |
Jul 21, 2007 |
$3,455 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
Aug 05, 2007 |
$3,455 |
| Aug 01, 2007 |
Aug 19, 2007 |
$3,455 |
| Aug 22, 2007 |
Sep 09, 2007 |
$3,455 |
| Sep 05, 2007 |
Sep 23, 2007 |
$3,455 |
| Sep 19, 2007 |
Oct 07 2007 |
$3,455 |
| Oct 10, 2007 |
Oct 28, 2007 |
$3,355 |
| Nov 01, 2007 |
Nov 19, 2007 |
$3,155 |
| Nov 14, 2007 |
Dec 02, 2007 |
$2,955 |
| Apr 24, 2008 |
May 12, 2008 |
$3,355 |
| May 22, 2008 |
Jun 09, 2008 |
$3,355 |
| Jun 26, 2008 |
Jul 14, 2008 |
$3,455 |
| Jul 28, 2008 |
Aug 15, 2008 |
$3,455 |
| Sep 25, 2008 |
Oct 13, 2008 |
$3,455 |
| Oct 30, 2008 |
Nov 17, 2008 |
$3,255 |
- Single Supplement $485(boat), $985(land)
- Round-trip airfare is available from Los Angeles from $925.00
For other cities please contact UET.
- PRICES ARE AS OF AUGUST 2006 AND MAY CHANGE FOR LATER DATES DUE
TO LOCAL PRICE ADJUSTMENTS
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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
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