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Seven Days in Tibet
plus Yangtze River Cruise
17-DAY
Lhasa - Gyangtze - Xigaze - Tsedang - Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise
(Funddu, Wushan, Zigui, Shasi, Yichang) - Wuhan - Shanghai
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Tibet is the roof of the world, where much of daily
life continues as it did a thousand years ago. Lhasa, the city of sunshine
has always generated stories of intrigue and wonder. Not many secrets remain
in the world, yet all things in Tibet are full of boundless mysteries Tibet
is also the origin of the world's third longest river --- Yangtze River.
The three-day cruise on the timeless Yangtze follows the river's most enchanting
routes between Chongqing and Wuhan. The magnificent Three Gorges panoramic
views of flourishing villages, green terraced fields and junks in full
sail all present a wondrous look at China through the centuries and today.
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ITINERARIES
| Day 1: |
FLIGHT USA -SHANGHAI |
Our transpacific flight takes off for Shanghai, the fifth
largest city in the world, one of China's most cosmopolitan areas.
(Inflight meals) |
| Day 2: |
SHANGHAI |
| We arrive late this evening in Shanghai, where our local
guides will meet us. We will check into our hotel and have time to get
acquainted with our fellow passengers. |
| Day 3: |
SHANGHAI - CHENGDU |
A half 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 images. After lunch, we fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan
Province in southwestern China, known for its handicrafts and brocades.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 4: |
CHENGDU - LHASA |
Today we will fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, known
for its unique culture, beautiful monasteries and magnificent scenery.
We will visit Norbulingka Park which was the Summer Palace of the Dalal
Lama.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 5: |
LHASA |
Our full day of sightseeing includes magnificent Potala
Palace, former residence of the Dala Lama. This huge 1 7th century structure,
built on the site of its 7th century fore-runner dominates the entire city
and valley. We will also visit Jokhang Temple, built by Chinese Tang Princess
Wen Cheng.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 6: |
LHASA |
Today's sightseeing will show us Drepung Monastery, once
he largest cloister in the world and still an active lamasery. After lunch
we will visit with a Tibetan family and gain some insight about Tibetan
life. This afternoon, we continue our adventure in Lhasa with a tour of
Barkhor Street, a colorful Tibetan-style bazaar.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 7: |
LHASA - GYANGZE |
This morning a motor coach will take us through spectacular
mountain scenery to the colorful market town of Gyangze, the former center
of wool trading in Tibet. The town is famous for the magnificent kumbum
(Place of Myriad Images), the largest stupa in Tibet which houses 10,000
Buddha figures.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 8: |
GYANGZE -XEGAZE |
We continue our bus journey to Tibet's second largest city-Xigaze,
where we will visit the gold-pinnacled Tashilunpo Monastery, present home
to 600 monks; the six-story high Bronze Buddha; and the glittering Maitreya
Buddha, containing 614 pounds of pure gold.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 9: |
XIGAZE-TSEDNG |
Today we continue by road to Tsedang.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 10: |
TSEDANG |
Tsedang is Tibet's pre-Buddhist center of culture. Here
we see the tombs of the Tibetan kings, the Samyc Monastery and the ancient
fortress of Yumbu.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 11: |
Tuifan - Dunhuang - TSEDANG - CHENGDU - CHONGQING |
This morning we fly to Chendu, then drive to Chongqing,
the starting point of our cruise on the famed Yangtze River. 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.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 12: |
YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE BY MS VICTORIA |
| This morning we transfer to the pier and embark on a thrilling
three day journey heading downstream by boarding the deluxe MS. Victoria,
along the world's third longest river, a crucial national artery stretching
nearly four thousand miles from Tibet to Shanghai. |
| Day 13: |
YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE BY MS VICTORIA |
For the next two days we'll travel on rushing, twisting
waters through the most spectacular stretch of the 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 Qutang Gorge, the shortest
of the Three Gorges, but it is by far the most dramatic, Its sheer steep
cliffs are filled with stunning vistas and interesting oddities. 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. In the afternoon our ship will pass through Wuxia
Gorge, which is 44km long and is known for its deep valley and quiet beauty
of its forest-covered mountains. The "Twelve Peaks" lining the banks of
Wu Gorege have been admired, pained and praised in poetry by visitors from
all over the world.
(B-L-D) |
| Day l4: |
YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE BY MS VICTORIA |
Today MS. Victoria will set sail through Xiling Gorge,
the last but the longest gorge of the Great Three Gorges. We'll also pass
through the locks of the enormous Gezhou Dam at Yichang. In the afternoon,
we will dock in Shashi gateway to Wuhan. 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 Wuhan.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 15: |
WUHAN - SHANGHAI |
This afternoon we'll arrive in Wuhan the capital of the
Hubei Province. Then board a late afternoon flight to Shanghai.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 16: |
SHANGHAI |
Free day We are on our own to relax at hotel, walk on the
Bund, the waterfront Boulevard, which reflects the influence of Western
trading interests, or go shopping along the Nanjing Road, a famous shopping
center.
(B) |
| Day 17: |
SHANGHAI-LAX |
Today we bid farewell to Shanghai and China, flying home.
(B) |
| |
| (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D -
dinner) |
The Sacred Life of Tibet, by Keith Dowman
FOR
MORE INFO CLICK HERE |
INCLUDED
IN THE TOUR
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Round-trip Air Fare from Los Angeles (add on fares from all US cities available)
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Fully escorted throughout entire program
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Comprehensive sightseeing with qualified local guides
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First Class hotel accommodation
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Daily American Breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner
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Fantastic Potala Palace Visit in Tibet
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Three exiting days on the Yangtze River aboard the deluxe MS Victoria
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NOT
INCLUDED
-
Tips for drivers and tour guides
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US Departure Tax and Customs Fee
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Airport Construction Fee and Departure Tax in China
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Items of personal nature
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Optional travel insurance
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Chinese visa application fee
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DEPARTURES
& TOUR PRICES
| May 06 |
- |
May 22 |
2000 |
|
$3,762 |
| Jun 10 |
- |
Jun 26 |
2000 |
|
$3,762 |
| Jul 08 |
- |
Jul 24 |
2000 |
|
$3,762 |
| Sep 02 |
- |
Sep 18 |
2000 |
|
$3,762 |
| Oct 07 |
- |
Oct 23 |
2000 |
|
$3,762 |
| Single Supplement: |
|
|
$595 (land)
$385 (boat) |
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HOTEL
| Lhasa |
|
Holiday Inn |
| Gyangze |
|
Lee Gardens Hotel |
| Xigaze |
|
Xigaze Hotel |
| Tsedang |
|
Tsedang Hotel |
| Chengdu |
|
Minshan Hotel |
| Shanghai |
|
Ocean Hotel |
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