GLORIOUS CHINA with Deluxe Royal Yangtze River Cruise
16-DAYS
Shanghai - Suzhou -Yichang-Yangtze River Cruise - Chongqing - Guilin - Xian - Beijing
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Join us on our sensational tour to China, crowned by a once in a lifetime cruise on the Yangtze River aboard the exquisite 5-star deluxe EAST QUEEN or 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 - 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. Thisis 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 3: | 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 4: | SHANGHAI - SUZHOU-SHANGHAI 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. There are many places worth visiting in this beautiful garden city: Liu Garden, Master of Fishing Net Garden, Tiger Hill, the Silk Reeling Factory, the National Embroidery Research Institute. This evening we go back to Shanghai by train.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 5: | SHANGHAI - YICHANG BY AIR - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE |
This morning we fly to Yichang, the starting point of our cruise on the famed Yangtze River. Yichang is also known as
the "Gateway of the Three Gorges". The first ever Gezhou water conservancy project of Yantze River was completed near Yichang. And the world-renowned Three Gorges Dam Project is under construction not far from here. This evening we transfer to the pier and embark on a thrilling three day journey heading upstream along the world's third longest river, a crucial national artery stretching nearly four thousand miles from Tibet to Shanghai. Tonight we'll pass through the locks of the enormous Gezhou Dam at Yichang.
EAST QUEEN or EAST KING
(B-L-D) |
| Day 6: | YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE | Sheer cliffs and gushing rapids set the tone for today's entry into the fabled Three gorges. For the next two days we'll travel on rushing, twisting waters through the most spectacular stretch of river scenery in the world. The gorge'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 Gorge, 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.
EAST QUEEN or EAST KING
(B-L-D) |
| Day 7: | YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE | The last gorge is Qutang Gorge, considered the most beautiful with its gentle bluff banks and ancient plank pathways.
Apart from enjoying this gorge today, we'll also have a chance to "drift" Shennong Stream, which is comprised of Parrot Gorge and Dragon Boat Gorge with breathtaking scenery. Sailing through the treacherous gorges with lush pine and translucent water, visitors can see spectacular sights like ancient plank roads, ancient cave coffins, aqueous caves, rainbow fountain and rare animals like macaues and mandarin ducks.
EAST QUEEN or EAST KING
(B-L-D) |
| Day 8: | YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE | We'll continue cruising upstream toward Chongqing today. The highlight of today's programs will be the excursion to Shibaozhai, one of the Yangtze's most spectacular sites. It consists of a huge rectangular rock standing on the riverside, backed by sheer cliffs. Perched on top is a temple with a truly magnificent 12 story wooden pagoda built against the side of the rock wall. It is amazing that no nails were used in construction. It is over 400 years old, and has appropriately been named the "Pearl of the Yangtze". The small isolated village with narrow cobblestone streets has no vehicular traffic, a rarity even in rural China. However the shore excursion to Shibaozhai subjects to water level condition. The replacement will be Fengdu, known as the " Ghost City", is another fantastic ancient river town worth a visit. There are 27 temples on Mingshan Hill with statues of ghosts and devils illustrating the imaginative realms of traditional religion. 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.
EAST QUEEN or EAST KING
(B-L-D) |
| Day 9: | 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. 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 10: | GUILIN | | 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-L-D) |
| Day 11: | GUILIN - XIAN BY AIR |
| Today we'll fly to Ian, 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 Shane 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 12: | XIAN |
| One of the absolute highlights of any visit to China is the tomb of In 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 Min Dynasty Bell Tower and Drum Tower further underline Ian's historical significance.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 13: | XIAN - BEIJING BY AIR |
Today we'll fly to Beijing, the capital of China where centuries of imperial tradition blend with
modernization
(B-L-D) |
| Day 14: | 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 l5: | BEIJING |
| We continue our sightseeing in Beijing with a tour of the Forbidden City. Through the Meridian Gate, we enter a world of incredible extravagance and intrigue as stroll the walled city. Later, we visit the Tian'anmen Square with Mao's Tomb. This morning's sightseeing will also include a visit to the beautiful Temple of Heaven. This afternoon we go out to the Summer Palace, which is followed by a spectacular Peking Duck dinner.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 16: | BEIJING - LAX |
| Today we bid farewell to Beijing and China, flying home.
(B - in flight meals) |
(B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR - All intra-China air transportation
- Fully escorted throughout entire program
- Comprehensive sightseeing with qualified local guides
- First Class hotel accommodation as listed in itinerary or similar CLICK FOR DETAILS
- Daily American Breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner
- Three exciting days on the Yangtze River aboard the deluxe (5-star) Royal East Queen
NOT INCLUDED - Gratuities for drivers, bellboys and tour guides
- US Departure Tax and Customs Fee
- Airport Construction Fee and Departure Tax in China
- Items of personal nature
- Optional travel insurance
- Chinese Visa Application Fee
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS - Shanghai Museum with best collection of Chinese Art
- Yu Yuan Gardens and Bazaar
- Jade Buddha Temple
- Shanghai acrobatic show
- Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge
- Shennong Stream with Prarrot and Dragon Boat Gorge
- Shibaozhai Temple with its 12 story pagoda
- Red Crag Museum in Chongqing
- Carst mountains in Guilin with Reed Flute Cave & Fubo Hill
- Full day Li River Cruise
- Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terra Cotta Army
- Shaanxi Provincial Museum
- Neolithic Banpo Village Museum
- Xian Bell Tower, Wild Goose Pagoda & City Walls
- Xian Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Performance
- Peking Roast Duck Welcome Banquet
- Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
- Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Temple of Heaven
- Pecking Opera performance
| TOUR PRICES OF 16-DAY DEPARTURES |
| USA Departure Date |
Return Date |
Price |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
Jul 01, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Jun 23, 2007 |
Jul 08, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Jul 07, 2007 |
Jul 22, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Jul 21, 2007 |
Aug 05, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Jul 28, 2007 |
Aug 12, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Aug 11, 2007 |
Aug 26, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Aug 18, 2007 |
Sep 02, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Aug 25, 2007 |
Sep 09, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Sep 01, 2007 |
Sep 16, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Sep 08, 2007 |
Sep 23, 2007 |
$2,885 |
| Sep 15, 2007 |
Sep 30, 2007 |
$2,985 |
| Sep 22, 2007 |
Oct 07, 2007 |
$3,185 |
| Oct 06, 2007 |
Oct 21, 2007 |
$3,185 |
| Oct 20, 2007 |
Nov 04, 2007 |
$3,185 |
| Nov 03, 2007 |
Nov 18, 2007 |
$2,985 |
| Nov 10, 2007 |
Nov 25, 2007 |
$2,985 |
| Apr 05, 2008 |
Apr 20, 2008 |
$2,985 |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
May 11, 2008 |
$3,185 |
| May 07, 2008 |
May 22, 2008 |
$3,185 |
| May 21, 2008 |
Jun 05, 2008 |
$3,285 |
| Jun 18, 2008 |
Jul 03, 2008 |
$3,285 |
| Jul 02, 2008 |
Jul 17, 2007 |
$3,285 |
- Single Supplement $1,585
- Round-trip airfare is available from Los Angeles from $925.00
For other cities please contact UET.
- PRICES ARE AS OF JUNE 2007 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:
- 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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