Cultural China and Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise

Chongqing to Yichang

River/Canal Cruising | 14 Nights

Top▲Highlights

This exciting vacation introduces you to the rich history and cultural treasures of China and Tibet. Visit world-famous historical sites in Beijing, Xi-an, and Shanghai, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the legendary Terracotta Warriors, and the Yu Yuan Gardens. High in the Himalayas, explore Lhasa, Tibet’s mystical capital, and marvel at the Three Gorges Dam site on your delightful Yangtze River cruise.

Top▲Itinerary

NOTE: All itineraries on the website are constantly being updated. This itinerary may not be the most current, so please check with one of the Specialty Cruise Advisors on the left to ensure that this is the most current one.

Top▲Dates & Prices

Seasonality

April to October

Applicable air fare taxes and fees

*Air inclusive prices are based on departure from San Francisco. Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11 fee of up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.40 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Air inclusive prices are not guaranteed until payment is made in full. Restrictions apply.

* Single Room Supplement : $1400
* Triples are not available

This example may be available on other dates or with different itineraries. We will gladly research other options for you! Special savings may be available for groups of 6 or more. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, for standard and/or inside stateroom unless stated otherwise, are capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Fare is shown in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Government Fees and Taxes are additional. Refer to appropriate supplier brochure for terms and conditions. Pricing for Singles, 3rd, 4th or 5th guests if available, will be provided upon request and is subject to stateroom category availability. Unless specified, airfare is not included. Full details of airfare offers will be provided upon request and may vary by departure location. Prices vary by date of travel, were available when written, but are subject to restrictions and availability when booked, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer not combinable with other promotions or discount offers. FST #ST37451 / CST #2092247-50 / WST #602-708-936

Top▲What's Included

• MEALS - - 13 American breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Beijing
• SUPERIOR HOTELS - - BEIJING Westin Beijing (D), XI’AN Shangri-la Golden Flower (SF), LHASA Lhasa Hotel (MF), VICTORIA CRUISES Victoria Anna, SHANGHAI Westin Shanghai (D)
• INSIDE VISITS - - Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

Shore Excursions and Activities (Included)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Day 3 - Full-day sightseeing with visits to the Forbidden City, Imperial Palacem Tinan'anmen Square (Beijing)

  Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds. This evening, meet your traveling companions at a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER in a local restaurant.

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  Day 4 - Visits to the Great Wall of China, Sacred Way, Peking Opera and the Cloisonne Workshop. (Beijing)

  The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP, where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful makeup being applied to the performers.

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  Day 5 - Enjoy a Dinner show and ride through one of Beijing's Hutongs (Beijing (Xingang))

  This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as you are invited into a daycare center and into the courtyard of a family’s home for a tea ceremony. Fly to Xi’an, where you spend the next two nights. This evening, enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances.

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  Day 6 - Visit a Lacquer Workshop, take a Calligraphy class, see the Terracotta Warriors. (Xi'an)

  One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD, followed by a LACQUER WORKSHOP. Next, visit the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Then, visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS.

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  Day 8 - Visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the Summer Palace. (Lhasa)

  This morning, after a city tour, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. This afternoon, visit the SUMMER PALACE and a typical Tibetan monastery.

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  Day 9 - Visit a Tibetan's Home then visit a Drepung Monastery and more. (Lhasa)

  Today, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch, a visit to the DREPUNG MONASTERY (the largest in Tibet), and a TIBETAN HOSPITAL to learn of traditional medicine and therapy.

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  Day 10 - Visit a local Zoo (Chongqing)

  Fly to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local ZOO to see pandas.

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  Day 14 - Full day of sightseeing with visits to Shanghai Museum, Children's Palace, Silk Factory and more. (Shanghai)

  Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You’ll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, then visit a SILK FACTORY and the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner followed by a spectacular ACROBATIC SHOW.

Top▲What's NOT Included

• Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.

Top▲Onboard Activities

Other	NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand.

Top▲Vessel Information

Victoria Anna

Motor Ship (Riverboat) | 306 Passengers | Operated by Avalon Waterways,

The newly built Victoria Anna is setting the standard for Yangtze river cruising. A three-story atrium lobby welcomes guests to a decor blending modern comfort and elegant Asian design. A large sun deck, two lounges, three bars, a gym, library, multiple gift shops, and two elevators complement two restaurants including a main dining room and an à la carte restaurant. All of the ship's generously sized cabins include floor-to-ceiling windows with a glass door opening to a private balcony. The Victoria Anna accommodates 226 passengers. The newest and most luxurious ship on the Yangtze, the Victoria Anna promises a journey of unbelievable comfort and grand style.

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