Day 1 Fri: Los Angeles / Beijing
Depart today on your exciting journey to visit the fabulous treasures of Imperial China.
Day 2 Sat: Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to BEIJING NEW WORLD COURTYARD HOTEL. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner. (D)
Day 3 Sun: Forbidden City with Tiananmen Square & Summer Palace
Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Later, explore the Summer Palace, the retreat of China's royal families for over 2,000 years. (BL)
Day 4 Mon: Great Wall Excursion
The highlight of your stay in this ancient capital is a visit to the Great Wall. You will also visit the Ming Tombs, including a nice walk on the Sacred Way. Also visit the Tomb of Emperor Zhudi, founder of the Forbidden City. (BL)
Day 5 Tue: Lama Temple / Temple of Heaven / Silk Alley
Visit the Lama Temple, followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven, possibly the country's most popular symbol. It was believed to be the closest place to heaven and was where the emperors would communicate with the gods. This afternoon, go bargain hunting at Silk Alley. (BL)
Day 6: Wed: Beijing / Yichang / Yangtze River Cruise
Fly to Yichang this afternoon to board the EAST KING. (B)
Day 7 Thu: Three Gorges Dam Project / Five Steps Ship Lock
Depart Yichang around 8 a.m., sailing through the east Xiling Gorge. Visit the Three Gorges Dam and sail through the five-steps ship locks. (BLD)
Day 8 Fri: Xiling Gorge / Shennong Stream / Wu Gorge / Qutang Gorge
Pass through Xiling Gorge, largest of the Three Gorges and take an excursion by boat up Shennong Stream. Continue through the wondrous Wu Gorge and visit the dam site. Finally, pass through Qutang Gorge. (BLD)
Day 9 Sat: Shibaozhai
Take a shore excursion to the 184-foot-tall Shibaozhai. Visitors can climb to the top by spiral staircase in the pagoda, 525 feet above the river, to gain a panoramic view of the winding river, the village and the countryside. (BLD)
Day 10 Sun: Chongqing / Xian
Disembark in Chongqing and enjoy a city tour with visits to the General Stilwell Memorial Hall, Chongqing Zoo and the Panda Hall, before flying to Xian. Overnight at GRAND NEW WORLD HOTEL. (BL)
Day 11 Mon: Terra Cotta Warriors
Visit the archaeological site to see thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors. Also visit Shan’xi Provincial Historical Museum. In the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show. (BLD)
Day 12 Tue: Xian / Shanghai
Fly this morning to Shanghai. Your tour includes a visit to Yu Yuan Garden, the Temple of the Jade Buddha, a drive along the famous Bund. Later, enjoy a performance by famous Chinese Acrobats. SHANGHAI HOLIDAY INN HOTEL (BLD)
Day 13 Wed: Suzhou Excursion
Enjoy a day trip to Suzhou by train. Ride on the Grand Canal and visit the garden of Net Master and Panmen Gate to appreciate the silk spinning process. (BL)
Day 14 Thu: Shanghai / Los Angeles
Depart for home today, bearing fond memories of the Imperial Splendors of China. (B)
Note: Ask about a 3- or 5-day extension to Tibet.
