Day 1: ARRIVE IN BEIJING, CHINA Welcome to China's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon checkin.
Day 2: 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 and situated on Kunming Lake. This evening, enjoy a special Peking Duck welcome dinner in a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 3: 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 Cloisonne Workshop and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colourful 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 colourful makeup being applied to the performers. (B, L, D)
Day 4: BEIJING-XI'AN This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's Hutongs, the city's ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighbourhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family's home for tea. Later, fly to Xi'an. This evening, enjoy the "Tang Dynasty" Dinner Show featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances. (B, D)
Day 5: 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 enormous tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of Terracotta 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. Next, visit a lacquer workshop followed by Dayan Pagoda built in 652 AD. (B, L, D)
Day 6: XI'AN-CHONGQING (EMBARKATION)-YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE This morning, visit the Xi'an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese calligraphy class, you may even see some locals practicing their morning Tai Chi. Next, fly to Chongqing, China's capital during World War 2. Visit a local zoo to see pandas before boarding the Victoria Anna for a three night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B, L, D)
Day 7: CRUISING: WANXIAN OR SHIBAOZHAI OR FENGDU Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered. Wanxian, "Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province", where you will see an acrobatic show, market and possibly a school. Shibaozhai with its 400 year old, 12 story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side, or Fengdu where you will visit Ghost City Temple. (B, L, D)
Day 8: CRUISING: SHENNONG STREAM OR DANING RIVER Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges - Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a boat excursion down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream depending on conditions. Continue sailing through Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges ship locks. (B, L, D)
Day 9: CRUISING: THREE GORGES DAM SITE-YICHANG (DISEMBARKATION)-SHANGHAI View tiny villages clinging to hillsides as you proceed toward Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam Site, where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, say farewell to your ships crew in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China's most populous city and centre of trade and industry. (B, L)
Day 10: SHANGHAI Your sightseeing starts at the Yu Yuan Gardens, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Then, stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks and trade houses. Visit a silk factory to learn about the silk making process. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the Shanghai Museum and the Children's Palace, where talented children study music, dance and theatre after school. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner followed by a spectacular acrobatic show. (B, L, D)
Day 11: SHANGHAI Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Beijing
The capital of The People's Republic of China covers an area of some 6,870 square miles and boasts a population of over 11 million people. At the heart of this immense metropolis lies the Forbidden City. Two more examples of China's enduring culture are The Great Wall and Tiananmen Square.
Country - China Distance from port to City - 225kms Distance from port to Airport - 250kms Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest Tiananmen Square, Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
Xian
Xian is located in the southern part of the Guanzhong Plain. With the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north, it is in a great geographical location surrounded by water and hills. It has a demi-moist monsoon climate and there is a clear distinction between its four seasons. Except the colder winter any season is perfect for for traveling.
Country - China Distance from port to City - N/A Distance to Airport - 20km Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest City Wall of Xian, Terracotta Army, Mount Hua, The Bell and Drum Tower
Chongqing
Country - China Distance from port to City - Distance from port to Airport - 20km Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest Three Gorges, The Great Hall of the People, People's Liberation Monument
Shibaozhai
Country - China Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 0kms Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest
Shanghai
For the past 15 years Shanghai has reawakened and regained its former glory as “The Paris of the East” in the 1920s and 30s. Its new skyscrapers seem to go up almost overnight, especially in the Pudong District, Shanghai's commericial center. And the air's electric with a sense of confidence and purpose.
Even the best museum, the Shanghai Museum, is but a decade old and already owns a collection of bronze that may well be the finest in the world. Still, there are a few more ancient sites worth your attention such as the pastoral, 16th century Yu Garden, an extraordinary maze of Ming Dynasty pavilions and bridges, encircled by an udulating dragon wall.
Country - China Distance from port to City - 5kms Distance from port to Airport - 50kms Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Gardens, Old Bazaar, Xintiandi, Shanghai Museum
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Avalon - China River Cruises Cabin Info
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Avalon Waterways
Now that you know why river cruising should be your next vacation, you need to decide which cruise company to choose. Thats easy, When you travel with Avalon Waterways, you can relax in the knowledge that you've made the best choice. Newest Ships
Avalon sets a new standard in river cruising Europe's newest ships; you cruise in amazing, one-of-a-kind travel comfort. Sleek and elegant, they are part of a new generation of river cruisers, with state-of-the-art technology. These ships offer larger accommodations with hotel-style beds, private facilities, satellite television, and much more, including email or internet access, and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in many staterooms. Travellers will enjoy a fitness centre, hair salon and massage services.
The Most Enriching Experiences
Our Enrichment Program is among the best in river cruising. Experienced local guides will take you on sightseeing tours of wonderful towns and cities, plus you can spend the evening on shore, if the schedule permits. In addition to fascinating sightseeing on each itinerary, you can choose from a few optional outings, and there's always time to make your own discoveries as well. Back on board, you'll enjoy interactive presentations with area experts, wine tastings, local entertainment, and more. Look on each cruise itinerary page to see the Included Features and Special Highlights listed for each vacation.
Created for the English Speaking Market
These new ships are built for the English Speaking Market, with non-smoking interiors and English speaking crew. They feature larger staterooms than most other river cruise vessels with comfortable beds and large windows to view the passing scene. Meals are European cuisine tailored to western tastes with coffee and tea available at no extra charge throughout the day. The Enrichment Program is geared towards those that like to travel with lively itineraries, time for individual discovery, and onboard entertainment.
Fine Dining
Whether you savour time-tested recipes or experiment more boldly, with Avalon you'll taste the true flavours of Europe, Egypt and China. Meals enjoyed in the company of your travelling companions are a major part of your vacation experience. On Avalon's ships, you'll enjoy open seat dining with one sitting, wine included with all onboard dinners, and panoramic views from your restaurant.
Quality Hotels
On several itineraries, you'll either begin or end your experience with a stay on land. We understand the importance of hotel quality to your vacation; that's why any hotels included in your itinerary are rated first class (F) or above (SF). Look for the exact ratings on the itinerary pages.
Unbeatable Value
We include all the main features of a destination without extra cost. Our volume buying power saves you money. And we handle all the logistics and details, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your cruise. Plus we provide all meals on board, a rich land excursion program and much more!
