Day 1: ARRIVE IN SHANGHAI, CHINA Welcome to China's most populous city and centre of trade and industry. Hotel rooms are available for mid afternoon check in.
Day 2: SHANGHAI Your sightseeing starts at the Yu Yuan Gardens, dating to the Ming Dynasty. Then, stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks and trade houses. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the Children's Palace, where talented children study music, dance and theatre after school. This evening, meet your traveling companions for a welcome dinner followed by a spectacular acrobatic show. (B, L, D)
Day 3: SHANGHAI-YICHANG (EMBARKATION)-YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Visit the Shanghai Museum and a silk factory before flying to Yichang. Board the Victoria Jenna for a four night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B, D)
Day 4: CRUISING: THREE GORGES DAM SITE 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, sail through the Three Gorges ship locks and the Xiling Gorge. (B, L, D)
Day 5: CRUISING: SHENNONG STREAM OR DANING RIVER This morning, disembark for a boat excursion down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. After lunch, head upstream through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge and the Wu Gorge, 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. (B, L, D)
Day 6: 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, or Fengdu, where you will visit Ghost City Temple. (B, L, D)
Day 7: CRUISING: CHONGQING (DISEMBARKATION)-LHASA, TIBET Bid farewell to your ship's crew upon arrival in Chongqing, China's capital during World War 2. The city sits high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local zoo to see pandas before boarding your flight to the holy city of Lhasa, the capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. The rest of the day is free to rest and adjust to the 14,000 foot altitude. (B, L, D)
Day 8: LHASA This morning, take a brief city tour, then visit the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a Tibetan's Home that includes lunch before visiting a typical Tibetan Monastery. The final stop today is the Tibetan Hospital, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. (B, L, D)
Day 9: LHASA Today, visit the imposing Potala Palace, once the centre 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. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 10: LHASA-XI'AN, CHINA Today, fly to the city of Xi'an in central China. This evening, enjoy the "Tang Dynasty" dinner show, featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances. (B, D)
Day 11: 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 legend 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. Then, visit the Xi'an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese calligraphy class. (B, L, D)
Day 12: XI'AN-BEIJING Today, fly to Beijing, China's capital city. Enjoy a ricksaw 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. (B, L)
Day 13: 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 pavillions, temples and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. 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 14: 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. This evening is the perfect finale to a great touring adventure as you are hosted to a special Peking Duck Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 15: BEIJING Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
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
Shibaozhai
Country - China Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 0kms Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest
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
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
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
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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!
