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YANGTZE
SPECTACULAR
Country
visited: China |
 |
The
Yangtze, the third longest river in the world, offers spectacular
scenery and an experience that lives forever. This 18 days
journey is a relaxing way to enjoy Eastern China at it’s
very best. With historical sites like the Great Wall, Tian’anmen
Square and the Forbidden City to a fascinating 5 days on the
Yangtze cruising. Xian – the birthplace of the Great
Silk Road to the cultural centers of Guilin followed by Shanghai.
This journey covers five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
| 01 |
Vancouver
/ Beijing |
| 02 |
Beijing |
| 03 |
Beijing |
| 04 |
Beijing |
| 05 |
Beijing |
| 06 |
Beijing
/ Xian |
| 07 |
Xian |
| 08 |
Xian
/ Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise |
| 09 |
Yangtze
River Cruise |
| 10 |
Yangtze
River Cruise |
| 11 |
Yangtze
River Cruise |
| 12 |
Chongqing
/ Guilin |
| 13
|
Guilin |
| 14 |
Guilin
/ Shanghai (Flight) / Suzhou (Drive) |
| 15 |
Suzhou
/ Tongli (Water Village) / Suzhou |
| 16 |
Suzhou
/ Shanghai (Drive) |
| 17 |
Shanghai |
| 18 |
Depart
Shanghai / Vancouver |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in China covered on this tour |
| The
Great Wall (1987) |
In
c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications
were joined together to form a united defence system against
invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the
Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when the Great Wall became the
world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic
importance is matched only by its architectural significance. |
| Imperial
Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1987) |
The
Imperial Palace of the Qing Dynasty in Shenyang consists
of 114 buildings, constructed between 1625-26 and 1783. It
contains an important library and testifies to the foundation
of the last dynasty that ruled China, before it expanded
its power to the centre of the country and moved the capital
to Beijing. This palace then became auxiliary to the Imperial
Palace in Beijing. This remarkable architectural edifice
offers important historical testimony to the history of the
Qing Dynasty and to the cultural traditions of the Manchu
and other tribes in the north of China. |
| Summer
Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing (1998) |
The
Summer Palace in Beijing - first built in 1750, largely destroyed
in the war of 1860 and restored on its original foundations
in 1886 - is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.
The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined
with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces,
temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding
aesthetic value. |
| Temple
of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing (1998) |
The
Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century,
is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens
and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout
and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship
between earth and heaven - the human world and God's world
- which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also
the special role played by the emperors within that relationship. |
| Imperial
Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (2000) |
The
Ming and Qing imperial tombs are natural sites modified by
human influence, carefully chosen according to the principles
of geomancy (Fengshui) to house numerous buildings of traditional
architectural design and decoration. They illustrate the
continuity over five centuries of a world view and concept
of power specific to feudal China. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
|
Day
01 Depart Vancouver / Beijing
The adventure starts off with a flight from Vancouver
for Beijing.
Day 02 Arrive Beijing
Huan Ying! We are warmly welcomed in Beijing, the
imperial capital of China, and transferred to our hotel. As
we drive to our hotel we get the first introduction to this
majestic city and capital to the world’s most populous
country. Check in time starts from 1400 hrs. Rest of the day
free.
Overnight: Chang An Grand Hotel or similar (4 nights)
Day 03 Beijing
After breakfast you’ll explore the very heart
of Beijing. The trip starts from renowned Tian’anmen
Square – the largest public square in the world. The
square and its surrounding areas are home to some of China's
most historic monuments and government edifices. Then take
a tour to the amazing Forbidden City, the largest existing
ancient architectural complex in China. In the afternoon,
you'll visit the Summer Palace - an enchanting panorama of
lake, landscape, pagodas and pavilions. This evening, a special
Peking Duck Dinner has been planned. (B/L/SD)
Day 04 Beijing
An inspiring day tour has been arranged to the remarkable
and world-famous Great Wall (Juyong Pass), which winds dragon-like
across northern China. Enjoy time to walk its ramparts and
absorb breathtaking views. After lunch you'll visit the tomb
of Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) Changling - one of the Ming Tombs
at the burial site of thirteen Ming Dynasty Emperors. You’ll
also have a close look at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadium
(The Bird’s Nest & The Water Cube). Evening entertainment
is a dazzling Beijing Acrobatic Show. (B/L/D)
Day 05 Beijing
Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful Temple
of Heaven. Then take a novel Rickshaw Tour through the ancient
alleyways of Beijing’s Hutong - one of Beijing's 700-year-old
traditional cottage neighbourhoods. A personal visit to a
family in one of the “Quadrangles” has been arranged,
and you'll be treated to a delightful Family Lunch at the
home of one of local families! After this unusual lunch, you’ll
make a visit to the busiest shopping area - Wangfujing. You’ll
enjoy a bus tour to experience Beijing by Night (Donghua Gate
Food Fair). (B/L/D)
Day 06 Beijing / Xian (Flight)
Today you'll take a flight to Xi’an - one of
China's ancient capitals. Visit Shanxi Provincial Museum.
A change-of-pace Western Dinner and a Xi'an Night Tour to
a fascinating Muslim Quarter Market will be arranged.
Overnight: Empark Grand Hotel or similar (2 nights)
(B/L/WD)
Day 07 Xian
You'll take an unforgettable full day tour to visit
the remarkable Museum that houses the most exciting archaeological
discovery of the 20th Century - the excavation of more than
6,000 Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. On the way you'll stop
at a Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses reproduction factory.
This evening, you’ll enjoy a well-known Xi’an
Special Dumpling Banquet while you are being entertained by
the colourful Tang Dynasty Show. (B/L/SD)
Day 08 Xian / Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise
Visit the historic Ming Dynasty City Wall before
taking a flight to Yichang. After dinner, you’ll board
the deluxe cruise ship Victoria Cruises – Queen. Explore
your stateroom and the ship before starting to revel in every
splendid and amazing moment on the Yangtze River.
Overnight: Victoria Cruises – Queen or similar
(4 nights) (B/L/D)
Day 09 Yangtze River Cruise
After a brief introduction to the Cruise, a shore
excursion at Sandouping takes you to famous “Three Gorges
Dam”, the biggest hydroelectric dam in the world. This
afternoon, you'll pass through the first gorge - Xiling Gorge,
the longest and historically the most hazardous of the famous
“Three Gorges”. Tonight, there is an enthusiastic
Crew Cabaret Show. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Yangtze River Cruise
Begin your day with an excursion to Daning River.
Then take an exciting sampan ride to see the Small Gorges.
Don’t forget your camera while you feast on the spectacular
scenery. Return to the cruise ship and set sail through the
second gorge – Wu Gorge, known for its odd, misty rock
formations and its backdrop of soaring mountains. Later in
the afternoon, you’ll pass through the third gorge -
Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic of the Three
Gorges, with ancient relics scattered along its steep cliffs.
Tonight, you’ll have a spirited Crew Cabaret Show.
(B/L/D)
Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise
After arriving in Fengdu, enjoy a shore excursion
to visit Ghost City, known for its statues of ghosts and devils
on Mingshan Hill. The carved facades are truly fascinating.
Tonight’s entertainment is Captain’s Farewell
Banquet. (B/L/SD)
Day
12 Chongqing / Guilin (Flight)
Disembark at Chongqing, a famous mountain city in
China. You’ll visit Chongqing Zoo to see the lovely
and charming Pandas. After that, you’ll take a flight
to Guilin and have a trip to Fubo Hill and the spectacular
Reed Flute Cave. And you will enjoy a Guilin Cultural Show
at night.
Overnight: Royal Garden Hotel or similar (2 nights)
(B/L/D)
Day 13 Guilin
This morning, you’ll delight in a Cruise on
the picturesque Li River. Then disembark at Yangshuo checking
out the colourful and lively local market. On the way back
to Guilin by coach, you can enjoy the beautiful Rice Paddies
and Country Landscapes. Chinese dinner will be served in your
hotel. A Guilin Night Tour to Pedestrian Market will be arranged.
(B/L/D)
Day 14 Guilin / Shanghai (Flight) / Suzhou (Drive)
You’ll take a flight to Shanghai and take a
coach ride to Suzhou, called the “Venice of the East”.
Overnight: Gusu Jin Jiang Tower Hotel or similar (2
nights) (B/L/D)
Day 15 Suzhou / Tongli (Water Village) / Suzhou
After breakfast, there's a visit to Master-of-Nets
Garden and Suzhou Canal Cruise Tour. Later you'll enjoy a
visit to a unique silk factory. After lunch, you’ll
visit the delightful Water Village of Tongli, which has a
history spanning over 1,000 years. A Suzhou Night Tour will
be arranged. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Suzhou / Shanghai (Drive)
Return to Shanghai, China’s most populous city
and seaport. Visit the Shanghai Museum, People’s Square
and take a walk along the famous “Bund”. You’ll
be amazed at the beauty of historical architecture. Then visit
Yu Yuan Garden. Tour the ultra-modern Pudong Development Zone
and get a closer look at the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
Tonight you’ll enjoy a fabulous and colourful Huangpu
River Night Cruise.
Overnight: Howard Johnson Caida Hotel or similar (2
nights) (B/L/D)
Day 17: Shanghai
Day free at leisure to shop on your own. Lunch will
be by your own arrangement. A China Farewell Dinner will be
arranged in the hotel. (B/SD)
Day 18 Depart Shanghai / Vancouver
After breakfast, bid farewell to China and board
your plane for your return flight to Vancouver. (B)
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B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Back
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Departure Dates |
2010
Mar
09, Apr 1 & 22, May 6 & 20, Jun 10, Jul 22, Aug 26,
Sep 09,16,23, Oct 07,14,21 & 28, Nov 04 & 18, Dec
05 |
| Prices |
| Season
- 2010 |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
With airfare from Vancouver |
4380 |
1390 |
Land
only |
3480 |
1390 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- International
Airfare from Vancouver
- Accommodation
as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
- Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch
D=Dinner SD=Special
WD=Western Dinner)
- All
sightseeing and transfers
- Services
of local English speaking guide
- Entrance
fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
- Domestic
air/cruise tickets
|
- Canada
airport taxes (approx $350.00 – to be invoiced if
taking the international air).
- China
AIF (approx $120.00) – to
be invoiced regardless.
- Insurance
- Visas
(approx $65)
- Beverage
- Tips
(approx $180)
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(included
in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ N/A |
| West
Coast |
US
$ N/A |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 2
and a maximum of -
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 2068678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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