Day 1 West Coast - Shanghai
Aboard your transpacific flight to Shanghai.

Day 2 Shanghai
Upon arrival in Shanghai - "Paris of the Orient", you will be greeted and escorted to the Central Hotel Shanghai (or similar).

Day 3 Shanghai (AB,L,D)
Today's sightseeing features the bustling shopping street Nanjing Road, and The Bund, famous promenade along the Huangpu River. Pay a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, renowned for its huge statue of the Buddha carved from a single piece of white jade. In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds, and Old Shanghai Bazaar, with shops filled with all manner of interesting curios.

Day 4 Shanghai (AB,L)
This morning, you will visit the Shanghai Museum, China's most up-to-date museum showcasing the country's ancient glory. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Children's Palace where you will enjoy musical and cultural performances by children attending classes.

Day 5 Shanghai - Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise (AB,L,D)
Your morning is free at leisure. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Yichang. Dinner upon arrival, then board the 5-star Victoria Cruises and begin your memorable journey on the Yangtze River.

Day 6 Yangtze River: Three Gorges Dam
This morning, your cruise will take you on a shore excursion at the Three Gorges Dam site, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Then sail through the double-lane five stages of the Three Gorges ship locks. Your cruise continues and passes through the first and longest gorge, Xiling Gorge.

Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise: Danning River Small Gorges or Shennong Stream (AB,L,D)
Today's excursion will include boarding a smaller vessel up the Danning River to view the sceneries of the Small Gorges. If weather permits, a sampan ride will take you into the tranquil tributary. Subject to river condition, alternate excursion to Shennong Stream may occur, also with its spectacular views of the Small Gorges. Then continue to cruise through the first two of the famous Three Gorges. Qutang Gorge, the shortest but the most dramatic gorge and Wu Gorge, known for its sheer cliffs and twelve peaks.

Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise: Shibaozhai (AB,L,D)
Today's shore excursion is to Shibaozhai, famous for its 12-story wooden pagoda built against a sheer cliff on the river bank over some 400 years ago.
**Depending on local river conditions, alternate shore excursion to Wanzhou may occur.

Day 9 Yangtze River - Chongqing - Xi'an (AB,L,D)
Your cruise arrives the mountainous city of Chongqing where you disembark.Your city tour will include a visit to the Stilwell Museum where you will see a collection of World War II memorabilia, including exhibits on the Flying Tigers. If time permits, visit the People's Congress Hall and the art gallery. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, check in to the Grand New World Hotel (or similar).

Day 10 Xi'an (AB,L,SD)
Today's highlight is a visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, home to more than 6,000 life-size army excavated from the tomb of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. After lunch, visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, renowned for its collection of Han and Tang dynasty antiquities. In the evening, enjoy a special dumpling dinner and cultural show recreating the music, costumes and dance of the Tang Dynasty.

Day 11 Xi'an - Beijing (AB,L,D)
Visit the Ancient City Walls, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower before transferring to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, check in to the Capital Hotel (or similar).

Day 12 Beijing (AB,L)
The highlight today is an excursion to the Great Wall. Enjoy the dramatic vistas and marvel at the Wall as it climbs and descends steep ridges and narrow valleys. A scenic cable car ride enhances your visit through the steep hills. Continue on to visit a cloisonn factory on the way to lunch. After lunch, visit the Ming Tombs starting with a stroll along the Sacred Way guarded by the stone statues; then onto the Chang Ling Exhibition Musuem.

Day 13 Beijing (AB,L,SD)
After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City, home of Chinese Emperors for more than 500 years. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, taking a leisure stroll while admiring the thousands of ancient murals along the Long Corridor and a boat ride on the Kunming Lake (weather permitting). Bid your goodbye with a fabulous farewell banquet featuring the famous Beijing Duck in the evening.

Day 14 Beijing - West Coast (AB)
Farewell to Beijing. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA.