Historical China, Tibet + the Yangtze

You’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and escorted to the luxurious hotel. Settle in to your room and take the rest of this day at leisure to relax and enjoy as you wish.

Today’s sightseeing begins in Tiananmen Square, admiring the architectural landmarks that surround one of the world’s grandest public plazas, and then follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty Emperors on an expertly guided tour through the magnificent Forbidden City.  After lunch, visit the beautiful Summer Palace, erstwhile seasonal retreat of China’s emperors. Set on wooded hills surrounding a tranquil lake, this assemblage of pavilions, palaces and gardens offers a fascinating look into Imperial life long ago.  This evening, sit down to a festive Peking Duck Banquet with wine. Meals B+L+D

Situated farther from the capital than other sections of China’s most famous landmark, the Great Wall at Mutianyu draws fewer visitors. And with its many defensive towers and splendid setting amidst the rugged mountains, Mutianyu offers a more authentic and rewarding experience. Ascend by cable car and walk atop the Great Wall as your expert guide shares exciting stories and legends from China’s long, fascinating history. Meals B+L

This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Heaven; it’s a resplendent example of Ming Dynasty design and engineering that also offers fascinating insight into ancient Chinese beliefs in numerology and cosmology. The temple’s pleasant grounds draw city residents who come to meet with friends, play card games and do their morning Tai Chi. You’ll be able to join this morning ritual as a Tai Chi master leads a private one-hour class for our guests.  Then explore the narrow lanes of a Hutong, one of the city's few remaining enclaves of traditional, centuries-old courtyard homes. Visit a local family living to gain a deeper understanding of life in Beijing's traditional neighborhoods.
 
After a dumpling lunch, we’ll take you to the train station to board China's high speed train to Xian. On arrival, you’ll be escorted to your luxury hotel.  Meals B+L

Farmers stumbled upon the site while digging a well in 1974; today the Terra Cotta Army  is still regarded as China’s greatest archaeological discovery. Set out this morning to visit the excavation site and marvel at the exquisite details of these clay warriors buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. It has been estimated that more than half a million laborers and craftsmen worked for nearly 40 years to complete the tomb - and the thousands of terra cotta soldiers, horses and chariots that were to serve the Emperor in the afterlife. After lunch, you’ll take part in a hands-on workshop to craft your own terra cotta warriors before visiting the ancient defensive walls of the city before returning to your hotel.  Meals B+L+D

Transfer to the rail station this morning to board the train—and enjoy First Class seats aboard the ultra-modern high-speed train to Chengdu. On arrival, experience life in this bustling city as you join your engaging guide for a stroll in the Kuanzhai Xiangzi district, where old stone buildings and lovely courtyards have been given new life as cafes, restaurants and shops. This evening, sit down to a traditional Hotpot Dinner, a regional specialty of Chengdu and Sichuan Province, and then retreat to your hotel.  Meals B+D

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the Dujiangyan Panda Center for our special Panda Encounter. Taking you behind the scenes, this unforgettable experience offers a rare and unique opportunity to learn about Giant Pandas as you join the Center’s staff to participate in their care and meal preparation. You’re sure to get close to these amazing creatures – figuratively and literally – as you help to clean their enclosures and prepare their food. Educational sessions and time to explore the grounds of the Panda Center complete this morning’s Panda Encounter.

After lunch, transfer to the airport for your included flight into the Trans Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your luxury hotel.  Meals B+L+D

Your guided tour of this fascinating city begins at Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Built in the 18th century, this expansive palace complex encompasses tranquil wooded areas, landscaped garden grounds and lovely pavilions. You’ll also visit Jokhang Temple. Originally founded in the 7th century, this 4-story timber structure topped with gold remains an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. Nearby, you’ll have a chance to explore Barkhor Street with its lively and colorful markets. Then spend some time with a master Tangka painter in his studio, learning about the history and techniques of this unique and spiritual art form.  This evening’s dinner showcases traditional Tibetan cuisine.  Meals B+L+D

This morning, you’ll join local residents as they perform Kora. Observing and even participating in this ancient Buddhist rite of walking and prayer will give you an authentic experience of Tibet’s enduring spiritual traditions. Then tour the magnificent Potala Palace . Built on a mountain ridge in the heart of the Lhasa Valley, this was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama for more than 1,000 years. Continue with a visit to the Sera Monastery, founded in the 15th century at the foot of Tatipu Hill. This evening’s dinner at the hotel is included.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and bid farewell to Tibet as you board your included flight to Chongqing. On arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the pier to board the Yangzi Explorer II, China’s finest river ship. You’ll have time to settle in to your balcony stateroom and refresh before dinner is served in the Explorer’s elegant restaurant. Choose from a tempting array of international and regional Chinese dishes, accompanied by free-flowing wine. This evening, gather with your fellow passengers to enjoy the Captain’s Welcome in the Explorer Bar. Meals B+D

Early risers can join an invigorating Tai Chi lesson before a lavish buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant. Later this morning, you have an option of two experiences.

The first choice is to visit Fuling Project 816. Hidden in the Wuling Mountains, the project is the world's largest man-made military cave.  The vast underground cavern was built by more than 60,000 laborers. initiated in the 1960’s and designed to house China’s first nuclear reactor, construction was halted after 17 years—before the project’s completion and before any nuclear material could be produced. The tunnels and cavern remained a closely guarded secret for nearly 50 years until the Government revealed its presence in 2002.

The second choice is a visit to White Crane Ridge Underwater museum and a local market. The museum is nearly 150 feet underwater, and showcases ancient rock carvings in the riverbed that date from AD 763. The visit will also introduce you to some of the Yangtze's flora and fauna. Next, stop at a local market to explore the region's rich culinary culture, including a vast array of pickles, which Fuling is famous for.
 
This evening, with the Three Gorges Harbor as the stage, attend an epic live-performance presentation of a famous 14th-century Chinese literary work, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Enjoy VIP seats for this thrilling and dramatic show that includes cavalry battles, special lighting and water effects, 3D holographic projections and even fireworks.  Meals B+L+D

Enjoy breakfast as our ship navigates through the breathtaking scenery of Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and some say most impressive of the Yangtze River gorges.

 You can choose from two excursions around the Gorge.  The first is a hike along the Yangtze Explorer Trail to a private lookout, just for guests on the ship, for a champagne reception and a spectacular view of the 12 peaks of Wushan at 3,000 feet. 

Alternatively, enjoy a journey along the serene waters of the Daning River, know as the Lesser Three Gorges. After a scenic ferry ride, you'll board a small boat to explore the enchanting Madu River.

Return to the ship for lunch as the Explorer cruises into Wu Gorge, renowned for massive cliffs that rise sharply from the water. As you head upstream, note the coffins stowed high within the limestone cliffs above, a legacy of the region’s early inhabitants.

In the evening, discover the world’s largest and most sophisticated ship-lift system. From your vantage on the VIP Deck, you’ll experience the Three Gorges Ship Lift, an elevator that can raise (and lower) ships nearly 400 feet in 40 minutes, a remarkable time-savings when compared to the four hours that it takes to traverse the Dam’s network of five locks.  Meals B+L+D

Early risers can again join a Tai Chi lesson before this morning’s breakfast. You will have two options for your morning excursion.

The first option is to visit the Three Gorges Dam; stretching more than 3,300 yards across the top and towering over 600 feet, this massive construction project took 17 years to complete! It’s still the world’s largest hydro-power dam and this morning’s guided tour explores its far-reaching impact upon the geography, archaeological sites, industries, and residents of the region.

You can also choose to visit Quyuan Temple & Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum. Qu Yuan is nestled in scenic surroundings, offerings visitors an inside look at the region’s rich culture and literary heritage. Afterwards, visit a museum which chronicles the remarkable stories of the millions of people who were relocated by the monumental Three Gorges Dam project.
 
After lunch, transfer to Jingzhou airport for your included flight to Shanghai where you’ll be met and escorted to your city-center hotel.  Meals B+L

Enjoy a leisurely morning before setting off on a walking tour along the Bund, Shanghai's waterfront historical district. The area has significant European influence where Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco architecture contrasts with the contemporary glass structures that now dominant most of China's skylines. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the country's rich history with a visit to the Shanghai Museum East. Housing a renowned collection of ceramics, jade, bronze, coins and other treasures from China's dynasties,  the museum is regarding as one of country's best. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.  Meals B+L

After breakfast, your guided city tour begins in Yu Yuan Garden, originally established in 1577 by a government officer as a tranquil retreat for his aging parents. Hailed as a spectacular example of classical Chinese landscape design during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, you’ll discover a sublime ensemble of plantings, lotus ponds, winding paths, pavilions and bridges. Browse in the bustling Old City Bazaar. Afterwards, join an optional tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town, an ancient town on the outskirts of Shanghai that is known locally as 'pearl stream.' Enjoy an atmospheric boat ride to take in the traditional homes, bridges and serenity of the town. Next, enjoy a local lunch before a stroll along the town's photogenic streets. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a congenial farewell dinner.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your homeward journey.  Meals B