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Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Beijing, China

Day 2: Arrive Beijing We reach Beijing late morn­ing then have the afternoon to relax before this evening’s briefing on the journey ahead and dinner together at the hotel. D

Day 3: Beijing We begin our discovery of this 2,000­-year-old city at vast Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, seat of imperial power from 1368-1911. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner. B,D

Day 4: Beijing/Great Wall This morning we tour the splendid Temple of Heaven complex where Chinese royalty once worshipped; this afternoon we visit a section of the 4,000-mile Great Wall. B,L

Day 5: Beijing Our day begins with a small group highlight, as we ride rickshaws through Beijing’s ancient back roads and alleys (hutongs) to glimpse the traditional communal lifestyle that is ages old (and fast disappearing). We also visit with a local family in their home here. This afternoon we call on the Summer Palace, the former royal retreat now a lovely park. B,L

Day 6: Beijing/Xian We fly this morning to Xian, where we dine in a local restaurant for a special dumpling lunch. This afternoon we tour the im­­pressive ancient city walls and moat, followed by a tour of the Shanxi Provincial Museum, housing an acclaim­ed collection of historic and cultural artifacts. Tonight we attend a Tang Dynasty show and dinner. B,L,D

Day 7: Xian This morning we visit Wild Goose Pagoda, one of China’s best preserved Buddhist temples. Then we tour one of the world’s greatest arch­aeo­logical finds: the army of 7,000-plus life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors that had lain buried and for­gotten for more than two millenia until rediscover­ed accidentally by local farmers in 1974. We also visit the site’s museum, where we see a brief film about this amazing find. B,L,D

Day 8: Xian/Shanghai This morning we venture into the countryside to visit a typical farming village. After lunch at a local restaurant we fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city and economic engine. We dine together tonight at a local restaurant. B,L, D

Day 9: Shanghai Our day begins amidst the scenic pools and walkways of 16th-century Yu Yuan Garden, one of the few remaining vestiges of old Shanghai. Our next stop is the Bund, the broad riverside embankment that ranks as Shanghai’s most popular attraction. After lunch we visit the Children’s Palace where adolescents learn traditional arts. Tonight we dine on our own then attend a lively acrobatic show. B,L

Day 10: Shanghai This morning we tour the ­ac­­claimed Shanghai Museum of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, known especially for its bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy.  Our afternoon is at leisure; we dine tonight at the hotel. B,D

Day 11: Shanghai/Yichang/Yangtze Cruising We fly this afternoon to Yichang, where we have dinner in a local restaurant before boarding our Victoria Cruises river ship.  After dinner we set sail up the Yangtze. B,D

Day 12: Yangtze Cruising – Three Gorges Dam Site/Xiling Gorge Prized for its haunting natural beauty, the 3,600-mile Yangtze is one of the world’s busiest and longest rivers. We tour the site of the immense Three Gorges Dam project this morning; this after­noon we transit the locks of 42-mile Xiling Gorge, with swift rapids and churning whirlpools. B,L,D

Day 13: Yangtze Cruising – Small Three Gorges/Wu Gorge/Qutang Gorge Scenes from ancient Chinese scroll paintings come to life this morning as we dock in Wushan, board a small sampan, and cruise along the Daning River or Shennong Stream to the stunning Small Three Gorges. We return to the ship for lunch; this after­noon we cruise tranquil Wu Gorge, considered the most beau­ti­ful of the Three Gorges, and grand Qutang Gorge. B,L,D

Day 14: Yangtze Cruising – Fengdu or Wanxian/Qutang Gorge Depending on water levels, today we visit either the “ghost city” of Fengdu, or the longtime trading town of Wanxian. B,L,D

Day 15: Chongqing/Guilin We disembark this morning in Chongqing, where we visit the beloved pandas at the local zoo.  This afternoon we fly to Guilin, known for its ethereal landscapes and cul­tural riches. After checking in at the hotel, we take an informal walk with our tour director. B,L,D

Day 16: Guilin Scenes from ancient Chinese paintings come alive as we enjoy a half-day cruise on the scenic Li River, floating through breathtaking mountain passes, languid waters overhung with bamboo fronds, and fairy tale hills. B,L,D

Day 17: Guilin/Daxu/Hong Kong Today we visit two popular sights outside Guilin: the ancient Li River town of Daxu, with stone-paved streets, historic buildings, and a Ming Dynasty bridge; and Reed Flute Cave, whose stalactites and stalagmites offer a fascinating glimpse of the natural world. After dinner together tonight we fly to Hong Kong. B,L

Day 18: Hong Kong Our tour of this city that uniquely blends East and West begins with a tram ride up Victoria Peak, for truly spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. Then we take a sampan ride in Aberdeen Bay, where traditional fishermen live; visit the popular beach at Repulse Bay; and tour famed Stanley Market, which sells goods of all kinds. After a special dim sum lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore independently. Dinner tonight is on our own in this most sophisticated city. B,L

Day 19: Hong Kong Today is at leisure to discover Hong Kong as we wish: perhaps riding the historic Star Ferry on Hong Kong harbor; shopping Nathan Road’s “Golden Mile,” or visiting the Jade Market, Ladies Market, exotic Bird Market, or one of the city’s 600 temples. Tonight we toast our China adven­ture together at a farewell dinner. B,D

Day 20: Depart for U.S. We depart for the U.S. this morning, arriving on the West Coast then connecting with our flights home. B

Please note: This trip involves full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces.  You should be in good physical ­con­dition to enjoy the tour to the fullest.

Included

Tour Price Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from cities listed; all flights within China
• 18 nights' accommodations: 4 nights aboard Superior First Class ship of Victoria Cruises; 14 nights in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels
• 44 meals: 18 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip, including on shore excursions
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after three tours)

Dates and Prices

2010 Tour Dates & Prices

	Sep 2 Oct 14	Sep 16 Sep 23 Oct 7
Los Ang, San Fran	$4,495	$4,595
Phoenix, Port (OR), Seattle	$4,695	$4,795
Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dal, Den, Detroit, Hou, Minn,  New York, Phil	$4,795	$4,895
Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleve, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Wash, DC	$4,895	$4,995

Please call if your city is not listed or for land only prices. Prices are per person based on double occu­pancy in an outside cabin.  Single travelers please add $1,395. Your $375 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days before departure. All 2010 tour prices above are guaranteed.

Business Class upgrade on round-trip Trans-Pacific flight from San Francisco: $3,495 per person; from Chicago, Wash, DC:  $3,995. Airline taxes and departure fees of $279 per person are subject to change and will be listed separately on your invoice.

Hotels

Hotels & Ratings

Day Itinerary Hotel Rating 1 Depart U.S for Beijing 2-5 Beijing Sofitel Wanda Beijing Deluxe 6-7 Xian Sheraton Xian Sup. First Class 8-10 Shanghai Hilton Shanghai Deluxe 11-14 Yangtze Cruise Victoria Cruises Sup. First Class 15-16 Guilin Sheraton Guilin First Class 17-19 Hong Kong Langham Place Deluxe 20 Depart Hong Kong for U.S.

Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference.