Cruising the Yangtze River
Departing October 9, 2008

Day 1: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008
Overnight Flight

Day 2: Friday, Oct. 10, 2008
Arrive Shanghai, China - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Shanghai, the economic capital of the People’s Republic of China and one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Prepare to immerse yourself in this land of stunning scenery and ancient culture.

Day 3: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008
Shanghai
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals.? Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of the booming city of Shanghai. The tour includes visits to the Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan Gardens, an island of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the city; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the center of 19th century colonialism; and the Children’s Palace, a European-style fortress where local children play after school. Tonight you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 4: Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008
Shanghai - Wuhan - Board Cruise
A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple, brings you to the home of two white jade statues of Buddha, given to China as a gift from Burma. Fly to Wuhan. Later, board your ship for a 5-night cruise of the Yangtze River, and enjoy a welcome briefing and orientation with the crew. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Monday, Oct. 13, 2008
Cruising
Relax during a day of leisure on the ship and enjoy on-board events such as the river briefing before joining the Captain for a welcome dinner. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008
Gezhou Ship Lock - Xiling Gorge
?Visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam project.? The dam is 27 miles upstream from Yichang City proper, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three gorges. It is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Cruising - Shennong Stream - Wu Gorge
Your excursion today includes a visit to the Shennong Stream in pea boats on the Daning River. You will see breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat gorges. You will also pass through the Wu & Qutang gorges. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
Cruising - Wanxian
Your morning includes a visit to Wanxian, guarded by two nine-story pagodas and known as "the gateway to East Sichuan." You may visit the Three Gorges Museum where you will see many archaeological treasures unearthed before the dam project flooding began. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the busy local market. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Friday, Oct. 17, 2008
Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin
You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Stilwell Museum and Eling Park. This afternoon you fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 10: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008
Guilin
Today enjoy a cart tour of Guilin, viewing some of the unique scenery that has been inspiring Chinese poets for centuries. Enjoy leisure time in Yangshuo to visit the markets and bargain with the locals for souvenirs. ?Visit the Guilin Tea Institute to learn the art of tea picking and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.? Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 11: Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008
Guilin - Xian
?Experience peace and tranquility as you participate in a private Tai Chi lesson.? Many believe that this ancient form of exercise is the secret to Chinese longevity. Next, visit the Reed Flute Caves, with its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch enjoy a stop at Elephant Trunk Hill before boarding your flight to Xian, located in China’s interior. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 12: Monday, Oct. 20, 2008
Xian
Your tour of this former capital of China begins with a visit to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. This vast clay army, 7,000 strong, was created to guard one of China’s emperors in the afterlife. You'll be amazed by the craftsmanship - each soldier has a different face. Later, visit Xian's imposing city walls and the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. Visit the impressive Provincial Museum before returning to your hotel. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 13: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008
Xian - Beijing
This morning you fly to the capital of China, Beijing. A fascinating sightseeing tour of Beijing includes visits to imposing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the vast 15th century complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that was once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit is also made to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors worshipped their gods. ?This evening a special treat is in store - a Peking duck dinner, followed by a special Peking Opera show.? Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 14: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
The Great Wall
No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall. You will have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Later, travel through the valley of the Ming Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Your route takes you for a scenic walk along an avenue called the Sacred Way. While here, experience the time-honored and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 15: Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
Beijing
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Summer Palace. Later take a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part of Beijing. ?With help from an interpreter, learn about a local family’s history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home.? They will also teach you the art of traditional dumpling making! Later, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 16: Friday, Oct. 24, 2008
Beijing - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Beijing. Today breakfast will be included.

For more information write to: tconcepts@hamilton.net or call 402-694-5731 or 800-759-1006.

To make a reservation Click Here