Postcard Moments

Classic China- 9 Days

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a local representative who will escort you to the Dynasty Hotel.

Day 2 - Beijing
Visit Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. Walk through the Tiananmen Gate, “Gate of Heavenly Peace,” and the entranceway to the Forbidden City. Tour the Forbidden City, a 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens. It’s the most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Continue on to another Beijing gem, the Summer Palace, one of China's largest and best-preserved imperial gardens. At the end of the day, indulge in a succulent Peking Duck dinner. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 3 - Beijing
In the morning, travel 40 miles north of Beijing to the Great Wall. To walk this wonder of the ancient world is truly memorable. The original construction began in the 7th century B.C. as a way to keep out the warring invaders. Additional sections were extended over the centuries for nearly 4,000 miles. Before your return to Beijing, travel the Sacred Way, home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. End your day with yet another highlight, an evening at the Beijing Opera. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 - Beijing – Xi’an
Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of Hutongs (ancient lanes and alleyways), located in the old residential area of Beijing. Enjoy a Hutong family lunch, and then fly to Xian in the afternoon and be taken to the Sheraton Hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 - Xi’an
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the site of one of the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. After your amazing exploration of these fabulous sculptures, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 - Xi’an – Shanghai – Tongli – Suzhou
Fly to Shanghai and travel to Tongli en route to Suzhou. A charming town, Tongli boasts a picturesque collection of ancient bridges crisscrossing meandering rivers. This is the China of picture books, complete with narrow streets, simple and elegant homes, teahouses and intriguing shops. In the evening, enjoy a gala at the Garden of the Master of the Fishing Nets, including a special performance of native classical music and dance. This is a rare opportunity to experience a truly intimate and memorable evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Days 7 - Suzhou – Shanghai
Suzhou is known for its embroidery, silk and gardens. The gardens exemplify delicate designs, containing hills and ponds, terraces, corridors and towers. Wander through the Garden of the Humble Administrator, learn about silk manufacturing and visit the Embroidery Institute before returning to Shanghai. In the afternoon, travel to Shanghai. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 - Shanghai
Shanghai is a striking blend of cultures. European-style buildings stand alongside Chinese structures and ancient temples. Today, you'll stroll through Old Town then along the Bund, Shanghai's famed waterfront promenade. Also enjoy the peaceful Yu Yuan Gardens. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its distinctive artistic spheres representing "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate." The highest tower in Asia, this unique site with revolving teahouse and sightseeing platform offers a fantastic view of the Bund and Pudong New area. On your final night in China, prepare to be dazzled as the amazing Shanghai Acrobats entertain you. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 - Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Buffet Breakfast)

Highlights of China & the Yangtze- 11 Days

Day 1 Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your deluxe hotel. The rest of your day is at your leisure.

Day 2 Beijing
Beijing is home to the sights that make China a must-see destination. Among the many fascinating places you will visit is the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world, with more than 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms. Visit Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. Walk through the Tiananmen Gate, "Gate of Heavenly Peace," and the entranceway to the Forbidden City. Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs (ancient lanes and alleyways), located in the old residential area of Beijing. In the evening, top off a fabulous day with an authentic Peking Duck dinner.(Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Beijing
An UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Wall is without question one of the manmade wonders of the world. To walk this marvel of the ancient world is truly memorable. Later in the day, travel the Sacred Way, home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs, the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. End your day with yet another highlight, an evening at the Beijing Opera. (Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Beijing – Xi’an
Admire one of China's best-preserved imperial gardens at the Summer Palace. Later in the day, you'll fly to Xian and check into yet another deluxe hotel, with a delicious dinner waiting for you.(Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Xi'an
Xian is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the site of one of the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. After your amazing exploration of these fabulous sculptures, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes. (Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Xi'an – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise
Fly to Chongqing, where you'll board an elegant Victoria Cruises ship for your cruise of the awe-inspiring Yangtze. But, before we cast off, visit the Chongqing Zoo for a glimpse of Giant Pandas, Lesser Pandas and Chinese tigers.(Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise – Three Gorges
Sail along the Yangtze with its vertical limestone cliffs. Your journey will take you through the Three Gorges, each with its own unique characteristics. If water levels cooperate, stop at Shibaozai, a magnificent wooden pavilion constructed without nails, perched dramatically against a sheer rectangular cliff.(Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise – Lesser Three Gorges
Board a riverboat and embark on a voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges, depending on water levels. It's an enchanting and tranquil journey that will take you through "Dragon Gate," "Misty Gorge" and "Emerald Gorge." After returning to the cruise ship, you'll sail through Xiling Gorge, and in the evening, you'll pass through the Three Gorges ship locks. (Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise – Yichang – Shanghai
On the way to Yichang, visit the site of the controversial Three Gorges Dam before disembarking your luxury ship. Fly to Shanghai, China's largest city, where you'll have the remainder of the day to do as you please in Asia's shopping and culinary center.(Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 Shanghai
Shanghai is a striking blend of cultures. European-style buildings stand alongside Chinese structures and ancient temples. Today, you'll visit the peaceful Yu Yuan Gardens, then stroll through Old Town then along the Bund, Shanghai's famed waterfront promenade. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its distinctive artistic spheres representing "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate." The highest tower in Asia, this unique site with revolving teahouse and sightseeing platform offers a fantastic view of the Bund and Pudong New area. On your final night in China, prepare to be dazzled as the amazing Shanghai Acrobats entertain you.(Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11 Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue your tour with one of our popular optional extensions.(Buffet Breakfast

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