Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise and Hong Kong & Mongolia 2013

Day 1 Arrive in Hong Kong, China
Welcome to exciting Hong Kong! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. (Breakfast)

Day 2 Hong Kong
This morning’s sightseeing begins with a cable-car ride up to Victoria Peak for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village for a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET, a narrow street jammed with stalls offering clothing, arts, and crafts. Tonight, consider an optional sunset cruise on Hong Kong’s magnificent harbor.(B)

Day 3 Hong Kong
Take advantage of a full free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to join one of our optional excursions to view the giant Buddha on the island of Lantau or to learn about Hong Kong‘s history before the British colonized the area. Shopping is a highlight of Hong Kong with markets, malls, and shops to fit any taste and budget. Your local host will be happy to suggest ways to make the most of your day.(B)

Day 4 Hong Kong–Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.(B)

Day 5 Shanghai
Your sightseeing starts at the YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Then, stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy time at your leisure. This evening, meet your traveling companions for a welcome dinner followed by a spectacular ACROBATIC SHOW.(B,L,D)

Day 6 Shanghai–Yichang (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise
Visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and a SILK FACTORY before flying to Yichang. Board the Century Legend for a 4-night CRUISE through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze.(B,D)

Day 7 Cruising: Xiling Gorge–Three Gorges Dam Site
This morning, perhaps wake up early for a Tai Chi session on the Sun Deck. Later, cruise through the Xiling Gorge, the first of the Three Gorges. Then, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, sail through the Three Gorges ship locks, and enjoy time at your leisure on the ship. Maybe take a swim in the pool or simply enjoy the passing scenery. This evening, the Captain hosts a welcome party followed by dinner and a special performance by the ship’s crew.(B,L,D)

Day 8 Cruising: Wu Gorge–Shennong Stream–Qutang Gorge
This morning, sail upstream through the second of the three gorges—Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your Captain negotiates this narrow gap. Then, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down the Shennong Stream. Along the way, see four natural gorges and the mysterious hanging wooden coffins. Before returning to your ship you will also take a SAMPAN RIDE on a smaller section of the stream, where the sampan crew will sing songs as you glide across the stunning deep emerald-green waters surrounded by densely forested hills. After a late lunch on the ship, sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge and the last of the famed three gorges.The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may choose to take an optional shore excursion to Baidi Cheng, known as the “White Emperor City,” to see the Baidi Temple.(B,L,D)

Day 9 Cruising: Shibaozhai
After breakfast, take a WALKING TOUR of Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side. After lunch, the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the ship and its many amenities. This evening, join the Captain for a special Chinese-style farewell banquet.(B,L,D)

Day 10 Cruising: Chongqing (Disembarkation)–Lhasa, Tibet
After breakfast, bid farewell to your ship’s crew in Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city sits high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local ZOO to see pandas before boarding your flight to the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. The rest of the day is free to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude.(B,L,D)

Day 11 Lhasa
This morning, take a brief city tour, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a typical TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy.(B,L,D)

Day 12 Lhasa
Today, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also, visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure.(B,L,D)

Day 13 Lhasa–Xi’an, China
Today, fly to the city of Xi’an in central China. This evening, enjoy the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances.(B,D)

Day 14 Xi’an
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD, followed by a LACQUER WORKSHOP. Next, visit the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Then, visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS.(B,L,D)

Day 15 Xi’an–Beijing
Today, fly to Beijing, China’s capital city. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family’s home for tea.(B,D)

Day 16 Beijing
Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful make-up being applied to the performers.(B,L,D)

Day 17 Beijing
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. This evening is the perfect finale to a great touring adventure as you’re hosted to a special PEKING DUCK FAREWELL DINNER in a local restaurant.(B,L,D)

Day 18 Beijing–Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Today, fly to Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. After some time in the hotel, enjoy a city tour that includes Sukhbaatar Square and Zaisan Hill, offering sweeping views of the city. Next, visit the NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM with a rich collection of exhibits covering the history and people of Mongolia. The last stop is the NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, housing fascinating exhibits that showcase the geography, flora, and fauna of Mongolia, as well as dinosaur fossils excavated from the Gobi Desert.(B,L,D)

Day 19 Ulaanbaatar–Gobi Desert
Early this morning, fly to the Gobi Desert. Covering most of southern Mongolia, the Gobi is the world’s fourth-largest desert. Visit EAGLE VALLEY NATIONAL PARK and marvel at stunning mountain scenery and the Gobi Glacier. The Gobi supports more than 300 varieties of flora and fauna and several endangered species, including the Snow Leopard and the Bactrian Camel.(B,L,D)

Day 20 Gobi Desert
This morning, stop at the largest SAND DUNES in the region en route to Bayan Zag. Here, explore the CEMETERY OF DINOSAURS, where the world’s best-preserved dinosaur skeletons and their petrified eggs were excavated. Then, visit a CAMEL BREEDERS CAMP to learn about the nomadic lifestyle and culture, and to try some traditional food.(B,L,D)

Day 21 Gobi Desert–Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar early this morning. Upon arrival, visit the BOGD KHAN WINTER PALACE and the GANDAN MONASTERY. With more than 150 monks in residence and numerous temples, it is the most important Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. This evening, enjoy a MONGOLIAN FOLKLORE PERFORMANCE featuring traditional musical instruments, throat singing, and dances.(B,L,D)

Day 22 Ulaanbaatar–Beijing, China
Today, return to Beijing and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the Temple of Heaven.(B)

Day 23 Beijing
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

• Cruise: Deluxe 4-night cruise from Yichang to Chongqing in a Deluxe Stateroom with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony
• Hong Kong: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; cable-car ride up Victoria Peak; sampan ride on harbor; visit Stanley Market; Host service during your stay
• Shanghai: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, the Shanghai Museum, and a silk factory; attend an acrobatic show; welcome dinner
• Yichang: Begin your Yangtze cruise aboard the Century Legend
• Three Gorges Dam: Sightseeing of the impressive dam site with a Local Guide
• Shennong Stream: Enjoy a boat excursion down one of the Yangtze’s lesser gorges including sampan ride
• Shibaozhai: Walking tour
• Chongqing: Visit a local zoo to see pandas
• Lhasa: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Summer Palace, a Tibetan’s home, a Tibetan monastery, a Tibetan hospital, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and a local bazaar
• Xi’an: Enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Dayan Pagoda and Terracotta Warriors, lacquer workshop, noodle-making demonstration, and calligraphy class
• Beijing: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; Hutong tour by rickshaw; visit the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonné workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Opera performance; Peking Duck farewell dinner
• Ulaanbaatar: Sightseeing with a Local Guide, visit the National History Museum, the Natural History Museum, Bogd Khan Winter Palace, and the Gandan Monastery; Mongolian folklore performance
• Gobi Desert: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Eagle Valley National Park, sand dunes, Cemetery of Dinosaurs, and a camel breeders camp

This exciting vacation introduces you to the rich history and cultural treasures of China and Tibet as well as the magic of the Yangtze River. Marvel at the Three Gorges Dam site on your delightful 4-night Yangtze River cruise, and experience world-famous sights in Shanghai, Xi’an, and Beijing. Visit the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, Dayan Pagoda, Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall, Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs. High in the Himalayas, explore Lhasa, Tibet’s mystical capital, with visits to the Summer Palace, a local home and monastery, Potala Palace, and Jokhang Temple.

Fly to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where a city tour shows off the sights. Enjoy a Mongolian folklore performance, and inside visits introduce you to the Bogd Khan Winter Palace and Gandan Monastery. Fly to the Gobi Desert, where you’ll visit Eagle Valley National Park and marvel at the stunning scenery. You’ll also visit the largest sand dunes in the region, the Cemetery of Dinosaurs, and a camel breeders camp to learn about the nomadic lifestyle—truly the trip of a lifetime!

• B: American breakfast daily L: 14 lunches D: 16 dinners including a welcome dinner in Shanghai and a Peking Duck farewell dinner in Beijing
• Modern comfort and elegant design
• Unique cultural experiences
• Reserved seating for evening entertainment
• Dinner features á la carte menu
• Complimentary regional wines at dinner
• Beer or soft drinks free with dinner
• Maintain your routine in the fitness center
• Modern bathrooms with bathtub and shower
• Remarkable service
• English-speaking crew
• Included shore excursions with Local Guide
• Deluxe Stateroom with 301 sq. ft. of indoor living space
• Private balcony with additional 29 sq. ft. of living space
• Exclusive shore excursions for Avalon passengers with Local Guide
• Headsets for all sightseeing in Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
• Complimentary coffee and tea all day in the> VIP restaurant
• All meals in VIP restaurant (excludes Captains farewell banquet)
• Breakfast and Lunch buffets featuring Western & Chinese cuisine
• Captain's farewell Chinese banquet in the main dining room
• Dinner in VIP restaurant with your choice of a buffet featuring Western and Chinese cuisine or an a la carte menu

Hong Kong: Harbour Grand Kowloon (harbor-view room) (D)
Shanghai: The Langham, Yangtze Boutique (D)
Yangtze Cruise: Century Legend
Lhasa: Four Points by Sheraton (F)
Xi’an: Golden Flower by Shangri-La (SF)
Beijing: China World Hotel (D)
Ulaanbaatar: Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace (D)
Gobi Desert: Three Camel Lodge (BA)

Extra Nights per person in Hong Kong:
April & October 11-31: in single room $422; in twin room $217; in triple room $175
May-September 10: in single room $276; in twin room $144; in triple room $128
September 11-October 10: in single room $311; in twin room $162; in triple room $139

Extra Nights per person in Beijing: 
Mon. - Thu. in single room $222; in twin room $117; in triple room $110 
Fri. - Sun. in single room $184; in twin room $98; in triple room $98

• Depending on river conditions, alternate shore excursions may be offered.
• This trip is for travelers who are fit. You will visit regions reaching almost 14,000 ft. in elevation.
• Intra-vacation air segments are not included in the prices shown above.
• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.