CULTURAL CHINA and TIBET WITH YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE AND HONG KONG and MONGOLIA (WXYY2012)
A 23-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $8,201
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| Starting Price: | $8,201 |  |
| Tour Length: | 23 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | China, Mongolia, Tibet | |
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Cities Visited: NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in the prices below along with applicable air taxes. Please contact a travel agent for more information. Title Vacation Overview |
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Hotels
HONG KONG
Harbour Grand Kowloon (harbor-view room) (D),
SHANGHAI
Westin Shanghai (D),
YANGTZE CRUISE
Victoria Jenna (Executive Suite),
LHASA
Four Points by Sheraton (F),
XI’AN
Golden Flower (SF),
BEIJING
Westin Beijing (D),
ULAANBAATAR
Kempinksi Hotel Khan Palace (D),
GOBI DESERT
Three Camel Lodge (BA)
Meals
American breakfast daily (B), 14 lunches (L), 16 dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Shanghai and a Peking Duck farewell dinner in Beijing
Arrive in Hong Kong, China. Welcome to exciting Hong Kong! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. (B)
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. Welcome to China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
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, visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, where talented children study music, dance, and theatre after school. 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 Victoria Jenna for a 4-night CRUISE through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,D)
Day 7:
Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site. This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, sail through the Three Gorges ship locks and the Xiling Gorge. (B,L,D)
Day 8:
Cruising: Shennong Stream or Daning River. This morning, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. After lunch, head upstream through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and the Wu Gorge, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 9:
Cruising: Wanxian or Shibaozhai or Fengdu. Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story, red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff; or Fengdu, where you’ll visit Ghost City Temple. (B,L,D)
Day 10:
Cruising: Chongqing (Disembarkation)–Lhasa, Tibet. Bid farewell to your ship’s crew upon arrival 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, the 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,L)
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,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. 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)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
5/31/2012 - 6/23/2012 |
$8,201 |
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6/7/2012 - 6/30/2012 |
$8,201 |
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8/30/2012 - 9/22/2012 |
$8,411 |
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9/6/2012 - 9/29/2012 |
$8,461 |
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9/13/2012 - 10/6/2012 |
$8,461 |
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9/20/2012 - 10/13/2012 |
$8,461 |
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9/27/2012 - 10/20/2012 |
$8,461 |
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10/4/2012 - 10/27/2012 |
$8,461 |
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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City Highlights
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
CRUISE:
Deluxe 4-night cruise from Yichang to Chongqing in an Executive Suite with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony
SHANGHAI
: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, the Children’s Palace, the Shanghai Museum, and a silk factory; attend an acrobatic show; welcome dinner
YICHANG
: Begin your Yangtze cruise aboard the Victoria Jenna
THREE GORGES DAM
: Sightseeing of the impressive dam site with a Local Guide
SHENNONG STREAM OR DANING RIVER:
Enjoy a boat excursion down one of the Yangtze’s lesser gorges
WANXIAN/SHIBAOZHAI/FENGDU:
View a wooden pagoda, an acrobatic show, or visit Ghost City Temple
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
Notes
NotesThis trip is for travelers who are fit. You will visit regions reaching almost 14,000 ft. in elevation.Accommodations in the Gobi Desert are in traditional Mongolian gers with private bathroom and shared shower facilities.
Price Details US
Intra-Vacation Price:$2540.Single Room Supplement: $2440.Triple rooms are not availableExtra Nights per person in Hong Kong:April. - August in single room $247; in twin room $129September in single room $280; in twin room $146October in single room $387; in twin room $199Extra Nights per person in Beijing:Mon. - Thu. in single room $242; in twin room $127Fri. - Sun. in single room $181; in twin room $97Cruise pricing is based on Executive Suites. Upgrades are available upon request. Please call for prices.
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SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
With Avalon Waterway's Book Now Sailings, you can easily and affordably take a cruise that includes everything. Our cruises give you sweeping views of awe-inspiring landscapes every moment of the day and bring you to the heart of small towns and big cities to experience unique destinations like a local. We want to welcome you to the world of Avalon river cruising. Where no matter how long you're aboard, you'll be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other. Book Now Sailings are offered for a limited time only and sell out quickly. Offer also valid for the cruise-only itineraries and full offer details below.
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Terms & Conditions: Book a select 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Offer available onselect dates of select cruises. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and June 26, 2012 for travel at select times in 2013. Avalon and Royal Suites excluded. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
Have you ever taken a cruise that brought you sweeping views every
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sanctuary of our world-class ships, we gracefully deliver the world to
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Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
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A once-in-a-lifetime destination, deserves a once-in-a-lifetime way to see it.
Ecuador & the Galápagos
9 days from Quito to Guayaquil
This
exciting vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and
the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito, have your
photo taken at the "Center of the World," and spend time at leisure in
Guayaquil. Fly over the Pacific to San Cristobal Island, where you'll
embark on an exciting 4-day cruise among various Galápagos Islands.
Then, spend two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Hotel,
where an expert Naturalist introduces you to indigenous plant and animal
species found only in the Galápagos.
Highlights of Egypt
9 days from Cairo to Cairo
Sail
through 5-thousand years of history on this incredible Nile river
cruise getaway. In Cairo, marvel at King Tutankhamun's treasures and
masterpieces of ancient art, visit the enigmatic Sphinx, and see the
Great Pyramids of Giza. Drive to the ancient capital of Memphis to see
the 40-foot statue of Ramses II. Fly to Luxor, one of the greatest
cities of ancient Egypt, and embark your 4-night Nile River cruise to
Aswan. Along the way, visit the Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, the
Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, the Temple of Isis, and Aswan Dam.
Magical China & the Yangtze River
11 days from Beijing to Shanghai
Discover
China's ancient history and fascinating culture on this delightful
China river cruise. Sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the
highlights in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with inside visits that
include the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Great Wall, Sacred Way of
the Ming Tombs, the Terracotta Warriors, Dayan Pagoda, the Bund, the Yu
Yuan Gardens, and the Children's Palace. Attend an acrobatic show or
visit the Ghost City Temple, and participate in a calligraphy class,
lacquer and cloisonné workshops, and a noodle-making demonstration.
Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Asia, Egypt or Galapagos Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $150 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.