China Discovery (2009)

Download the China Discovery Brochure

From $2795.00, per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

No longer the “sleeping giant” described by Napoleon, China continues to hold its rightful place as one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Discover its finest cities, exotic countryside and storied history on this unique travel opportunity that showcases the many treasures of a fascinating land at an exceptional value.

In Beijing, visit the Forbidden City palace complex, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Admire breathtaking panoramas from the Great Wall. Discover Xi’an, home to the famous Terra Cotta Warriors that guard Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s tomb. Board the M.V. Yangtze President and sail through the magnificent Three Gorges region. Finally, arrive in Shanghai and experience the Bund, the prestigious Shanghai Museum, the serene Yu Garden, and an exciting acrobat show.

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Beijing, China. (Flight provided for Air Package participants only.)

Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer to the Hilton Beijing. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.)
The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.

Day 3
Included Excursion: Triple Happiness in Beijing. Your exploration begins in vast Tiananmen Square. Next, enter the Forbidden City, a former palace that houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, a lakeside retreat set in beautiful gardens.

Local Flavor: This evening, wield your chopsticks at a delicious Peking Duck dinner!

Day 4
Included Excursion: The Great Wall. Travel to Badaling to walk along the ramparts of the Great Wall and admire stunning panoramic views. Lunch is served in a local restaurant.
The afternoon is at leisure to pursue your own interests.

Local Culture: This evening, attend a performance of Peking Opera.

Day 5
Included Excursion: Ancient Peking. Visit the old section of Beijing and explore the narrow streets of the Hutongs by pedicab.

Included Excursion: Temple of Heaven. Tour a vast complex used by the emperors to pray for bountiful harvests.
Board a flight to Xi’an.

Upon arrival, transfer to the Sofitel on Renmin Square.

Day 6
Included Excursion: An Army in Stone. Marvel at one of China’s most exciting archeological finds—the Terra Cotta Warriors. Then, travel to the Xi’an city walls.

Optional Excursion: Attend a Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show.

Day 7
Enjoy the morning at leisure in Xi’an. Then, board a flight to Chongqing, located at the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Upon arrival, transfer to the M.V. Yangtze President.

Day 8
Sail from Chongqing to Wuhan through the spectacular Three Gorges region.

Included Excursion: Fengdu. Discover the many temples and shrines dedicated to the gods of the underworld.
This evening, join the captain at a Welcome Reception on board the ship.

Day 9
Enter the Qutang Gorge, and see the high peaks and narrow “gates” that shape the river. Next, the ship reaches Wu Gorge, considered the most beautiful of the Three Gorges.

Included Excursion: Shennong Lesser Gorges. Disembark in Badong and board small local boats for a closer experience of the magnificent gorges on the Shennong Xi.

Day 10
Included Excursion: New Dam. A fascinating tour provides insight into the world’s largest construction project.

Included Excursion: Sanyou Cave. Disembark in Yichang to visit the best caverns in the Three Gorges region.
Board a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hilton Shanghai.

Day 11
Included Excursion: Highlights of Shanghai. Drive along the Bund, Shanghai’s “Wall Street,” and stroll through beautiful Yu Garden. After lunch, view the exhibits at the Shanghai Museum.

Included Excursion: The Shanghai Acrobatic Theater. Attend a performance of this famous theater, where highly skilled acrobats perform amazing feats of balance and strength.

Day 12
Today is at leisure to explore Shanghai on your own.

This evening, attend a Farewell Reception at the hotel.

Day 13
Transfer to the Shanghai airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air Package participants only.)

Posted April 21, 2009.