Tour operator Travcoa and Yangtze River specialist Victoria Cruises have collaborated to put together a 21-day tour of China and the Yangtze River, available through November 2009. The tour includes stops in Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Kunming and Hong Kong with a special focus on the Yangtze with a four-day river cruise.
The China & the Yangtze River itinerary also features deluxe hotel accommodations, including four nights at The St. Regis Beijing; two nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, Xian; three nights at the Pudong Shangri-La in Shanghai; two nights at the Sheraton Guilin Hotel; three nights at the Grand Park Hotel Kunming; and two nights at the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong. Clients will spend a total of three nights onboard a Victoria Cruises vessel during the trip. Most meals and sightseeing are included in the tour as well.
In Beijing, clients can visit the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and the Beijing Opera. They will also be treated to a Peking duck dinner and visit a local family’s home for a firsthand cultural experience.
In Xian, clients will visit China’s first emperor’s tomb, as well as observe more than 7,000 Terra-Cotta Warriors. Visits to the Wild Goose Pagoda, a sacred Buddhist temple, and the Shaanxi Historical Museum are also included.
While exploring Chongqing and the Yangtze River, clients have some time to explore Chongqing on foot before boarding the five-star Victoria Jenna or Victoria Anna, both of which are Victoria Cruises’ newest ships. During the three-night cruise, clients will have a chance to see the Three Gorges Dam as well as enjoy a private sampan excursion though the Daning or Shennong River tributaries to the Small Gorges. Onboard activities include learning tai chi, participating in nightly entertainment and indulging in a la carte dining.
Shanghai highlights include the Yu Yuan Gardens, a walk through Old Town Shanghai, a Chinese acrobatic performance and a visit to a local silk factory.
In Guilin, clients will visit Elephant Trunk Hill as well as tour the Reed Flute Caves where stalactites and stalagmites line the interior. They will also have the chance to cruise the Li River.
The Stone Forest at Kunming is another highlight, as is Dianchi Lake where clients can see the lush gardens of the Grand View Pavilion. In Kunming, clients can also experience a traditional dance performance.
In Hong Kong, clients will feast on a number of Chinese delicacies, as well as visit local museums and parks. Visits to Victoria Harbour, Victoria Peak, Aberdeen Harbour and Stanley Market are included.
Tour rates begin at $10,795 per person, based on double occupancy, for travel through November. Single supplements are also available for an additional $3,295. Airfare is not included in the price.
Travcoa
www.travcoa.com
Victoria Cruises
www.victoriacruises.com
