Yangtze River Discovery

The Yangtze River (Changjiang) is the third longest river in the world. At once feared and respected, it was said that the ability of an emperor to control the river reflected his ability to rule.  With the dam due to be completed in 2008 there is still time to marvel at this powerful river and glimpse life along its banks soon to change irreversibly.

Sailing through the picturesque Three Gorges, you'll discover a magnificent scenic wonderland. Board the ship in Yichang, disembark at Chongqing. The ship stops along the way for shore excursions to scenic spots, ancient historical cities, factories and schools.  The tours offer a leisurely, relaxing look at ancient China along the river.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1.                          Departure from US
You will depart today from U.S. on your connecting trans-continental flight to Shanghai.  

Day 2.                          Arrival in Shanghai  

Upon arrival in Shanghai, your guide will escort you to your hotel.  Your company is requested at our welcome dinner arranged especially for you, at a lovely local restaurant featuring Shanghai local cuisine. (D)

Day 3                           Shanghai

Our tour of Shanghai begins today with the Shanghai National Museum, known for it’s comprehensive displays of Chinese art; from the ancient to the modern day, you will see ceramics, jades, furniture, chop seals, paintings and much, much more.  You will then travel to the French Concession for lunch, where poplar-lined boulevards add a distinctive French panache to this “Paris of the Orient”. After lunch you will visit one of Shanghai’s quaint outdoor antique markets.  Dinner at a famous Sichuan restaurant, followed by an Acrobatics Show at the Opera House. (B, L, D)

Day 4                            Shanghai
This morning you will explore the Yu Yuan Garden, featuring the garden design and the architectural styles of the southern part of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties.  The pavilions, ponds, and man-made stone formations form the many scenic spots in this small garden. In the afternoon you will enjoy The Children’s Palace. It was first built in 1953, by China's honorary president, Soong Ching-ling, Children can participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities like music, dance, art, model making, science, technology and computer science.  Your evening is free to enjoy dinner on your own. (B.L.)

Day 5                            Shanghai - Yichang
Free in the morning. Afternoon fly to Yichang. Upon arrival, tour a local food market and board the ship to start our 3-day/4-night Yangtze cruise. (B.L.D)

Day 6                            Yangtze Cruise
At 6,380km the Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world after the Nile and the Amazon. The most impressive section of the Yangtze is the Three Gorges. This morning we tour the site of the Three Gorges Dam. Construction of the dam began in 1992 and is scheduled to be completed by 2009. Estimated to cost over $24 billion, the project upon completion will become the largest hydroelectric dam in the world with a reservoir stretching hundreds of kilometers upstream. (B.L.D)

Day 7                             Yangtze Cruise
This morning we navigate Shennong Stream on a small vessel. Originating in the southern slopes of Shennongjia Nature Reserve, the crystal clear river twists and turns 60 kilometers through forested mountains before emptying into the mighty Yangtze. Admire nature’s grandeur while sailing through spectacular Wu Gorge (44km) and Qutang Gorge (8km) later today.

(B.L.D)

Day 8                             Yangtze Cruise
Today’s onshore visit features Shibaozhai or Stone Treasure Fortress, an ancient wooden pagoda built against rock cliffs facing the Yangtze. Join the captain-hosted farewell dinner tonight. (B.L.D)

Day 9                              Chongqing/Orphanage city

Our cruise comes to an end in Chongqing this morning. Transfer to the capital city of your child’s orphanage province (please complete orphanage visit form.)  Our local guide will meet you at the airport, transfer to your hotel and accompany you throughout the visit to the orphanage.  (B)

Please note that B, L, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

What's Included

• Land transportation

• English-speaking guides      

• Meals per itinerary        

• Top 4 star hotels, hotel taxes and dining taxes

• 4 star Yangtze River Cruise upstream

• Admissions and cultural events              

• Acrobatic Show

• all shore excursions

• Transfer between airport, hotels   

• Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person

Cities:         

• Shanghai, Yangtze River Cruise, Chongqing, orphanage city

Tour Dates:

• June 27 to July 8, 2009

• July 17 to July 28, 2009

Tour Cost:

 (Children over 12 are considered as adults)

      2 adults & 2 children (w. one roll-away bed)

      $1795 x 2 + $1355 x 2 =

      2 adults & 1 child (w. one roll-away bed)
      $1795 x 2 + $1395 =

      1 adult & 2 children w. one roll-away bed
      $1795 + 1355 x 2 =

      1 adult & 1 child
      $1795 + $1395 =

      1 adult (single room)

      $1795 + $1120 =

Notes: 

·         Price does not include international airfare, passport and visa fees.  Optional trip extension, orphanage visit, transportation to/from orphanage, gratuities to guides, driver, hotel personal and airport taxes.