CHINA: YANGTZE SPECTACULAR
A cultural tour of China

The Yangtze, the third longest river in the world, offers spectacular scenery and an experience that lives forever. This 18 days journey is a relaxing way to enjoy Eastern China at it’s very best. With historical sites like the Great Wall, Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City to a fascinating 5 days on the Yangtze cruising. Xian – the birthplace of the Great Silk Road to the cultural centers of Guilin followed by Shanghai. This journey covers five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01 Vancouver / Beijing 02-05 Beijing 06 Beijing / Xian 07 Xian 08 Xian / Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise 09 Yangtze River Cruise 10 Yangtze River Cruise 11 Yangtze River Cruise 12 Chongqing / Guilin 13 Guilin 14 Guilin / Shanghai (Flight) / Suzhou (Drive) 15 Suzhou / Tongli (Water Village) / Suzhou 16 Suzhou / Shanghai (Drive) 17 Shanghai 18 Depart Shanghai / Vancouver

Day 01 Depart Vancouver / Beijing
The adventure starts off with a flight from Vancouver for Beijing.

Day 02 Arrive Beijing
Huan Ying! We are warmly welcomed in Beijing, the imperial capital of China, and transferred to our hotel. As we drive to our hotel we get the first introduction to this majestic city and capital to the world’s most populous country. Check in time starts from 1400 hrs. Rest of the day free.
Overnight: Chang An Grand Hotel or similar (4 nights)

Day 03 Beijing
After breakfast you’ll explore the very heart of Beijing. The trip starts from renowned Tian’anmen Square – the largest public square in the world. The square and its surrounding areas are home to some of China's most historic monuments and government edifices. Then take a tour to the amazing Forbidden City, the largest existing ancient architectural complex in China. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Summer Palace - an enchanting panorama of lake, landscape, pagodas and pavilions. This evening, a special Peking Duck Dinner has been planned. (B/L/SD)

Day 04 Beijing
An inspiring day tour has been arranged to the remarkable and world-famous Great Wall (Juyong Pass), which winds dragon-like across northern China. Enjoy time to walk its ramparts and absorb breathtaking views. After lunch you'll visit the tomb of Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) Changling - one of the Ming Tombs at the burial site of thirteen Ming Dynasty Emperors. You’ll also have a close look at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadium (The Bird’s Nest & The Water Cube). Evening entertainment is a dazzling Beijing Acrobatic Show. (B/L/D)

Day 05 Beijing
Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful Temple of Heaven. Then take a novel Rickshaw Tour through the ancient alleyways of Beijing’s Hutong - one of Beijing's 700-year-old traditional cottage neighbourhoods. A personal visit to a family in one of the “Quadrangles” has been arranged, and you'll be treated to a delightful Family Lunch at the home of one of local families! After this unusual lunch, you’ll make a visit to the busiest shopping area - Wangfujing. You’ll enjoy a bus tour to experience Beijing by Night (Donghua Gate Food Fair). (B/L/D)

Day 06 Beijing / Xian (Flight)
Today you'll take a flight to Xi’an - one of China's ancient capitals. Visit Shanxi Provincial Museum. A change-of-pace Western Dinner and a Xi'an Night Tour to a fascinating Muslim Quarter Market will be arranged.
Overnight: Empark Grand Hotel or similar (2 nights) (B/L/WD)

Day 07 Xian
You'll take an unforgettable full day tour to visit the remarkable Museum that houses the most exciting archaeological discovery of the 20th Century - the excavation of more than 6,000 Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. On the way you'll stop at a Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses reproduction factory. This evening, you’ll enjoy a well-known Xi’an Special Dumpling Banquet while you are being entertained by the colourful Tang Dynasty Show. (B/L/SD)

Day 08 Xian / Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise
Visit the historic Ming Dynasty City Wall before taking a flight to Yichang. After dinner, you’ll board the deluxe cruise ship Victoria Cruises – Queen. Explore your stateroom and the ship before starting to revel in every splendid and amazing moment on the Yangtze River.
Overnight: Victoria Cruises – Queen or similar (4 nights) (B/L/D)

Day 09 Yangtze River Cruise
After a brief introduction to the Cruise, a shore excursion at Sandouping takes you to famous “Three Gorges Dam”, the biggest hydroelectric dam in the world. This afternoon, you'll pass through the first gorge - Xiling Gorge, the longest and historically the most hazardous of the famous “Three Gorges”. Tonight, there is an enthusiastic Crew Cabaret Show. (B/L/D)

Day 10 Yangtze River Cruise
Begin your day with an excursion to Daning River. Then take an exciting sampan ride to see the Small Gorges. Don’t forget your camera while you feast on the spectacular scenery. Return to the cruise ship and set sail through the second gorge – Wu Gorge, known for its odd, misty rock formations and its backdrop of soaring mountains. Later in the afternoon, you’ll pass through the third gorge - Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic of the Three Gorges, with ancient relics scattered along its steep cliffs. Tonight, you’ll have a spirited Crew Cabaret Show. (B/L/D)

Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise
After arriving in Fengdu, enjoy a shore excursion to visit Ghost City, known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill. The carved facades are truly fascinating. Tonight’s entertainment is Captain’s Farewell Banquet. (B/L/SD)

Day 12 Chongqing / Guilin (Flight)
Disembark at Chongqing, a famous mountain city in China. You’ll visit Chongqing Zoo to see the lovely and charming Pandas. After that, you’ll take a flight to Guilin and have a trip to Fubo Hill and the spectacular Reed Flute Cave. And you will enjoy a Guilin Cultural Show at night.
Overnight: Royal Garden Hotel or similar (2 nights) (B/L/D)

Day 13 Guilin
This morning, you’ll delight in a Cruise on the picturesque Li River. Then disembark at Yangshuo checking out the colourful and lively local market. On the way back to Guilin by coach, you can enjoy the beautiful Rice Paddies and Country Landscapes. Chinese dinner will be served in your hotel. A Guilin Night Tour to Pedestrian Market will be arranged. (B/L/D)

Day 14 Guilin / Shanghai (Flight) / Suzhou (Drive)
You’ll take a flight to Shanghai and take a coach ride to Suzhou, called the “Venice of the East”.
Overnight: Gusu Jin Jiang Tower Hotel or similar (2 nights) (B/L/D)

Day 15 Suzhou / Tongli (Water Village) / Suzhou
After breakfast, there's a visit to Master-of-Nets Garden and Suzhou Canal Cruise Tour. Later you'll enjoy a visit to a unique silk factory. After lunch, you’ll visit the delightful Water Village of Tongli, which has a history spanning over 1,000 years. A Suzhou Night Tour will be arranged. (B/L/D)

Day 16 Suzhou / Shanghai (Drive)
Return to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and seaport. Visit the Shanghai Museum, People’s Square and take a walk along the famous “Bund”. You’ll be amazed at the beauty of historical architecture. Then visit Yu Yuan Garden. Tour the ultra-modern Pudong Development Zone and get a closer look at the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Tonight you’ll enjoy a fabulous and colourful Huangpu River Night Cruise.
Overnight: Howard Johnson Caida Hotel or similar (2 nights) (B/L/D)

Day 17: Shanghai
Day free at leisure to shop on your own. Lunch will be by your own arrangement. A China Farewell Dinner will be arranged in the hotel. (B/SD)

Day 18 Depart Shanghai / Vancouver
After breakfast, bid farewell to China and board your plane for your return flight to Vancouver. (B)

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Mar 09, Apr 1 & 22, May 6 & 20, Jun 10, Jul 22, Aug 26, Sep 09,16,23, Oct 07,14,21 & 28, Nov 04 & 18, Dec 05
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include International Airfare from Vancouver Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner, SD=Special Dinner, WD=Western Dinner) All sightseeing and transfers Services of local English speaking guide Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary Domestic air/cruise tickets Canada airport taxes (approx $350.00 – to be invoiced if taking the international air) China AIF (approx $120.00) – to be invoiced regardless. Insurance Visas (approx $65) Beverage Tips (approx $180)
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement With airfare from Vancouver US $ 4380 US $ 1390 Land only US $ 3480 US $ 1390
Estimated International Airfare - International Airfare Included
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast N/A Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast N/A
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.