| Day
1 |
Arrive at Beijing |
| |
Our
guide will meet you at the Beijing airport and arrange transportation
to your hotel. |
| Day
2 |
Beijing Sightseeing Tour |
| |
We
explore the Forbidden City of Beijing today as well as the capital's
massive Tiananmen Square. Later this afternoon, we'll hear tales of
Empress Dowager Cixi as we stroll through her Summer Palace, China's
best-preserved royal garden. Tonight Peking Duck is on the menu, followed
by a show of daring and agile acrobatics.¡¡ |
| Day
3 |
Beijing Sightseeing Tour |
| |
Walking
the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and this
morning we head to the small town of Huanghua to begin this incredible
adventure. After a picnic lunch on the Wall we return to Beijing via
the equally impressive Ming Tombs, and cruise canals in boats lit
with traditional red lanterns. We'll disembark in time to enjoy dinner
with a local family. |
| Day
4 |
Beijing/Xi'an |
| |
We
fly today to Xi'an, a former Chinese capital and important stop on
the Silk Road as early as the third century BC. Our afternoon tour
visits the Old City Wall and Shaanxi Provincial Museum, whose Forest
of Steles boasts over 1000 carved stone tablets. Later, we'll take
a gander at the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a place of magic healing. |
| Day
5 |
Xi'an Sightseeing Tour |
| |
The
Terra Cotta Soldiers of Xi'an are one of the most important archaeological
finds in the world, and we devote an entire day to exploring the site
and surrounding area. After lunch with a noodle maker, we'll take
a cable car ride over Huaqing Hot Springs Park and visit Banpo, a
6000-year-old Neolithic (and possibly matriarchal) village. |
| Day
6 |
Xian /Chengdu |
| |
You
have a free morning to explore before your flight to Chengdu. |
| Day
7 |
Chengdu/Wolong Nature Reserve |
| |
The
Wolong Nature Reserve protects the habitat of China's famous and loveable
pandas. Employees of the reserve lead a tour of the facilities emphasizing
the ongoing conservation and breeding efforts. |
| Day
8 |
Wolong Nature Reserve |
| |
Nature
Reserve Hike! With luck we could spot a panda today as we embark on
a hike through the lush, hilly reserve with a naturalist who introduces
us to the native flora and fauna. This afternoon, we picnic among
bamboo and rare dove trees. |
| Day
9 - 11 |
Wolong/Chonqing/Yangtze River : Yangtze River Cruise and Excursions |
| |
One
of the world's most exciting river trips is a cruise down the historic
Yangtze River. We'll have three unforgettable days on the water, cruising
through the Three Gorges; stopping at villages along the way; and
viewing the massive dam construction that will soon flood much of
the area. |
| Day
12 |
Beijing Sightseeing Tour |
| |
Temple
of Heaven, Meet Pen Pals in Beijing |
| Day
13 |
Departure from Beijing. |
| |
Transfer
to airport for home-bound flight. |
