Yangtze Sampler - 2010 Departures

Engaging Discoveries for our World Travelers

• Browse an open-air market with your guide to shop for a local family, your hosts for a fascinating rickshaw tour in a timeless Beijing neighborhood. Feel the ancient rhythms of the Silk Road in Xian... A guided twilight tour in the bustling Muslim District evokes the legacy of this ancient trade route. Step into the most colorful chapter’s of China’s history! A guided exploration through Shanghai’s historic French Concession reveals the elegant architecture, drama and passions of pre-Revolutioary China 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing!
Check-in to the 5-star, city-center Sofitel Wanda Hotel.

Day 2 - Explore Imperial Beijing
Today’s in-depth sightseeing focuses on the Imperial monuments of the capital. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. Then explore the sprawling Forbidden City#WHS# , a grand complex of palaces, courtyards and pavilions. Later, browse a bustling open-air market and help your guide to select fresh produce which you’ll present to your hosts during a hutong tour, exploring by rickshaw through one of the city’s fast-disappearing traditional neighborhoods and spending time with this resident family. Meals B,L

Day 3 - Great Wall & Ming Tombs Excursion
Journey into the rugged hills outside of the capital to the Great Wall#WHS# and walk atop this ancient defensive structure, thousands of miles long. Stroll along the statue-lined Sacred Way to visit Changling Tomb, one of the greatest of the celebrated Ming Tombs#WHS#. Back in the city, you’ll see the iconic venues of the 2008 Summer Olympics, including the distinctive Bird’s Nest Stadium and the futuristic Water Cube where American swimmers won Gold! Meals B,L

Day 4 - From Summer Palace to 5-star ship
Explore the palaces, pavilions and landscaped grounds of the magnificent Summer Palace#WHS#, erstwhile retreat of Chinese royalty. Then fly to Yichang where you’ll be met and escorted to the riverbank to board the luxurious MS Yangzi Explorer. Settle in to your spacious, balcony stateroom before dinner is served in the elegant Dynasty Palace restaurant. Later this evening, a documentary film about the enormous Three Gorges Dam will be shown in the Tang Theater. Meals B,D

Day 5 - The immense Three Gorges Dam
Enjoy a leisurely morning onboard as your luxurious ship charts an upstream course along the mighty Yangtze! Early risers can start the day with invigorating Tai Chi exercise before an expansive buffet breakfast. Throughout the morning, you can admire the scenery from your private balcony, relax with fellow guests in the lounge or participate in shipboard cultural activities, lectures and demonstrations. After lunch, step off ship to visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest in the world, and learn about its far reaching impact upon the geography and residents of the region. Return to ship for Afternoon Tea as the Explorer navigates through picturesque Xiling Gorge. Tonight’s Captain’s Welcome Reception is followed by dinner and an entertaining show by the ship’s crew. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - Up Shennong Stream and through the Yangtze Gorges
Join fellow passengers on deck for early morning Tai Chi before breakfast. Then step off ship for an unforgettable journey up Shennong Stream. You’ll explore this spectacular region in traditional sampans poled by Tujia boatmen. The scenery here is unrivalled, encompassing crystalline rushing waters, dense forests and towering rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for indigenous species including the elusive Golden Hair monkey. Back onboard, the Explorer navigates Wu Gorge, renowned for massive cliffs that rise sharply from the river. Learn about Chinese arts and crafts and then enjoy Afternoon Tea as your ship enters Qutang Gorge, the narrowest of the river’s Three Gorges. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - Ashore in Fengdu
Alight in Fengdu this morning to explore the ancient temples of the famed “Ghost City.” Back onboard, you can try your hand at traditional brush painting and calligraphy, learn Mah Jong and watch as the ship’s chef prepares traditional Chinese dumplings. At this evening’s festive Farewell Dinner, your crew will be colorfully garbed in traditional Chinese dress. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - Onward to Xian - the Ancient Capital
Disembark this morning in Chongqing and visit the Panda Hall before your flight to Xian, China’s ancient capital for 13 Dynasties. A specially-arranged twilight walking tour in the city’s vibrant Muslim District evokes the exotic rhythms of the ancient Silk Road. Overnight at the luxurious Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel. Meals B,L

Day 9 - The Terra Cotta Army#WHS#
This morning you’ll visit the excavation site of China’s greatest archaeological discovery, where thousands of life-like terra cotta soldiers were buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of an Emperor. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and sit down to a delicious lunch including a lively demonstration in the traditional art of noodle-making. Meals B,L

Day 10 - Fly to Shanghai
Upon arrival in cosmopolitan Shanghai, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the deluxe Hilton Hotel. Then step out with your guide to explore the historic French Concession, close-by to your hotel. Meals B

Day 11 - Shanghai Sightseeing
Today’s in-depth city tour begins along the historic Bund, Shanghai’s graceful waterfront boulevard. Then marvel at the futuristic skyscrapers of the bustling Pudong District before exploring the tranquil walkways, bridges and pavilions of Yu Yuan Garden, laid out centuries ago by a Ming Dynasty official as a retreat for his aging parents. Then tour the highly respected Shanghai Museum, renowned for its collection of Chinese art and artifacts spanning thousands of years. Meals B,L

Day 12 - Farewell, Shanghai…
Your tour program finishes this morning after breakfast. Meals B

Don't miss our current specials: World Traveler 2% Cash Discount If you make payment by check, money order or electronic cash withdrawal and pay-in-full for your General Tours trip within 7 days of making your reservation, we'll discount the entire cost of your trip by 2%. Your entire balance must be paid by personal check, travel agency check, money order or authorized electronic debit withdrawal (ACH) from a checking account to qualify; and your payment must be received by General Tours not later than seven (7) days from the date of your reservation to qualify. We recommend using a traceable overnight delivery method. If your check or electronic debit is returned from your bank for any reason, your reservation will no longer qualify for the 2% cash discount; a $25 processing fee will be added to your account balance; and all future payments will need to be made by credit card or certified funds. Save More. Get Closer. Family and Friends Explore the world with your family and friends for a more enriching travel experience… Save $50 each when 3 guests travel together, $100 each when 4 guests travel together, and $150 each when 5 or more guests travel together. Combine these savings with your AAA or AARP Member Benefit and save even more!
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8/19/2010 - 8/31/2010	$2,499
8/19/2010 - 8/31/2010	$2,939
8/19/2010 - 8/31/2010	$2,982
8/19/2010 - 8/31/2010	$2,589
8/19/2010 - 8/31/2010	$2,549
9/2/2010 - 9/14/2010	$2,699
9/2/2010 - 9/14/2010	$3,314
9/2/2010 - 9/14/2010	$3,379
9/2/2010 - 9/14/2010	$2,789
9/2/2010 - 9/14/2010	$2,749
9/23/2010 - 10/5/2010	$2,699
9/23/2010 - 10/5/2010	$3,314
9/23/2010 - 10/5/2010	$3,379
9/23/2010 - 10/5/2010	$2,789
9/23/2010 - 10/5/2010	$2,749
10/7/2010 - 10/19/2010	$2,699
10/7/2010 - 10/19/2010	$3,335
10/7/2010 - 10/19/2010	$3,402
10/7/2010 - 10/19/2010	$2,789
10/7/2010 - 10/19/2010	$2,749
10/14/2010 - 10/26/2010	$2,699
10/14/2010 - 10/26/2010	$3,335
10/14/2010 - 10/26/2010	$3,402
10/14/2010 - 10/26/2010	$2,789
10/14/2010 - 10/26/2010	$2,749
10/28/2010 - 11/9/2010	$3,314
10/28/2010 - 11/9/2010	$3,379
10/28/2010 - 11/9/2010	$2,789
10/28/2010 - 11/9/2010	$2,699
10/28/2010 - 11/9/2010	$2,749
11/11/2010 - 11/23/2010	$2,789
11/11/2010 - 11/23/2010	$3,314
11/11/2010 - 11/23/2010	$2,749
11/11/2010 - 11/23/2010	$3,379
11/11/2010 - 11/23/2010	$2,699
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Engaging Discoveries for our World Travelers

• Browse an open-air market with your guide to shop for a local family, your hosts for a fascinating rickshaw tour in a timeless Beijing neighborhood. Feel the ancient rhythms of the Silk Road in Xian... A guided twilight tour in the bustling Muslim District evokes the legacy of this ancient trade route. Step into the most colorful chapter’s of China’s history! A guided exploration through Shanghai’s historic French Concession reveals the elegant architecture, drama and passions of pre-Revolutioary China 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

World Traveler 2% Cash Discount

Save More. Get Closer. Family and Friends

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