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TIBET
ADVENTURE & YANGTZE CRUISE
Country
visited: China & Tibet |
 |
Tibet is rightly a fascination
to the intrepid traveler. The Yangtze River Cruise is yet
another
of China’s major attractions. In this 21 days uniquely
tailored journey start with visits to five UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in and around Beijing to Xian – the birth place
of the incredible Silk Road. From here we enjoy the fascinating
Yangtze River Cruise followed by exploring the culture and
landscape of the “Roof Of The World”, Tibet -
a striking contrast to the cruise. Our journey continues
through the lively metropolis of Shanghai.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01 |
Depart
Vancouver / Beijing |
|
02 |
Beijing |
| 03 |
Beijing |
|
04 |
Beijing |
|
05 |
Beijing
/ Xian |
|
06 |
Xian |
|
07 |
Xian
/ Yichang |
|
08 |
Yangtze
River Cruise |
|
09 |
Yangtze
River Cruise |
|
10 |
Yangtze
River Cruise |
|
11 |
Arriving
Chongqing |
|
12 |
Chongqing
/ Lhasa |
|
13
|
Lhasa |
| 14 |
Lhasa
/ Gyantse / Xigaze |
| 15 |
Xigaze
/ Lhasa |
| 16 |
Lhasa |
| 17 |
Lhasa
/ Shanghai |
| 18 |
Shanghai
/ Suzhou / Tongli |
| 19 |
Shanghai |
| 20 |
Shanghai |
| 21 |
Shanghai / Vancouver |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in China covered on this tour |
| The
Great Wall (1987) |
In
c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications
were joined together to form a united defence system against
invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the
Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when the Great Wall became the
world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic
importance is matched only by its architectural significance. |
| Imperial
Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1987) |
The
Imperial Palace of the Qing Dynasty in Shenyang consists
of 114 buildings, constructed between 1625-26 and 1783. It
contains an important library and testifies to the foundation
of the last dynasty that ruled China, before it expanded
its power to the centre of the country and moved the capital
to Beijing. This palace then became auxiliary to the Imperial
Palace in Beijing. This remarkable architectural edifice
offers important historical testimony to the history of the
Qing Dynasty and to the cultural traditions of the Manchu
and other tribes in the north of China. |
| Summer
Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing (1998) |
The
Summer Palace in Beijing - first built in 1750, largely destroyed
in the war of 1860 and restored on its original foundations
in 1886 - is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.
The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined
with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces,
temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding
aesthetic value. |
| Temple
of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing (1998) |
The
Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century,
is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens
and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout
and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship
between earth and heaven - the human world and God's world
- which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also
the special role played by the emperors within that relationship. |
| Imperial
Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (2000) |
The
Ming and Qing imperial tombs are natural sites modified by
human influence, carefully chosen according to the principles
of geomancy (Fengshui) to house numerous buildings of traditional
architectural design and decoration. They illustrate the
continuity over five centuries of a world view and concept
of power specific to feudal China. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
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.
Overnight: Best Western Premier Hotel, Beijing (3 nights)
Day 03: Beijing
After breakfast, visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest
public square in the world - the square and its periphery are
home to some of China's most important monuments and government
edifices. Then, tour the adjacent Forbidden City, the largest
existing ancient architectural complex in China. After lunch,
visit the Summer Palace - an enchanting panorama of lake, landscape,
pagodas and pavilions. In the evening, we enjoy a Peking Duck
Dinner. A Beijing Night Tour will be arranged. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Beijing
Today’s visit includes a walk on the Great Wall, which
winds dragon-like across northern China. After lunch visit
Changling, the tomb of Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) - one of the
Ming Tombs at the burial site of thirteen Ming Dynasty Emperors.
This evening we enjoy a Beijing Acrobatic Show. (B, L, D)
Day 05: Beijing / Xian (Flight)
This morning we will be visiting the Temple of Heaven. Then
embark on a bicycle rickshaw tour around the ancient alleyways
of a Beijing Hutong - one of Beijing's rapidly vanishing 700
year-old traditional cottage neighbourhoods. Visit a family
in one of the “Quadrangles". You'll be treated to
a Dumpling Lunch at the home of one of the local families!
Take the afternoon flight to Xian - one of China's ancient
capitals. Upon arrival, visit the Ming Dynasty City Wall. This
evening, you will enjoy a Xian Special Dumpling Banquet while
being entertained by a colourful Tang Dynasty Show.
Overnight: Gloria Plaza Hotel, Xian (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 06: Xian
After breakfast, we head out to visit the Museum that housed
the most exciting archaeological finds of the 20th Century – the
excavation of more than 6000 Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses.
In the afternoon we visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. This
evening a Western Dinner will be served and a Xian Night Tour
to the market in the Muslim Quarter will be arranged. (B, L,
D)
Day 07: Xian / Yichang – Yangtze River Cruise (Flight
/ Cruise)
Before catching a flight to Yichang, a stop will be made to
visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. After dinner, you will board
the deluxe European Style cruise ship (5 Star category - outside
cabin with balcony).
Overnight: M/V Century Star (4 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 08: Yangtze Cruise
This morning a shore excursion at Sandouping will take you
to view the “Three Gorges Dam”, the biggest dam
in the world. After re-boarding your ship, you will pass through
the dam's 5-Stage Ship Locks and enter the first Gorge, Xiling
Gorge, the longest and previously the most hazardous one. Today
enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party, followed
by a singing and dancing extravaganza. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Yangtze Cruise
After breakfast, enjoy a tracker boat ride along the deep,
peaceful gorges of the Shennong Stream, with its waterfalls
and magnificent peaks. You will return to the ship and set
sail again entering the second gorge - Wu Gorge, known for
its odd, misty rock formations and its backdrop of soaring
mountains. Later in the afternoon, the ship will pass the third
gorge - Qutang Gorge, the shortest but the most dramatic of
the Yangtze’s Three Gorges with ancient relics scattered
along its steep cliffs. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Yangtze Cruise
This morning we will be arriving at the “ghost city” of
Fengdu. A shore excursion will take us to visit the temples
on Mingshan Hill by the riverbank, which is decorated with
moldings of ghosts and devils. Tonight, we enjoy the Captain’s
Farewell Banquet, followed by a singing and dancing performance. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Arriving Chongqing
Your cruise will terminate at Chongqing in the morning. Afternoon
tour of the city includes the Chongqing Zoo to see the lovely
Pandas, Eling Park, People’s Square and Ciqikou Old Town.
Tonight we will be treated to a Chongqing Hot Pot Dinner.
Overnight: Holiday Inn North Hotel, Chongqing (1 night) (B,
L, D)
Day 12: Chongqing / Lhasa (Flight)
Today, we will be departing Chongqing to Lhasa by air. If the
weather permits, we will be treated to spectacular views of
the 22,000 foot Himalayan peaks along the way. After arriving
in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, you will have a relaxing evening
to let our bodies adjust to being at 12,000 feet above sea-level.
Overnight: Lhasa Brahmaputra Grand Hotel, Lhasa (2 nights)
(B, L, D)
Day 13: Lhasa
Spend a full day exploring the mysteries of this sacred land
at the “roof of the world”. Tibet's unique branch
of Buddhism has always permeated its everyday life - you'll
visit the Potala Palace, a towering 1,000 room structure and
former living quarters of the Dalai Lama; Drepung Monastery,
largest and richest of Tibet’s active Lamaseries and
a repository of superb Buddhist art and ceremonial writing;
Sera Monastery with its breathtaking views of Potala Palace
and the Lhasa valley. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Lhasa / Gyantse / Xigaze (Drive)
A spectacular drive along an old caravan trade route takes
us through a stunning glacial landscape and high mountain passes
to Gyantse via Yamdroktso Lake. In Gyantse we visit the Phalkor
Monastery and then continue onto Xigaze, Tibet’s second
largest city.
Overnight: Shandong Hotel, Xigaze (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 15: Xigaze / Lhasa (Drive)
The highlight of your full day exploration of Xigaze will be
a tour of Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most exquisite
in Tibet and the former seat of the Panchen Lama. Fabulous
murals grace the inner walls of this elaborate temple complex
- but the focal point is an enormous bronze Buddha, the largest
in Tibet, which stands 86 feet high and contains over 600 pounds
of pure gold. Return to Lhasa in the afternoon.
Overnight: Lhasa Brahmaputra Hotel, Lhasa (2 nights) (B, L,
D)
Day 16: Lhasa
This morning tour includes Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s oldest
and most holy spiritual centre located in the city core. Ending
with a stroll around the ethereal pavilions and gardens of
the Summer Palace, which was built in the 1950’s by the
Dalai Lama shortly before his escape to India. We will also
have time to explore the Bakor Street and enjoy a Tibetan Style
Dinner and Show. (B, L, D)
Day 17: Lhasa / Shanghai (Flight)
Take a morning flight via Chongqing to Shanghai, China’s
largest city and seaport. This evening a Huangpu River Night
Cruise will be arranged.
Overrnight: Best Western Longmen Hotel, Shanghai (4 nights)
(B, L, D)
Day 18: Shanghai / Suzhou / Tongli (Water Village / Shanghai
(Drive)
Day excursion to Suzhou to visit the Master-of-Nets Garden;
enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal. Then visit a silk factory.
Afterwards take a coach ride to the Water Village of Tongli,
which has a history of over 1000 years. Afternoon return to
Shanghai. (B, L, D)
Day 19: Shanghai
Tour the ultra-modern Pudong Development Zone and get a closer
look at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Then, visit Yu Yuan Garden,
and Shanghai's famous People’s Square. Afterwards, take
a walk on the “Bund”. Tonight you will enjoy a
Shanghai Farewell Dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 20: Shanghai
Today is a free day for your own exploration. (B)
Day 21: Depart Shanghai / Vancouver
After breakfast, bid farewell to China and depart for Canada
and arrive home on the same day. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
2008
May 23, Sep
26 & Oct 14
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| Prices |
| Season
- 2008 |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
from
Vancouver |
5280 |
1090 |
Land |
4250 |
1090 |
| 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)
- 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 CAD 300.00 – to be invoiced
if taking the international air out of Vancouver or CAD
340.00 out of other Canadian’s gateways.
- China
AIF (USD/CAD 120.00) – to be
invoiced regardless.
- Insurance
- Visas (approx CAD 65.00)
- Beverage
- Tips
(approx CA $ 180)
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(included
in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
N/A |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
N/A |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 2
and a maximum of -
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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