Itinerary — May 30 — June 17, 2012 Discover the classical highlights of this East Asian country including a special excursion to mystical Tibet. Starting in Beijing, savor the capital’s legendary sites: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. A tour highlight is a special inside look at communal life along Beijing’s ancient alleyways or hutongs, fast disappearing as the city rushes to modernize. View the famed life-size army constructed of terra cotta in Xian. Spend three days in Lhasa, high in the Himalayas, exploring sacred temples and vast Potala Palace. Cruise along the Yangtze River, one of the world’s longest and busiest rivers, aboard our Victoria Cruises ship. Witness daily life along its shores and see the spectacular Three Gorges and the much-heralded new dam. Our tour concludes in Shanghai, a city that epitomizes 21st century China. A 3-day/2-night “On Your Own” post-tour extension in Shanghai is also available. Wednesday, May 30 — Depart U.S. for Beijing, China (Departures available from Ft. Myers, San Francisco, New York & Chicago) Thursday, May 31: Arrive Beijing We arrive in the Chinese capital and transfer to our hotel. After time to relax, we embark on a brief walking tour. Dinner tonight is on our own. Friday, June 1: Beijing After this morning’s briefing about the journey ahead, we begin our discovery of this 2,000-year-old city at vast Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, seat of imperial power from 1368-1911. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant. B,D Saturday, June 2: Beijing/Great Wall This morning we tour the splendid Temple of Heaven complex, where China’s rulers once worshipped. After lunch we visit the Great Wall, the network of ancient defense installations that stretches almost 4,000 miles from the East China Sea to Central Asia. B,L,D
Sunday, June 3: Beijing This morning we enjoy a small group highlight, as we ride rickshaws through Beijing’s ancient back roads and alleys (hutongs) and enjoy a home visit, giving us a glimpse of the traditional communal lifestyle. Then we visit the Summer Palace, the former royal retreat that is now a lovely park. B,L