DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 :
In Transit from North America
Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Beijing, China. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges and airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.
Meals—Appropriate In-Flight Meal Service
Day 2 :
Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group arrivals hall to mee the AHI representative.
Transfer to the Hilton Beijing, ideally located within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. After checking in, your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Accommodations—Hilton Beijing
Meals—Appropriate In-Flight Meal Service
Day 3 :
Beijing
Excursion: Beijing City Tour
Roam the paving stones of sweeping Tiananmen Square. Once the stage for riotous scenes of transformation and protest, it’s now more of a gathering place. On clear days, the square provides a scenic backdrop for colorful kites dancing overhead.
Step into the Forbidden City. Once residence to emperors, this UNESCO World Heritage site is now the National Palace Museum showcasing exquisite Chinese treasures and imperial architecture.
Finally, enter a labyrinth of historic charm known as the hutongs. This intricate maze of narrow lanes and ancient walled courtyards is home to a quarter of Beijing’s residents.
Local Flavor
Experience a true sense of community when visiting the courtyard home of local families residing in the hutong. Enjoy a traditional multi-course lunch.
Excursion: Olympic Venues
Visit two of the most impressive structures created for the 2008 Olympic Games. The National Stadium is nicknamed the Bird’s Nest for the twining bands of steel forming its exterior. The skills of celebrated artist, Ai Weiwei, were tapped to integrate Chinese art and culture into the design of this impressive facility.
Near the stadium is the Watercube, or National Aquatics Center. The design for this paradigm of green architecture was inspired by the natural formation of soap bubbles. Instead of glass, the building’s walls are covered by over 1 million square feet of insulating plastic panels suffused with bubbles.
Local Flavor
Savor the taste of authentically prepared Peking duck. Preparation techniques date from the imperial era and it is one of Beijing’s most celebrated dishes.
Accommodations—Hilton Beijing
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 :
Beijing/Great Wall
Excursion: Great Wall
Today, roam a short section of the longest structure ever built by man. With the Gobi Desert stretching beyond its western limits, the Great Wall curves majestically along the line of the mountain peaks for nearly 4,000 miles. After enduring three centuries under Barbarian rule, Emperor Hongwu, founder of the Ming dynasty, determined a Great Wall would guarantee the Chinese empire was never again conquered by northerners. From its soaring heights to its deepest ravines, this architectural masterpiece, symbol of China, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is magnificent to behold.
Local Flavor
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on your next excursion.
Excursion: Summer Palace
Northwest of Beijing lies a sprawling imperial playground of temples, pavilions and halls known as the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site surrounds gleaming Kunming Lake. The landscaped paradise provided Qing dynasty emperors a blissful escape from the oppressive summer heat of the Forbidden City. Wander the Long Corridor decorated with 8,000 paintings and delight in this feast for the eyes as you explore the elaborate gardens and stunning architecture of this royal retreat.
Cultural Event: Acrobat Show
View the astonishing feats of a Chinese acrobatic show.
Accommodations—Hilton Beijing
Meals—Breakfast and lunch
Day 5 :
Beijing/Xi’an
Excursion: Temple of Heaven
Emerge from the hushed canopy of ancient cypress trees shading morning Tai Chi practitioners, and enter a paragon of Ming dynasty architecture: the Temple of Heaven. The vast scale of this UNESCO World Heritage site is a celestial allegory of heaven reaching to man below. Traverse the worn stones leading from the Hall of Prayer For Good Harvest to the Imperial Vault of Heaven, imagining the feet which trod there so long before you. Ascend three marble tiers of the Imperial Vault of Heaven to stand upon the raised center stone designed to channel the emperor’s voice directly to heaven.
This afternoon, fly to Xi’an and check in at the Shangri-La Hotel, Xi’an.
Accommodations—Shangri-La Hotel, Xi’an
Meals—Breakfast
Day 6 :
Xian
Excursion: Terra Cotta Warriors
Observe the results of a fortuitous discovery made in 1974 by farmers while digging a well. As archaeologists took over the digging, an entire army of thousands of terra cotta clay soldiers emerged to reveal one of the largest mausoleums on earth. Now an UNESCO World Heritage site, this massive army was created in the third century to guard the afterlife of Qin Shi Huangdi, the founding father of the Chinese empire. Each warrior is a unique marvel with its own distinctive hairstyle and facial expression.
The rest of the evening is at leisure. Your Travel Director can assist you with dinner reservations and offer suggestions for sightseeing.
Optional Excursion: T’ang Dynasty Dinner Show
Gain a deeper understanding of China’s T’ang dynasty (618-907 A.D.), the most prosperous of Xi’an’s 13 dynastic periods as you enjoy dinner and witness a magical performance of movement, music and color recreated from the city’s historical records. Immerse yourself in this artistic presentation exhibiting the beauty and symmetry of ancient rituals as performers reenact them in stunning costumed regalia.
Accommodations—Shangri-La Hotel
Meals—Breakfast
Day 7 :
Xi’an/Lhasa
This afternoon, fly to Lhasa, Tibet; en route to your hotel you will visit a Tibetan school. You may bring basic school supplies to donate if you wish. Check in at the Jardin Secret Hotel.
Lhasa is more than 12,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival at the hotel, you may wish to spend time relaxing and allow yourself to become acclimated to the high altitude of this capital city. Take shorts strolls through town or out along the banks of the Lhasa River.
Upon arrival at the hotel, participate in a traditional Tibetan welcome ceremony where you will be presented with a khata—white scarf—symbolizing purity, prosperity and happiness for the start of your journey. You will also sample barley powder, a dietary staple known as tsamba, then toss some into the air for good luck.
Local Flavor
Try some Tibetan specialties at a buffet this evening.
Accommodations—Jardin Secret Hotel
Meals—Breakfast and dinner
Day 8 :
Lhasa
Educational Focus: History of Buddhism
Discover the evolution of this ancient religion, from its birth during the enlightened meditation of Indian prince Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.) to its present-day forms. Explore the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy—that all life is suffering caused by earthly desires—and how it can be overcome to arrive at nirvana: a state of complete freedom from the shackles of existence. You will come to understand the Buddhist the principles of: Karma, Dharma, Sangha and the interconnectedness of life.
Excursion: Jokhang Temple and Barkhor
A palpable sense of tranquility will envelope you during your visit to Tibet’s holiest temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site was founded in 639 A.D. to commemorate the marriage of T’ang princess Wencheng to King Songtsen Gampo. A galaxy of glittering candles illuminates the most venerated image in Tibet, the bejeweled statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.
The Barkhor area encircles the temple’s exterior where you’ll observe pilgrims ritually prostrating themselves before the temple, hands slipping outwards along the ground’s smooth, gray stones, as the perfume of burning juniper branches scents the air and rises toward the temple’s golden rooftop.
Educational Focus: Tibetan Medicine
Visit a local hospital and listen to a doctor to learn about the unique characteristics of Tibetan medicine.
Local Flavor
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the traditionally decorated Snowland Restaurant, offering cuisine from Tibet, Nepal and India.
Excursion: Ani Tsankhung and Sera Monasteries
Tucked in a historic section of Lhasa lies its sole nunnery. Built in the seventh century, Ani Tsankhung Monastery has been used primarily by Buddhist nuns since the 12th century. The quaint gardens and pristine compound enhance the soothing sense of peace you’ll experience as you wander through the temple, bedrooms, workrooms and public restaurant operated by the 100 nuns in residence.
Next, visit Sera Monastery situated at the base of Tatipu Hill. One of Lhasa’s great Gelupga monasteries, it was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty. This impressive compound spans 28 acres and is residence for 600 monks.
Cultural Event: Monk Debates
During your tour of Sera Monastery, you will witness lamas participating in animated debates which take place in the garden courtyard each weekday afternoon. In a lively display, lamas supplement their battle of words with dramatic hand motions and claps to encourage responses from their partners.
Local Flavor
Dine at Dream of Watery Village, where ensconced in traditional Shanghai decor you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner.
Accommodations—Jardin Secret Hotel
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9 :
Lhasa
Excursion: Potala Palace
Potala Palace soars 13 stories above the rocky outcrop of Marpo Hill. Formerly the location of Tibetan government and winter home of the Dalai Lamas, this UNESCO World Heritage site is now a museum. A seventh-century architectural marvel, it contains over 1,000 rooms. Its White Palace section held the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas. The innermost apartment remains exactly as the 14th Dalai Lama left it the day he fled to India in 1959. The Red Palace is the spiritual center, housing the jewel-encrusted tombs of previous Dalai Lamas.
Local Flavor
Have a hearty lunch served with Tibetan, Nepali and Indian fare at the Tibet Steak House.
Cultural Event
About 90 percent of Tibetans live on farms. They grow barley, wheat, peas and rapeseed. Journey to an outlying farming village and visit with a Tibetan family in their home.
Excursion: Crazy Yak Dinner Show
Enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal and dinner show at the Crazy Yak Restaurant. You’ll be charmed by the distinctive costumes and traditional dances performed to the rhythmic sound of native Tibetan music. You may be surprised to see some “Crazy Yaks” join the performance, making for a most entertaining evening.
Accommodations—Jardin Secret Hotel
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10 :
Lhasa/Tsedang
This morning take a scenic drive into the fertile lands of the Yarlung Valley to the city of Tsedang. Check in at the Tsedang Hotel.
Excursion: Yumbulagang Palace
Perched atop a craggy peak, you’ll experience your first glimpse of Yumbulagang Palace, reputedly the first building of Tibet. Legend has it the palace was built for Nyatri Tsanpo who was made king after his descent from heaven was witnessed by 12 Bon herdsmen during the second century. During the seventh century it became the summer palace of Songtsan Gampo and Princess Wencheng, and later a Buddhist monastery. The watchtower of the palace provides an incomparable view of the valley. The exquisitely detailed murals within depict the colorful history of Tibet.
Excursion: Samye Monastery
Beauty and solitude surround you the moment you arrive at Samye Monastery. Its three-dimensional mandala design echoes Tibetan cosmology. This country’s oldest religious sanctuary was founded during Trisong Detsen’s reign in the eighth century and was the site of many debates over doctrine between Indian and Chinese Buddhists. Despite Indian Buddhism prevailing, it still maintains an eclectic feel. In addition to the wealth of religious treasures within its walls, the monastery also contains the meticulously painted statue of the 1,000-armed Chenresig--the embodiment of all the infinite Buddhas’ compassionate wisdom.
Local Flavor
Delight in the convivial dining experience of a Chinese hot pot dinner, also known as “Chinese fondue,” at the Shanhu Hotel. You and your fellow travelers will choose from a colorful array of foods—including yak meat—to dip into a pot of simmering broth.
Accommodations—Tsedang Hotel
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11 :
Tsedang/Chongqing/Cruising
This morning, fly to Chongqing.
Local Flavor
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Chongqing.
Excursion: Chongqing Zoo
Here is your opportunity to view up close, those cuddly bamboo eaters, the giant pandas. Surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, the Chongqing Zoo provides a comfortable reserve and maintains one of the few successful breeding programs for this endangered species. One of the largest urban zoos in the country, it is also home to over 6,000 animals in addition to the panda exhibit.
After leaving the zoo, embark the Century Sky. The ship remains docked in Chongqing overnight.
Accommodations—Century Sky
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 12 :
Cruising/Fengdu
The ship sails from Chongqing, threading its way down the Yangtze River. Enjoy the view as the rolling farmlands of Chongqing eventually give way to the raw, natural beauty of the gorge scenery downstream.
Get your “chi” flowing this morning by participating in a session of tai chi before breakfast. This ancient Chinese discipline promotes flexibility, circulation, strength and balance through a series of gentle movements. You’ll have the opportunity to try tai chi each morning of your cruise.
Educational Focus: Chinese Arts and Medicine
Learn more about Chinese acupuncture, massage and embroidery. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that energy meridians exist throughout the human body, and tapping into those meridians through acupuncture and deep-tissue massage helps release pain and prevent disease. You’ll also explore Chinese embroidery techniques. Chinese embroidery is exquisite in its detailing; it’s been an art form in China for centuries and is still practiced today.
Excursion: Fengdu Relocation Village
When the Three Gorges Dam was built, the Chinese government relocated more than 1 million people whose villages would be submerged by the Yangtze River. New villages were built to accommodate the people who were being moved. Visit a relocation village and meet with residents in their homes.
Tonight is the Captain’s Welcome Dinner, followed by a Welcome Show performed by the crew. The ship remains docked in Wanxian overnight.
Accommodations—Century Sky
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13 :
Cruising/Three Gorges/Lesser Gorges
Educational Focus: Pearls and Bottle Painting
For thousands of years, the Chinese have been harvesting pearls. You will find out all about the growth, harvesting and collection of them. Chinese bottle painting, developed during the Qing dynasty, is an intricate art form that is renowned the world over. You will learn how these elaborate, detailed images are so painstakingly created.
This morning, wend your way through the narrow passages and lush, towering walls of the Qutang and Wu Gorges. Before the 20th century, this voyage would have been a dangerous one as you surged through the violent, rushing waters. But today, the landscape has changed with the creation of the Three Gorges Dam, and you’re treated to a leisurely cruise through the ethereal vistas that have made these gorges such beloved landscapes.
Excursion: Shennong Lesser Gorges
Board wooden boats navigated by local tribesman to glide through the crystal waters and picturesque smaller gorges of Shennong Stream. The mountainous cliffs of verdant stone, their peaks shrouded in swirling mists, enfold you in their fairytale ambience. As you cruise beside the lush bamboo groves of the gorges, watch for chattering troops of golden-haired monkeys as well as the extraordinary hanging coffins—remains from ancient burial sites of the Bai people.
After dinner, enjoy an entertaining Talent Show on board the ship.
Accommodations—Century Sky
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 14 :
Cruising/Three Gorges Dam/Shanghai
Breathe in the spectacular scenery as you sail into the eastern section of Xiling Gorge. This last of the Three Gorges is known as the most treacherous due to its hidden shoals, churning eddies and reefs. Xiling Gorge is made up of multiple smaller gorges which slice through scented orange groves and are brimming with history. Nestled at the base of Nine Dragon Mountain is Huangling Temple, built over 2,000 years ago, it’s the oldest and largest temple in the gorges.
Excursion: Three Gorges Dam
This morning you’ll get an up-close view of the controversial and monumental construction project, the Three Gorges Dam. Built to help curb the disastrous flooding of the Yangtze River while simultaneously generating significant amounts of hydroelectric power, it is five times larger than the Hoover Dam. This 400-mile long reservoir required the relocation of over one million people, and as the water levels continue to rise over the next few years, the Three Gorges may virtually vanish along with numerous historical sites.
Disembark the ship in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai; you will check in at the Shanghai Hilton Hotel.
Accommodations—Shanghai Hilton
Meals—Breakfast and lunch
Day 15 :
Shanghai
Excursion: Shanghai City Tour
Venture into the glittering metropolis of fiercely independent Shanghai. The country’s largest and most vibrant city is an eclectic fusion of east meets west, and a far cry from its origins as a tiny fishing village. Stroll the famous thoroughfare, the Bund, as it curves along the Huangpu River, and take in the sophisticated sweep of colonial architecture dating from Shanghai’s days as the equivalent of Wall Street. Wander Yu Gardens, one of Shanghai’s premiere sights. Echoes of the wild beauty of southern China’s peaks and gorges whisper amongst the shaded alcoves, pavilions, shimmering pools, rockeries and fragrant jasmine thickets.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Consider a visit to the quaint Huxingting Teahouse for a relaxing pot of tea or make time to visit the numerous antique and souvenir shops. Your Travel Director can provide lunch location and sightseeing suggestions.
Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception at the hotel.
Accommodations—Shanghai Hilton
Meals—Breakfast
Day 16 :
In Transit to North America
Following breakfast, depart for Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your return flights home.
Meals—Breakfast and appropriate in-flight meal service
Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.
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