NOTE:  This itinerary is what was originally planned, but was changed along the way due to weather conditions or transportation difficulties.

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June 21 - Lynne and Maribeth depart for Beijing, China via Seattle.
 

June 22 - Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China; meeting and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the time change 
 

June 23 - Forbidden City, Home-Hosted Lunch in Hutong
Morning briefing with your Tour Manager on the exciting journey that awaits you. Your exploration begins at huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, from the palatial to the modest, as you continue to a typical Hutong neighborhood. Beijing's Hutongs, a community of small residences centered around alleyways and courtyards, are dwindling in number as the city is modernized, but some have been preserved as "protected areas." Special arrangements just for you to meet a local family and share lunch together in their home - they will be delighted to share their secret family recipe for dumplings, complete with a demonstration. This evening, join your fellow travelers at a festive Welcome Dinner, featuring China's world-famous Peking Duck 
 

June 24 - The Great Wall & Ming Tombs
An amazing day! Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. En route, stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. You travel to a less crowded section in Badaling to avoid crowds and have a less hurried experience. Mount the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view beautiful mountain passes, plateaus and grasslands from this 7th century defensive fortification. To aid local organizations, you’ll plant a tree along the ancient paths to commemorate your visit to the Great Wall. This afternoon lunch will be at a local restaurant. Continue to the Sacred Way lined with mythical stone beasts and statues. Originally built to lead to the mausoleum, it was thought to be the "road leading to heaven." Walk through the huge Memorial Stone Arch guarding its entrance continuing along the road to the 13 Ming Dynasty Tombs. Visit the Dingling Tomb, also known as the Underground Palace, the first Imperial tomb excavated in China, housing the remains of Emperor Wan Li and two of his wives. In the exhibition, you'll also see many of the precious golden crowns and glittering jewels that were uncovered. Return to Beijing via the striking ultra-modern "Bird's Nest" stadium built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics 

 

June 25 - Train to Xian, Wild Goose Pagoda & Market Visit
Morning departure from Beijing to Xian by high-speed bullet train, traveling through Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province and Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province. Along the way, see glimpses of the Yellow River, Mt. Huashan and the huge construction projects everywhere you look. Arrive in Xian, the ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China constructed during the Tang Dynasty era. This brick and wood structure was only moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. Then, on to the Muslim Quarter, hub of the Muslim community in Xian. Over ten mosques are spread out in the winding and narrow streets including the popular Great Mosque. At the bustling Beiyuanmen Market, you'll find a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic stalls with foods and crafts 

 

June 26 - Xian Antiquities with Terracotta Army
Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity - join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to hear more about this delicate technique. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, a truly unforgettable experience! Arrive at the archaeological site of the magnificent Terra Cotta Warriors, a vast collection of more than 7,000 finely sculpted, life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. This world-famous site discovered by farmers in 1974 is still being excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its unearthing. This evening, Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe 

 

June 27 - Xian City Wall, Flight to Chengdu
This morning, visit the ancient Xian city wall, which was started in 194 B.C. This is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Today, lunch en route. Afternoon flight to Chengdu; arrival and transfer to your hotel in this capital city of Sichuan Province. Tonight, try the famous China "Hot Pot" for dinner. Created over 1,000 years ago, this dish varies by region and is popular all over the country. Be careful with the Szechuan version - it's spicy! 
 

June 28 - View Giant Pandas, Visit Mahjong Parlor
This morning you'll get to visit some of Chengdu's most relaxed local celebrities - giant panda bears. You’ll travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Center which houses more than 80 giant pandas. The center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Their livelihood in the wild is under threat from deforestation. After lunch at a local restaurant, join some residents in a local Mahjong parlor to watch this ancient Chinese game and have a few lessons from the experts. Later attend the Sichuan Opera Show. Be swept away and mesmerized by a colorful Sichuan Opera as performers take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances 

 

June 29 - Flight to Lhasa*
Early morning flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, storied capital of the Tibet autonomous region in China, 12,000 feet above sea level on the northern slopes of the Himalayas. Arrive at your hotel with time to rest and adjust to the high altitude. Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon briefing with Tibetan experts to hear about the local customs, traditions and the thrilling journey you will experience in Tibet. Rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, dinner at a local restaurant 

 

June 30 - Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace*
Today you'll see the astonishing Potala Palace -- one of the grandest monuments in all of Asia. Built in the 17th century atop the original 7th century site, the palace boasts more than 1,000 rooms, including the Red Palace (where the Dalai Lama once lived), 10,000 chapels, and a labyrinth of mysterious dungeons. It took 7,000 workers and 1,500 artists and craftsmen more than 50 years to build the adjoining White and Red Palaces. This Eastern architectural triumph was once the world's tallest building before the creation of 20th century skyscrapers. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Norbulingka Palace, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace constructed in the 18th century, is a masterpiece of Tibetan art 

 

July 1 - Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery*
Arrive this morning at the popular Barkhor Street Bazaar, located in the heart of Lhasa. This cultural highlight is comprised of a series of circular streets that encompass the Jokhang Temple, along with many merchants and vendors offering a wide variety of local Tibetan arts, crafts, and tasty snacks. At the Jokhang Temple, the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism can be observed by the sound of chanting sutras and the spinning of prayer wheels. Local Tibetans can be seen day and night performing pilgrimages and prostrations around the Bazaar. Inside the Jokhang Temple, thousands of yak butter candles flicker inside beneath the enlightened gaze of the golden 7th century Buddha statue. Stop at a Tibetan art shop to collect souvenirs to bring home. You’ll dine at a local restaurant, before visiting the Sera Monastery, known as one of the great three university monasteries of Tibet. This evening, dinner at a local restaurant accented by a traditional Tibetan Dance Performance 

 

July 2 - Flight to Chongqing, Embark Cruise
Depart Lhasa by flight to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze River. Upon arrival visit the Stilwell Museum, at his renovated former residence, dedicated to the General who was the Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces in the China-Burma-India Theater. With the aid of General Stilwell, the Chinese people won the War of Resistance against the Japanese invaders. This evening enjoy your dinner before embarkation on your cruise ship to begin the scenic journey on the Yangtze River - you'll be welcomed by the warm and friendly crew 

 

July 3 - Cruise to Shibaozhai
Awake this morning to the beautiful vistas on the river. Today's shore excursion will visit Shibaozhai, which is known for its impressive wooden pagoda and is appropriately named ‘The Pearl of the Yangtze’. This place is considered one of the gems of Chinese architecture 

 

July 4 - Qutang and Wuxia Gorges
Wondrous views await you today. Sail through Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three Yangtze Gorges followed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountain passes as you sail through the 25-mile long Wuxia (Witches) Gorge, famous for its fabled Twelve Peaks. According to legend, the peaks are believed to be the spirits of 12 fairies, the most famous of them being the Shennu Feng (Goddess) Peak, topped by a huge rock resembling a kneeling maiden. The shore excursion takes you to visit the natural scenic wonders of the Shennv or Shennong Stream**. Finally, begin sailing downstream through Xiling Gorge. The longest and deepest section of the Three Gorges system, it comprises the Xietan, Qintan, and Kongling rapids in what is known as the Three Rapids of Xiling 

 

July 5 - Three Gorges Dam & Disembark Cruise
After breakfast this morning, make a visit to the Three Gorges Dam site near Sandouping Village. The dam is the world's largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River. Have lunch on board the ship before disembarkation in Yichang and transfer to Yichang airport. Then, fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline 

 

July 6 - Yu Yuan Gardens, Caoyang Community & Home-Hosted Lunch
Morning stroll along the famous Bund walkway, with its gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. Stop at a local silk carpet & embroidery shop and see how fabric is woven into stunning designs by local craftspeople. Afterwards, visit to the classical Yu Yuan Gardens (Garden of Happiness) in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. Then you’ll continue to the Caoyang New Village, the first Worker's Housing Project in Shanghai, to learn more about this self-sufficient community and their daily life. You're invited to a home hosted lunch in this community before visiting the government offices and learning how the legislature here functions. Later in the afternoon learn more about this ever-changing country by participating in an informative lecture and discussion about China's Cultural Revolution presented by a Shanghai resident who experienced the revolution first-hand and was sent to the countryside to be re-educated by the peasants. Tonight, bid farewell to China and your fellow travelers at the Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant 

 

July 7 - Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight