Summary of China, Tibet & the Yangtze

Discover the sights, sounds and history on this adventurous 15 day tour of China. Experience China on foot, on a rickshaw or by boat. Travel through the Forbidden City and Terra Cotta soldiers. Cruise the Yangtze River all the way to Shanghai.

Highlights:

• Beijing
• Xi’an
• Lhasa
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Shanghai

Day 1 - Depart North America

Day 2 - Arrive Beijing (3 nights)
Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a Trafalgar Tour Director who will escort you to the lovely Sheraton Hotel. Hotel: Sheraton

Day 3 - Beijing
Your first full day in Beijing takes in many of the major sites, such as the Forbidden City, a 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens, and historic Tiananmen Square. Visit the Summer Palace, one of China’s largest and best-preserved imperial gardens. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Peking Duck dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)

Day 4 - Beijing
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the Great Wall. From the 3rd century BC, the wall was built, rebuilt and maintained over thousands of years. After this memorable experience, visit the lavish and historic Ming Tombs. In the evening, enjoy an historic Beijing Opera performance. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 5 - Beijing – Xi'an (2 nights)
Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs, located in the old residential area of Beijing. In the afternoon, fly to Xi’an and transfer to the Sofitel Hotel. Tonight, you will enjoy a sumptuous traditional dumpling dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner) Hotel: Sofitel

Day 6 - Xi'an
Xi’an is the site of one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century – the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. After your exploration of these awe-inspiring sculptures, visit the City Wall. In the evening, be treated to a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)

Day 7 - Xi’an - Lhasa (3 nights)
Fly to Lhasa, the heart, soul and capital of Tibet, with a fascinating history dating back more than 1,300 years. As the former seat of the Dalai Lama, Lhasa which translates to “place of the gods” embodies the mysterious Tibetan Buddhism culture. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Brahmaputra

Day 8 - Lhasa
See the early Buddhist Da Zhao Temple, embellished with Nepalese and Indian touches and capped by a golden canopy. Visit the Tibet Museum, which houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics. Catch a glimpse into the life of the local people with a visit to a Lhasa family’s home. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 9 - Lhasa
Tour Lhasa and marvel at the Potala Palace, perched atop the mountain. Gaze at the jewel collections and wander the chapels as pilgrims make offerings at the altars. Visit the Sera Monastery, with its amazing collection of perfectly-preserved murals and Maitreya, Bodhisattva and Arhat statuary. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 10 - Lhasa - Chongqing and Cruising the Yangtze River (3 nights)
Take a morning flight to Chongqing, where you’ll take a tour of the city zoo for a panda visit. Then, board your Victoria Cruises ship and enjoy a special onboard dinner created just for Trafalgar guests. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Highlight dinner)

Day 11 Cruising the Yangtze River
Along the Yangtze, you’ll encounter Shibaozai, a gem of Chinese architecture. Walk up this spectacular 12-story wooden red pavilion and enjoy the panoramic view. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 12 Cruising the Yangtze River
Sail through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge with its majestic 12 mountain peaks. Embark on a voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges, depending on water levels, through “Dragon Gate,” “Misty Gorge” and “Emerald Gorge.” (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 13 - Cruising the Yangtze River - Yichang - Shanghai (2 nights)
Visit the construction site of the world’s largest hydroelectric plant, the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark in Yichang and fly to Shanghai. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)Hotel: Regal International

Day 14 - Shanghai
Enjoy the many splendors of Shanghai, including Old Town, the Bund, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Tonight prepare to be dazzled by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 15 - Depart Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue your tour with one of our popular optional extensions. (Buffet breakfast)Note: Substitute visits to other sights along the Yangtze River may occur depending on water levels, or other factors.

Extend your vacation with these Optional Extensions
HONG KONGRecently reunited with China in 1997 after years of British rule, Hong Kong has always remained true to its Chinese roots and culture. Spend time discovering the traditions of this dynamic city.Included in your 4-day grand city stay:• 3 nights at the Sheraton Hotel with breakfast*• Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong • All transfers • Half-day Hong Kong Island tour*Hotels subject to change.