15-Day Tour: Best Tibet & Yangtze

Full Itinerary 

Day1 Beijing

Arrive at any time. Your guide and driver will go to the airport to pick you up, and then help you to check in the hotel. There are no planned activities before an optional evening welcome dinner. After introductions, your guide will review the details of your tour during the welcome dinner.
Day2 Beijing (B)
Explore one of the world's largest public squares---Tian’an men Square, home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Then visit the Forbidden City and its corridors and buildings, which were built during the rule of the Ming Dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, which is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces and used to be a imperial park during Ming and Qing dynasties. UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List. It declared the Summer Palace "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.
Optional activity: Shaolin Kung Fu Show (Watch this moving performance of choreographed martial arts.)
Day 3 Beijing-Xi’an (B)
Set out early for the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges. Afterwards, on our way to the railway station, we will have a short visit to Beijing Olympic Park. Here you may have a chance to take brag-worthy photos of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
In the evening, board the overnight train, stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Overnight train: Beijing-Xi’an (deluxe sleeper ticket, approx 12hrs).
Day 4 Xi'an (B, D)
After checking into the hotel in Xi’an, go to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The great Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an date back about 1300 years during the Tang Dynasty. Built to store and translate Sanskrit Buddhist Scriptures that a monk brought from India, it is the only tall pagoda of the historic Tang era still standing. Opt to climb up the pagoda. Then go to visit the biggest history museum in China, Shaanxi History Museum.
Afterwards, take an orientation walk of the city with time to explore the bustling bazaar---Muslim Quarter; heading past the inner city landmarks, Drum and Bell Towers.
In the evening, we will have a family visit to the local resident’s home and experience the real life of local people. We will also have the chance to learn how to make Chinese dumplings, and then have our self-made dumplings for dinner.
Day 5 Xi’an (B)
Go to visit the ancient City Wall, which encloses the heart of the city. Opt to cycle the ancient city walls and look down over the life of the city. Then opt to go to a local farmer’s home for a family meal.
Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife.
Optional activity: Tang Dynasty music & dancing show

Day 6 Xi’an-Lhasa (B)
Take a spectacular morning flight over the Himalayas to Lhasa, Tibet, the roof of the world at an altitude of 3,700m (12,140 ft). Enjoy a relaxed pace in the afternoon as we adjust to the altitude, and take a leisurely orientation walk with our local guide through Barkhor Square.
Important note: Lhasa is at an altitude of over 3,700m (12,140 ft). It is important to be aware of the effects of altitude on one's tolerance. You may experience headaches, nausea, and lethargy on arrival in Lhasa. We recommend that you consult your doctor to discuss altitude sickness medication.
Day 7 Lhasa (B)
Enjoy a guided visit to the Potala Palace, a magnificent structure and true architectural wonder built in the 1600s and steeped in history. This is where the Dalai Lamas would meditate, handle affairs of state, and where their burial stupas remain. Check out the golden statues, three dimensional mandalas, ancient scriptures, and the devoted pilgrims who circle the palace day and night. This is truly a remarkable place. 
Visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, called the spiritual heart of Tibet. Watch prostrating pilgrims circle the temple day and night, some of them traversing the extremes of the Tibetan landscape by foot to come here and celebrate their faith. Make a kora ("revolution" in Tibetan) of the Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, which surrounds the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar where people bargain for Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets, prayer wheels, and the odd goat's head. Then have a visit of the Tibetan Medicine Institute to learn more about Tibetan spirituality and culture. Built in 1916, Mentsekhang (also called Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute) was used for the research of Tibetan medicine and calendar calculations for the former local government. After a large expansion in 1980, it became the main center for the treatment, training, research, and production of Tibetan medicine in the region.
Day 8 Lhasa (B)
Have a half-day visit to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes of Tibet. It is a lake with two long arms of water, making it look like a scorpion from the sky. The lake is considered sacred and the water has special powers.  According to locals, it can make the old young again and can improve intelligence. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. On the way back to town, we will have a traditional Tibetan Family Visit, trying their homemade milk tea and lots of other snacks. This shows the highest level of welcome to honorable guests. 
Day 9 Lhasa -Chengdu (B)
Fly down into the Sichuan Valley, leaving the arid Tibetan plateau behind. Be prepared to try some of the spiciest food in all of China in Chengdu. Our tour leader will take us straight to spice-lovers heaven!  Sichuan is also famous for its opera, and, as a direct influence from the food, its spicy ladies!
In the evening, have an orientation walk of the Wide and Narrow Street. It has managed to preserve some of its traditional flavour, so keep a sharp eye out for legendary teahouses and some of the most interesting food in China. Explore the teahouses and the streets of Chengdu and have an included meal of spicy Sichuan hot pot.
Optional activity: Sichuan local opera (Face Off Show) 
Day 10 Chengdu-Chongqing (B)
Today you can sleep in or get up early to join ballroom dancing or tai chi morning exercise in the park. After checking out, visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.
In the afternoon, go to the train station by private vehicle to catch up the bullet train to Chongqing (approx 2hrs). Later enjoy a brief visit to the city of Chongqing, then board a luxury riverboat for the first night on the Yangtze.
Important note: While on the cruise, any bar purchases, items of a personal nature such as gifts, laundry, internet, telephone, medical services, spa and beauty services are not included and are payable by the passenger. There is no cash flow aboard, you will simply sign for purchases made and your final bill is settled on check-out in any major currency, major credit card, or traveler cheques.
Do not drink the tap water on board. One bottle of spring water is provided per person per day in your cabin. You may also request boiled water. All water and ice in the Yangtze Club and Dining Room is safe to drink. The water is boiled, treated and filtered. Voltage on board is 220 volts (110 volts in the bathroom). Casual attire is recommended on board and ashore. For the captain's cocktail party and farewell banquet, we suggest bringing a dressier outfit.
Day 11-12 Yangtze River/Three Gorges (2B, 2L, 2D)
The mighty Yangtze River splits China into north and south. Spend 2 full days on board a big boat traversing through the Three Gorges en route to Yichang. We cruise through one of the most geographically dramatic sections of the river, called the Three Gorges. The scenery is impressive, as we see the rock formations change as we pass village after village.
While on the boat there are several optional activities to choose from. We may just want to laze the days away, writing in our journal or taking photos. Onboard activities feature lectures on Chinese history and culture, Tai Chi lessons, tea tasting and calligraphy demonstrations as well as shows and entertainment by the talented staff.
Shore excursions are included to various temples and walled cities which we pass along the way. Local guides give us a flavour of the areas we float past. Daily shore excursions can include: Fengdu or Shibaozhai or Wanzhou, sail through Qutang Gorge/Wu Gorge, Daning River Small Gorges or Shennong Stream, sail through Three Gorges dam ship locks and optional excursion to White Emperor City (all depending on the season and river conditions).
Meal times will vary depending on the schedule of excursions and activities and times will be posted daily. Meals are served in a single-seating Dynasty Dining Room. Sumptuous western and Chinese buffets are offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner. An elegant Captain’s Farewell Banquet is served on the final night of the cruise. There is also a tea time in the afternoon and happy hour.
Day 13 Yangtze River-Yichang-Shanghai (B, L,)
Early this morning we take an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam site which is one of the biggest Dams in the world. After a farewell lunch with the boat crew we make our way to the airport and take a flight to Shanghai.
After arriving and checking in to the hotel, we will take an orientation walk down one of Shanghai’s most famous streets—Nanjing Road, and then on to the Bund. There you will see all the landmarks of Shanghai: European style 1920s; the Shanghai World Financial Centre; Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Day 14 Shanghai (B)
In the morning we will visit the Shanghai Museum, then the Yuyuan Garden - a classic garden of the south region also famous for the busy bazaar and old style architecture. The beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere here make it a peaceful place in bustling city. In the evening, we will enjoy the best Chinese Acrobat Show after having an optional farewell dinner.
Day 15 Shanghai (B)
Depart at any time.（We offer optional airport transfer）

Inclusions
◆ Accommodation as per itinerary

◆ Transportation as per itinerary

◆ Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

◆ Breakfast

◆ Entrance fees

◆ Professional licensed guide

◆ Transport by private vehicle and public vehicle some times

Exclusions

◆ Food and drinks, unless specified

◆ Gratuities (recommended)

Additional info

◆ A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

◆ Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

◆ Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

◆Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

◆You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler

Full Itinerary 

Day1 Beijing

Arrive at any time. Your guide and driver will go to the airport to pick you up, and then help you to check in the hotel. There are no planned activities before an optional evening welcome dinner. After introductions, your guide will review the details of your tour during the welcome dinner.
Day2 Beijing (B)
Explore one of the world's largest public squares---Tian’an men Square, home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Then visit the Forbidden City and its corridors and buildings, which were built during the rule of the Ming Dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, which is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces and used to be a imperial park during Ming and Qing dynasties. UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List. It declared the Summer Palace "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.
Optional activity: Shaolin Kung Fu Show (Watch this moving performance of choreographed martial arts.)
Day 3 Beijing-Xi’an (B)
Set out early for the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges. Afterwards, on our way to the railway station, we will have a short visit to Beijing Olympic Park. Here you may have a chance to take brag-worthy photos of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
In the evening, board the overnight train, stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Overnight train: Beijing-Xi’an (deluxe sleeper ticket, approx 12hrs).
Day 4 Xi'an (B, D)
After checking into the hotel in Xi’an, go to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The great Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an date back about 1300 years during the Tang Dynasty. Built to store and translate Sanskrit Buddhist Scriptures that a monk brought from India, it is the only tall pagoda of the historic Tang era still standing. Opt to climb up the pagoda. Then go to visit the biggest history museum in China, Shaanxi History Museum.
Afterwards, take an orientation walk of the city with time to explore the bustling bazaar---Muslim Quarter; heading past the inner city landmarks, Drum and Bell Towers.
In the evening, we will have a family visit to the local resident’s home and experience the real life of local people. We will also have the chance to learn how to make Chinese dumplings, and then have our self-made dumplings for dinner.
Day 5 Xi’an (B)
Go to visit the ancient City Wall, which encloses the heart of the city. Opt to cycle the ancient city walls and look down over the life of the city. Then opt to go to a local farmer’s home for a family meal.
Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife.
Optional activity: Tang Dynasty music & dancing show

Day 6 Xi’an-Lhasa (B)
Take a spectacular morning flight over the Himalayas to Lhasa, Tibet, the roof of the world at an altitude of 3,700m (12,140 ft). Enjoy a relaxed pace in the afternoon as we adjust to the altitude, and take a leisurely orientation walk with our local guide through Barkhor Square.
Important note: Lhasa is at an altitude of over 3,700m (12,140 ft). It is important to be aware of the effects of altitude on one's tolerance. You may experience headaches, nausea, and lethargy on arrival in Lhasa. We recommend that you consult your doctor to discuss altitude sickness medication.
Day 7 Lhasa (B)
Enjoy a guided visit to the Potala Palace, a magnificent structure and true architectural wonder built in the 1600s and steeped in history. This is where the Dalai Lamas would meditate, handle affairs of state, and where their burial stupas remain. Check out the golden statues, three dimensional mandalas, ancient scriptures, and the devoted pilgrims who circle the palace day and night. This is truly a remarkable place. 
Visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, called the spiritual heart of Tibet. Watch prostrating pilgrims circle the temple day and night, some of them traversing the extremes of the Tibetan landscape by foot to come here and celebrate their faith. Make a kora ("revolution" in Tibetan) of the Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, which surrounds the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar where people bargain for Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets, prayer wheels, and the odd goat's head. Then have a visit of the Tibetan Medicine Institute to learn more about Tibetan spirituality and culture. Built in 1916, Mentsekhang (also called Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute) was used for the research of Tibetan medicine and calendar calculations for the former local government. After a large expansion in 1980, it became the main center for the treatment, training, research, and production of Tibetan medicine in the region.
Day 8 Lhasa (B)
Have a half-day visit to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes of Tibet. It is a lake with two long arms of water, making it look like a scorpion from the sky. The lake is considered sacred and the water has special powers.  According to locals, it can make the old young again and can improve intelligence. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. On the way back to town, we will have a traditional Tibetan Family Visit, trying their homemade milk tea and lots of other snacks. This shows the highest level of welcome to honorable guests. 
Day 9 Lhasa -Chengdu (B)
Fly down into the Sichuan Valley, leaving the arid Tibetan plateau behind. Be prepared to try some of the spiciest food in all of China in Chengdu. Our tour leader will take us straight to spice-lovers heaven!  Sichuan is also famous for its opera, and, as a direct influence from the food, its spicy ladies!
In the evening, have an orientation walk of the Wide and Narrow Street. It has managed to preserve some of its traditional flavour, so keep a sharp eye out for legendary teahouses and some of the most interesting food in China. Explore the teahouses and the streets of Chengdu and have an included meal of spicy Sichuan hot pot.
Optional activity: Sichuan local opera (Face Off Show) 
Day 10 Chengdu-Chongqing (B)
Today you can sleep in or get up early to join ballroom dancing or tai chi morning exercise in the park. After checking out, visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.
In the afternoon, go to the train station by private vehicle to catch up the bullet train to Chongqing (approx 2hrs). Later enjoy a brief visit to the city of Chongqing, then board a luxury riverboat for the first night on the Yangtze.
Important note: While on the cruise, any bar purchases, items of a personal nature such as gifts, laundry, internet, telephone, medical services, spa and beauty services are not included and are payable by the passenger. There is no cash flow aboard, you will simply sign for purchases made and your final bill is settled on check-out in any major currency, major credit card, or traveler cheques.
Do not drink the tap water on board. One bottle of spring water is provided per person per day in your cabin. You may also request boiled water. All water and ice in the Yangtze Club and Dining Room is safe to drink. The water is boiled, treated and filtered. Voltage on board is 220 volts (110 volts in the bathroom). Casual attire is recommended on board and ashore. For the captain's cocktail party and farewell banquet, we suggest bringing a dressier outfit.
Day 11-12 Yangtze River/Three Gorges (2B, 2L, 2D)
The mighty Yangtze River splits China into north and south. Spend 2 full days on board a big boat traversing through the Three Gorges en route to Yichang. We cruise through one of the most geographically dramatic sections of the river, called the Three Gorges. The scenery is impressive, as we see the rock formations change as we pass village after village.
While on the boat there are several optional activities to choose from. We may just want to laze the days away, writing in our journal or taking photos. Onboard activities feature lectures on Chinese history and culture, Tai Chi lessons, tea tasting and calligraphy demonstrations as well as shows and entertainment by the talented staff.
Shore excursions are included to various temples and walled cities which we pass along the way. Local guides give us a flavour of the areas we float past. Daily shore excursions can include: Fengdu or Shibaozhai or Wanzhou, sail through Qutang Gorge/Wu Gorge, Daning River Small Gorges or Shennong Stream, sail through Three Gorges dam ship locks and optional excursion to White Emperor City (all depending on the season and river conditions).
Meal times will vary depending on the schedule of excursions and activities and times will be posted daily. Meals are served in a single-seating Dynasty Dining Room. Sumptuous western and Chinese buffets are offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner. An elegant Captain’s Farewell Banquet is served on the final night of the cruise. There is also a tea time in the afternoon and happy hour.
Day 13 Yangtze River-Yichang-Shanghai (B, L,)
Early this morning we take an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam site which is one of the biggest Dams in the world. After a farewell lunch with the boat crew we make our way to the airport and take a flight to Shanghai.
After arriving and checking in to the hotel, we will take an orientation walk down one of Shanghai’s most famous streets—Nanjing Road, and then on to the Bund. There you will see all the landmarks of Shanghai: European style 1920s; the Shanghai World Financial Centre; Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Day 14 Shanghai (B)
In the morning we will visit the Shanghai Museum, then the Yuyuan Garden - a classic garden of the south region also famous for the busy bazaar and old style architecture. The beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere here make it a peaceful place in bustling city. In the evening, we will enjoy the best Chinese Acrobat Show after having an optional farewell dinner.
Day 15 Shanghai (B)
Depart at any time.（We offer optional airport transfer）

Inclusions
◆ Accommodation as per itinerary

◆ Transportation as per itinerary

◆ Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

◆ Breakfast

◆ Entrance fees

◆ Professional licensed guide

◆ Transport by private vehicle and public vehicle some times

Exclusions

◆ Food and drinks, unless specified

◆ Gratuities (recommended)

Additional info

◆ A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

◆ Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

◆ Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

◆Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

◆You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler