Day 1   Hometown / Beijing

Your adventure will begin with a flight to Beijing from your hometown by Japan Airlines or Air Canada (via Vancouver). Your Canadian tour escort will accompany you from Vancouver to Beijing.

Day 2   Arriving Beijing

When you arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your 5- Star hotel. Relax or explore Beijing at your leisure.

Hotel: Chang An Grand Hotel (5 Star)

Day 3   Beijing

After breakfast you’ll explore the very heart of Beijing. The trip starts from renowned Tian’anmen Square – the largest public square in the world. The square and its surrounding areas are home to some of China’s most historic monuments and government edifices. Then take a tour to the amazing Forbidden orbidden City, the largest existing ancient architectural complex in China. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Summer Palace - an enchanting panorama of lake, landscape, pagodas and pavilions. This evening, a special Peking Duck Dinner has been planned. (B/L/SD)

Day 4   Beijing

An inspiring day tour has been arranged to the remarkable and world-famous Great Wall (Juyong Pass), which winds dragon-like across northern China. Enjoy time to walk its ramparts and absorb breathtaking views. After lunch you’ll visit the tomb of Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) Changling - one of the Ming Tombs at the burial
site of thirteen Ming Dynasty Emperors. You’ll also have a close look at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadium (The Bird’s Nest & The Water Cube). Evening entertainment is a dazzling Beijing Acrobatic Show. (B/L/D)

Day 5   Beijing

Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful Temple of Heaven. Then take a novel Rickshaw Tour through the ancient alleyways of Beijing’s Hutong - one of Beijing's 700-year-old traditional cottage neighbourhoods. A personal visit to a family in one of the “Quadrangles” has been arranged, you will be treated toa delightful Family Lunch at the home of one of local families! After this unusual lunch,you’ll make a visit to the busiest shopping area - Wangfujing. You’ll enjoy a bus tour to experience Beijing by Night (Donghua Gate Food Fair). (B/L/D)

Day 6   Beijing / Xi'an

Today you'll take a flight to Xi’an - one of China's ancient capitals. Visit Shanxi Provincial Museum. A change-of-pace Western Dinner and a Xi’an Night Tour to a fascinating Muslim Quarter Market will be arranged. (B/L/WD)

Hotel: Empark Grand Hotel (5 Star)

Day 7   Xi'an

You'll take an unforgettable full day tour to visit the remarkable Museum that houses the most exciting archaeological discovery of the 20th Century - the excavation of more than 6,000 Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. On the way you’ll stop at a Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses reproduction factory. This evening, you’ll enjoy a well-known Xi’an Special Dumpling Banquet while you are being entertained by the colourful Tang Dynasty Show. (B/L/SD)

Day 8  Xi’an / Yichang ~ Yangtze River Cruise

Visit the historic Ming Dynasty City Wall before taking a flight to Yichang. After dinner, you’ll board the deluxe cruise ship Victoria Cruises – Queen. Explore your stateroom and the ship before starting to revel in every splendid and amazing moment on the Yangtze River. (B/L/D)

Yangtze Cruise Ship: Victoria Cruises - Queen (5 Star Deluxe American Managed Cruise Ship - Outside Cabin with Balcony)

Day 10   Yangtze River Cruise

Begin your day with an excursion to Daning River. Then take an exciting sampan ride to see the Small Gorges. Don’t forget your camera while you feast on the spectacular scenery. Return to the cruise ship and set sail through the second gorge – Wu Gorge, known for its odd, misty rock formations and its backdrop of soaring mountains. Later in the afternoon, you’ll pass through the third gorge - Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic of the Three Gorges, with ancient relics scattered along its steep cliffs. Tonight, you’ll have a spirited Crew Cabaret Show. (B/L/D)

Day 11   Yangtze River Cruise

After arriving in Fengdu, enjoy a shore excursion to visit Ghost City, known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill. The carved facades are truly fascinating. Tonight’s entertainment is Captain’s Farewell Banquet. (B/L/SD)

Day 12   Chongqing / Lhasa

Disembark at Chongqing and take a flight to Lhasa; you'll be treated to spectacular views of 22,000-foot high Himalayan peaks. After arriving in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, have a relaxing evening to let your body adjust to being 12,000 feet above sea level. (B/L/D)

Hotel: Lhasa Brahmaputra Grand Hotel (5 Star)

Day 13   Lhasa

You’ll visit Jokhang Temple, located in the city core. The Temple is Tibet’s oldest and most holy spiritual
centre. Finish today’s tour with a stroll around the ethereal pavilions and gardens of the Summer Palace,
built in the 1950’s by the Dalai Lama shortly before his escape to India, you can view his garden throne.
You’ll explore Bakor Street on your own. A Tibetan Style Dinner and Show will be arranged. (B/L/SD)

Day 14   Lhasa ~ Gyantse ~ Xigaze

A spectacular drive along an old caravan trade route takes you through stunning glacial landscapes and high mountain passes to Gyantse via Yamdroktso Lake. You’ll visit the Phalkor Monastery in Gyantse and
then go to Xigaze - Tibet’s second largest city. (B/L/D)

Hotel: Shandong Hotel (3 Star *the Best Hotel in Xigaze)

Day 15   Xigaze ~ Lhasa

The highlight of your full day exploration of Xigaze will begin with a tour to the Tashilhunpo Monastery,
one of the most exquisite in Tibet and the former seat of the Panchen Lama. Fabulous murals grace the inner
walls of this elaborate temple complex - but the focal point is an enormous bronze Buddha, the largest in
Tibet , which stands 86 feet high and contains over 600 pounds of pure gold. You’ll be transferred back to
Lhasa in the afternoon. (B/L/D)

Hotel: Lhasa Brahmaputra Grand Hotel (5 Star)

Day 16   Lhasa

Spend a full day exploring the mysteries of this sacred land at the “roof of the world”. Tibet's unique branch
of Buddhism has always permeated its everyday life - you'll visit the magnificent Potala Palace, a towering
1,000 room structure and former living quarters of the Dalai Lama; and also visit the Sera Monastery with
its breathtaking views of Potala Palace and Lhasa valley. You’ll also have a unique visit with a Tibetan
family. (B/L/D)

Day 17   Lhasa / Chengdu / Shanghai

Take a morning flight to Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan Province. After lunch you’ll visit the Panda Breeding Research Center - which creates an imitated natural environment for Pandas - and also the Giant Panda Museum. Then take a flight to bustling Shanghai, China’s most populous city and seaport. (B/L/D)

Hotel: Howard Johnson Caida Hotel (5 Star Designed Hotel)

Day 18   Shanghai (Free Day)

Today you’ll visit the Shanghai Museum, People’s Square and take a walk along the famous “Bund”. You’ll be amazed at the beauty of historical architecture. Then visit Yu Yuan Garden. Tour the ultra-modern Pudong Development Zone and get a closer look at the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Tonight you’ll enjoy a fabulous and colourful Huangpu River Night Cruise. (B/L/D)

Day 19   Shanghai / Hometown

This morning you can relax or travel to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s downtown area, for you to explore and
shop on your own. There’s also an optional tour to visit 2010 Shanghai World Expo today. Lunch will be by
your own arrangement. A China Farewell Dinner will be arranged in the hotel. (B/SD)

Day 20   Shanghai / Hometown

After breakfast, bid farewell to China and depart for Canada and arrive home on the same day. (B)