Trafalgar > China, Tibet and the Yangtze

China, Tibet and the Yangtze
15 Days starting from $3,549

Countries Visited:
China

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Length: 15 Days
Type: China 2008
Category: Regional Plus
Operator: Trafalgar
Tour Code: CT
   
 
About This Tour


Cities Visited:
Beijing, Xi''an, Chengdu, Lhasa, Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai

Travel to Lhasa, Tibet and discover Shangri-La Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet, means holy land. Tibet is a country long associated with peace and spirituality. Marvel at the unique architecture from gilt-roofed temples and intricately decorated monasteries to southern-facing homes with flat roofs for energy efficiency, and enjoy an inner calm as you wander through the peaceful gardens. Visit Potala Palace, with its rare cultural relics and explore Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries in Lhasa. Explore the majestic Yangtze and delight in China’s highlights Cruise the most scenic part of the Yangtze River and bear witness to the changing landscape caused by the Three Gorges Dam.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details
  • SPECIALS

Sightseeing Highlights
  • Beijing - Visit Tiananmen Square. Tour the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Travel the Sacred Way, home to the remnants of the Ming Tombs. Enjoy an evening at the Peking Opera.
  • Great Wall - Walk this wonder of the ancient world.
  • Xi''an - Explore the excavations of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
  • Lhasa - Enjoy a three day visit to the capital of Tibet. Visit the Tibet Museum and glimpse into the life of the local people with a visit to a family''s home.
  • Yangtze River Cruise - Sail along the Yangtze through the Three Gorges. Voyage down the Lesser Three Gorges, depending on water levels. Visit the site of the Three Gorges Dam.
  • Shanghai - Stroll the famed Bund waterfront promenade. Enjoy the peaceful Yu Yuan Garden. Visit the Oriental TV Tower. See the Shanghai Acrobats.

Dining Highlights
Most meals: Buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Highlight Dinner

    First Class Travel Highlights
    • All domestic flights within China.
    • 3-night Yangtze River cruise in an outside stateroom with private balcony onboard Victoria Katarina.
    • 10 nights in superior to deluxe hotels.
    • Fully-escorted tours with English speaking guides.
    • All transportation on the tour.
    • All airport transfers will be provided on Days 2 and 15.
    • Services of an experienced Trafalgar Tour Director.
    * Ship subject to change
    Please Note:
    Guaranteed roomshare is not available on this tour.
    • 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 Kempinski

      Hotel. Hotel: Kempinski


    • 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 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. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / 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 Terracotta Warriors and Horses. After your exploration of these awe-inspiring sculptures, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved Buddhist shrine. In the evening, be treated to a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)


    • Day 7 - Xi’an to 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 to 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 Uniworld guests. (Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, 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 to Yichang to 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


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

      Hotel: Regal International East and West Asia


    • 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 Kong - Recently 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 offering a vibrant blend of Eastern and Western culture. Shop at Stanley Market, a mecca for bargain hunters. Explore Hong Kong Island and drive up to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the city and harbor.

      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

      Hong Kong and Guilin - Combine Hong Kong with beautiful Guilin into one grand extension. Find inspiration the way Chinese artists and poets have done for centuries in Guilin. Tour Reed Flute Cave and relax on a full-day cruise down the Li River. Be enthralled by the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Explore Hong Kong Island and drive up to Victoria Peak.

      Included in your 5-day grand city stay:
      • Flights from Shanghai, Guilin to Hong Kong
      • 1 night at the Sheraton Hotel in Guilin
      • 3 nights at the Sheraton Hotel in Hong Kong
      • Guided tour of Guilin
      • Full-day cruise on the Li River and tour in
      Yangshuo with lunch
      • Breakfast daily
      • Guided tour of Hong Kong Island
      • English-speaking guides
      • All transfers

      Please contact Trafalgar or your Travel Agent for further information.



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    to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

    Airfare Disclaimer
    A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

    Documents
    TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

             
    Touring Date
    Land Only
    Land + Air
    Single
    (Land Only)
    Single
    (Land + Air)
    4/26/2008 - 5/10/2008
    $3,749
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    8/30/2008 - 9/13/2008
    $3,799
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    9/6/2008 - 9/20/2008
    $3,799
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    9/13/2008 - 9/27/2008
    $3,799
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    9/27/2008 - 10/11/2008
    $3,799
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    10/4/2008 - 10/18/2008
    $3,799
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    10/11/2008 - 10/25/2008
    $3,799
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    All Land & Air Prices: Additional taxes and fees will apply, please visit www.trafalgar.com/taxesandfees. Airline fuel surcharges are included in the base fare. Additional restrictions will apply; please visit www.trafalgar.com/restrictions. Prices shown are from New York City (Europe vacations), Los Angeles (South Pacific & Asia vacations) and Miami (South America vacations).
    * This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
    ** Please note: Land + Air inclusive tour prices are based from New York. For inclusive tour prices to your home city, please contact Trafalgar or your Travel Agent.
    *** Please Note: Guarenteed roomshare is not available on this tour.
    **** Hotels subject to change, depends on the season
    ***** Prices shown includes cruise in outside stateroom. To upgrade to a higher category suite, add the following to the per person price: Junior: $639/ Deluxe: $969/ Shangri-La: $1299/
    Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
    For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
    The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.
    • Beijing
    • Xi''an
    • Chengdu
    • Lhasa
    • Yangtze River Cruise
    • Shanghai
    All Land & Air Prices: Additional taxes and fees will apply, please visit www.trafalgar.com/taxesandfees. Airline fuel surcharges are included in the base fare. Additional restrictions will apply; please visit www.trafalgar.com/restrictions. Prices shown are from New York City (Europe vacations), Los Angeles (South Pacific & Asia vacations) and Miami (South America vacations).
    * This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
    ** Please note: Land + Air inclusive tour prices are based from New York. For inclusive tour prices to your home city, please contact Trafalgar or your Travel Agent.
    *** Please Note: Guarenteed roomshare is not available on this tour.
    **** Hotels subject to change, depends on the season
    ***** Prices shown includes cruise in outside stateroom. To upgrade to a higher category suite, add the following to the per person price: Junior: $639/ Deluxe: $969/ Shangri-La: $1299/
    Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
    For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
    The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

    CURRENT SPECIALS:

    Travel during the Value Season and Save up to 50% off the cost of summer tours.

    New to Trafalgar? Receive a complimentary pre or post night.

    Traveled with Trafalgar before? Choose between a complimentary pre or post night OR double your Trafaglar Club Discount to 10% off of the land tour rate.

    Offer ends July 31, 2008

    *Terms and Conditions: All prices quoted are in US dollars and are per person, land only, based on double occupancy. Special Offer is valid on all new air-inclusive 2008/09 Europe Value Season (November 2008 – April 2009) bookings, except Trafalgar’s City Breaks tours Winter in London and London & Paris, when deposited by July 31, 2008. To receive the complimentary pre- or post- night mention code: TVLSN13 when booking. To receive the double Trafalgar Travel Club Discount of 10% (on land portion of tour only) mention code: TVLSN23 when booking. Double Trafalgar Travel Club Discount of 10% valid for past Trafalgar passengers only and not valid on Egypt or Israel tours. Offer combinable with brochure discounts but are not valid with any other promotional offer. Subject to availability, not valid on groups, cannot be booked online and can be withdrawn at any time. Other conditions may apply. †Per day, per person price of $111 is based on Trafalgar’s Christmas in Paris vacation. CST# 2077132-20


    Take advantage of Trafalgar's great savings and discounts

    Take advantage of Trafalgar's great savings and discounts.

    EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT - Save up to 10%

    Many Trafalgar tours sell out months before the departure date, so book NOW to avoid disappointment.The earlier you pay, the more you save! If you book and pay in full you'll save up to 10% off the Land-only portion of your trip. Below is our Early Payment Saving options - pay between:

    4-6 months SAVE 2.5%

    7-9 months SAVE 5%

    10-12 months SAVE 7.5%

    1 year or more SAVE 10%

    All tours must be booked and paid for in full for this discount to apply. This discount does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Greek Cruises, Egypt, European Express tour and extra night accommodation.*When booking our Basel to Amsterdam River Cruise please check our River Cruise brochure for the savings and discounts exclusions. Conditions apply.

    ......................................................................................................................

    SAVE ON YOUR 2nd TOUR - Save 5%

    Book two Trafalgar holidays, each 8 days or longer for a reduction of 5% off the land portion of the tour with the shortest duration. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your travel professional for suggestions on your perfect tour combination.

    IMPORTANT: Tours are combinable with second and subsequent additional tours. Tours must be booked at the same time. Discount is per person only and does NOT apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt and extra night accommodation or any combination of a tour plus a cruise or rail journey as shown in brochures. Please see our Trafalgar brochures for their saving or discount exclusions. Conditions apply.

    .....................................................................................................................

    TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS - Save 5%

    A party of five or more friends - Travel with 5 to 8 friends or family members on the same tour and everyone will receive a discount of 5% off the Land portion of the tour.

    A party of 9 or more friends - Further significant savings are available for larger groups of friends and families traveling together. Ask your Travel Agent for full details.

    IMPORTANT: Space is limited to one group per motorcoach, so book early! These discounts cannot be combined with any other rooming, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. Names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Trafalgar at the time of booking in order to qualify. These discounts do not apply to extra night accommodation, are not combinable with our Frequent Traveler offer and are not available on Winter tours, Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Greece tours. Conditions apply.

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    YOUNG TRAVELER AGES - SAVE 10%

    Share your holiday memories with your family and take advantage of a discount on the Land-only portion of your tour. Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by and adult (limit of one young traveler per room).

    On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveler must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS DISCOUNTS, and is limited to one young traveler discount per room. It also does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt, Turkey or Israel tours, extra night accommodation or London and gateway accommodation. Conditions apply.

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    SINGLE TRAVELER room share and save

    One of the great benefits of Escorted Travel is the ease of traveling solo, and with Trafalgar we make it simple by offering the following options:

    Guaranteed Room Share

    When traveling alone, we understand that some clients do not want to incur the expense of an additional single room supplement. With this in mind, on the majority of our itineraries, Trafalgar offers you the opportunity to purchase these tours on a 'room sharing' basis. We will accommodate you with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a 'twin room' basis (non-smoking rooms only). Please note that regrettably, we cannot guarantee that room mates will be of a similar age group. Even so, it is an enjoyable way to travel and get to make new friends and a positive way to stretch your vacation budget further. If we fail to match you we will provide a single room at no extra cost.

    This service does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, European Express tour, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and extra night accommodation. Conditions apply.

    Single Supplement Value

    If you prefer the privacy of your own room, you'll appreciate our low single room supplement.

    TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT

    Travel with three people, sharing one room and each of you will receive a discount off the land-only portion of your tour price. Each itinerary page will list the price reduction, see the tour of your choice.

    Triple room discounts are based on sharing a twin-bedded room with an extra bed which may be a rollaway. This discount is applicable to itineraries featuring the Triple Room Reduction offer only.


       
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