Netherlands 
RATES: $2889 (Based on Double Occupancy)
Single Supplement $692
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO TRAVELLERS. PLEASE CALL US FOR DATES.
THE ABOVE PRICES ARE THE AVERAGE COST. THEY MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER DEPENDING ON RATE OF EXCHANGE AT TIME OF BOOKING
The Yangtze River has always inspired awe. From its headwaters in Tibet, it tumbles down from the mountains, gathering volume and speed, to swirl through the provinces of Sichuan, Hubei and Jiangsu before reaching the East China Sea close to Shanghai. Ever since the decision was made to build the Three Gorges Dam, a cruise on the Yangtze has taken on a new urgency, as many travelers realize that time is running out for experiencing one of the world's great natural wonders...
For this trip, we have selected a 5 star river vessel M/S East Queen. The ship has entertained such "celebrities" like Mr. Bill Gates and Dr. Henry Kissinger. The ship's facilities include restaurants, bars, business center, fitness center, beauty salon, sauna and massage room, whirlpool, IDD telephone and satellite communications. You will stay at the Executive Cabins with big picture window. At the conclusion of our special upstream cruise, we include a unique excursion to Dazu, with its collection of 50,000 stone carvings. All these are in addition to the "must see" destinations of Shanghai - gateway to the new China, Suzhou - the "Venice of the East", Beijing, with its great palaces, and Xian, famous for the terra-cotta army of The First Emperor.
Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai today. Meet your guide and transfer to the deluxe Oriental Riverside Hotel or similar for three nights stay.
Shanghai
Enjoy a full day guided tour of the city, visiting the Yu Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Museum with China's premier collection of sculpture, bronzes and painting. In the evening, attend a performance of the Shanghai Acrobatics. (B, L, D).
Day trip to Suzhou
A day excursion takes you to Suzhou, which the Chinese describe as an "earthly paradise". Spend the day exploring the canals, gardens and silk spinning and embroidery workshops of the place Marco Polo called "the Venice of the East" before returning to Shanghai this evening. (B, L)
On the Yangtze
Enjoy some free time before departing on a late afternoon flight to Yichang where you board the luxurious cruise ship M/S East Queen and begin a four-night upstream cruise. The ship offers the finest facilities on the river and a full range of services and amenities. (B, D)
On the Yangtze
From the comfort of your cabin or the observation deck, enjoy dramatic panoramas as they unfold around every turn and bend of the river as the ship passes through the longest of the gorges, Xiling. (B, L, D)
On the Yangtze
Enjoy a small boat excursion up the fantastic Shennong Stream known as "the Little Three Gorges." Daily shore excursions familiarize you with the timeless life of the river, now undergoing monumental change. (B, L, D)
On the Yangtze
Pass through the last two of the famed Three Gorges, the Wu and Qutang, startling cuts through impossibly high cliffs. In the afternoon, we continue our cruise with a shore excursion to Shibaozhai or Wanxian. (B, L, D)
Chongqing/Xian
Disembark in the port city of Chongqing in the morning, transfer to airport for your flight to Xian. Time permits, an city orientation tour will be arranged in Chongqing. Stay at Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel overnight two nights. ( B, L)
Xian
The highlights of today's excursions are the Museum of Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, Hua Qing Hot Springs, the Neolithic Village of Banpo and the Grand Mosque. In the evening you will be treated to a colorful Tang Dynasty Dance and Music Dinner Show. (B, L, D)
Xian/Beijing
In the morning, we visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best history museums in the nation and the ancient City Wall. Take an afternoon flight to Beijing, center of China's political culture for over 500 years. Transfer to the Tianlun Dynasty Hotel for three nights. (B, L)
Beijing
Today, we have a full day excursion to the magnificent Great Wall, the only man-made object visible from the moon with the naked eye. After a very traditional northern Chinese style lunch served at a local restaurant, we return to the city via the valley of Ming Tombs. This evening, you are invited to a Peking Duck banquet. (B, L, D)
Beijing
After breakfast, you are off to see the sights, including the vast Tian An Men Square, and Ming treasures adorning the Imperial Palace in the once Forbidden City. In the afternoon, more Ming extravagances are evident as you tour the exquisite architecture and vivid embellishment of the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. We end the day with the pleasure of an evening cultural performance of Beijing Opera. (B, L, D)
Depart Beijing
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight or extend your journey. (B)
Making a reservation with a deposit will be considered to be consent to the following conditions:
Mantrav (the tour operator) reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of two people.