China with Luxury & Style (12 Days): Sample Itinerary Outline
ID #: DT-C-12-11-1-10-RAIJ
DAYS
1 – 3: Beijing, CHINA
On arrival you will be met at the airport and taken to your luxury
accommodations. On the morning of Day 2 visit Tiananmen Square, said to
be the largest square in the world, and the Forbidden City, a
beautifully preserved imperial palace complex. The afternoon is
highlighted with a visit to the Summer Palace, noted for its beautiful
royal garden. On Day 3, you are driven to the Great Wall, one of the
world’s great wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will
experience the thrill of walking along the top of the wall as you
reflect on its legendary past. ►Some suggested Beijing hotels (in alphabetical order): Aman at Summer Palace (V) China World Summit Wing (V) Opposite House (V) Park Hyatt Beijing (V) Peninsula, Beijing (V) Raffles Beijing Hotel (V) Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street (V) St. Regis Beijing (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAYS 4 & 5: Xi’an, CHINA
On the morning of Day 4, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the Hutong of
Beijing, providing an enlightening and intimate glimpse into life during
the city’s past. Then fly to the city of Xi’an with an afternoon visit
to the landmark Small Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum. A modern building
located just behind the pagoda, the museum presents a fascinating
history of early Chinese settlements and has displays of jade,
calligraphy and ancient seals. On Day 5, visit a vast hall to gaze in
amazement at 1,000 life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors, cavalry and chariots
created by imperial edict around 220 B.C. In the afternoon, visit the
Shaanxi Historical Museum. Opened to the public in 1991, it is one of
the most important museums in China and houses cultural relics dating
back over a million years. ►Suggested hotel:
Shangri-La, Xi’an (V)
DAY 6: Chengdu, CHINA
The city of Chengdu is home to the Panda Breeding and Research Center.
There are fewer than 1,000 pandas in the world and they are considered a
Chinese national treasure. A natural habitat has been created for the
pandas at the Center, and you can watch as they eat and play. ►Suggested hotel: Shangri-La ,Chengdu (V)
DAYS 7 – 9: Yangtze River Cruise
From Chengdu fly to Chongqing, where you board the luxurious mv Victoria
Jenna. One of the newest cruise ships on the Yangtze, the mv Victoria
Jenna provides large staterooms, private balconies, exceptional
amenities and à la carte dining. From your stateroom you will watch the
landscapes of the river pass by your panoramic windows. Highlights of
your 3-day cruise will be the immense gorges along the river, a
fascinating excursion into a tributary of the river and the massive
Three Gorges Dam. M/V Victoria Jenna
DAYS 10 & 11: Shanghai, CHINA
On the morning of Day 10 fly to Shanghai, one of the most vibrant cities
in the world. A tour of the city describes the eclectic history of
Shanghai and includes visits to the Shanghai Museum and the Children’s
Palace, a school for gifted children who will delight you with a
performance of music and dance. You will have free time to explore the
city, take advantage of its shopping and stroll along the Bund as you
watch the boats sailing on the river. ►Some suggested Shanghai hotels (in alphabetical order): Grand Hyatt Shanghai (V) The Hongta Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel (V) Park Hyatt Shanghai (V) Peninsula Shanghai (V) Portman Ritz-Carlton (V) Puli Hotel & Spa (V) Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 12: Shanghai, CHINA
Depart for home with images in your mind of a civilization that reaches
deep into ancient times and, at the same time, is thoroughly modern.