Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Beijing, China. (Thu.) Welcome to China’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.

Day 3:
Beijing. (Fri.) Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. This evening, meet your traveling companions at a special Chinese WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director, featuring delectable Peking Duck. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Beijing. (Sat.) The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful make-up being applied to the performers. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Beijing–Xi’an. (Sun.) This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. During this visit you’re welcomed into the courtyard of a family’s home and a daycare center to experience life in this historic neighborhood. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China. Look forward to this evening’s highlight, “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances.

Day 6:
Xi’an. (Mon.) One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 A.D. Then learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Xi’an–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise. (Tue.) This morning, visit Xi’an’s South Gate; you may
even see some locals practicing their morning Tai Chi. Visit a LACQUER WORKSHOP before flying to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local zoo to see pandas before boarding the Victoria Anna for a 3-night cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,D)

Day 8:
Wanxian or Shibaozhai or Fengdu. (Wed.) Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, “Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province,” where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai, with its 400-year-old, 12-story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side; or Fengdu, where you’ll visit the Snow Jade Cave. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Shennong Stream or Daning River. (Thu.) Head downstream through the first and second of the three gorges—Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and Wu, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. After lunch, disembark for a boat excursion down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. Continue sailing through Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges ship locks. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
The Three Gorges Dam Site–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai. (Fri.) View tiny villages clinging to hillsides as you proceed toward Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam site, where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, say farewell to your ship’s crew in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. (B,L)

Day 11:
Shanghai. (Sat.) Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You’ll visit a SILK FACTORY and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. This evening, be amazed at a fabulous ACROBATIC SHOW. (B,L)

Day 12:
Shanghai–Guilin. (Sun.) After a morning at leisure, enjoy lunch and visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful areas. Tonight, you may choose to join our optional trip to see trained cormorants dive for fish, the traditional Lijiang fishing method. (B,L)

Day 13:
Guilin. (Mon.) Limestone mountains, their needle peaks hidden in mist, rise from the green plain surrounding Guilin. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that artists have tried to capture for centuries. Savor unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River and enjoy a light lunch. (B,L)

Day 14:
Guilin–Hong Kong. (Tue.) Visit the famous Reed Flute Cave to see unusual stalactite and stalagmite formations. Then visit a local TEA FARM for a hands-on demonstration of the tea-making process followed by a tea ceremony. Later, fly to Hong Kong. (B,L)

Day 15:
Hong Kong. (Wed.) This morning’s sightseeing begins with a cable car ride up to Victoria Peak for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Continue to Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, and then to the Aberdeen Fishing Village where you will enjoy a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET, a narrow street jammed with stalls offering clothing, arts, and crafts. Tonight, consider an optional sunset cruise on Hong Kong’s magnificent harbor. (B)

Day 16:
Hong Kong. (Thu.) A full free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to join one of our optional excursions to view the giant Buddha on the island of Lantau or an excursion to learn about Hong Kong’s history before the British colonized the area. Shopping is a highlight of Hong Kong with markets, malls, and shops to fit any taste and budget. This evening is the perfect finale to a great adventure as you’re hosted at a special FAREWELL DINNER. (B,D)

Day 17:
(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Click here 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)
4/16/2009 - 5/2/2009	$4,649	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/23/2009 - 5/9/2009	$4,319	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/30/2009 - 5/16/2009	$4,319	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/14/2009 - 5/30/2009	$4,319	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/21/2009 - 6/6/2009	$4,319	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/28/2009 - 6/13/2009	$4,169	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/4/2009 - 6/20/2009	$4,169	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/27/2009 - 9/12/2009	$4,549	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/3/2009 - 9/19/2009	$4,739	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/10/2009 - 9/26/2009	$4,739	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/15/2009 - 10/1/2009	$4,739	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/17/2009 - 10/3/2009	$4,739	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/24/2009 - 10/10/2009	$4,739	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/29/2009 - 10/15/2009	$4,739	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/1/2009 - 10/17/2009	$4,739	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/8/2009 - 10/24/2009	$4,739	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
Price Details US *Air inclusive prices are based on departure from San Francisco. Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11 fee of up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.40 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Air inclusive prices are not guaranteed until payment is made in full. Restrictions apply. Single room supplement: $1950 Extra nights per person in Beijing: Mon.-Thu.: in single room $244; in twin room $134 Fri.-Sun.: in single room $199; in twin room $111 Extra nights per person in Hong Kong Apr.: in single room $391; in twin room $207 May-Jun.: in single room $242; in twin room $132 Sep. 14-20 & Oct. 1-7: in single room $291; in twin room $157 Sep. 21-30 & Oct. 8-31: in single room $436; in twin room $229 Extra nights per person in Bangkok in single room $184; in twin room $104 Triple rooms are not available. Suites are available on board the Victoria Anna upon request. Please call for pricing. Related Tours WCYE| Add Bangkok to your vacation.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!

Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel?

Right now when you book between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.