Day 1:
Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Beijing, China. Welcome to China’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 3:
Beijing. 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 PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Beijing. 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 CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and 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 makeup being applied to the performers. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Beijing–Xi’an. This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighborhood as you are invited into a daycare center and into the courtyard of a family’s home for a tea ceremony. Later, fly to Xi’an. This evening, enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)

Day 6:
Xi’an–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise. One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. 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. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Next, board a flight to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. Visit a local ZOO to see pandas before boarding the Victoria Anna or Victoria Jenna for a 3-night CRUISE through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Cruising: Wanxian or Shibaozhai or Fengdu. 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 Snow Jade Cave. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Cruising: Shennong Stream or Daning River. 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 9:
Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai. 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 10:
Shanghai. 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,D)

Day 11:
Shanghai. Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue your own discoveries. Perhaps join an optional trip to a nearby ancient watertown or shop some of the 400 stores on Nanjing Road and the famous Friendship Store on the Bund. (B)

Day 12:
Shanghai–Guilin. 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. 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. 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. 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, then to the Aberdeen fishing village for 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. 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 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:
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 Land-only price includes intra-tour flights, and must be purchased with this vacation. Single Room Supplement: $2290 Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Beijing: Mon.-Thu. in single room $270; in twin room $150. Fri.-Sun. in single room $220; in twin room $120. Extra nights per person in Hong Kong: May-Jun. in single room $255; in twin room $140. Sep.-Oct. in single room $465; in twin room $245. Extra nights per person in Bangkok: in single room $195; in twin room $110. Suites are available on board the Victoria Anna and Victoria Jenna upon request. Please call for prices. 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!

Globus River Cruise Special Offers

If you are looking for a smart investment, Globus gives you a world of return. A river cruise with Globus is a fantastic value, since the price includes accommodations, local sightseeing, many meals, and complimentary wine with dinner, greatly minimizing both on-shore and onboard costs. It’s clear that a journey with Globus is an investment in yourself, one amazing experience at a time.

And now, a Globus river cruise is an even better value. Book a 2009 European river cruise before February 28, 2009, and you will save $400 per stateroom on the air-inclusive price or save $200 per stateroom on the land/cruise price.*

*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive the $200 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $100 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between December 16, 2008 and February 28, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Book a group of 10 or more and one travels FREE!

*Book a group of 10 or more members on any 2009 Globus, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon group benefit eligible vacation to receive the one free (land only) offer. To qualify, group must be booked and under deposit between October 17 and February 28, 2009, for travel commencing by December 31, 2009. Applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer excludes tour vacations with cruises of three or more nights. Not combinable with other group incentives. Additional restrictions may apply.