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. 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, 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 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. Fly to Xi’an, where you spend the next two nights. This evening, enjoy “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)

Day 6:
Xi’an. 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 the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD, followed by a LACQUER WORKSHOP. Next, visit the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTA 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. Then, visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Xi’an–Lhasa. Today, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, the capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. The balance of the day is free to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Lhasa. This morning, after a city tour, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also visit one of Tibet’s oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. This afternoon, visit the SUMMER PALACE and a typical Tibetan monastery. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Lhasa. Today, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch, a visit to the DREPUNG MONASTERY (the largest in Tibet), and a TIBETAN HOSPITAL to learn of traditional medicine and therapy. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Lhasa–Chongqing, China (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise. Fly 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 or Victoria Jenna for a 3-night CRUISE through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B,D)

Day 11:
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; or Fengdu, where you’ll visit Snow Jade Cave. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
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 almost 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 13:
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 14:
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 the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, then visit a SILK FACTORY and the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner followed by a spectacular ACROBATIC SHOW. (B,L,D)

Day 15:
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)
4/26/2009 - 5/10/2009	$4,159	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/10/2009 - 5/24/2009	$4,159	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/17/2009 - 5/31/2009	$4,159	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/24/2009 - 6/7/2009	$4,049	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/5/2009 - 6/19/2009	$4,049	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/6/2009 - 9/20/2009	$4,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/13/2009 - 9/27/2009	$4,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/18/2009 - 10/2/2009	$4,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/27/2009 - 10/11/2009	$4,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/4/2009 - 10/18/2009	$4,199	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: $1510 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 Shanghai: Mon.-Thu. in single room $280; in twin room $150. Fri.-Sun. in single room $225; in twin room $125. 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. Suites are available on board the Victoria Anna and Victoria Jenna upon request. Please call for prices. Related Tours WXYE|Add Hong Kong 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!

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.

Save $200 per couple on all 2009 Globus vacations

Travel is the one investment that still has a great return.

Get a world of returns for your investment with Globus. You’ll reap the benefits of the perfect itinerary reflecting more than 80 years of travel experience, including expert Tour Directors and Local Hosts who are unmatched in the industry. Our prices include well-appointed accommodations, some meals, VIP access to the must-see sights, a variety of unique transportation, baggage handling and Local Guides who deliver authentic local experiences and unique stories behind the world’s most remarkable destinations. No one in the industry brings so much value to the dollar today.

Book a 2009 Globus vacation between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009, and you will save $200 per couple on the land only price.*

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation and receive $100 off per person. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with one-another or with any other offer except Journeys Club. Applies to new 2009 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Save up to $400 per couple on 2009 Europe vacations

Whatever treasure you seek, Globus will unveil Europe’s most cherished masterpieces. From the famed Golden Coast in the Mediterranean, and the glorious beauty of France’s Châteaux Country, to the fairytale lands of Bavaria and the splendor of Italy’s grand cities, the possibilities are never ending when you travel with Globus. No matter which of our journeys you choose, we have the perfect way for you to enjoy Europe’s premier destinations all at a price you can afford.

$400 off per couple on the air-inclusive price of any 2009 Europe vacation.*

*Book a 2009 Globus Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive the $200 off per person offer. Land only bookings are eligible for the $100 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with one-another or with any other offer except Journeys Club. Applies to new 2009 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Save up to $400 per couple on Europe river cruises

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.

$400 off per stateroom on the air-inclusive price of any 2009 Europe river cruise.*

$200 off per stateroom on the land/cruise only price of any 2009 Europe river cruise.*

*Book a 2009 Globus Europe River Cruise 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 January 2, 2009 and March 3, 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.