Price for 1 traveler starts at:
$4,459*
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About this tour
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of
China and
Tibet during this unforgettable land and river cruise vacation! Your trip begins in
Beijing, where you visit
the Great Wall of
China, the Imperial Palace, Tian’anmen Square, and the Sacred Way of the
Ming Tombs. On to Xi’an to marvel at the Dayan Pagoda, built in 652 AD, and the famous legion of Terracotta Warriors guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s (
China’s first Emperor’s) tomb. Then journey into the Himalayas to see the religious sites in the Buddhist city of Lhasa,
Tibet. Tour the
Potala Palace, once
the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Visit
the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in
Tibet. Learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy at the Tibetan Hospital, and visit a typical Tibetan monastery. Visit one of
Tibet’s oldest shrines,
Jokhang Temple. Fly to Chengdu and visit the fascinating Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Then fly to Kunming to view the Stone Forest, an area of limestone pillars—some almost 100 feet high—dotted with small lakes and waterfalls. Then travel to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 16,000-foot-plus mountains. Tour the medieval town and the
Black Dragon Pool. After flying to Chongqing,
China’s capital during World War II, embark on your 3-night river cruise on the magical Yangtze River aboard the Victoria Katarina, where you witness beautiful landscapes and visit the Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest of its kind in the world. Disembark in Yichang and fly to
Shanghai, China’s most populous city. In
Shanghai, tour the
Shanghai Museum and experience the spectacular beauty of the
Yu Yuan Gardens. This vacation to
China and
Tibet, with the wonderful Yangtze River Cruise, is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Lijiang, Shanghai, Shennong Stream or Daning River Boat Excursion, Chengdu, Kunming, Beijing, Xi’an, Sightseeing including a personal headset in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, Lhasa, Chongqing
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
(Thu.) Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2: Arrive in Beijing, China.
(Fri.) Welcome to China. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 3: Beijing.
(Sat.) Today your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the Forbidden City’s IMPERIAL PALACE, once the sacred home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. Then, proceed to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries situated around Kunming Lake. This evening, enjoy a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Beijing.
(Sun.) 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. Walk along the wall and 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. Before returning to Beijing, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight you may decide on the optional tour of the Peking Opera with its various forms of drama and music tracing back to the late 13th century. (B,L)
Day 5: Beijing–Xi’an.
(Mon.) This morning is free. Time permitting, you may wish to take our optional tour to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture, or you may decide to take the optional Hutong tour of the city’s ancient alleys. 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. (B,D)
Day 6: Xi’an.
(Tue.) 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 starts with a visit to the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. 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 impressive legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the emperor’s burial site for 2,000 years. Also visit the Xi’an City Wall South Gate. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Xi’an–Lhasa, Tibet.
(Wed.) Early this morning, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet and locked away in the mountains of the Himalayas. The balance of the day is free for you to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Lhasa.
(Thu.) Take a brief city tour this morning, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN’S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a TYPICAL TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Lhasa.
(Fri.) Today, 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. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Lhasa–Chengdu.
(Sat.) This morning, fly to Chengdu, the capital of the province of Sichuan and a city known for its flavorful food. Visit the GIANT PANDA BREEDING RESEARCH BASE and marvel at these beautiful animals. Time permitting, enjoy a brief city tour. (B,L)
Day 11: Chengdu–Kunming.
(Sun.) Enjoy the morning at leisure in Chengdu. Then, fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province and often called the “City of Eternal Spring.” Enjoy a Western-style dinner tonight at your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Kunming.
(Mon.) Today, travel to the remarkable STONE FOREST, an area of limestone pillars—some almost 100 feet high—dotted with small lakes and waterfalls. Return to Kunming and visit the Western Hills and the magnificent Dragon Gate. Later, enjoy free time to stroll along the city’s wide boulevards. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Kunming–Lijiang.
(Tue.) A short flight brings you to Lijiang, home to the Naxi people, one of China’s minority ethnic groups. This afternoon, visit the MUSEUM OF NAXI DONGBA CULTURE to learn about their ancient culture or Dongba, which consists of hieroglyphs, scripture, paintings, music, and dance. Then, visit BLACK DRAGON POOL with stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, followed by a late-afternoon WALKING TOUR through the medieval town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by 16,000-foot-plus mountains. Dinner tonight is a fascinating experience at a local restaurant in the medieval town. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Lijiang.
(Wed.) This morning, take a short trip outside of Lijiang and hike to a mountain meadow for a closer view of 18,464-foot-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Lijiang on your own. (B)
Day 15: Lijiang–Chongqing (Embarkation)–Yangtze River Cruise.
(Thu.) Today, fly via Kunming to Chongqing, China’s capital during World War II. The city is set high up on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Time permitting, take a stroll through one of its many attractive parks or through the historic Old Town before you board the Victoria Katarina to prepare for your 3-night CRUISE down the mighty Yangtze River. During the next few days, when not on deck, attend lectures on Chinese medicine, calligraphy, history, or the Three Gorges Dam project. (B,D)
Day 16: Cruising: Shibaozhai or Wanxian or Fengdu.
(Fri.) 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 wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff; or Fengdu, known as “Ghost City,” where you’ll visit several temples. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Cruising: Shennong Stream or Daning River.
(Sat.) 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 your BOAT EXCURSION down the Daning River or the Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. Continue through the passage, sailing through the Three Gorges ship locks. (B,L,D)
Day 18: Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site–Yichang (Disembarkation)–Shanghai.
(Sun.) View tiny villages clinging precariously to hillsides as you proceed to Yang Jia Wang. This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, the largest of its kind in the world. Upon arrival in Yichang, say farewell to your crew as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s most populous city. (B,L)
Day 19: Shanghai.
(Mon.) Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard; visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM, and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Later, visit one of China’s famous KINDERGARTENS. This evening your Tour Director hosts a lavish farewell dinner, a fitting finale to your exploration of Asia’s most fascinating destinations. (B,L,D)
Day 20: Shanghai.
(Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
About Globus
Globus offers mid-range tours in popular destinations around the world. They use group rates to book services at a reasonable cost. They have a variety of tour options to fit any type traveler from single expert globetrotters to families.
Traveler profile
Most passengers are 40s-70s, especially catering to retired couples. Almost exclusively Americans.
Group size
Globus usually books a maximum of 52 passengers on their buses. There is seating for 55.
Tour directors
Bus drivers and tour guides are Globus employees but your tour will also include a few local guides. Globus tours guides are very experienced (minimum of 10 years experience before Globus will hire them) and often spend many years with the company.
Hotel type
Generally stay in centrally located 3 and 4 star hotels.
What's included
Most city tours included which include the most popular sites in each destination. Optional excursions, special dinners, etc. are extra. Some meals included and some of the meals include wine, etc.
Free time
Leisure time is built in to most destinations. Even more leisure time if you opt out of the extra excursions.
Booking Policy
CANCELLATIONS & CANCELLATION FEES:
If cancellation is received by Globus before the final payment date of your vacation, your non-refundable deposit and Travel Protection premiums will be retained in addition to any airline-imposed fees or penalties. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives. (For group reservations, refer to the Group Policy.)
STANDARD CANCELLATION FEES:
* 45-22 days prior to commencement of services: 20% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* 21-8 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* On departure day and later: 100% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
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