China, The Yangtze River and Hong Kong (16 Days) 

     Your China travel adventure begins at Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok Airport to Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, on the waterfront in Kowloon overlooking Hong Kong Harbour.

     Experience Hong Kong from different perspectives today, first on a funicular tram ride up Victoria Peak, then aboard a traditional sampan on a cruise through one of the city's oldest floating villages, Aberdeen. A shopper's paradise, Hong Kong abounds with street stalls selling everything from sneakers to silk, tropical birds to exotic fish; see a mecca of shops in Stanley Market, before spending the remainder of the day on your own. (B,D)

     Discover the sights and sounds of Kowloon today and visit local fish markets to see an amazing variety of freshly caught seafood. Enjoy time at leisure, perhaps taking the opportunity to experience dining at a local seafood restaurant – a rare treat. (B)

     Today, experience an authentic glimpse of life in northern China. Travel by air to Beijing where you will spend three nights in luxury at The Peninsula Beijing, one of the world's favorite hotels - it's a perennial favorite on the "world's best" lists. You'll be walking distance from world-famous sights, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Join us tonight for a cocktail reception followed by a special dinner celebrating the "Peking Duck." (B,D)

     A walking tour today takes you to Tiananmen Square, where you will view Mao Tse-Tung's tomb and go inside the palace to see how the emperors lived. Then it's a very different look at daily life when you hop aboard a trishaw for a ride through hutongs of Old Beijing, stopping for tea at a private home. (B,L,D)

     Geopassage’s guests in China travel today to the Great Wall, finished in 210 BC and running for thousands of miles. Ride a cable car to the highest point, and walk along the ancient ramparts that wind over the hilltops. Tour the Summer Palace, once a retreat for the Forbidden City emperors. The grounds cover over 700 acres with temples, shrines, ceremonial halls, bridges, and extensive gardens bordering Kunming Lake. Climb aboard a dragon boat for a lake cruise and palace views from across the water. (B,L,D)

     Visit the 15th-century Temple of Heaven, a round, three-tiered wood structure that is intricately decorated with gold leaf and colorful designs. It’s considered one of China’s best examples of traditional architecture. Fly to Xi’an, the ancient seat of power for thousands of years and the eastern end of the Silk Road. (B,L,D)

     Today features a memorable highlight of China travel when you view the Terra Cotta Warriors, an army of more than 8,000 life-sized terra cotta statues from the 3rd century BC, each with distinctive physical features. These soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in battle formation guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, China’s first emperor. They were discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, and are now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional dancing. (B,L,D)

     Fly to Guilin, among China's most picturesque places, whose landscapes have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Visit one of the region's most impressive caves, the Reed Flute Cave, and experience a relaxing therapeutic foot massage, a special treat showcasing one of China's ancient healing techniques! (B,L,D)

     Observe fishermen on bamboo rafts and view traditional village life on a private cruise along the Li River that seems lifted from a Chinese scroll painting. Fly to Chongqing where you will embark ship for your memorable cruise on China's mighty Yangtze River. (B,L,D)

     Visions of knobby, mist-shrouded mountains steeped in the mystique of old China travel with you, as you experience the Yangtze from dawn to dusk aboard one of the finest ships on the river. Start your day with Tai Chi exercises, and attend on-board lectures about the river and China's healing arts as you cruise. A shore excursion to Fengdu is a higlight today! (B,L,D)

     While cruising the Yangtze, view centuries-old pagodas and temples built against steep-sided cliffs, ancient roads and terraced fields along the river’s edge. Explore Daning River on a Tauck shore excursion and enjoy the views as you pass through all three gorges of the Yangtze today, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. On-board activities include Chinese 101 and a fresh-water pearl lecture. Have fun with the ship's crew tonight during a farewell banquet and an entertaining cabaret. (B,L,D)

     Disembark from the ship in Yichang, site of the Three Gorges Dam; one of the world’s largest construction projects, it's scheduled for completion in 2009. Fly to Shanghai, one of the country’s most cosmopolitan cities. Note: Limited flight schedules will allow some groups to fly to Shanghai from Wuhan. (B,L,D)

     Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shanghai, dynamic home to more than 16 million people. Explore classical Yu Gardens, featuring over 30 pavilions and tour the most impressive Shanghai Museum. See a spellbinding performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobat Troupe after dinner. (B,L)

     Geopassage's China travel experience explores Zhu Jia Jiao today. The best-preserved of Shanghai's four ancient towns, it dates back over 1,700 years. Stroll along its lovely willow-lined streets and centuries-old bridges, then visit a silk weaving factory to learn how silk is collected and woven, and return to Shanghai to enjoy the city as you wish. (B,D)

     Your extraordinary China travel adventure ends in Shanghai, where you'll catch your return flight home. A transfer is included from the Four Seasons Shanghai to Shanghai Pudong International Airport; you should allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. (B)