China and Yangtze River Cruise

China and Yangtze River Cruise
Changjiang Cruises - ms Yangtze 2
October 6 - 21, 2015 • 16 Days • 35 Meals
Escorted by Nick and Pam Cannon
Terra Cotta Warriors - credit Peter Griffin
China is indeed the giant of the East, a land of promise
and of unknowns. We are pleased to once again offer this
exceptional tour that combines the beautiful Yangtze River
cruise through the Three Gorges, including visits to some
of the most fascinating cities in China: the architecture of
Beijing, the commerce of Shanghai, the antiquities of Xi’an,
and the beautiful landscapes of Guilin.
The second phase of the massive Yangtze Dam was
completed in June 2003, raising the water levels above the
dam by 60 metres and creating a massive 1,000 kilometrelong lake. The magnificent scenery of the Three Gorges is
absolutely breathtaking, where the peaks along the river
still rise up to 1,000 metres from the water’s edge. A
special visit to the dam is included as part of the cruise.
This particular voyage fills quickly and we expect that
the demand for China will continue to grow. If China is in
your plans, we urge you to book early in order to avoid
disappointment.
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INCLUSIVE FEATURES
Return economy class airfare from Canada
All domestic flights in China
3 night deluxe cruise on the ms Yangtze 2 (or similar)
11 nights first class hotels as indicated or similar
All sightseeing tours and transfers, including entrance
fees, as indicated in the itinerary
35 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 14
breakfasts, L - 11 lunches, D - 10 dinners)
Bottled water provided in hotel rooms
Beverages included with most meals
All gratuities and taxes for included services, including
airport departure taxes and fuel surcharges
China visa fee for Canadian passport holders
Comprehensive insurance coverage
Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Special meals and entertainment including:
- Peking Duck Dinner and Kung Fu show, Beijing
- Dinner and acrobatic show, Shanghai
- Captain’s Welcome Dinner, Yangtze cruise
- Dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty show, Xi’an
Visit the Great Wall of China
Visit the Summer Palace with the best preserved
imperial gardens in China
See the towering 1,000 metre cliffs of Qutang Gorge
Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin with its 6,000
terra cotta warriors and horses, Xian
Visit to the Reed Flute Cave and the Crystal Grotto
Enjoy a scenic boat trip down the Li River
Cosmopolitan Shanghai with its modern towers and
rich history
OUR CRUISE SHIP - ms Yangtze 2
TOUR ESCORTS
Escorting
this
upcoming
journey will be Nick and Pam
Cannon. Nick and Pam, who
are inveterate travellers, have
journeyed through the United
Kingdom, Africa, the Caribbean,
and the Mediterranean. As two
of our most popular leaders,
they have escorted both cruise
and tour groups in the last few
years to a wide variety of destinations including Panama,
Alaska, South Africa, Europe and South America. Their
warm and caring personalities and love of travel will be
sure to enhance your travel experience.
Considered one of the most luxurious ships on the
Yangtze river our ship the ms Yangtze 2 launched it’s
maiden voyage in 2011. With six decks and a capacity of
up to 452 passengers it is also one of the largest.
Featuring a multitude of amenities including an indoor
swimming pool, 2 restaurants, karaoke, spa, fitness
centre, souvenier shop, library, laundry services, sun
deck, and bars. Ship interior is non-smoking. Cabin
upgrades are also available on a request basis.
Standard Stateroom (248 sq ft): Included
Executive Stateroom (377 sq ft): Upgrade $275 / person
Presidential Stateroom (3500 sqft): Upgrade $975/ person
The stunning landscapes of Guilin
October 6, Tuesday
Canada / Beijing
Today we depart for Beijing, the political, economic and
cultural centre of the People’s Republic of China.
October 7, Wednesday
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing, we will clear customs and transfer to
our hotel for the next four nights. Buffet Dinner this evening
will be at our hotel. Beijing Capital Hotel (4 nights)
D
October 8, Thursday
Beijing
In the morning, we stroll through historic Tian An Men
Square, where Mao Tse Tung first raised the flag of the
People's Republic. Visit the "Imperial Palace", or
"Forbidden City", where in earlier times, only members of
the Emperor's family were permitted. In the afternoon, we
visit the Summer Palace the former retreat of the Imperial
Family and the largest and best preserved imperial
Gardens in China. We will enjoy a scenic cruise on the
man made lake to enjoy the views.
BL
October 9, Friday
Beijing
Our day begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven,
including the Hall of Prayer for Bountiful Harvests. After
lunch we venture out to visit the Beijing Planning Exhibition
Hall – the Museum of Beijing encompassing its long
history. Next we will tour Beijings Hutongs by pedicabs and
visit a local family to learn more about Chinese culture.
With our family hosts we will visit a local market to
purchase the ingredients for our instructed dumplings
dinner.
BLD
October 10, Saturday
Beijing
Today's highlight is a trip to "The Great Wall" which was
built over 2,000 years ago by Emperor Qin, and stretches
over 5,000 kilometres across the top of China. En route to
the Great Wall we shall visit the Sun Village which is home
to the children of Chinese convicts and fights for their
survival and development. Back in Beijing we will visit the
National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest of Olympic fame) for a
chance to take some photos. This evening we have a
special Peking Duck dinner followed by a Kung Fu
performance.
BLD
October 11, Sunday
Beijing / Xian
The mixture of mystery of an ancient capital city and a
modern city has made the city of Xian, the starting point of
the Silk Road, an international tourist destination well
known at home and abroad. Marco Polo visited Xian in the
Middle Ages when it was the capital of a vast empire and
described it as the largest city in the world. We will enjoy a
Chinese set lunch at a local restaurant before we visit “Hu
County Village”. A half day trip from Xian, where we will
experience real Chinese rural life and have a chance to
learn to draw the famous farmer’s paintings.
Xian Grand Metropark Hotel (2 nights)
BL
October 12, Monday
Xian
A full day excursion takes us to the Mausoleum of Emperor
Qin, one of China's greatest rulers and the builder of the
Great Wall. Discovered in 1974, the tomb contains some
6,000 life sized terra cotta warriors and horses, the imperial
body guard to the emperor on his journey after death. Later
we will visit the massive City Wall (over 20 feet thick) which
is one of the oldest military structures in the world. This
evening we are in for a special treat - following a delicious
dumpling dinner at a restaurant, we continue to the theatre
where we will enjoy a Tang Dynasty show.
BLD
October 13, Tuesday
Xian / Guilin
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to
Guilin, known as China’s most scenic region. This
afternoon we will visit the Reed Flute Cave, also known as
the “Palace of natural Art”. Here we shall find beautiful
stalagmite and stalactite formations and a crystal cave
large enough to accommodate 1000 people.
Guilin Bravo Hotel (1 night)
BL
October 14, Wednesday
Guilin / Yangshuo
A scenic boat trip down the Li River offers miles of
breathtaking scenery, traditional farm settings and mist
shrouded mountains rising from the river banks. Since
ancient times, this landscape has been the subject of
countless poems and paintings. Our cruise will end at the
colourful market town of Yangshou, where we have an
opportunity to participate in a cooking class followed by
dinner. Green Lotus Hotel (1 night)
BLD
October 15, Thursday
Guilin / Chongqing
Today we make our way back to Guilin before catching our
flight to Chongqing and our Yangtze River cruise. Before
embarkation we shall visit the Panda Zoo to see China’s
famous and endangered bear. ms Yangtze 2 (3 nights) BLD
October 16, Friday
Yangtze River Cruise
This morning we visit the “Ghost City” of Fengdu. Dating
back 2,000 years, the city is home to a massive temple on
Ming Mountain which is dedicated to Buddhism, Taoism
and Confucianism. Many believe that this is the gateway to
Heaven or Hell as the case may be (the dead must pass
three tests to reach Heaven). Following the visit, we can
relax on board enjoying the passing scenery. This evening
is the Captain’s welcome party followed by a show.
BLD
October 17, Saturday
Yangtze River Cruise
A world of magnificent scenery, lush greenery, steep cliffs,
jagged mountain peaks, sparkling waterfalls and terraced
landscapes awaits us as we cruise the three gorges of the
Yangtze River. The Qutang Gorge is the smallest at just 8
kms long, it's also the most spectacular, with cliffs rising
1,000 metres from the water’s edge. The Wu Gorge is 44
kilometres in length and known for its deep valleys, quiet
beauty and the "Twelve Peaks", lining the banks of the
gorge and admired by visitors from around the world.
Saving the largest for last we sail through the west section
of the Xiling Gorges before reaching the Three Gorges
Dam and it’s locks.
BLD
October 18, Sunday
Yangtze River Cruise
This morning will feature an excursion to the Three Gorges
Dam site. This world famous dam is the largest project of
its kind in the world and created the 1000 km long lake that
we just cruised through. Continuing our cruise onto
Yichang where we will disembark and transfer to the airport
for our flight to the metropolitan city of Shanghai. This
evening we have a special acrobatic show after our dinner.
Shanghai Fudan Crowne Plaza Hotel (3 nights)
BD
October 19, Monday
Shanghai
This morning we tour the major attractions of Shanghai.
The classical Yuyuan Garden, built during the Ming
Dynasty by the high ranking government official Pan
Yunduan. The Gardens’ total area occupies approximately
five acres, and features pavilions, ponds, rockeries,
cloisters, and streams all within six scenic zones, including
the Sansui Hall and Wanhua Chamber. In existence for
400 years, the Gardens were specifically constructed for
Pan’s aging parents as a sanctuary in which to live out their
lives. Next we shall stroll the Bund and witness the
spectacular views of the cities skyline. After lunch at a local
restaurant, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, the most famous
and once of the most active Buddhist temples in Shanghai.
It was built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty
to enshrine the two beautiful Jade Buddha statues that
were brought from Burma.
BLD
October 20, Tuesday
Shanghai
Today has been left free to enjoy this exciting city on your
own. You may wish to visit one of the many shopping areas
in the city or Shanghai Museum that contains over 120,000
relics from China’s history. There will be several optional
excursions to choose from.
B
October 21, Wednesday
Shanghai / Canada
This morning has been left at your leisure to rest or
finishing packing for the journey home. This afternoon we
transfer to the airport for our journey back to Canada.
B
CT RATING 3 - Moderately Challenging: This tour
includes long travel days and considerable walking over
rough surfaces with limited facilities in some areas. Most
meals will be Chinese in style and content.
Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)
Land Only (Join Beijing / Leave Shanghai)* .............. $4,435
Vancouver .................................................................. $5,865
Victoria ....................................................................... $6,095
Calgary / Edmonton ................................................... $6,145
Winnipeg / Regina / Saskatoon ................................. $6,185
Toronto....................................................................... $5,965
Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $6,115
Halifax / Fredericton / St. John’s ................................ $6,285
Single Supplement ........................................................ $995
* Land only rate includes internal flights in China. Join /
Leave will be at the hotel in Beijing / Shanghai.
Airfares from other gateways are available on request.
Airfares, taxes and fees are subject to change and will be
confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features
for details. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded
room at hotels, on a minimum 20 members and on rates,
taxes and fees effective October 2014 and are subject to
change due to factors beyond our control.
The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance
($283 - $353pp) for passengers up to and including 74
years on departure date. Cost supplements will apply for
members aged 75 - 85 (from $200 - $392pp). Clients 86
years and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is
effective from the date of confirmation and carries
limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please
discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking.
Please check our website for the most current information.
Final payment will be due on July 21, 2015.
To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed
enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and
your home city, and forward it with your deposit of $400
per person plus the cost of the insurance to:
CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD
1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6
Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.craigtravel.com
Crystal Grotto, Guilin
REV3DEC14