Views of unique scenery from the comfort of a luxury cruise are the highlight of the Cruising Dragon Tours! These are popular itineraries because of the dramatic changes caused by construction of the world’s largest dam and hydroelectric project. The look of this river’s beautiful scenery has changed in perspective but the changes portray the future of modern China.

YANGTZE RIVER GORGES are world renown for their beauty. Quatang, the first gorge going downstram, is both the shortest adn the most spectacular. Only 5 miles in length and taking only 20 minutes to pass through, it boasts the scenic views, the steepest walls and fascinating examples of a man's efforts to conquer granite. Wu Gorge, the middle of the three, is the most peaceful covering 27 miles of the river. Wu Gorge includes the most important sight on the river for the Chinese, "Goddess Peak", a 12 meter high pillar said to resemble a goddess whose sight through the fog brings luck to navigators on the river. Near Wu Gorge are the "3 Little Gorges", which offer an excursion on the Daning River. Xiling Gorge, the furthest downstream of the three, is the longest - 47 miles. Traditionally it is the most treacherous wiht hidden rocks and shoals. It has orange groves on the upper banks and temples older than the Tang Dynasty are nestles among the scenic rock walls.

DAY 1 Tuesday depart USA
Connect to gateway city for a flight across the Pacific and the International Dateline to Shanghai .

DAY 2 Wednesday arrive SHANGHAI
Arrive late afternoon and transfer to the Central Hotel.

DAY 3 Thursday SHANGHAI (B, L, D)
Shanghai sightseeing includes visits to the Bund, Jade Buddha Temple , Yu Garden, and the Children’s Palace. Enjoy an early dinner tonight before a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats.

DAY 4 Friday SUZHOU (B, L)
Drive to Suzhou , called “the Venice of the East” for its many canals. Famous for traditional Chinese gardens and homes as described in the contemporary novel, “Spring Moon”, the tour will include the Garden of Fisherman ’s Nets, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Tiger Hill Pagoda, and the Silk Embroidery Research Institute. Return to Shanghai this evening.

DAY 5 Saturday SHANGHAI/YICHANG (B, L, D)
This morning tour the new Shanghai Museum . In the afternoon fly to Yichang. After a city tour and dinner, board the Victoria Cruises ship for an evening departure.

DAY 6 Sunday YANGTSE CRUISE (B, L, D)
Morning shore excursion to the Three Gorges dam at Sandouping. Sail through Xiling Gorge and Wu Gorge.

DAY 7 Monday YANGTSE CRUISE (B, L, D)
This morning visit the small gorges, the Daning River or Shennong Stream. In the afternoon sail through Qutang Gorge.

DAY 8 Tuesday YANGTSE CRUISE (B, L, D)
Take an excursion to Wanxian, halfway between Yichang and Chongqing , a main port for East Sichuan merchandise or the ghost city of Fengdu .

DAY 9 Wednesday DAZU (B, L)
After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing , China ’s capital during WWII. Drive through the lush Sichuan countryside to explore Dazu’s unspoiled Buddhist grotto carvings. Return to Chongqing in the late afternoon to overnight at the Marriott Chongqing.

DAY 10 Thursday CHONGQING/XI’AN (B, L)
After a city tour of Chongqing including a famous artist’s village, fly to Xi’an , famous for its archeological discoveries. Transfer to the Grand New World Hotel.This evening attend a dinner theatre performance of Tang Dynasty Song & Dance.

DAY 11 Friday XI’AN/BEIJING (B, L, D)
The highlight of a tour to Xi’an is the on-site excavation Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors. Also visit Ban Po Museum, remains of a neolithic village and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening fly to Beijing , China ’s cultural and political center. Transfer to the Jianguo Gardens Hotel.

DAY 12 Saturday BEIJING (B, L)
Sightseeing today features an excursion outside the city to the Great Wall at Badaling and the 13 Tombs of the Ming Emperors. On return to the city, stop at the Olympic Park to see the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube. This evening experience a performance of Beijing Opera highlights.

DAY 13 Sunday BEIJING (B, L, D)
Visit Tiananmen Square , the Forbidden City ’s Palace Museum , stop at the Beijing zoo to see Pandas and tour the Summer Palace . Tonight’s dinner features a Peking Duck.

DAY 14 Monday BEIJING/USA (B, L)
Tour today to the Temple of Heaven and a ‘hutong’ area of traditional North China courtyard style homes. Ride in a rickshaw among the lanes in this scenic area known as the back of the lake. After lunch transfer for the return flight across the Pacific arriving back in your originating city on the same day.

 

CHINASMITH features Victoria Cruises.

Upgrades to Deluxe Cabins or Suites are an option, subject to availability.

2009 Schedule

 

Dates Code Depart/Return

CUS -1 • March 24-April 6
CUS -2 • April 21-May 4
CUS -3 • May 19-June 1
CUS -4 • June 16-29
CUS -5 • July 14-27
CUS -6 • August 11-24
CUS -7 • September 15-28
CUS -8 • October 13-26