This fully-escorted fourteen day holiday provides the opportunity to visit some of the most historic sights in the People's Republic of China. Experience the highlights of Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, and the Yangzte River.

Departure Cities: (Chicago, Des Moines, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha, St. Louis)

Departures Dates: (5/21/03 - 6/3/03, 5/29/03 - 6/11/03, 6/5/03 - 6/18/03, 6/13/03 - 6/26/03, 6/19/03 - 7/2/03, 6/25/03 - 7/8/03)

Shanghai
China's second largest city and the country's most important commercial center, once known as "paradise for adventurers." You will be captivated by Shanghai's Old Town, known for its classical Chinese architecture, bubbling markets, winding alleyways, teahouses and restaurants. As a contrast, there is the powerful skyline of modern-day Shanghai ­ but most of all, the overwhelming friendliness of its people will enchant you.

Beijing
The pulsing heart of today's China, capital city for over seven centuries, and well over 3,000 years old. You will have ample time to experience the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs, and the Great Wall, which winds dragon-like along the ridgelines to the north of the city.

Xi'an
Marco Polo's contemporaries believed it to be the largest city in the world. It was only in 1974 that it came into world prominence, when Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's incredible life-sized terra cotta army was excavated...one of the greatest archaeological finds of the century.

Yangtze River Cruise
This three to four-day cruise on board a comfortable Victoria river ship on the timeless Yangtze follows the most awe-inspiring river scenery in the world. The magnificent Three Gorges, panoramic views of scattered villages and green terraced fields, all present a wondrous look at China through the centuries and today.

Day 1 USA-Shanghai Depart for Shanghai today via a transpacific Northwest Airlines 747 jet. Cross the International Date Line and lose one calendar day.

Day 2 Shanghai Arrive in the bustling city of Shanghai, China's second largest and most westernized city, and commercial heart of China, located at the confluence of Huangpo River and Suzhou Creek. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Hua Ting Hotel & Towers

Day 3 Shanghai Spend today exploring this vibrant city. Visit the famous Bund, probably the best-known of all streets in the East. Explore the graceful Yu Garden in the oldest inhabited part of Shanghai, created during the Ming dynasty in the 16th century. After an enjoyable dim sum lunch, visit Shanghai Museum, among the finest in the world. Later this evening you are sure to be captivated by an amazing acrobatic show. Hua Ting Hotel & Towers AB,L,BD

Day 4 Shanghai-Wuhan This morning, time permitting, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Later fly to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, a great fusion of three cities spanning both banks of the Yangtze River. Pay a visit to a remarkable Provincial Museum, or a Yellow Crane Pavilion, before boarding a deluxe Victoria cruise ship to begin an unforgettable cruise on the fabled Yangtze River. (Please note: Construction of the Three Gorges Dam project is progressing ahead of schedule and may necessitate a change to the cruise itinerary near Wuhan.) AB,L,BD

Day 5 Wuhan - Yangtze River Cruise Today your cruise includes a shore excursion to the Song dynasty-style Yueyang Tower on Donging Lake. Shortly after lunch, you will arrive in Maoping, where you will be able to visit the Three Gorges Dam site ­ the world¹s largest hydroelectric dam. This "Great Wall across the River" is a monumental set of five giant locks and a tribute to modern engineering. Board your Victoria cruise ship to begin an unforgettable voyage on the fabled Yangtze River. AB,L,BD

Day 6 Yangtze River Cruise Today you begin your adventure through miles of spectacular scenery. Numerous river towns along the Xiling are now being relocated to higher ground in anticipation of the rise of the great dam reservoir. Later admire the landscapes of the middle Wu Gorge's zigzagging valley, cradled between the wooded Twelve Peaks of Wushan. AB,L,BD

Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise Today, transfer to a motorlaunch for a cruise up the Daning River to view the Three Gorges. The people of the ancient Ba Kingdom once inhabited this remote region over two thousand years ago. Ba nobles were entombed in large wooden coffins with a slave woman who was sacrificed to be a nursemaid in the afterlife. The coffins were suspended high in cliff crevices and some are still visible. Later in the afternoon, dramatic scenery will unfold during your passage through the shortest Qutang Gorge. AB,L,BD

Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise Your cruise continues upstream, with a shore excursion to one of the river towns to view the local life and hear and see more of the changes that the dam project will bring to the locals' lifestyle. AB,L,BD

Day 9 Chongqing-Xi'an In the city of Chongqing, time permitting, there will be a brief sightseeing of this "Mountain City" with its many bridges and outdoor marketplaces. Fly to Xi'an, once considered one of the largest cities in the world. This center of ancient cultures has served as the capital of eleven dynasties and is a major link between Asia and Europe. Xi'an Garden Hotel AB,L,BD

Day 10 Xi'an An unforgettable excursion to the tomb of the First Emperor of China, remarkable underground ruins in the hills outside the city, discovered accidentally by farmers in 1974. Visit the archaeological site to view more than 6,000 life-sized and uniquely detailed figures of terra cotta warriors and their horses, which for more than 2,000 years served as the imperial bodyguards to First Emperor Qin, builder of the Great Wall. This exciting day culminates with the Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show. Xi'an Garden Hotel AB,L,DS

Day 11 Xi'an-Beijing This morning fly to Beijing, the capital city of the People's Republic of China, where every boulevard and edifice exudes an air of importance. In the afternoon, visit the ornately embellished Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture, located in a large park and housing the impressive Hall of Prayer. Capital Hotel AB,L,BD

Day 12 Beijing Sightseeing today begins in Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, where the chronicles of history played from ancient times to Mao's raising of the flag of the People's Republic of China. The Square is surrounded by imposing buildings such as the Chinese Revolution Museum, the Museum of Chinese History, and the Great Hall of the People. We pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to explore the Forbidden City, a complex of palaces and temples once limited to the royal family. After lunch, we shall enjoy a visit to the Kindergaten followed by an exciting and thrilling rickshaw ride through Hutongs. Capital Hotel AB,L,BD

Day 13 Beijing Today's excursion takes you forty miles north of Beijing to experience one of the highlights of your stay in Beijing ­ to China's most famous landmark - the Great Wall, an extraordinary 4,000-mile-long fortification built over 2,000 years ago to thwart the Barbarian invasions. A walk along the enormous undulating towered and turreted wall is spectacular. Then, a short drive to where a tree and statue-lined road takes you to the magnificent Ming Tombs, a series of 13 underground palaces built to hold the lavish wealth of Ming emperors. This evening enjoy a Peking Duck dinner. Capital Hotel AB,L,PD

Day 14 Beijing-USA Today leave Beijing, crossing the International Date Line, arriving the same day to connect with flights home. AB

AB - American Breakfast , L - Lunch , BD - Buffet Dinner

DS - Dinner Show , PD - Peking Duck Dinner

Flight arrangements, land accommodations, ground transportation and sightseeing is arranged and operated by Pacific Delight Tours, Inc., which may use other suppliers or providers to render the travel services

$2,749 Double Occupancy

(add $150 surcharge for May 21)

$3,549 Single Occupancy

(add $225 surcharge for May 21)

Plus $170 for government taxes, security charges and fees

Included Features

• Round-trip international airfare via Northwest Airlines.
• All intra China air/land transportation.
• Superior first-class hotel accommodations.
• Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel, baggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges.
• 34 meals: 12 American breakfasts (AB); 11 lunches (L); 11 dinners (D) including 1 special dinner/show and Peking Duck dinner, as indicated in the itinerary.
• 7 nights in superior first-class hotels: Shanghai 2 nights, Xi'an 2 nights and Beijing 3 nights.
• 5 nights on board Victoria Cruises ship (subject to change). (All accommodations are in outside cabins.)
• Individual visa fee for China.
• Comprehensive sightseeing in each city as listed in the itinerary.
• Cultural entertainment and other performances as specified.
• Escorted throughout by an experienced National Guide, plus English speaking local city guides.
• Complete pre-flight information.

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