CHINA & HONG KONG

Departures

China is indeed the giant of the East, a land of promise and of unknowns. We are pleased once again to offer this exceptional tour that combines the exciting Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges with visits to some of the most fascinating cities in China: the architecture of Beijing, the commerce of Shanghai, the antiquities of Xian, the landscapes of Guilin and the glamour of Hong Kong.

China is indeed the giant of the East, a land of promise and of unknowns. We are pleased once again to offer this exceptional tour that combines the exciting Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges with visits to some of the most fascinating cities in China: the architecture of Beijing, the commerce of Shanghai, the antiquities of Xian, the landscapes of Guilin and the glamour of Hong Kong.

Departures of this itinerary always filled very quickly and we do expect that the demand for China will be strong in 2009. If China is in your plans, we urge you to book early.

Itinerary

October 14, Wednesday : Depart CANADA
Tour members from Eastern Canada gather in Toronto this morning for the non-stop flight with Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong. Those from western Canada meet in Vancouver late October 13 for the separate, direct Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong. Each group flies to Beijing on separate flights.

October 15, Thursday : BEIJING
On arrival in Beijing, we will clear customs and transfer to our home for the next 4 nights, the Presidential Plaza Hotel.

October 16, Friday : BEIJING
Enjoy a free morning at the hotel, then after lunch we will 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. Savour the unique tastes of the Peking duck dinner at the famous Quanjude Restaurant.
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October 17, Saturday : 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 the Summer Palace, the former retreat of the Imperial Family, set on the shores of its own private lake. Here we find the largest and best preserved Imperial gardens in China.
[BLD]

October 18, Sunday : 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. Drive to the Ming Tombs, the burial place of the Ming Dynasty and visit the Changling Tomb. Walk the Sacred Way which marks the valley entrance. Following dinner in a Sichuan restaurant enjoy a short performance of the Liyuan (Peking) Opera.
[BLD]

October 19, Monday : BEIJING / SHANGHAI
This morning we fly to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city and commercial centre. On arrival, we will visit the former residence of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the forerunner of the Chinese Democratic movement. After lunch we will visit the Art Craft Institute and learn about the making of Chinese carpets. For the next two nights we are at the Shanghai Equatorial Hotel, in the heart of the city.
[BLD]

October 20, Tuesday: SHANGHAI
Our Shanghai exploration continues today as we visit the Bund, once known as the “Wall Street of the Foreign Powers”, the Garden of Mandarin Yu Yuan, built in 1577 and containing pools, a tea house and a ceremonial zigzag bridge, the Jade Buddha Temple and a Children’s Palace, one of the special schools developed for truly gifted children. Following dinner at a local restaurant, we will be amazed by a traditional acrobatic show.
[BLD]

October 21, Wednesday : SHANGHAI / YICHANG
We will spend a few hours in the immense Shanghai Museum, containing over 120,000 relics of China’s history, including many significant pieces of bronze and porcelain before flying to Yichang, situated at the mouth of the Xiling Gorge and an important centre during the Three Kingdoms. This afternoon we embark on the mv East King (4 nights).
[BLD]

October 22, Thursday : YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Sailing from Yichang, we pass through the first section of the Xiling Gorge en route to the massive new Yangtze Gorges Dam Project, the largest dam project in the world, creating a 1000 kilometre long lake on which we will sail for the balance of the cruise. Enjoy an extensive visit to the dam site before transiting the locks en route to Xiling Gorge, where we learn of "Military Manual and Precious Sword Gorge" and "Ox's Liver and Horse's Lung Gorge".
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October 23, Friday : YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Leaving the ship this morning, we will explore the Three Lesser Gorges by small boat. A world of magnificent scenery, steep cliffs, jagged mountain peaks, sparkling waterfalls and terraced landscapes, awaits us. The Wu Gorge is 45 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 best for last, we enter the Qutang Gorge this afternoon. Just 8 kilometres long, it's also the most spectacular, with cliffs rising 1,000 metres from the water’s edge.
[BLD]

October 24, Saturday : YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
During our final cruise day, we will visit Shibaozhai, a temple that for centuries sat on a rock pinnacle that “reached to Heaven”, overlooking the river. Today this beautiful temple sits at the waters edge protected by a man-made structure. For the balance of this day, we can relax on board enjoying the passing scenery.
[BLD]

October 25, Sunday : CHONGQING / XIAN
Disembarking this morning, we will explore this historic city situated where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers converge, visiting the picturesque People’s Hall and zoo. Later we fly to Xian, a city visited by Marco Polo when it had a population of over one million. Many reminders of the past are still evident including portions of the city wall, and the Bell Tower which dates from 1384. This evening we have a special dumpling dinner at the Defachang Restaurant. Aurum International Hotel (two nights)
[BLD]

October 26, 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. Tonight, we are in for a special treat - the gala Tang Dynasty dinner and show.
[BLD]

October 27, Tuesday : XIAN / GUILIN
This morning we will visit the Great Mosque and the Bell Tower, dating from 1384. After lunch, we will fly to Guilin, an artist’s paradise with its limestone pinnacles and mountains. For centuries this region, with its mist enshrouded rocks, has been the subject of Chinese paintings. Guilin Bravo Hotel (two nights)
[BLD]

October 28, Wednesday : GUILIN
A scenic boat trip down the Li River offers 30 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 shop before we return to Guilin.
[BLD]

October 29, Thursday : GUILIN / HONG KONG
This morning, we will visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill and then the local markets. We will explore several of the area’s more beautiful caves, the Reed Flute caverns, including the Crystal Grotto with room for over 1,000 people. Visit Guilin’s Seven Star Park, a delightful place to people watch, and Folded Brocade Hill, a geological wonderland, before we catch our evening flight to bustling Hong Kong, one of the world’s busiest ports. Our final three nights are at the Kimberley Hotel, located in the heart of Kowloon.
[BLD]

October 30, Friday : HONG KONG
Crossing over to the Island, we drive through the commercial Central District. Visit Aberdeen where the lack of land is clearly evident by the towering flats and Repulse Bay known for its colourful temple and fine beach. Enjoy the panoramic view from the top of Victoria Peak as we have lunch followed by a free afternoon.
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October 31, Saturday : HONG KONG
Enjoy a complete day at leisure - explore the local markets, take the ferry to Lantau or Macau, discover the many shopping opportunities of Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai. This evening join your fellow travellers for a “Farewell Dinner” at our hotel.
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November 1, Sunday : HONG KONG / CANADA
Today we board our Cathay Pacific flights bound for Canada, arriving home the same day.
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OUR CRUISE SHIP

° Our Yangtze River cruise is aboard one of the best river boats operating in China. Each of the 96 outside staterooms offers picture window viewing, twin beds, private bathroom with shower and toilet, and air-conditioning. Spacious lounges, a large dining room, shops, a business centre, a card room, coffee shop, fitness centre and health spa are provided for your enjoyment. During the cruise, special lectures and courses will be provided covering such topics as Tai Chi, Qui Gong, card games, Chinese painting and calligraphy. On board shows will include folk dancing and acrobats.

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Tour Costs (CDN$/person)

Rates from other cities are available on request

** Land price excludes flights from Canada to Beijing and from Hong Kong to Canada plus related taxes and transfers.

Prices are based on airfares and exchange rates effective May 2008 and are subject to change. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and a minimum of 20 group members. Single rooms are available at the supplement indicated and are very limited. Hotels used will be those listed or hotels of similar quality.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($225 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. EFFECTIVE Sep 1, 2008, cancellations of all new bookings will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by insurance. Additional penalties will apply within 90 days of departure. Contact our office for details. Final payment will be due August 7, 2009.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.