Across China: Tibet & the Yangtze

Arrive in Beijing, China’s capital, where you are transferred to your luxurious hotel.

After a morning welcome briefing, participate in a tai chi lesson at the Temple of Heaven, a classic example of Ming architecture. After lunch, explore Tiananmen Square, and then walk in the footsteps of emperors in the Forbidden City, seat of imperial power for centuries. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Ride Like a Local on a pedicab through a hutong — a neighborhood of small winding alleyways. This afternoon, travel to the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Ride a cable car to the top and view the stunning mountains.

Fly to Xian, made famous by Marco Polo. Once a vital stop on the Great Silk Road, Xian has become a melting pot of Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Enjoy a private Chef ’s Table experience in noodle throwing and dumpling making. This afternoon, view the Great Mosque, a fascinating site that blends classic Chinese temple architecture and central Asian embellishments. Visit the city’s lively Muslim Quarter with its teeming markets.

View the incomparable Terra Cotta Warriors, lost to the world for two millennia until accidentally rediscovered by a farmer. Explore them with an on-site specialist at your side. Later, stroll along the impressive ramparts of Xian’s City Wall.

Travel to Chengdu by bullet train. For lunch, savor local Sichuan specialties at a traditional hot pot meal. Visit People’s Park, the city’s largest public park, where you immerse yourself in local life and culture, watching people play traditional Chinese instruments, practice calligraphy and engage in tai chi. Later, enjoy a tea demonstration at your hotel.

Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center and observe giant pandas roaming in their specially designed habitat. Then, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore Chengdu. This evening, gather with fellow guests for dinner.

Fly to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet, one of the highest cities on earth at 12,000 feet and your home for the next three nights. Relax and acclimatize.

Experience the spiritual heart of Tibet at the sacred Jokhang, a 1,300-year-old temple. Wander Lhasa’s Barkhor Bazaar, and visit the Dropenling Tibet Handicraft Development Center. Continue to renowned Sera Monastery, and visit with a local family for firsthand insights into Tibetan culture.

Discover the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence at Norbulingka, surrounded by trees, ponds, gardens and pavilions. Next, venture beyond the towering walls of the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama.

Fly to Chongqing. Upon arrival, stop for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a brief city tour before you board your river cruiser for a three-night journey through the scenic Three Gorges region.

Disembark in the small city of Fuling and enjoy a shore excursion, beginning with a visit to the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum. Descend 150 feet underwater to see centuries-old rock carvings. Afterward, continue to a local market to gain insight into the region’s rich culinary culture. This afternoon, learn about Chinese traditional medicine and reflexology. Tonight, attend the Captain’s Reception.

Early this morning, ‘Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer’ navigates the Qutang and Wu gorges before anchoring at Badong, where you board a ferry and travel up Shennong Stream. Transfer to “pea pod” boats poled by Tujia boatmen — members of a minority culture famed for their river skills — and explore a scenic gorge and village. Tonight, enjoy a “Taste of China” dinner experience.

This morning, disembark your river cruiser in Yichang and fly to Shanghai, stopping briefly to photograph the Three Gorges Dam. On arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your elegant hotel located on the famous Bund.

Explore dynamic Shanghai, where stunning modern skylines meet classic street markets and gardens. Proceed to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, where you have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning birds eye view of the city. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities: Walk Shanghai’s Historic Jewish Quarter and learn how it became a haven for Jews fleeing Europe in World War II. Join a Guided Shopping Tour of the city’s famed French Concession. Savor a Street Food Tour, sampling local specialties, such as soup dumplings and steamed crab. This evening, experience a Scenic Sundowner at your hotel’s terrace bar, taking in the city’s lights and architecture.

Wander the streets of Old Town and visit the 16th-century Yu Garden. Afterward, explore the Shanghai Museum accompanied by its curator, viewing exceptional collections of historically significant art and housewares. Stroll the Bund, Shanghai’s popular promenade. Later, savor a festive farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or to depart for a post-tour extension.