Signature China: Tibet & the Yangtze

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

This morning, start the day with a tai chi class at the iconic Temple of Heaven. Explore Tiananmen Square, and then walk in the footsteps of emperors in the Forbidden City, seat of imperial power for centuries.

Today, walk or ride a cable car to the top of the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Ride a pedicab through a hutong, a neighborhood of small winding alleyways.

Fly to Xian. Once a vital stop on the Great Silk Road, Xian is a melting pot of Asian and Middle Eastern influences. After lunch, see the Great Mosque during a visit to the Muslim Quarter.

Begin your day by viewing Xian’s famed Terra Cotta Warriors. Among the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, there are more than 8,000 soldiers spread throughout three dig pits, each revealing a unique face, testifying to the remarkable craftsmanship that went into making them. Later, enter the Ancient Gate of Xian’s City Wall and stroll along its ramparts.

Travel by high-speed train to Chengdu and visit the People’s Park, the city’s largest public park, where you enjoy a tea demonstration at a local teahouse.

Today, discover the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center and observe giant pandas roaming freely in their natural habitat. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

Fly to Lhasa, a soaring city at 12,000 feet and the heart of Tibet, where you relax and acclimatize.

Visit Jokhang, a 1,300-year-old temple housing Tibet’s most revered golden Buddha. Wander Lhasa’s Barkhor Bazaar and visit Sera Monastery.

On your last day in Lhasa, see the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence at Norbulingka and visit the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, venturing beyond the towering walls of this former winter residence of the Dalai Lama.

Fly to Chongqing, and visit Huguang Guild Hall and the Chinese Stilwell Museum. Then, board your boutique river cruiser for a three-night journey through the Three Gorges region. Tonight, enjoy an embarkation dinner in your vessel’s Dynasty Palace restaurant.

Begin the day with tai chi on deck, and take a shore excursion to Fuling, for a visit to the 816 Underground Project or the White Crane Underwater Museum. Back on board, receive a lesson in Mandarin or Chinese brush painting and calligraphy. Tonight, attend the Captain’s Reception, followed by dinner.

Cruise the Qutang and Wu gorges, and then anchor at Badong, where you board a ferry and travel up Shennong Stream. Disembark to board local “pea pod” boats poled by skilled Tujia boatmen, members of a local minority culture famed for their boat-building skills and keen knowledge of the Yangtze. Later, sail the Xiling Gorge and enjoy a “Taste of China” dinner.

Arrive at the Three Gorges Project Dam Site. Following time for a photo opportunity, fly to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to your elegant hotel, located on the city’s historic Bund. The balance of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Visit Zhujiajiao, a water village. Stroll its narrow lanes and board a sampan (wooden boat) for a tranquil cruise. Tonight, attend a Shanghai Acrobatic performance.

On your last full day in Shanghai, stroll the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic promenade. Wander through the streets of Old Town; visit Yu Garden; and explore the M-50 Contemporary Art District.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.