Depart on your flight to Beijing.

Arrive Beijing and transfer to your hotel.

Beijing has a long and fabled history. Begin at Tiananmen, site of the mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong and the largest square in the world. Enter the Forbidden City via the Gate of Heavenly Peace and explore private chambers where emperors resided and commoners were forbidden. See the exquisite Temple of Heaven, the height of artistic perfection. (B,L)

Climb the Great Wall of China, one of the most amazing construction projects ever undertaken. At the Ming Tombs, travel along the Sacred Way guarded by massive stone animals. This evening is the Beijing Opera. (B,L)

Travel to the Summer Palace, the tranquil retreat of the Imperial Families. Afternoon pedicab tour of Hutong. See the Drum Tower and visit Suzhou Street and Lama Temple, known as the Palace of Peace and Harmony. (B,L)

Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest and most vital city. Tour the Jade Buddha Temple, stroll along the river on the historic Bund and see classical Yu Garden. Tonight you are dazzled by the fabulous Shanghai Acrobats! (B,L)

Morning train to charming Suzhou. Cruise on the Grand Canal. Visit Tiger Hill, Yun Yan Si Temple Pagoda and Master of Nets Garden. (B,L)

See the Shanghai Museum and the Children’s Palace. Lunch at the historic Peace Hotel. Shop at Nanjing Road and Dong Tai Street Market prior to flying to Yichang to embark your Yangtze River cruise. (B,L,D)

This is the most exciting river cruise anywhere. See the site of the Three Gorges Dam. Transit the dangerous rapids of Xiling Gorge, most dramatic of the three gorges. Take small boats poled by local boatsmen on the Shennong River. Cruise through Wu, or “Witches” Gorge, noted for its towering peaks and whirlpools. Negotiate the treacherous currents of Qutang Gorge, the “Devil’s Gate,” renowned for its narrow width and precipitous heights. Travel to Shiboazhai, an architectural gem. (B,L,D)

Morning disembarkation. Visit General Stillwell’s Museum and the Artists’ Colony. See pandas at the Chongqing Zoo. Fly to Xian, capital of twelve dynasties for 1000 years. (B,L)

Xian is the world-famous site of Emperor Qin Shihuangdi’s tomb and the army of terra-cotta warriors and horses. Discovered by local farmers in 1974, this is China’s greatest archaeological find. See the Bronze Chariots and the Pits lined with soldiers guarding the emperor’s tomb. Visit the must-see Shaanxi Museum, set in Tang Dynasty-style pavilions, with its collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts. Time permitting, tour Banpo Village Museum. Tonight enjoy the Tang Dynasty Theater Dinner. (B,L,D)

Tour the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built in 589 AD, and the Muslim Quarter prior to your afternoon flight to Guilin. A minority tribal dance performance highlights your dinner at the Spring Theater. (B,D)

Renowned for cormorant fishing, the Li River winds past lush valleys and mist-covered hills. Take a full day cruise to Yangshou where the country scenery is often described as the best in China. Evening flight to Hong Kong, a world of teeming lanes, crooked alleyways and ladder streets. (B,L)

Take a tram to Victoria Peak to see the world’s most beautiful harbor. Visit Repulse Bay and cruise though Aberdeen fishing village by sampan. (B)

Hydrofoil excursion to Macau, the oldest European settlement in the Orient. Visit the ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Penha Hill, Porta de Cerco Gate and Ma Kok Temple. (B,L)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, arriving the same day. (B)