Overview
Features
Itinerary
Extension
Overview (Return to top)
This distinctive small-group journey combines a special visit to remote, spiritual Tibet with a memorable cruise on the Yangtze, China’s fabled “long river.” Adding grace to this highly popular itinerary is intriguing Beijing, the extraordinary Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian, and cosmopolitan Shanghai. East meets West in a joyful convergence.
Priced from $3,795 including air
Odysseys Unlimited
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
• Small group size limited to 24 guests
• Round-trip international air transportation; all flights within China and Tibet
• 17 nights’ accommodations in listed properties
• 45 meals: 17 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described in day-by-day itinerary, including all entrance fees
• Services of a dedicated Odysseys Unlimited tour director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout the trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides (if applicable), dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
Itinerary (Return to top)
Day 1
Depart the U.S. this morning for your flight to Beijing.
Day 2
Beijing
We arrive in the Chinese capital late this evening and transfer directly to our hotel.
Day 3
Beijing
This morning you have a chance to rest up after your long journey and late arrival. This afternoon you’ll attend a briefing with your Odysseys Unlimited tour director and local guide; afterward we visit a place of both fame and infamy: Tiananmen Square -- the Gate of Heavenly Peace -- in the very heart of the city. It's a vast area said by some to be the greatest public square on Earth. It's also the site of infamous uprisings in China's 20th-Century history, including the eight rallies that began the Cultural Revolution in 1966 and the student protests in 1989. Next we move on to the Forbidden City, which operated as the seat of power during five centuries of Chinese dynasties. Imperial and impressive, the Forbidden City boasts three great ceremonial halls and three principal palaces where the extravagant living quarters housed more than 34 successive emperors. Your guide will detail the fascinating history of this exotic structure as you explore. Tonight we savor a special Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant. [B, D]
Day 4
Beijing/Great Wall
Touring begins at the Temple of Heaven, among China’s most beautiful shrines, with two circular ceremonial buildings crowned with blue tile roofs. After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the only manmade structure on Earth that is visible from space: the Great Wall of China, which stretches some 2,480 miles across the country. It was also one of history’s most time-consuming projects: Construction began in the 5th Century B.C. and finished in the 16th Century A.D. We'll be concentrating on Mu Tian Yu, a scenic and less crowded section of the Great Wall, where we take a cable car for the brief ride to the highest restored portion. It's a breathtaking sight, one you won't soon forget. Late this afternoon we will return to our hotel, where we will enjoy a Western-style buffet dinner. [B, L, D]
Day 5
Beijing
First we enjoy a fascinating small-group highlight: a tour of Beijing through ancient back alleys called hutongs. We'll travel by rickshaw down these back streets and tiny alleyways to experience a way of life that is fast disappearing in modern-day China. As more and more modern apartment complexes are being built, the communal life that you'll see on today's tour is becoming obsolete -- and may soon disappear entirely. Our visit with a Beijing family in their home here offers us a glimpse of this communal lifestyle. After lunch together we travel to the Summer Palace, the former royal retreat that is now one of the loveliest spots in Beijing, with a large lake, imperial pavilions, and palaces. Dinner tonight is on your own. [B, L]
Day 6
Beijing/Xian
In the morning we fly to Xian, one of China’s six ancient capitals -- then a provincial backwater until the accidental discovery of the Terra Cotta Warriors in 1974. Upon arrival, we take a tour of the impressive nine-mile city wall and moat, one of the largest surviving ancient military defense systems in the world. After a lunch of traditional Chinese dumplings, we visit the Shanxi Provincial History Museum, a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion housing a collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in nearby Shanxi. We check in at our hotel, then enjoy attend a special Tang Dynasty show and dinner. [B, L, D]
Day 7
Xian
Touring begins with a visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7-story structure with wonderful Buddha carvings along with bas relief dragons and flying angels. Then we move on to Xian’s crowning glory, the soldiers and chariots of the Terra Cotta Army. Created to guard 
the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who ascended the throne in 246 B.C., Xian’s Terra Cotta Army is one of the world’s most memorable sights, a stunning archaeological discovery still being excavated today and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discovered accidentally in 1974 by farmers digging in their fields, the terra cotta army rests in three massive open vaults, the largest consisting of more than 1,000 figures in battle formation. From a series of walkways above the vaults we see the mass-produced figures, each with an individually sculpted face, standing nearly 5½ feet tall and clad in a knee-length battle tunic. The soldiers once carried real swords, spears, and crossbows that have long since been plundered. A smaller vault holds four groups of crossbow soldiers, charioteers, infantry, and cavalry in many positions, including one particularly striking figure of a cavalryman leading a horse. In the last vault we see what appears to be battle headquarters, with an honor guard and animal bones indicating that the area was used for animal sacrifices. After viewing the terra cotta warriors “in situ,” we then visit the remarkable nearby museum that houses two famous bronze chariots unearthed at the site in 1982. Dinner tonight is a Western-style buffet at our hotel. [B, L, D]
Day 8
Xian/Chengdu
This morning we fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival we visit the renowned Giant Panda Protection & Research Center, the only refuge in the world dedicated to this endearing and endangered species. This afternoon we check in at our hotel and the remainder of the day is free to explore or relax as you wish. Tonight’s dinner is a Western-style buffet at our hotel. [B, L, D]
Day 9
Chengdu/Lhasa
This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and the region’s only major city. Perched high on a plateau between two Himalayan ridges on the north bank of the Kyichu River, Lhasa sits at an altitude of 12,090 feet above sea level. Upon arrival we visit a local village, then transfer to our hotel. Since the air is thinner up here, the afternoon is free for you to acclimate in order to avoid altitude sickness, symptoms of which may include a slight headache or nausea. Even if you're feeling fine, please don't overdo. Just relax, drink plenty of water, and enjoy dinner at the hotel. [B, L, D]
Day 10
Lhasa
Though Tibet today is politically a part of China and is experiencing some assimilation, it still has an ancient culture all its own -- which we encounter over the next two days. We begin our full-day tour this morning at Jokhang, the holiest temple in the Tibetan world. You'll be fascinated watching brightly-robed monks engaged in prayer, murmuring traditional Buddhist chants. Outside, pilgrims prostrate themselves at the doorways and spin the giant golden prayer wheel. Whatever your religious beliefs, this is bound to be a moving, spiritual experience. At the far side of the courtyard, stairs lead to the building’s roof, which offers an incredible panoramic view of the entire area, including the Potala Palace in the distance. Later we'll move on to Barkhor Bazaar, a maze of alleyways lined with stall after stall selling Chinese army gear, jewelry, blankets, and carpets. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue on to the splendid summer palace at Norbulinka. We dine tonight at a local restaurant. [B, L, D]
Day 11
Lhasa
Today’s full-day tour begins at the 1,000-room Potala Palace, considered the city's greatest landmark and a pilgrimage site for Tibetans from all over the world. The Palace was built for Tibet's fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th Century and served as a home to all subsequent Dalai Lamas. Opulently decorated with gold, jewels, and carvings, it is a wonderful and fascinating place to explore. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the vast and historic Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s three great institutions that serves more as a university than as a place of worship. Dinner tonight, our last in Tibet, is at our hotel. [B, L, D]
Day 12
Lhasa/Chengdu/Chongqing
Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight via Chengdu to Chongqing. Called the “Mountain City,” Chongqing is surrounded by hills in a most scenic setting. Time permitting, we tour the city, one of China’s -- and the world’s -- largest, visiting Erling Park for a bird’s-eye view of this contemporary urban spot with a 3,000-year-old history; and the Stilwell Museum, home and headquarters of the storied American General Joseph Stilwell, who trained Chinese soldiers before and during World War II. We dine tonight at our hotel. [B, L, D]
Day 13
Chongqing/Dazu/Board Ship
On today’s excursion we travel outside the city to Dazu to see the rock carvings that date back more than a millennium. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dazu’s carvings and statues reflect Buddhist teachings, tenets of Confucianism, and local folklore. After exploring some of the more than 40 sites virtually overflowing with these historic relics, we return to Chongqing, where we have dinner at a local restaurant before boarding our Yangtze River cruise ship and depart on one of the world's classic voyages: sailing the fabled Yangtze River. The river's source is in the mountains above Tibet, and it receives some 700 tributaries during its 3,600-mile course through China. The third longest river in the world, the Yangtze continues to serve as a major waterway for boats, barges, and fishermen, as it has for more than 1,000 years. [B, L, D]
Accommodations: Victoria Cruises Premier Ship
Day 14
Yangtze Cruising -- Wanxian or Fengdu
Late this morning we call on one of two different river towns, depending on water levels and other navigation conditions: Wanxian, home of highly regarded silk manufacturers and a renowned rattan and cane market; or Fengdu, dubbed the “ghost city” for its appearance in two ancient stories about the underworld. [B, L, D]
Day 15
Yangtze Cruising – Qutang Gorge/Small Three Gorges/Wu Gorge/Xiling Gorge
This morning we pass through scenic Qutang Gorge, at five miles the shortest of the Yangtze’s fabled Three Gorges, and also the narrowest, with towering mountains on either side. Then we board a small sampan for a voyage featuring some of the most beautiful scenery in China as we cruise through the stunning Small Three Gorges via the Daning River or Shennong Stream -- again, depending on river conditions. In contrast to the dramatic landscape, the scenery along the banks of the river is tranquil as farmers tend their fields and people go about their daily lives. With some luck, we'll also see wildlife, including the playful monkeys that inhabit this area. Early this afternoon we sail through Wu (“Sorcerer’s”) Gorge, 25 miles long and with cliffs so sheer that the sun rarely penetrates the precipices. Later in the afternoon we enter beautiful 41-mile Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Yangtze gorges. Shortly thereafter we approach the locks of the Three Gorges Dam. The lockmaster will determine the exact time of our three-hour passage, which we will make tonight. [B, L, D]
Day 16
Yangtze Cruising – Three Gorges Dam Site/Disembark Ship/Shanghai
This morning we visit the site of the immense Three Gorges Dam currently under construction. We'll see and learn about this incredible project from an observatory overlooking the site. The idea for this massive (and controversial) dam was born nearly a century ago, but it is only now coming to fruition; when completed in 2009 the dam will be the largest of its kind, with walls reaching more than 600 feet high and 6,500 feet long. It will create the world’s largest reservoir, stretching all the way to Chongqing and providing as much as 10 percent of China's hydroelectric power. At the same time, it will completely flood this spectacular region, changing the landscape and submerging centuries-old villages. (Indeed, some of this already has happened). You'll see this landscape as we sail, the majestic vertical cliffs reaching toward the sky, a land steeped in mystery and legend. It's an extraordinary opportunity to look to China's past and future and know that you’ve been here at a crossroads in its history. We exit Xiling Gorge and continue on to Yichang, which we reach mid-day. After lunch on board we disembark and transfer to the airport; late this afternoon we fly to Shanghai. Tonight we dine at a local restaurant. [B, L, D]
Day 17
Shanghai
Shanghai gained notoriety in the 20th Century as the “Paris of the East,” the stronghold of European life in mainland China and a bustling modern metropolis where economics ruled. But after the rise of communism and the expulsion of foreigners, Shanghai slowed down considerably. Today, however, it is expanding once again and is now one of China's, indeed Asia’s, fastest-growing cities. Our discovery of this vibrant city begins amidst the scenic pools and walkways of 16th-Century Yu Yuan Garden, whose six sections comprise a harmonious whole. We move on to the Bund, the broad avenue that came to symbolize European influence here, then visit the delightful Children's Palace, where local children study dance, theater, and music after school. We cap our full day by attending a performance of traditional Chinese acrobatics. Dinner tonight is on your own. [B, L]
Day 18
Shanghai
This morning we visit the acclaimed Shanghai Museum of ancient Chinese art, known especially for its collections of bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. The afternoon is at leisure to do as we wish -- perhaps some last-minute shopping. Tonight we gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel. [B, D]
Day 19
You’ll depart for the U.S. today, arriving on the West Coast then connecting with your flight home. [B]
Extension (Return to top)
Optional Post-Tour Extension: “Hong Kong on Your Own”
Day 19
Shanghai/Hong Kong
This morning you’ll take an included transfer to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, you will be met by an Odysseys Unlimited representative for the transfer to your hotel. The remainder of your stay is at leisure in this vibrant, dynamic city. Tonight get your first taste of this city’s fabled cuisine -- you’ll find restaurants offering virtually every ethnic food imaginable. [B]
Days 20-21
Hong Kong
An intriguing mix of British and Chinese culture, the city comprises the small island of Hong Kong and Kowloon on the mainland. Among the highlights you may wish to see and do: ride the historic Star Ferry to the British summer colony of Victoria Peak for a ride on the steep tram; shop Nathan Road's "Golden Mile" for bargains on jewelry, photography equipment, sunglasses, luxurious silk, or traditional "chops" carved with your initials in Chinese; visit the wonderfully exotic Bird Market or Jade Market. And if you want to encounter the ancient Chinese culture that permeates Hong Kong, visit the Man Mo Temple, where hundreds of coils of incense hang from the ceiling. [B]
Day 22
Hong Kong/Depart for U.S.
After breakfast you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to the West Coast, where you’ll connect with your return flight home. [B]
Extension priced at $695.
