| Countries Visited:
Hong Kong China Tibet Mongolia |
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 23 Days (22 Nights)
From: Hong Kong to Beijing
Tour Code: WXYY
Operator: Avalon |
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 Click Map To Enlarge River Cruise Description
This exciting vacation introduces you to the rich history and cultural treasures of China, Tibet, and Mongolia. Begin your journey with three overnights in vibrant Hong Kong, including a cable car ride up Victoria Peak for panoramic views, a drive to Repulse Bay, and time in the Aberdeen fishing village for a sampan ride on the harbor. On to mainland China, where you'll marvel at the Three Gorges Dam site on your delightful 4-night Yangtze River cruise, and experience world-famous sites in Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing, including the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, the Children's Palace, Dayan Pagoda, Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall, Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs. High in the Himalayas, explore Lhasa, Tibet's mystical capital, with visits to the Summer Palace, a local home and monastery, Potala Palace, and Jokhang Temple. Fly to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where a city tour shows off the sites, you'll enjoy a Mongolian folklore performance, and inside visits introduce you to the Bogd Khan Winter Palace and Gandan Monastery. Fly to the Gobi Desert and visit Eagle Valley National Park, the largest sand dunes in the region, and a camel breeders camp to learn about the nomadic lifestyle. Included Features
- HONG KONG EXTENSION: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; cable car ride up Victoria Peak; sampan ride on harbour; visit Stanley Market; Host service during your stay.
- CRUISE: Deluxe 4-night cruise from Yichang to Chongqing in an Executive Suite with two lower beds, private facilities, and balcony.
- SHANGHAI: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets, visit the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, the Children's Palace, the Shanghai Museum, and a silk factory; attend an acrobatic show; welcome dinner.
- YICHANG: Begin your Yangtze cruise aboard the Victoria Jenna.
- THREE GORGES DAM: Sightseeing of the impressive dam site with a Local Guide.
- SHENNONG STREAM OR DANING RIVER: Enjoy a boat excursion down one of the Yangtze's lesser gorges.
- WANXIAN/SHIBAOZHAI/FENGDU: View a wooden pagoda, an acrobatic show, or visit Ghost City Temple.
- CHONGQING: Visit a local zoo to see pandas.
- LHASA: Sightseeing with a Local Guide, visit the Summer Palace, a Tibetan's home, a Tibetan monastery, a Tibetan hospital, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and a local bazaar.
- XI'AN: Enjoy "The Tang Dynasty" dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets, visit the Dayan Pagoda and Terracotta Warriors, lacquer workshop, noodle-making demonstration, and calligraphy class.
- BEIJING: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; Hutong tour by rickshaw; visit the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tian'anmen Square, Summer Palace, Great Wall, cloisonne workshop, and Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs; Peking Opera performance; Peking Duck farewell dinner.
- ULAANBAATAR: Sightseeing with a Local Guide, visit the National History Museum, the Natural History Museum, Bogd Khan Winter Palace, and the Gandan Monastery; Mongolian folklore performance.
- GOBI DESERT: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Eagle Valley National Park, sand dunes, Cemetery of Dinosaurs, and a camel breeders camp.
- ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS
- Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the cruise description.
Included Meals
- 22 Breakfasts (B), 14 Lunches (L) & 15 Dinners (D).
- American breakfast daily (B), 11 lunches (L), 12 dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Shanghai and a Peking Duck farewell dinner in Beijing. Hong Kong Extension: breakfast daily (B). Mongolia Extension: breakfast daily (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D).
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Day
1 |
Hong Kong, China.
Welcome to exciting Hong Kong! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. |
Day
2 |
Hong Kong.
This morning's sightseeing begins with a cable car ride up to VICTORIA PEAK for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village for a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbour. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET, a narrow street jammed with stalls offering clothing, arts, and crafts. Tonight, consider an optional sunset cruise on Hong Kong's magnificent harbour. (B) |
Day
3 |
Hong Kong.
Take advantage of a full free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to join one of our optional excursions to view the giant Buddha on the island of Lantau or to learn about Hong Kong's history before the British colonised the area. Shopping is a highlight of Hong Kong with markets, malls, and shops to fit any taste and budget. Your Local Host will be happy to suggest ways to make the most of your day. (B) |
Day
4 |
Hong Kong - Shanghai.
Fly to Shanghai and join Day 1 of cruise WXY. (B) |
Day
5 |
Shanghai.
Your sightseeing starts at the YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Then, stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Visit a SILK FACTORY to learn about the silk-making process. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and the CHILDREN'S PALACE, where talented children study music, dance, and theatre after school. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner followed by a spectacular ACROBATIC SHOW. (B/L/D) |
Day
6 |
Shanghai-yichang (Embarkation)- Yangtze River Cruise.
Visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and a SILK FACTORY before flying to Yichang. Board the Victoria Jenna for a 4-night CRUISE through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (B/D) |
Day
7 |
Cruising: Three Gorges Dam Site.
This morning, visit the THREE GORGES DAM SITE, where the Chinese progress toward building the largest dam of its kind in the world. After lunch, sail through the Three Gorges ship locks and the Xiling Gorge. (B/L/D) |
Day
8 |
Cruising: Shennong Stream Or Daning River.
This morning, disembark for a BOAT EXCURSION down either the Daning River or Shennong Stream, depending on conditions. After lunch, head upstream through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, and the Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. You can nearly touch the perpendicular walls rising from the riverbanks as your captain negotiates this narrow gap. (B/L/D) |
Day
9 |
Cruising: Wanxian Or Shibaozhai Or Fengdu.
Depending on river conditions, one of the following shore excursions will be offered: Wanxian, "Gateway to Eastern Szechuan Province," where you will see an acrobatic show, market, and possibly a school; Shibaozhai with its 400-year-old, 12-story red wooden pagoda perched high on a cliff side; or Fengdu, where you'll visit Ghost City Temple. (B/L/D) |
Day
10 |
Cruising: Chongqing (disembarkation)-lhasa, Tibet.
Bid farewell to your ship's crew upon arrival in Chongqing, China's capital during World War II. The city sits high on a hill overlooking the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Visit a local ZOO to see pandas before boarding your flight to the holy city of Lhasa, the capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. The rest of the day is free to rest and adjust to the 4,267.2 metres (14,000-foot) altitude. (B/L/D) |
Day
11 |
Lhasa.
This morning, take a brief city tour, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN'S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a typical TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. (B/L/D) |
Day
12 |
Lhasa
Today, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the centre of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also, visit one of Tibet's oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B/L/D) |
Day
13 |
Lhasa - Xi'An, China.
Today, fly to the city of Xi'an in central China. This evening, enjoy "The Tang Dynasty" DINNER SHOW, featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances. (B/D) |
Day
14 |
Beijing.
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi'an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the nearby DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD, followed by a LACQUER WORKSHOP. Next, visit the enormous tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Then, visit the Xi'an City Wall South Gate and learn to write like a local during a traditional Chinese CALLIGRAPHY CLASS. (B/L/D) |
Day
15 |
Xi'An-Beijing.
Today, fly to Beijing, China's capital city. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's HUTONGS, the city's ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighbourhood as you are invited into a daycare centre and into the courtyard of a family's home for tea. (B/L) |
Day
16 |
Beijing.
Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China's great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colourful make-up being applied to the performers. (B/L/D) |
Day
17 |
Beijing.
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 6,437 kilometres (4,000 miles) across China's barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colourful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. This evening is the perfect finale to a great touring adventure as you're hosted to a special PEKING DUCK FAREWELL DINNER in a local restaurant. (B/L/D) |
Day
18 |
Beijing - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Today, fly to Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. After some time in the hotel, enjoy a city tour that includes Sukhbaatar Square and Zaisan Hill, offering sweeping views of the city. Next, visit the NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM with a rich collection of exhibits covering the history and people of Mongolia. The last stop is the NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, housing fascinating exhibits that showcase the geography, flora, and fauna of Mongolia, as well as dinosaur fossils excavated from the Gobi Desert. (B/D) |
Day
19 |
Ulaanbaatar - Gobi Desert.
Early this morning, fly to the Gobi Desert. Covering most of southern Mongolia, the Gobi is the world's fourth-largest desert. Visit EAGLE VALLEY NATIONAL PARK and marvel at stunning mountain scenery and the Gobi Glacier. The Gobi supports more than 300 varieties of flora and fauna and several endangered species, including the Snow Leopard and the Bactrian Camel. (B/L/D) |
Day
20 |
Gobi Desert.
This morning, stop at the largest SAND DUNES in the region en route to Bayan Zag. Here, explore the CEMETERY OF DINOSAURS, where the world's best-preserved dinosaur skeletons and their petrified eggs were excavated. Then, visit a CAMEL BREEDERS CAMP to learn about the nomadic lifestyle and culture, and to try some traditional food. (B/L/D) |
Day
21 |
Gobi Desert - Ulaanbaatar.
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar early this morning. Upon arrival, visit the BOGD KHAN WINTER PALACE and the GANDAN MONASTERY. With more than 150 monks in residence and numerous temples, it is the most important Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. This evening, enjoy a MONGOLIAN FOLKLORE PERFORMANCE featuring traditional musical instruments, throat singing, and dances. (B/L/D) |
Day
22 |
Ulaanbaatar - Beijing.
Today, return to Beijing and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the Temple of Heaven. (B) |
Day
23 |
Beijing.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
River Cruise Prices
Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012/13 Avalon Sale! Save up to $1,700 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Excludes Royal Suites (Jnr Suites).
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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Tour
Start |
Tour
Finish |
Cruise
Ship Name |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
PRICE |
| 18 May 2012 |
09 Jun 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,374 |
AU $7,539 |
| 01 Jun 2012 |
23 Jun 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,224 |
AU $7,404 |
| 08 Jun 2012 |
30 Jun 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,224 |
AU $7,404 |
| 31 Aug 2012 |
22 Sep 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,434 |
AU $7,589 |
| 07 Sep 2012 |
29 Sep 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,484 |
AU $7,634 |
| 14 Sep 2012 |
06 Oct 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,484 |
AU $7,634 |
| 21 Sep 2012 |
13 Oct 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,484 |
AU $7,634 |
| 28 Sep 2012 |
20 Oct 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,484 |
AU $7,634 |
| 05 Oct 2012 |
27 Oct 2012 |
Victoria Jenna |
AU $8,484 |
AU $7,634 |
Note: All departures above are guaranteed to depart. Single prices available, please request. We will check the availability of your departure in your quote along with all applicable cruise specials.
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Cruise Upgrades, Discounts & Options:
River cruise cabin upgrades, extras and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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Flights:
Book your tour and flights together to SAVE! |
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The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
   
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Cruise Operator: Avalon Waterways
 When you travel with Avalon Waterways, you can relax in the knowledge that you've made the best choice. Once you have settled down in your spacious stateroom you are at home for the duration of your cruise. No need for daily unpacking, you can devote your time to exploring the highlights of each exciting stop.Then return to your floating hotel to relax on the upper deck or enjoy a meal and marvel at the sights while you glide gently by. An Avalon Waterways cruise lets you do it all - see more, experience more and include more free time in your holiday.
Tour Type: River Cruise
China is a land of continual intrigue from the Great Wall of China and the terracotta warriors to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. With Avalon Waterways you'll discover the major capitals and the allure of the Yangtze River as well as the colossal Three Gorges Dam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because Avalon's itineraries take advantage of what a location provides, our Cruises offer a variety of itineraries, lengths and shore stays. Some itineraries spend every night on board the ship while others have beginning and/or ending nights on shore. All Avalon Cruises are guaranteed departures!.
Avalon Waterways is a wholesale Cruise Operator and as such we do not take direct bookings. Our cruises can be booked through a licenced travel agent (that's Global Journeys!), who can give you the best advice on all of your travel plans.
Travel documents, including any paper tickets or e-ticket itineraries and other information, are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure from your home country, provided full payment has been received.
 Cruise aborad on either 'mv Victoria Jenna' or 'mv Victoria Anna'. The Victoria Jenna is new for 2009. As you embark, a friendly, English-speaking crew and stunning 3-story atrium lobby welcome you to a decor that blends modern comfort and elegant Asian design. The newest and most luxurious ship on the Yangtze, the Victoria Jenna promises a journey of unbelievable comfort and grand style.
 The mv Victoria Anna is a three-story atrium lobby welcomes guests to a decor blending modern comfort and elegant Asian design. A large sun deck, two lounges, three bars, a gym, library, multiple gift shops, and two elevators complement two restaurants including a main dining room and an à la carte restaurant. All of the ship's generously sized cabins include floor-to-ceiling windows with a glass door opening to a private balcony. The mv Victoria Anna accommodates 226 passengers.
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Experienced Local Guides will take you on sightseeing tours of wonderful towns and cities, plus if the schedule permits, you can spend the evening onshore. In addition to fascinating sightseeing on each itinerary, you can choose from a variety of optional excursions, and there's always time to make your own discoveries as well. Back on board, you'll enjoy interactive presentations with local area experts, wine tastings, local entertainment, and much more. Look on each cruise itinerary page to see the Included Features and Special Highlights listed for each cruise.
Meals are served in the dining room in a single sitting. There is open seating so you may sit at different tables for each meal if you wish to meet other fellow passengers. All meals on board the ship are included.
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs and consist of local food adjusted to suit the tastes of international passengers. There is a buffet breakfast and on the Yangtze, a mix of Western and Chinese dishes are offered. Dinner is a multi-course meal with choice of soups and entrees. Wine, beer & soft drink is included with all onboard dinners. Coffee, tea & soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.
Dress aboard and on shore is "casual & comfortable". We kindly request that shorts not be warn in the restaurant or lounge in the evenings. Bathing suits are not appropriate in the lounge or restaurant at any time. You may wish to wear something a little dressier for the Captains Dinner. We recommend that for shore excursions you wear comfortable shoes & don't forget a sun hat.
For all European cruises gratuities for your Cruise Director and crew are included in the pricing. Tipping is a way to show your satisfaction for good service and is part of the cruising way of life. Please note we are unable to facilitate pre paid gratuities in Egypt, China or South America.
For convenience, all purchases and paid services on board (after your authorisation) are billed to your personal shipboard account. At the end of your cruise, you will receive a total which can be paid with cash or charged to a major credit card or paid in traveller's cheques (there is a processing fee). Travellers cheques are not accepted on the Royal Lotus. Personal chequest are not accepted.
Avalon Waterways do not take reservations on a "share" basis. Sidestep the single room supplement by travelling with a friend if you can. Single prices are available on request.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Avalon including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Airport Transfer Information
You can purchase your airport transfers direct from Avalon Waterways when making your cruise booking with Global Journeys.
Avalon Waterways cruise passengers may reserve our airport transfer service from AU$ 49 per person one way on the cruise start and end date of the cruise and are available.
Note: Please see travel documents for full details regarding set pick-up times at designated airport locations.
For very early departures, please note that breakfast cannot be included.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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