China, Tibet & the Yangtze River

East joyfully meets West on this distinctive small group journey, limited to 24 guests, that combines a special visit to remote, spiritual Tibet with a memorable cruise on the Yangtze, China’s fabled “long river.”  Adding grace notes to this highly popular 19-day itinerary:  intriguing Beijing, the extraordinary Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian, and cosmopolitan Shanghai.  Begin with discovery of Beijing’s legendary sites:  vast Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the splendid Temple of Heaven, and the legendary Great Wall.  Ride rickshaws through the city’s hutongs (alleyways) and enjoy a home visit for a glimpse of the traditional communal lifestyle.  Traveling on to Xian, tour its revered Small Wild Goose Pagoda then encounter a wonder of antiquity:  the army of 7,000 life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors.  Next, spend three nights in profoundly spiritual Lhasa, high in the Himalayas in ancient Tibet.  Visit a Tibetan family, tour sacred Jokhang temple, and explore vast 1,000-room Potala Palace.  Departing for Chongqing, see the beloved pandas at the zoo and admire the cliffside Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO site, then board a river ship for a three-night cruise on the storied Yangtze.  Meander through the spectacular Three Gorges and board a small sampan for a trip through the stunning Small Gorges.  After touring the immense Three Gorges dam, the journey ends in Shanghai, a dazzling city that epitomizes 21st-century China.  Discover the European-influenced Bund, the renowned Shanghai Museum’s priceless collections, and 16th-century Yu Yuan Gardens.  Spend more time exploring dynamic Shanghai with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.