Travel Aire Tours - 2010 Itinerary

Visiting Cities: Shanghai, Suzhou, Grand Canal Cruise, Wuhan, Three Gorges (and World’s Largest Dam), Shennong Stream or Three Lesser Gorges, Wanxian or Fengdu, Chongqing, Guilin, Xi’an, Beijing - with Yangtze River Cruise (new 5-star Cruiser with all Window-View)

--- Departure City: San Francisco ($160 R/T Add-on from LAX, $180 from SEA, SAN, PHX, PDX to SFO) ---- Call for other cities.

*priced per person, double occupancy
** Tour price & tax are subject to change **

MAR 12 - San Francisco/SHANGHAI

Board Air China wide-body 747-400 jumbo jet for China. Cross the International Date Line and lose a day.

MAR 13 - ARRIVE SHANGHAI

Upon arrival, meet your national guides at the airport and transfer to the Four Points by Sheraton - Shanghai, Daning or similar.

www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1986

MAR 14 - SHANGHAI (AB, D)

Buffet breakfast for all, but lunch on your own - hotel located in great area of shops & restaurants - departure at 1 PM (because of late arrival previous evening). Major sightseeing of city includes Old Town Shanghai and YuYuan Garden, the famous Bund and silk carpet factory among many points of interest. Enjoy fantastic evening Acrobatic Show.

MAR 15 - SHANGHAI / SUZHOU/ SHANGHAI (AB, L)

After breakfast, take deluxe coach to Suzhou. Upon arrival, visit the Master's of the Nets Garden, Silk Factory or the Embroidery Institute before lunch. Then cruise on Suzhou's famous 4000-year-old Grand Canal. Coach back to Shanghai - dinner on your own / early to bed.

MAR 16 - SHANGHAI / WUHAN / JINGZHOU / CRUISE (AB, L, D)

Take morning flight to Wuhan at the junction of the Yangtze and Han Rivers. Upon arrival, tour Wuhan and have lunch before visiting the Hubei Provincial Museum. Then you will be transferred to Jingzhou by bus at 3 PM and board the 5-star all-balconied "PRESIDENT No. 1" cruiser or similar, which is approved by the National Tourism Administration of China. – Dinner on board.(for ship information, visit: www.yzpresidentcruise.com/EN/usher/default.aspx

MAR 17 - JINGZHOU / YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B, L, D)

In the morning, visit Jingzhou ancient city wall and the historical museum where you can see 2000 year old mummies there. Our boat departs at 2:00 PM. Onboard activities include all kinds of lectures presented by your river guide. Enjoy a Welcome cocktail party hosted by the captain in the evening.

MAR 18 - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B, L, D)

Cruise to upper Yangtze and pass through the 230-foot high Gezhouba Dam at Yichang. Here the ship will pass through one of the three massive locks. Continue to sail through the first of the Three Gorges - Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Our cruiser will then pass through the world's largest, recently completed five-stage Three Gorges Dam Locks. Then take a shore excursion to the world famous Yangtze River Dam construction site. Next, sail through the second of the Three Gorges - Wu Gorge. Ship will dock for the night upon arrival at the town of Wushan.

MAR 19 - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B, L, D)

This morning we will board a smaller ship to transport us to small

boats for a trip up the Shennong Stream (pulled by "Trackers") or up the Daning River to the Three Small Gorges. Both are stunning areas of dramatic hillsides, caves, and lush bamboo groves. Our cruiser will then continue on to the last of the Three Gorges - Qutang Gorge.

MAR 20 - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B, L, D)

Today we continue to cruise upstream to explore the local markets and a kindergarten in either the ancient city of Wanxian, site of a new residential area for immigrants, or in ancient Fengdu or Wanxian, before returning to our ship for a farewell banquet.

MAR 21 - CHONGQING/GUILIN (B, L, D)

Our cruise concludes as we arrive in Chongqing. City tour includes the museums of Gen."Vinegar Joe" Stilwell and the Flying Tigers. Next we visit the famous Panda Zoo. Take evening flight to Guilin and check into the 5-star Lijiang Waterfall Hotel or similar - www.waterfallguilin.com/english/index.asp

MAR 22 - GUILIN (AB, L, D)

Depart at 10:00 AM. After breakfast, with special government permit, take deluxe coach to the Yangtang Old Airport which is located south of Guilin and was used by Flying Tigers during the World War II (1943-1945). You can see the stone tablet set up by Mrs. Chennault with her inscription engraved on it from which rubbings will be made and presented later to each of you as a gift. After lunch, we will visit a pearl factory and then the Reed Flute Caves and Elephant Trunk Hill. An evening VIP banquet will be hosted by the Director of the City Tourism Administration.

MAR 23 - GUILIN (AB, L, D)

Spend the day aboard a scenic Li River cruise passing picturesque farms and fishing villages with its thousands of limestone outcroppings. Guilin, with its unique conical mountains, has been the inspiration for generations of silk scroll painters. Visit a Tea Factory before returning to the hotel around 4PM for rest or additional local exploration. Additional options will be suggested.

MAR 24 - GUILIN / XIAN (AB, L, D)

Enjoy your leisure time in the morning if the flight schedule permits. For those who are interested in a shopping tour, guides and coaches will provide service for you - but you must have your luggage packed before leaving the hotel. After lunch, fly to the ancient city of Xi'an, site of the only city wall remaining intact in all of China. Transfer and check into the 5-star Grand New World Hotel or similar: www.xian.newworldhotels.com.

MAR 25 - XI’AN (AB, L, D)

After breakfast, visit the famous Eighth Wonder of the World - the Qin Terra-cotta Warriors Museum which is the burial site of an incredible army of 8,000 lifelike clay soldiers. Visit the Art and Handicraft Factory. After lunch, visit the big Wild Goose Pagoda and/or the Ancient City Wall. In the evening a fabulous Dumpling Banquet will be hosted by the director of the City Tourism Administration.

MAR 26 - XI'AN / BEIJING (AB, L)

After early breakfast, take early morning flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, visit Summer Palace. After lunch, check into 5* Beijing West Wanda or similar and enjoy free time, dinner on your own, and an early rest: www.pullmanhotels.com/gb/hotel-7160-pullman-beijing-west-wanda/index.shtml

MAR 27 - BEIJING (AB, L, D)

After breakfast, visit Forbidden City, the residence of emperors for more than 500 years. It is the largest imperial palace ever built in the world, features more than 800 buildings with over 9,000 rooms, resplendent golden-glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. Continue to nearby Tiananmen Square - then tour Beijing Olympic National Stadium "Bird's Nest" Stadium if it is open to the public.

MAR 28 - BEIJING (AB, L, D)

Depart at 6:30 AM. After breakfast, the highlights for today start with a crowd-free early visit to the Great Wall, a symbol of Chinese ancient civilization. Visit the Jade Factory before visiting the Aviation Museum, largest one in Asia, where you will wander around various types of old airplanes and fighters. You can enjoy shopping after lunch (maximum time two hours) before returning to the hotel for some rest. Enjoy our final banquet, the famous Beijing Duck Dinner that evening.

MAR 29 - BEIJING (AB, L, D)

Enjoy your leisure day in Beijing for shopping or more touring. Optional tours will be available and will be presented to you by our local operator the day before your free day. Lunch and dinner are on your own on this free day of many choices.

MAR 30 - BEIJING (AB)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and take Air China non-stop international flight back to U.S.

** Price: $2,999 per person (based on double occupancy)

** Single Supplement: $958 per person
(call for details)

** Price Includes:

1. Roundtrip International plus 4 China domestic air tickets (all jet airliner flights);

2. 5-star Hotel and Ship accommodations, meals, transfers & sightseeing listed above;

3. English-speaking guides;

4. Special VIP dinners plus shows listed above

** Price Excludes:-

1. U.S.& China International departure & airport taxes with fuel surcharges added;

2. San Francisco P.F.C. fee

3. China domestic airport taxes;

4. China visa fee;

5. CSA Group Go! Travel Insurance (mandatory);

6. Tips and personal expenses


		*CLICK* on the links below to view additional pages of information: Home Itinerary FAQ General Conditions Reservation Form Newsy Bits and Pieces Special Extras Flying Tigers Order 2005 DVD About Us Travel Aire (CST #2070111-40) 21133 Jimmersall Lane Groveland, CA 95321 (209)-962-5588 Call Us Toll Free at: 1-866-669-2288 E-mail us: ChinaVIPTour@aol.com
	To open and print a "pdf" version of the itinerary, just click here.

March 12th - March 30th, 2010 7th Annual VIP Exclusive by Travel Aire CST # 2070111- 40 Visiting Cities: Shanghai, Suzhou, Grand Canal Cruise, Wuhan, Three Gorges (and World’s Largest Dam), Shennong Stream or Three Lesser Gorges, Wanxian or Fengdu, Chongqing, Guilin, Xi’an, Beijing - with Yangtze River Cruise (new 5-star Cruiser with all Window-View) --- Departure City: *San Francisco ($160 R/T Add-on from LAX, $180 from SEA, SAN, PHX, PDX to SFO) ----* Call for other cities. priced per person, double occupancy * Tour price & tax are subject to change MAR 12 - San Francisco/SHANGHAI Board Air China wide-body 747-400 jumbo jet for China. Cross the International Date Line and lose a day. MAR 13 - ARRIVE SHANGHAI Upon arrival, meet your national guides at the airport and transfer to the Four Points by Sheraton - Shanghai, Daning or similar. www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1986 MAR 14 - SHANGHAI (AB, D) Buffet breakfast for all, but lunch on your own - hotel located in great area of shops & restaurants - departure at 1 PM (because of late arrival previous evening). Major sightseeing of city includes Old Town Shanghai and YuYuan Garden, the famous Bund and silk carpet factory among many points of interest. Enjoy fantastic evening Acrobatic Show. MAR 15 - SHANGHAI / SUZHOU/ SHANGHAI (AB, L) After breakfast, take deluxe coach to Suzhou. Upon arrival, visit the Master's of the Nets Garden, Silk Factory or the Embroidery Institute before lunch. Then cruise on Suzhou's famous 4000-year-old Grand Canal. Coach back to Shanghai - dinner on your own / early to bed. MAR 16 - SHANGHAI / WUHAN / JINGZHOU / CRUISE (AB, L, D) Take morning flight to Wuhan at the junction of the Yangtze and Han Rivers. Upon arrival, tour Wuhan and have lunch before visiting the Hubei Provincial Museum. Then you will be transferred to Jingzhou by bus at 3 PM and board the 5-star all-balconied "PRESIDENT No. 1" cruiser or similar, which is approved by the National Tourism Administration of China. – Dinner on board.(for ship information, visit: www.yzpresidentcruise.com/EN/usher/default.aspx MAR 17 - JINGZHOU / YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B, L, D) In the morning, visit Jingzhou ancient city wall and the historical museum where you can see 2000 year old mummies there. Our boat departs at 2:00 PM. Onboard activities include all kinds of lectures presented by your river guide. Enjoy a Welcome cocktail party hosted by the captain in the evening. MAR 18 - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B, L, D) Cruise to upper Yangtze and pass through the 230-foot high Gezhouba Dam at Yichang. Here the ship will pass through one of the three massive locks. Continue to sail through the first of the Three Gorges - Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Our cruiser will then pass through the world's largest, recently completed five-stage Three Gorges Dam Locks. Then take a shore excursion to the world famous Yangtze River Dam construction site. Next, sail through the second of the Three Gorges - Wu Gorge. Ship will dock for the night upon arrival at the town of Wushan. MAR 19 - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B, L, D) This morning we will board a smaller ship to transport us to small boats for a trip up the Shennong Stream (pulled by "Trackers") or up the Daning River to the Three Small Gorges. Both are stunning areas of dramatic hillsides, caves, and lush bamboo groves. Our cruiser will then continue on to the last of the Three Gorges - Qutang Gorge. MAR 20 - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (B, L, D) Today we continue to cruise upstream to explore the local markets and a kindergarten in either the ancient city of Wanxian, site of a new residential area for immigrants, or in ancient Fengdu or Wanxian, before returning to our ship for a farewell banquet. MAR 21 - CHONGQING/GUILIN (B, L, D) Our cruise concludes as we arrive in Chongqing. City tour includes the museums of Gen."Vinegar Joe" Stilwell and the Flying Tigers. Next we visit the famous Panda Zoo. Take evening flight to Guilin and check into the 5-star Lijiang Waterfall Hotel or similar - www.waterfallguilin.com/english/index.asp MAR 22 - GUILIN (AB, L, D) Depart at 10:00 AM. After breakfast, with special government permit, take deluxe coach to the Yangtang Old Airport which is located south of Guilin and was used by Flying Tigers during the World War II (1943-1945). You can see the stone tablet set up by Mrs. Chennault with her inscription engraved on it from which rubbings will be made and presented later to each of you as a gift. After lunch, we will visit a pearl factory and then the Reed Flute Caves and Elephant Trunk Hill. An evening VIP banquet will be hosted by the Director of the City Tourism Administration. MAR 23 - GUILIN (AB, L, D) Spend the day aboard a scenic Li River cruise passing picturesque farms and fishing villages with its thousands of limestone outcroppings. Guilin, with its unique conical mountains, has been the inspiration for generations of silk scroll painters. Visit a Tea Factory before returning to the hotel around 4PM for rest or additional local exploration. Additional options will be suggested. MAR 24 - GUILIN / XIAN (AB, L, D) Enjoy your leisure time in the morning if the flight schedule permits. For those who are interested in a shopping tour, guides and coaches will provide service for you - but you must have your luggage packed before leaving the hotel. After lunch, fly to the ancient city of Xi'an, site of the only city wall remaining intact in all of China. Transfer and check into the 5-star Grand New World Hotel or similar: www.xian.newworldhotels.com. MAR 25 - XI’AN (AB, L, D) After breakfast, visit the famous Eighth Wonder of the World - the Qin Terra-cotta Warriors Museum which is the burial site of an incredible army of 8,000 lifelike clay soldiers. Visit the Art and Handicraft Factory. After lunch, visit the big Wild Goose Pagoda and/or the Ancient City Wall*. In the evening a fabulous Dumpling Banquet* will be hosted by the director of the City Tourism Administration. MAR 26 - XI'AN / BEIJING (AB, L) After early breakfast, take early morning flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, visit *Summer Palace. After lunch, check into 5 Beijing West Wanda or similar and enjoy free time, dinner on your own, and an early rest: www.pullmanhotels.com/gb/hotel-7160-pullman-beijing-west-wanda/index.shtml MAR 27 - BEIJING (AB, L, D) After breakfast, visit Forbidden City, the residence of emperors for more than 500 years. It is the largest imperial palace ever built in the world, features more than 800 buildings with over 9,000 rooms, resplendent golden-glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. Continue to nearby *Tiananmen Square* - then tour *Beijing Olympic National Stadium "Bird's Nest" Stadium* if it is open to the public. MAR 28 - BEIJING (AB, L, D) Depart at 6:30 AM. After breakfast, the highlights for today start with a crowd-free early visit to the Great Wall, a symbol of Chinese ancient civilization. Visit the Jade Factory before visiting the *Aviation Museum, largest one in Asia, where you will wander around various types of old airplanes and fighters. You can enjoy shopping after lunch (maximum time two hours) before returning to the hotel for some rest. Enjoy our final banquet, the famous Beijing Duck Dinner* that evening. MAR 29 - BEIJING (AB, L, D) Enjoy your leisure day in Beijing for shopping or more touring. Optional tours will be available and will be presented to you by our local operator the day before your free day. Lunch and dinner are on your own on this free day of many choices. MAR 30 - BEIJING (AB) After breakfast, transfer to the airport and take Air China non-stop international flight back to U.S. Price: $2,999 per person (based on double occupancy) Single Supplement: $958 per person (call for details) Price Includes: 1. Roundtrip International plus 4 China domestic air tickets (all jet airliner flights); 2. 5-star Hotel and Ship accommodations, meals, transfers & sightseeing listed above; 3. English-speaking guides; 4. Special VIP dinners plus shows listed above Price Excludes:- 1. U.S.& China International departure & airport taxes with fuel surcharges added; 2. San Francisco P.F.C. fee 3. China domestic airport taxes; 4. China visa fee; 5. CSA Group Go! Travel Insurance (mandatory); 6. Tips and personal expenses NOTE: All prices and estimates are subject to change till final billing Toll-free (866) 669-2288 www.TravelAireTours.com RETURN to the TOP This page last updated February 13, 2010 Webmaster - Tori Armstrong

		Shanghai Modern Pudong

		Shanghai Tea House

		Wuhan Yellow Crane Pagoda

		Yangzte River Three Gorges

		Guilin

		Guilin Li River Cruise

		Beijing Great Wall

		Beijing Summer Palace

		Beijing Great Wall

		Cormorant Fisherwoman

		Dumpling Dinner

		Temple of Heaven

		Forbidden City