The Best of China: Imperial Capitals, Tibet and the Yangtze River
Member Savings
Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)
Overview
Highlights
- I like to spend much of the day exploring
- Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
- Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group
What's this trip about?
Compare to similar trips
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
After hotel arrival and check in, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discu...
Driving up to 1.5 hours throughout the day. Walking approximately 2 miles in and around the Forbidden City on flat, paved terrain with many chairs and benches to rest; up to 80 steps with railings. Walking up to 1/2 mile from the coach to Tian’anmen Square.
We w...
Led by our Group Leader, tai ji sessions last approximately 30 minutes. No special clothes or shoes are required. Walking up to 1/2 in Hutong area, and 1 mile in the Summer Palace on flat, paved terrain.
Rise early before breakfast and join the group for a pre-b...
The motorcoach trip to Jin Shan Ling Great Wall is about 98 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking up to about 1.5 miles. We will take a cable car to a higher point on the wall (weather and wind permitting). Some parts of the wall are very steep as it is in a mountai...
Walk approximately 1.6 miles from the entrance to the exit of the Temple of Heaven park on flat, paved terrain. Climbing the Temple requires 27 steps. Bullet train to Luoyang is approximately 4 hrs. Toilets and storage spaces for luggage are available at each end of t...
Walking approximately 1.5 miles at Longmen Grotto. For closer views of the stone carvings, climb about 100 steps with railings; you may choose to remain at the bottom of the stairs and walk along a flat, paved path.
Head out to People’s Square for an early morni...
Train ride is approximately 1.5 hours. You are welcome to join the Group Leader for a tai ji session before breakfast. Climb approximately 40 steep, narrow steps with railings to the top of the Drum Tower. Walking up to 0.6 mile, or 1.5 miles total if choosing to walk...
Walk approximately 1 mile on flat, paved terrain mostly indoors in approximately 2 hours.
Early morning tai ji session in the hotel courtyard. We will take a motorcoach to Xi'an International Studies University, one of China's key institutions of higher learning...
Drive is approximately 1 hour each way. Walking approximately 2 miles at the Terra Cotta Warriors on flat, paved terrain.
Early morning tai ji session. The huge tomb site of the Qin Emperor, containing an army of life size terra cotta figures, was one of the mos...
Drive to the airport is approximately 1 hour; flight to Lhasa is 3hr 10 minutes; drive approximately 1 hour to the hotel to check in. Walking up to 1 mile in Norbulingka. Although Tibet uses “Beijing time,” it is actually 2 hours later than Beijing. All of our times h...
Today we will coach to the heart of Lhasa to explore the Jokhang Temple, built in the 7th century, with experienced local staff members. This is the most revered temple in Tibet and the destination of pilgrims who journey by any means, even on foot, to worship here. S...
Drive is approximately 2 hours to the nomadic village.
Board the motorcoach and head out into the countryside beyond Lhasa to grasslands where we meet a pastoral Nomadic family that raises livestock.
After lunch, we drive to a nearby herdsmen’s village to ...
Climb 258 steps to the top of Potala Palace; walking shoes and sticks are strongly recommended.
Coach to the Potala Palace, seat of the Dalai Lama and one of the most awe-inspiring princely residences and palaces in the world, and explore with a local expert. A ...
Drive approximately 1 hour to the airport; flight to Chongqing is approximately 2 hours, drive 1 hour to Chongqing Zoological Gardens. Walking up to 1.5 miles at the Zoological Gardens. About 35 steps down to the Yangtze River Dock with railings for embarkation. Lugga...
Discuss traditional Chinese medicine and consider the Yangtze's influence on China. Where possible, our Group Leader will also continue instruction in tai ji and Chinese conversation as we sail down the river.
We will visit a new village for relocated families, ...
Today, pass through the magnificent Yangtze Gorges and ferry up a mini-gorge on a pristine tributary of the Yangtze. Here we can catch glimpses of red monkeys amongst the trees, goats clinging to the craggy cliffs, and 'hanging coffins' secured in the cliff face by th...
Visiting the Three Gorges Dam for approximately 2.5 hours. About 40 steps at the dam, about 30 steps disembarking the ship in the afternoon. Flight to Shanghai about 1 hr 45 mins.
This morning, take a short coach ride to the Three Gorges Dam site. From an observ...
Walk up to 10 minutes to the metro station with a staff member or ride the coach with the Group Leader to the Shanghai Museum. Spend about 2 hours at the museum; elevators and escalators available. Acrobatic performance will last for 1hr 40 minutes.
After breakf...
We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Shanghai's historic old section. With our Group Leader, we’ll explore the nearby Yu Garden whose classical pavilions, fountains, and arching bridges exemplify traditional Chinese garden landscaping.
We coach to Shanghai’s Xin...
See the “Travel Information” section regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location.” The Group Leader will advise as to departure times from the hotel.
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings
Other Road Scholar Reviews
Wonders of Costa Rica at a slower pace
When I signed up for the Wonders of Costa Rica at a slower pace. The hotel listed in the itinerary for day 8&9 was a 4 star hotel on the beach called the Punta L...
Same complaint as everyone else
Same complaint as everyone else. While I can see why the Cancel for Any Reason clause may be necessary for the business model, the problem is that THIS IS NOT EXPLA...
Road Scholar SCAMS older adults
If you want a real review and not their good reviews on their website, read this. Their customer service is horrible and they try to get as much money as possible by...
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
- Number of Breakfast: 19
- Number of Lunch: 15
- Number of Dinner: 15
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations