Experience ‘Historic Yangtze Highlights’ With Victoria Cruises, China Travel Service

**Ally** · 03-19-2008, 01:19 PM

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NEW YORK (March 18, 2008) – Visit the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi’an, glimpse China’s future in the ultra-modern metropolis of Shanghai and enjoy a relaxing, five-star Victoria Cruises sailing along the scenic Yangtze River with the comprehensive Historic Yangtze Highlights program from China Travel Service (U.S.A.).

Only 11 departures are available for this special program from April 17, 2008 – March 5, 2009, so travelers are encouraged to book while space is still available. Bookings received by March 31, 2008 will receive a $200 per couple discount.

“While we are happy to be the exclusive Yangtze River cruise provider for China Travel Service, we are particularly proud of this program due to the central role Victoria Cruises plays in the vacation experience,” noted Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for the cruise line.

“As one sails along the most atmospheric stretches of the legendary Yangtze River aboard a five-star Victoria Cruises’ ship, they will voyage past verdant peaks, ornate pagodas, mist-shrouded cliffs and the breathtaking Three Gorges, as well as tour the area’s historic dam project – the largest hydroelectric project in the world,” said Lily Shum, vice president, Marketing & Business Development, China Travel Service (U.S.A.), Inc.

The Historic Yangtze Highlights program features international airfare as well as air transportation within China, a three-night luxury cruise along the Yangtze River with Victoria Cruises, four nights at the Capital Hotel in Beijing, two nights at the Grand New World Hotel in Xi’an and three nights at the Central Hotel Shanghai, as well as a multitude of great sightseeing and activities, including:

Beijing

* A fabulous welcome banquet featuring the famous Peking Duck on the first evening.

* A visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, with deep historical significance.

* A tour of the Forbidden City and Imperial Palace, home of Chinese emperors for more than 500 years.

* A leisurely stroll through the Summer Palace, admiring the thousands of ancient murals along the long corridor.

* A boat ride on Kunming Lake (weather permitting).

* An excursion to the Great Wall, complete with dramatic vistas as it climbs and descends steep ridges and narrow valleys.

* A visit to a cloisonné factory to learn about ancient metalworking techniques.

* A stroll along the Sacred Way, guarded by stone statues, before arriving at the Ming Tombs, final resting place of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors.

* A visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors came to pray for good harvests.

* A tour of Beijing Sport University including the Garden of Champions, the university’s museum.

* An opportunity to marvel at the intriguing architecture of the main Olympic venues, such as the National Stadium, nicknamed the “Bird’s Nest” because of its unique design, and the National Aquatics Center, known as the “Water Cube” or H2O3.

Xi’an

* A tour of Xi’an, including the ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist structure built in the 7th century.

* A visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum, home to an army of more than 6,000 life-size statues excavated from the tomb of the first Qin emperor.

* A tour of the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, renowned for its collection of Han and Tang Dynasty antiquities.

* A special dumpling dinner and cultural show at the Tang Dynasty Theatre, recreating the music, costumes and dances of that era.

Yangtze River

* A visit to the Stilwell Museum to see a collection of World War II memorabilia, including a Flying Tigers exhibit, prior to boarding a luxurious, five-star Victoria Cruises vessel in Chongqing.

* A spectacular view of centuries-old pagodas and temples nestled along the mist-shrouded Yangtze from Chongqing to Yichang.

* Many onboard activities during the Yangtze River cruise such as Tai Chi lessons, cooking demonstrations and a host of nightly entertainment options provided by Victoria Cruises.

* An excursion to the impressive Three Gorges Dam Site in Sandouping, an extraordinary feat of engineering and major highlight of the river cruise.

* A tranquil journey through Dragon Gate, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge, which together comprise the Small Gorges.

* An additional excursion from one of three options, depending on river conditions: 2,000-year-old Wanzhou, known as the gateway to the Eastern Sichuan Province; or the “ghost city” of Fengdu, with its gardens, temples and statues of ghosts and devils.

Shanghai

* A stroll on the Bund, Shanghai’s famous promenade along the Huangpu River.

* A tour of Shanghai Museum, showcasing the country’s ancient glory.

* A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, renowned for its huge statue of the Buddha carved from a single piece of white jade.

* A stop at Yu Gardens, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds.

* Time for shopping on Shanghai’s bustling Nanjing Road.

* A trip to the Old Shanghai Bazaar, with shops filled with all manner of interesting curios.

The Historic Yangtze Highlights program starts at $2,499 per person, based on double occupancy, with air transportation from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle or Portland (Oregon). Taxes of $70 are additional and may change with out notice. Pricing may increase based on cost of airfare at time of booking, and varies according to departure date. Add-on fares are available from all major cities, starting at approximately:

* $140 per person from San Diego, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Denver, Colorado Springs, Phoenix, Tucson, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Salt Lake City and Boise.

* $180 per person from Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Des Moines, Albuquerque, Anchorage and Omaha.

* $220 per person from Washington, D.C., Boston, New York City, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Hartford, Providence, Baltimore, Richmond, Charleston (West Virginia), Burlington and Portland (Maine).

* $340 per person from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Daytona, Myrtle Beach, Palm Beach, Fort Meyers, Atlanta, Savannah, Birmingham, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Raleigh-Durham and Charleston (South Carolina).

Now through March 31, travelers booking the Historic Yangtze Highlights program will receive a $200 per couple discount. To book, or for more information, visit China Travel Service - China Tour - China Package - China Travel - Home or contact China Travel Service (U.S.A) at 800-899-8618.

Specializing in China since 1928, China Travel Service (U.S.A.), Inc. is the oldest and largest travel group serving the region, with over 300 offices throughout China. The company’s programs include festival-focused trips, culinary tours, train travel on the world’s highest railway and more. Visit China Travel Service - China Tour - China Package - China Travel - Home for more information.

Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Since that time, Victoria Cruises has achieved tremendous success by introducing the majesty of the Yangtze River to travelers worldwide. A true pioneer and innovator, Victoria Cruises delivers an unrivaled and unsurpassed Yangtze River experience. An American-managed company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration.

China’s magnificent Yangtze River continues to awe and inspire and Victoria Cruises remains the finest guide for the journey.

For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit the company in cyberspace at Victoria Cruises

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