Victoria River Cruises & Pacific Delight release two China itineraries

**Ally** · 06-02-2008, 12:25 PM

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Pacific Delight Tours is offering a 13-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River and a 19-day Scenic China & Yangtze River SuperValue tour that can give travelers on a budget an opportunity to explore some of China's most sought-after sites -- Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Guangzhou and Hong Kong -- as well as spend three or four nights on the Yangtze River aboard Victoria Cruises' five-star fleet in outside staterooms with balconies, guaranteeing views of the scenery. Year-round departures, many of which are guaranteed, are $1,588 to $2,128 per person double for the 13-day tour and $2,998 to $3,638 for the 19-day program. Rates include China domestic air, most meals, accommodations in deluxe and superior first-class hotels and the services of professional tour guides. Air-inclusive packages are $2,588 to $3,308 for the 13-day package and $4,158 to $4,808 for the 19-day vacation -- government-imposed taxes and fees, including the Sept. 11 Security Fee of up to $155, are additional on air-inclusive packages. Prices are subject to change.

Both itineraries include a Yangtze River cruise -- exploring the most impressive section of the Three Gorges -- Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge -- as well as the world's largest hydroelectric project, the Three Gorges Dam. Other highlights include a picturesque sampan ride through the Ma Du River mini-gorges or the Shennong Stream and a shore excursion to Fengdu, known as a ghost city with its awe-inspiring temples of underworld demons and gods situated on Mingshan Hill.

Guests on the 13-day program are able to explore many of country's top sights -- in Shanghai, the Children's Palace, where gifted youngsters study art, music and dance; the Bund, a fashionable boulevard fronting the Huangpu River; the 400-year-old Yu Garden in the city's Old Town; and the Shanghai Museum showcasing 120,000 pieces of Chinese art. In Chongqing, participants can see the Stilwell Museum, built to showcase the World War II memorabilia of the Flying Tigers; and in Xi'an, which served as the capital of 13 dynasties, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, part of the 20th century's most significant excavation, and the collections housed at the Xi'an History Museum. Three days in Beijing affords lengthy visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City's Imperial Palace with tours of Ming Dynasty artifacts and royal living quarters; the Great Wall of China; Ming Tombs and Chang Ling Exhibition Hall; and free time to explore.

The 19-day itinerary, similar to the 13-day program, adds several cities: in Guilin, guests embark on a Li River cruise, passing unusual rock formations; and visit Reed Flute Cave, named from the reeds growing outside of it that make flutes; in Guangzhou, there is the Chen Clan Temple, which was originally built as a clan temple and now serves as an academy of arts; and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, a monument to Dr Sun Yat-sen, the forerunner of Chinese democratic revolution. And in Hong Kong, participants get four days with plenty of free time, including visits to Stanley Market, brimming with a shops selling silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costume jewelry and souvenirs; the fashionable and upscale Repulse Bay area; Aberdeen's floating community and an excursion to the top of Victoria Peak. Optional tours, which include transfers and can be pre-booked, are available in Hong Kong. Two tours, both with lunch, include an excursion to the New Territories ($64); or a trip to Lantau Island ($94), with its stunning beaches, lush mountains and charming fishing villages; a third tour offers a seafood dinner sunset cruise ($80).

Pacific Delight's Yangtze River programs include pre-confirmed hotel accommodations, all air/land transportation in Asia, most meals, sightseeing and shore excursions, cultural activities, tour guides, fuel surcharges, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling. Single supplements are available. Travelers receive $100,000 flight insurance and frequent flyer credit (on Northwest or United flights only) when Pacific Delight tickets air-inclusive tours. For reservations and more information, call 800-221-7179 or 212-818-1781 or visit China Tours & Yangtze River Tours.

Tours & Packages - Pacific Delight Offers Two China Cruise-Tour Itineraries