Watchtower on the Great Wall
Join an experienced tour director who has made 50 journeys to China and lived in Beijing for two years, as she guides you on an exploration of one of the oldest and least understood civilizations in the world.
I’m Jean Ash, a former broadcast journalist and experienced traveler from Knoxville, Tennessee. I’d love to show you Iconic China in September 2012.
Teaming up with AAA of East Tennessee, we’ve arranged China’s most popular destinations for you in this fulfilling journey: stately Beijing, a blending of the imperial past – the Great Wall & the Forbidden City– and the present – the Olympic Bird’s Nest & the Water Cube; ancient Xi’an, home of the 2200 year old Terracotta Warriors and beginning of the Silk Road; down the mighty Yangtze – see the spectacular Three Gorges and ways of life that haven’t changed for thousands of years. We’ll enjoy the river at a slower pace, gathering energy to be immersed into fascinating Shanghai, a forward-thinking cosmopolitan city with daring architecture. Then scenic Guilin and its smaller, more intimate neighbor Yangshuo with unbelievably lovely scenery and a mind-blowing performance right on the river and finally…modern Hong Kong!
One of the Three Gorges
Our departure is Sunday, September 2, 2012 and return Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Of course, we can arrange an extra day or more both at the beginning or end.
Our hotels are top-of-the line, and the Century Diamond Yangtze cruise ship is one of the best on the river. Most meals are included (plus some unique banquets) with others on your own to allow for experimentation yourself. We will have a local guide in each city and on the river. For more, see our detailed day-by-day itinerary. Also, you may drill down on our hotels and the cruise ship HERE
Our group air is on United Airlines with departure from Knoxville to Chicago and then directly to Beijing, but you may use frequent flier miles or the airline of your choice. The return will be from Hong Kong via San Francisco and Dulles.
Our inclusive price is $4,759 per person in shared double accommodations plus round trip air of $1,639.This includes all admissions, most meals (see day-to-day itinerary), all inter-China airline flights and taxes, deluxe hotels and cruise boat, three shore excursions on the Yangtze, baggage handling and all tips for local guides, drivers and aboard the cruise ship. Not included is your Chinese visa and trip insurance, available from your AAA agent, nor gratuities for your tour director.
Your AAA agent also can assist you with single supplement reservations if you are traveling alone, upgrading to a deluxe cabin on the ship and any other issues. AAA now has a single sharing service that can introduce you to other singles who might be on this tour so you can consider sharing to save on the single supplement.
A deposit of $500 per person is due at time of booking and final payment is due May 15, 2012. A minimum number of travelers is required.
You may reach your AAA Travel Professional at: Knoxville (865) 862-9130; Maryville (865) 862-9132; Tri-Cities (423) 928-7671.
