On Wednesday 22nd July 2009, a total eclipse of the Sun is visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses half of the Earth. The maximum duration of totality reaches 6 min 39 sec. and China will experience the very best visual of the impressive 2009 eclipse with its centre line passing over the Yangtze River valley. For those joining us for the special event, you will have the advantage of being positioned directly beneath the centre line and ultimately will experience the maximum totality of the black out.  

Coupled with the event, the itinerary is based on our popular "China Magnficent" tour with the visits to the classical attractions in Shanghai, Beijing, and Xian, and the 3-day cruise along the mighty Yangtze River, which offers a remarkable experience of the most scenic reaches of the river and sails through the spectacular Three Gorges upstream in comfort. You will visit along the route the ancient towns, villages & historical sites.

13 July 2009  London

Direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Shanghai with Virgin Atlantic Airways or British Airways.

14 July 2009  Shanghai

Arrive at Shanghai, met by our tour representative and transfer to 4 star hotel for 2 nights stay. 

15 July 2009  Shanghai

Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre to learn the past, the current, and the future of the Metropolis. Tour the Yu Yuan Garden and the Old Town. After Dim Sum lunch, visit the Shanghai Museum. Dinner is served at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

16 July 2009  Shanghai

Excursion tour to the water town of Zhujiajiao in the morning including the sampan ride on the canals. After lunch, return to Shanghai and free time for the rest of the day or for your shopping trip. (B, L)

17 July 2009  Shanghai/Yichang

Free time at own leisure for the morning. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Yichang, the starting point of the Yangtze River cruise. Transfer to pier and board the 5 star MV President No.1 cruise. (B, D)

*3-day dramatic river cruise upstream from Yichang to Chongqing along the Yangtze or Changjing, the China’s longest. It’ll funnel you past magnificent rock formations, mist-shrouded peaks, the fragments of ancient settlements, and swirling eddies. Among them are the most famous Three Gorges. The cruise ship will also pass the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest, through a series of locks and lifts, experiencing in first-hand the functions and power of the Dam. The cruise ship will stop at towns and historical sites along the route, allowing you time to relish the colourful tales as they unfold.

18 July 2009  Yangtze River cruise

Set sailing in the early morning. Stop at Sandouping and shore excursion to tour the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Then navigate through the dramatic Three Gorges Ship Locks. Continue the sailing through Xiling Gorge, the first and the longest one among the Three Gorges, famous for its frightening whirlpools and strong rapids. (B, L, D)

19 July 2009  Yangtze River cruise

The rolling River twists and turns and carries the ship zigzagging along the way through Wu Gorge, the middle section of the Three Gorges, gifted with exquisite peaks and lush mountains and ranges. The delightful gorge is flanked by oddly shaped mountain peaks, many of which are connected with beautiful legends. At Badong, transfer to a small boat for an exciting excursion to Daning River or Shen Nong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze River, traversing a tortuous alignment flanked by almost vertical limestone cliffs with breathtaking view often referred to as the Lesser Three Gorges. Early history of settlement in the Gorges is evinced by the hanging coffins stowed in the clefts on the high inaccessible cliffs. Entering Kuimem Gate and sailing through Qutang Gorge, the last and the narrowest of the Three Gorges with the mountains on either side reach as high as 4,000 ft. This combination of narrow canyons among high mountains with several switch backs creates spectacular vistas. (B, L, D)

20 July 2009  Yangtze River cruise

Continue the sailing and shore excursion to Fengdu, the famous ghost town of after-life modelled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology. Alternate shore excursion to Shibaozhai, a magnificent 12 -story wooden pavilion, known as" the pearl of Yangtze". (B, L, D)

21 July 2009 Chongqing/Wuhan

Cruise arrives at Chongqing in the morning. Disembark and city tour if time permits. After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Wuhan. Upon arrival at Wuhan, transfer to 4 star hotel for one night stay. Evening buffet dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)

22 July 2009 – Eclipse Day  Wuhan/Xian

Early morning transfer to the best Eclipse observing position at the campus in Wuhan University, allowing you enough time to set up the observation and camera equipment. There will be expert on site to provide information on the subject, food and drinks will be served throughout together with one pair of Eclipse Glass per person. After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Xian, the city of eternal peace, once the flourishing capital of China of 11dynasties. Upon arrival, transfer to 4 star hotel for 2 nights stay. (B, L)

23 July 2009  Xian

Excursion to Qin Emperor’s Tomb, where 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1974. They were interred within the outer wall of the Emperor’s mausoleum as his eternal imperial guards. The scale of the endeavour is awe-inspiring and the image of warriors solemn and moving. After lunch at the famous Defachang restaurant, tour the Wild Goose Pagoda which was built in 648 A.D. and used to store Buddhist scriptures. Then take a tour to the enormous city walls, sensing the immense scale and enduring impregnability. (B, L)

24 July 2009  Xian/Beijing

Transfer to airport for morning flight from Xian to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to 4 star hotel for 3 nights stay. After lunch, Hutong tour along the cobbled narrow alleyways to see the century-old Beijing dwellings. Stop at the city’s Drum Tower and enjoy the traditional drum beating performance. Then take an old-fashioned pedicab to Chichahai Lake area via its 700-year-old arched bridges and tour the traditional courtyard known as Siheyuan used to house generations of a family under one roof. Pay a visit to a local family and a Hutong Kindergarten. The tour completes for the day with a visit to a local vegetable market. (B, L)

25 July 2009  Beijing

In the morning, tour the Imperial Winter Palace also called the Forbidden City in the heart of the Capital, and walk in the world’s largest public square the Tiananmen Square. After lunch, tour the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial encampment of temples, pavilions and halls set in a park around the vast Kunming lake. Take a boat ride on the Lake. (B, L)

26 July 2009  Beijing

Excursion to the Great Wall. Here you’ll have plenty time to walk along the historic ramparts and marvel at its size and grandeur. After that, stroll along “The Sacred Path” which leads to the Ming Tombs where 13 Emperors were buried, and visit the Emperor’s resting place through a series of under-ground passageways and chambers. On return, stop by the landmark 2008 Olympic venues the “Bird Nest” Stadium and “Water Cube” Aquatics Centre for viewing and picture takings. Farewell Peking Duck dinner in the evening. (B, L, D)

27 July 2008  Beijing/London

Transfer to airport for direct flight to London with Air China or British Airways. The flight arrives back London in late afternoon on the same day. (B)

Hong Kong Extension (Optional):

27 July 2008  Beijing/Hong Kong

Transfer to airport for flight from Beijing to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to 3 star hotel in central Kowloon for 2 nights stay. Free time at own leisure for the rest of the day. (B)

28 July 2008  Hong Kong

Half-day Hong Kong Island tour – duration: 4 to 5 hours.                                        

Pick up from the hotel. The tour starts with a Tram-ride up to the Victoria Peak (1, 810 ft above the sea level) for a panoramic view of the city's famous skyline, magnificent Victoria Harbour and the romantic South China Sea and the surrounding islands. Then travelling along the scenic coastline and visit the picturesque Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. Proceed next to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen and have a close look at the local fishermen and their boat community. An optional sampan ride can be arranged on site. A short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory and take a behind the scene look at the fine art that has made Hong Kong the best in Asia. The tour ends in the famous Stanley Market. (B)

29 July 2008  Hong Kong

Free time at own leisure during the day. In the evening, transfer to airport for late night direct flight to London with Virgin Atlantic Airways or British Airways. (B)

30 July 2008  London

Flight arrives at London in the early morning.