2012 Cruise Companion and Shore Excursions - Uniworld River ...

2012 Cruise Companion and Shore Excursions 

Asia

Symbols and Icons 

In the following pages, you will find these symbols to help 

guide you with the daily excursions. You will get an idea 

of the pace of the excursions; you will find out if meals are 

provided, and you will learn about any special excursions, 

such as wine tastings, museum visits, or music concerts. 

Uniworld Signature Icons 

e Embark/Disembark x 

b Motorcoach W 

d Flight F 

S 

f 

m 

Shore Excursion Symbols 

Cultural Exchange 

Welcome Dinner 

Farewell Dinner 

Boat/Sampan CB/BB 

Continental/Buffet 

Breakfast 

Special Theme Meal L Lunch 

Museum Visit D Dinner 

p Performance 

Dear Valued Traveler, 

Welcome to Uniworld River Cruises. We want to do 

everything we can to ensure you have the most 

enjoyable and worry-free vacation possible. 

With that in mind, we have prepared this booklet for 

you, so you can plan your trip with the greatest of ease. 

Consider it a guideline to help you get ready for your 

upcoming trip. It contains valuable tips and advice on 

what to pack, your flight and transfer experience, onboard 

information, day-to-day details, and much more. 

Thank you for selecting Uniworld River Cruises. We look 

forward to hosting you onboard our beautifully appointed 

ships and making your vacation the most memorable and 

enjoyable experience possible. 

Sincerely, 

The Uniworld Team 

All tours involve walking unless strictly noted as a panoramic tour. In many 

cases, the walking takes place over uneven ground, cobblestone, or 

flagstone walkways, and more than a few tours involve stairs or short uphill 

climbs. We strongly recommend that our guests wear comfortable, non-skid 

walking shoes while on all of our tours. The symbols below are provided 

alongside each tour to give you an idea of what to expect on each program. 

1 

2 

3 

Easy walking throughout tour, including walking 15 minutes or 

less from multiple motorcoach stops to, and while in, historical 

sights. Possibly some steps, or gentle uphill and downhill walks. 

Intermediate activity, including walks of up to two hours on 

uneven terrain. Limited seating at sites. Multiple stairs and/or 

uphill/downhill walking. 

Most strenuous activity with a combined walking duration at 

all sites of up to two and a half hours. Many stairs and uphill/ 

downhill passages. Those with physical limitations and those 

who may need assistance with private arrangements need to 

contact the Cruise Manager when onboard. 

Tour Duration Symbols 

Each tour varies in length. The darkened areas of the symbols indicate 

approximate tour duration. 

4 

6 

¼ Day AM 

½ Day AM 

5 

7 

¼ Day PM 

½ Day PM 

9 

8 

¾ Day 

Full Day 

Cover: The Great Wall, China | Above: Hangzhou, China 

Uniworld 1

Table of Contents 

Table of Contents 

Cruise Companion 

Helpful Hints Before You Go 

Travel Documents ........................................................ 4 – 5 

Passports 

Passenger Information Form 

Travel Protection 

Cruise Documentation ........................................................5 

Final Documentation Includes 

Baggage Limitations ..........................................................6 

Travel Essentials .......................................................... 6 – 7 

Vaccinations ......................................................................7 

Health and Mobility ..................................................... 7 – 8 

Physical Limitations 

Medical 

Special Diets 

Getting There 

Airport Security and Check-In .............................................8 

Transfers ................................................................... 8 – 12 

China 

Airport Arrival Transfers 

Airport Departure Transfers 

Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights 

Vietnam & Cambodia 

Airport Arrival Transfers 

Airport Departure Transfers 

Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights 

Baggage Delays 

Pre-/Post-Cruise Included or Optional 

Hotel/Land Extensions .....................................................13 

Hotel Check-In/Hotel Check-Out ........................................13 

About Your Cruise/Tour Package 

and Services: China 

Dining ............................................................................13 

Electrical Current.............................................................13 

Elevators on Ships ...........................................................13 

Fitness Center in the Hotels and on the Ships .................... 14 

Gift Shop ........................................................................ 14 

Gratuities ........................................................................ 14 

Handicapped Facilities ..................................................... 15 

Internet Access at the Hotel and on the Ships .................... 15 

Intra-China Domestic Air Tickets ....................................... 15 

Land Tours and Shore Excursions ...................................... 15 

Laundry .......................................................................... 16 

Local and Onboard Money Matters .................................... 16 

Safety Deposit Box........................................................... 16 

Shopping ........................................................................ 17 

Smoking ......................................................................... 17 

Water ............................................................................. 17 

Weather .......................................................................... 17 

What to Wear ..................................................................18 

Visa Requirements for all China Programs ..........................19 


and Services: Vietnam & Cambodia 

Dining ............................................................................20 

Electrical Current.............................................................21 

Elevators on Ships ...........................................................21 

Emergency Procedures .....................................................21 

Excursions ......................................................................21 

Fitness Center in the Hotels and on the Ships ....................21 

Footwear .........................................................................21 

Going Ashore ...................................................................22 

Gift Shop ........................................................................22 

Gratuities ........................................................................22 

Handicapped Facilities ............................................. 22 – 23 

Insect Precautions ...........................................................23 

Internet Access at the Hotel and on the Ships ....................23 

Intra-Asia Domestic Air Tickets .........................................23 

Land Tours and Shore Excursions ......................................23 

Laundry ..........................................................................23 

Local and Onboard Money Matters ....................................24 

Morning Call ...................................................................24 

Moving about the Ship .....................................................24 

Muster Stations ....................................................... 24 – 25 

No-Go Areas....................................................................25 

Safety Deposit Box...........................................................25 

Security ..........................................................................25 

Ship’s Office ...................................................................26 

Shopping ........................................................................26 

Smoking .........................................................................26 

Stateroom Amenities ........................................................26 

Visa Requirements for Vietnam & Cambodia Programs ... 26 – 27 

Water .............................................................................27 

Weather ..........................................................................27 

What to Wear ..................................................................28 

Omissions .......................................................................28 

Land Tours and Shore Excursions 

Classic China 

Beijing to Shanghai | 10 Days .................................... 29 – 34 

Grand Asia & the Mekong 

Beijing to Hanoi | 24 Days ........................................ 35 – 50 

Highlights of China & the Yangtze 


Grand China & the Yangtze 

Beijing to Hong Kong | 18 Days ................................. 57 – 65 

Wonders of China & the Grand Yangtze 

Shanghai to Beijing | 17 Days .................................... 66 – 74 

Splendors of China & the Grand Yangtze 


China, Tibet & the Yangtze 


Tour and General Information 

Frequently Asked Questions ...................................... 90 – 92 

2 uniworld.com Uniworld 3


Passenger Information Form: By now, you should have 

completed the Uniworld Passenger Information Form. The 

information on this form is used to comply with certain foreign 

government and airline security restrictions in advance of your 

arrival onboard our ships. Please note that the name on your 

airline tickets must match your name exactly as it is shown in 

your passport. This applies to both international flights as well 

as the intra-China flights we will book for you, so please be 

sure we have your name correct on your booking. If you have 

completed this form, we thank you for your prompt attention. 

If you have not completed this form, please visit our website 

at uniworld.com and complete the online Passenger Information 

Form in the “Before You Go” section. Each guest must complete 

the form. 


Travel Protection: Uniworld strongly recommends that each 

guest purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please carry all 

policy information with you during the course of your trip. 


Helpful Hints Before You Go 

Travel Documents 

Passports: All Uniworld river cruise/tours require a passport. 

In most cases, passports must be valid for six months after 

the scheduled return date from the trip. All itineraries will 

require visas (except Thailand for US and Canadian citizens.) 

Each guest is fully responsible for obtaining and carrying the 

travel documents necessary for his or her travel itinerary. 

Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages, 

and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related 

to improper travel documents. 

Visa requirements for these itineraries for US and Canadian 

citizens can be found on pages 19 and 26-27, or on the 

Uniworld website, uniworld.com, in the “Before You Go” 

section. Non-US or Non-Canadian citizens must contact the 

appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining 

to their particular trip. Uniworld provides information on our 

website for obtaining the required visa through Zierer Visa 

Service as a courtesy only. 

Cruise Documentation 

Uniworld sends all final cruise and air documents between 

21 to 30 days prior to your trip departure, provided that 

Uniworld has received a completed and signed Passenger 

Information Form and your booking is paid in full. All 

documents are sent via a priority mail delivery service, 

such as UPS or Federal Express. 

Final Documentation Includes: 

• Cruise Ticket 

• Passenger Ticket Contract (this is binding on each guest) 

• Airline Tickets or E-Ticket Confirmation (if international air 

ticket was purchased from Uniworld) 

• Cruise Companion 

• Baggage Tags 

• Leave-Behind Communication Card 

• Travel Protection Plan Pamphlet (if Uniworld travel 

protection was purchased) 

• Pre-/Post-Optional Cruise Extension Information 

(if trip extension was purchased) 



Baggage Limitations 

Airline baggage restrictions change frequently, and each guest 

needs to check with his or her specific air carrier for limitations 

concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, 

and excess baggage or overweight charges. This information can 

be found on the carrier’s website. Remember to check for both 

international (over the water) and domestic (intracontinental) 

regulations since limitations differ depending on flight routings. 

Overweight or excess baggage charges vary, and guests who 

exceed an airline’s recommended limit may be asked by the 

airline to pay fees ranging from approximately $25 to $80 US 

Dollars (USD), or possibly more, per infraction. For intra-China 

air flights, only one (1) suitcase per person can be checked 

in, and it must weigh no more than 44 pounds (20 kgs). 

You may be asked by the airline to pay fees of approximately 

$1 USD per pound (0.45 kgs) in excess of this weight limit. 

One (1) carry-on is allowed per person. For intra-Vietnam and 

intra-Asia flights, only one (1) suitcase per person can be 

checked in, and it must weigh no more than 40 pounds (18 kg). 

Each checked bag should have dimensions not exceeding 

62 inches (157 cm). You may be asked by the airline to pay 

fees of approximately $1 USD, or more, per pound (0.45 kg) 

in excess of this weight limit. One (1) carry-on is allowed 

per person. Your carry-on should not exceed 17" x 14" x 8" 

(43 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm) and should not weigh more than 

10 pounds (4.5 kg). 

There are no restrictions concerning the number of bags each 

person can bring with them onboard the ships. However, baggage 

storage space onboard is limited. Guests are encouraged to 

limit their baggage to one (1) piece per person for their own 

comfort and, in cases of pre- or post-land stays, for their own 

convenience. 

Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal belongings— 

they are your responsibility throughout the trip. Uniworld is 

not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and 

personal belongings. A Travel Protection Plan covering lost, 

stolen, or damaged baggage is highly recommended. 

Travel Essentials 

The following items are essential to any destination: comfortable 

walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and 

a lightweight raincoat or outerwear garment appropriate to the 

seasonal weather conditions. It is recommended that you bring 

duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for 

any medicine, copies of credit card information, and copies of 

passport information pages. Make sure that your baggage has 

identification tags both inside and outside with your contact 

information and address clearly marked. Do not pack valuables 

or important medication in your checked baggage unless required 

by the airline to do so. Any valuables and important medication 

should be carried with you in your carry-on baggage. Please 

contact your air carrier for any additional regulations. 

Vaccinations 

All guests should direct questions about vaccinations to their 

personal physician. 

As an additional resource, all US guests may consult the 

current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control 

(CDC). The CDC website is cdc.gov and the phone number is 

1-800-232-4636. 

Non-US guests should contact the consulates of the 

countries to be visited to determine vaccination requirements. 

Health and Mobility 

Physical Limitations: Uniworld trips are exciting and relatively 

active vacations. While there will be plenty of time to relax, 

there will also be much to see and do. Your included excursions 

generally require an extensive amount of walking, as well as 

navigation of numerous steps and uneven pavement. Access 

to sites visited on shore excursions for guests with physical 

limitations is generally restrictive. For your safety and enjoyment, 

we recommend all guests be in good physical condition. This is 

particularly important in Tibet, where the high altitude may 

make extensive walking difficult. 

In addition, river ships, while spacious and elegant, are not 

in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 

most do not have elevators. Uniworld, at its sole discretion, 

reserves the right to refuse passage or to require a current 

passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of 

health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, 

safety, and enjoyment or that of other passengers. 

Medical: There is a clinic with a doctor in most of the hotels 

used in China and on the Victoria Cruises’ ship on the Yangtze 

River. There is also a clinic with a doctor very near most of 

the hotels used in Vietnam and Cambodia, but Uniworld does 

not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard the River Saigon. 

Medical care will be at local facilities, and medical expenses 

are the guest’s own responsibility. Guests should bring their 

medications with them. Uniworld is not responsible for any 

costs incurred as a result of medical service, or for the quality 

of medical care received. A Travel Protection Plan covering 

medical expenses is highly recommended. 




Special Diets: Please advise us in advance of your departure 

of any special dietary restrictions. This information will be 

provided to the proper personnel. To the extent possible, and 

in consideration of local conditions, every effort will be made 

to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to 

provide us with as much detail as necessary concerning any 

medically related diet concerns. Not all dietary requests can 

be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in 

this matter. 

Getting There 

Airport Security and Check-In 

It is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your 

departure to verify that there have been no changes to the 

flight number or schedule found on your travel documents. 

After your travel documents are issued and sent to you, 

Uniworld is not responsible for notifying guests of any 

changes in flight schedules. 

Please make sure you arrive at the airport at least two and 

a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure to 

complete check-in and security procedures. For peak travel 

times, you may even want to arrive three (3) hours prior to 

your scheduled departure time. 

Transfers 

China 

Airport Arrival Transfers: You will be greeted by a Uniworld 

representative and transferred to the hotel. You will be met 

as you exit the secure customs area. Please claim all of your 

baggage before exiting the baggage claim area. From the 

airport, you’ll be transferred to the hotel. Please note that 

transfers are non-refundable. 

There may be a waiting period of up to one (1) hour for 

scheduled airport transfers, depending on groupings of flight 

arrivals. Upon arrival in the tour start city, after you have 

cleared customs, look for the Uniworld representative outside 

the customs area. If you cannot find our representative, 

please proceed to the pick-up point in the arrival hall and 

stay there until our representative comes to you. 

In Hong Kong, if you cannot find our representative, please 

proceed to counter B-12, and the representative there will 

provide you with further instructions regarding your transfers. 

Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed 

transfers due to delayed flights, missed cruise/tour days, or 

extra costs resulting from delayed or canceled flights. 

It is required that flight information and pre-trip arrangements 

for all guests making their own flight arrangements be given to 

Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to departure in order for 

transfers to be properly arranged. Your flight arrangements must 

also be made in accordance with Uniworld’s recommended 

transfer guidelines. For complete details, please see the Terms 

and Conditions section of our current brochure or our website, 

uniworld.com. 

Guests who have purchased an extension or extra nights with 

hotel stays will be provided transfers as part of the extension 

or extra night purchase. 

If your cruise/tour package does not contain transfers (i.e., 

for flights outside of Uniworld’s recommended transfer time 

guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to 

Uniworld in time), then please make your own way to the hotel 

as per your trip itinerary at your own expense. 

Airport Departure Transfers: You will be transferred to the 

airport for your flight home. For those guests with a postcruise 

extension, you will be transferred to the airport or 

hotel accordingly. 

In accordance with Uniworld’s recommended transfer time 

guidelines, all guests making their own flight arrangements are 

required to provide Uniworld with their flight information and 

pre-trip arrangements no later than 45 days prior to departure 

in order to receive transfers. For complete details, please see 

the Terms and Conditions section of our current brochure or 

our website, uniworld.com. 

Guests who have purchased extra nights with hotel stays will 

be provided transfers as part of the extra night purchase. 

If your cruise/tour package does not contain transfers (i.e., 

for flights outside of Uniworld’s recommended transfer time 

guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to 

Uniworld in time), then please make your own way from the 

hotel at your own expense. 

Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights: If your package includes 

a Uniworld arrival transfer and you experience a travel delay 

of any kind, please adhere to the following instructions. 

Upon arrival at the airport in the tour start city, after you have 

cleared customs, look for the Uniworld representative outside 

the customs area. If you cannot find our representative, please 

proceed to the pick-up point at the arrival hall and stay there 

until our representative comes to you. In Hong Kong, if you 

cannot find our representative, please proceed to counter B-12. 

The representative there will provide you with further 




instructions regarding your transfers. Depending on the nature 

of the delay, Uniworld’s ground staff can, at times, track flight 

changes. If your flight arrangements were drastically altered, it 

is unlikely that the ground staff will be notified in time of your 

specific flight changes. Due to security protocols enacted post– 

September 11, 2001, airlines very rarely provide updated flight 

information to third parties. 

If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, please 

contact the Transfer Provider in your arrival city. Their 

contact information is shown in the transfer section of your 

Cruise Ticket. The Transfer Provider, if unable to match you 

up with a scheduled group transfer, will ask you to make your 

own way to the ship or hotel at your own expense. Costs 

incurred due to missed transfers are the responsibility of the 

guest, and in most cases, compensation can be obtained 

from your travel protection plan provider or airline carrier. 

If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting point 

of your cruise/tour, you will need to get to the next stop on the 

tour itinerary at your own expense. Please contact the Uniworld 

Beijing office, using the number on your Cruise/Tour Ticket, for 

the exact location of the city on your revised date of arrival. The 

office personnel will advise you of the best course of action. 

Uniworld is not responsible for missed transfers or additional 

costs incurred in getting to the next destination due to missed 

or delayed flight arrangements. 

Vietnam & Cambodia 

Airport Arrival Transfers: You will be greeted by a Uniworld/ 

Pandaw River Cruises representative and transferred to the 

hotel. (Pandaw River Cruises is the operator of Uniworld’s 

Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong program.) You will be met 

as you exit the airport’s secure customs area. Please claim all 

of your baggage before exiting the baggage claim area. From 

the airport, you’ll be transferred to the hotel. Please note that 

transfers are non-refundable. 

There may be a waiting period of up to one (1) hour for 

scheduled airport transfers, depending on groupings of flight 

arrivals. Upon clearing customs in the cruise/tour start city, 

look for the Uniworld/Pandaw River Cruises representative 

outside the secure customs area. If you cannot find the 

representative, please remain outside the customs area in the 

arrival hall until the representative comes to you. Uniworld 

will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers 

due to delayed, changed, canceled, or missed flights; for 

missed cruise/trip days; or for extra costs resulting from 

delayed, changed, canceled, or missed flights. 

Flight information and pre-trip arrangements for all guests 

making their own flight arrangements must be given to Uniworld 

no later than 45 days prior to departure in order for transfers to 

be properly arranged. Your flight arrangements must also be 

made in accordance with Uniworld’s recommended transfer 

guidelines. For complete details, please see the Terms and 

Conditions section of our current brochure or our website, 

uniworld.com. 

Guests who have purchased an extension or extra nights with 

hotel stays will be provided transfers as part of the extension 

or extra night purchase. 

If your cruise/tour package does not include arrival transfers 

(i.e., for flights outside of Uniworld’s recommended transfer 

time guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated 

to Uniworld in time), then please make your own way to the 

ship or hotel as per your trip itinerary at your own expense. 

Airport Departure Transfers: You will be transferred to the 

airport for your flight home. Guests who have purchased a 

post-cruise extension will be transferred to the airport or 

hotel accordingly. 

In accordance with Uniworld’s recommended transfer time 

guidelines, all guests making their own flight arrangements 

are required to provide Uniworld with their flight information 

and pre-trip arrangements no later than 45 days prior to 

departure in order to receive transfers. For complete details, 

please see the Terms and Conditions section of our current 

brochure or our website, uniworld.com. 

Guests who have purchased extra nights with hotel stays will 

be provided transfers as part of the extra-night purchase. 

If your cruise/tour package does not include departure transfers 

(i.e., for flights outside of Uniworld’s recommended transfer 

time guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated 

to Uniworld in time), then please make your own way from the 

ship or hotel at your own expense. 

Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights: If your package includes 

an arrival transfer and you experience a travel delay of any 

kind while you are still within North America, please contact 

Pandaw River Cruises by calling 1-800-798-4223 and advise 

them of the situation. They will do their best to ensure you 

are met and transferred upon your revised arrival. If you are 

outside of North America when you experience the travel delay, 

please contact Pandaw River Cruises at +1-970-453-2763 for 

advice and assistance. 




Upon clearing customs in the cruise/tour start city, look for the 

Uniworld/Pandaw representative outside the customs area. If 

you cannot find the representative, please remain outside the 

customs area in the arrival hall until the representative comes 

to you. Depending on the nature of the delay, Uniworld’s 

ground staff can, at times, track flight changes. If your flight 

arrangements were drastically altered, it is unlikely that the 

ground staff will be notified of your specific flight changes in 

time. Due to security protocols enacted post–September 11, 

2001, airlines very rarely provide updated flight information 

to third parties. 

If you cannot find the Uniworld/Pandaw representative, please 

contact the transfer representative in your arrival city. Their 

contact information is shown in the transfer section of your 

Cruise/Tour Ticket. If unable to match you up with a scheduled 

group transfer, the transfer representative will ask you to make 

your own way to the ship or hotel at your own expense. Costs 

incurred due to missed transfers are the responsibility of the 

guest; in most cases, compensation can be obtained from your 

Travel Protection Plan provider or airline carrier. 

If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting 

point of your cruise/tour, you will need to get to the next stop 

on the tour itinerary at your own expense. Please contact our 

Local Representative, using the number on your Cruise/Tour 

Ticket, for the exact location of the city on your revised date 

of arrival. The office personnel will advise you of the best course 

of action. Uniworld is not responsible for missed transfers or 

additional costs incurred in getting to the next destination due 

to missed or delayed flight arrangements. 

Post-Cruise/Tour Included or Optional 

Hotel/Land Extensions 

All Uniworld land programs that are fully hosted include 

breakfast daily, transfers, and porterage. Most feature at 

least one (1) special sightseeing program. Your on-site 

Uniworld representative will host a welcome briefing the 

evening of your first day to familiarize you with the scheduled 

program. Details of your post-cruise land stay are included 

with your final documents. 

Note: The Tour Manager will not go to Hong Kong; there will be a 

local guide. 

Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel 

room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival 

at the hotel. This is not always possible due to differences in 

hotel check-in/check-out times and scheduled airport-to-hotel 

or ship-to-hotel transfers. A short wait for your room to become 

available may be unavoidable. 

Hotel Check-In/Hotel Check-Out 

Most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 2:00 pm. If 

you arrive at the hotel before 2:00 pm, you may need to wait 

until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out must be 

no later than 12:00 pm. If your transfer time is later than 

12:00 pm, you may ask the hotel to store your baggage and 

take a walk or shop in the city until the pick-up time. 


and Services: China 


Baggage Delays: Baggage delays do unfortunately occur from 

time to time, especially during peak travel periods. 

First and foremost, do not leave the baggage area without 

completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This 

report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If traveling 

with a companion, we recommend one (1) person exit the 

baggage claim area and locate the transfer representative 

to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the 

representative to ensure that transfers are properly provided. 

Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary and the hotel 

and ship’s contact information. Report your lost baggage to the 

Uniworld representative and provide him or her with a copy of 

your Lost Baggage Report. This will assist our staff in helping 

to locate your baggage as quickly as possible. Uniworld is 

not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and/or 

personal belongings. A protection plan covering lost, stolen, 

or damaged baggage is available through the Uniworld Travel 

Protection Plan. 

Dining 

All breakfasts are American-style buffets. Most other meals 

onshore will be held at local restaurants with Chinese cuisine. 

Please notify Uniworld immediately if there are any special 

dietary concerns or considerations that need to be taken into 

account while traveling with us. We will do our best to ensure 

your request is accommodated but cannot guarantee this will 

happen in all cases. Wine can be purchased in most restaurants. 

Electrical Current 

Voltage is 220/50Hz in all hotels and onboard the ship. To use 

any electrical product from the United States, you need a 3-pin 

plug adaptor and a voltage converter. 

Elevators on Ships 

Only Victoria Anna and Victoria Jenna are equipped with an 

elevator that services all decks. 



Fitness Center in the Hotels and on the Ships 

There are fitness centers in all hotels. On the ship, the Fitness 

Center is located on the Observation Deck. Hours of operation 

are generally from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm but may be adjusted 

based on each day’s program. 

Gift Shop 

There are gift shops in all hotels. There is a gift shop onboard 

the ship with a limited selection of toiletries, souvenirs, and 

other sundries. All items may be charged to your shipboard 

account. The hours of operation are adjusted to each day’s 

program. Hair dryers are not supplied in the staterooms onboard 

the ship. Please contact the Front Desk to have one brought 

to your room (supplies are limited). Hair dryers are available 

in all hotel rooms. 

Gratuities 

Handicapped Facilities 

Embarkation/disembarkation facilities may be impossible to 

navigate with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or any other 

mechanical devices. Most of the cruise ships do not have 

elevators and are not handicapped or wheelchair accessible, 

nor are they designed to accommodate physically challenged 

travelers. 

Additionally, most shore excursions involve walking over uneven 

ground. Some excursions are walking tours only, and for your 

safety and enjoyment of the sightseeing tours, we recommend 

that all passengers be in good physical condition. 

Uniworld, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse 

passage or to require a current passenger to end his or her 

trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition 

may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment or 

that of other passengers. 


Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a 

job well done, and it is our goal to ensure that the service 

you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. The amount 

of the gratuity you choose to give is entirely subject to your 

satisfaction with your travel experience. To assist you in 

determining the amount of your gratuities, we recommend 

the following as a guideline: 

• Cruise/Tour Manager: $5 to $7 USD per guest, per day 

(given on the last day of the tour before departure) 

• Local Guides: $3 USD per guest, per day (given at the 

end of each city’s stay) 

• Drivers: $2 USD per guest, per day (given at the end of 

each city’s stay) 

• Ship staff and crew: $10 USD per guest, per day, to be 

shared among all staff and crew (added to onboard account 

and can be paid with a credit card) 

• Onboard River Guides: $3 USD per guest, per day (given 

directly to the guide) 

• Shore Excursions: $1 USD per guest for the local guide 

and boatmen (per excursion) 

Gratuities onboard the ship can be billed to onboard accounts 

and paid with a credit card. Gratuities onshore and for your 

Tour Manager cannot be paid with a credit card, so please 

ensure that you have cash on hand for this expense. It is 

suggested that you come prepared to give gratuities onshore 

in bills of small denominations. 

Internet Access at the Hotel and on the Ships 

Internet access is available in all hotels. The hotel will charge 

approximately $15 – $20 USD per day, and possibly more, for 

this service. 

Onboard the ship, the Internet Café, located in the Main 

Lounge, allows you to access the Internet, where you can 

send and receive email and email attachments. To access 

your email account, you are required to contact the front 

desk and select the amount of access time you wish to 

purchase. Wireless Internet access is also available to those 

passengers who bring their own laptops. Access rates vary 

based on the number of minutes you wish to purchase. Once 

you choose an access plan, your credit card will be billed the 

amount you select by the ship’s onboard payment system. 

Internet service may not be available at all times, especially 

while cruising through the Three Gorges. 

Intra-China Domestic Air Tickets 

Your intra-China domestic air tickets are issued in China. Your 

Tour Manager will deliver the air tickets to all passengers while 

in China. Please note that the name on your airline tickets must 

match your name exactly as it is shown in your passport. This 

applies to both international flights as well as the intra-China 

flights we will book for you, so please be sure we have your 

name correct on your booking. 


Each tour program features comprehensive included land tour 

and shore excursions. Details for your particular itinerary are 

included on the following pages and can also be found at 

uniworld.com. 



Laundry 

Laundry service is available in all hotels and onboard the ships 

for a fee. Self-service laundry facilities are not available in hotels 

or on the ships. 

Local and Onboard Money Matters 

Currency in China is Renminbi (RMB). The RMB comes in 

banknote denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100. One 

RMB is divided into 100 Cents and coin denominations are 

1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Cents or RMB 1 and RMB 2. 

Shopping 

Time for shopping is usually but not always allowed for within 

the framework of most of the sightseeing programs. The actual 

amount of time available for shopping may be limited due to 

tour constraints. Shopping recommendations can be made by 

your Tour Manager. Larger stores will accept most major credit 

cards, while market vendors and small stores will usually accept 

the local currency only. It is a good idea to take a small amount 

of cash to use for on-the-spot gratuities and the purchasing of 

souvenirs or sundries. 


Uniworld features a “cashless” environment onboard, and all 

charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard account. 

Currency accepted onboard for settlement of final bills is 

either USD or RMB or travelers checks. The major credit 

cards accepted are MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. 

The ships do not have ATM machines onboard, but ATMs 

linked to major bank networks can be found throughout 

China. Most debit and major credit cards can be used for 

cash withdrawals ashore. Limited currency exchange is 

available onboard for the exchange of cash only. Credit 

cards cannot be accepted for money exchange. All hotels 

have exchange facilities. While onboard, guests can sign 

for all purchases and pay their charges at the end of the 

cruise with their credit card. 

Please note currency exchange transactions and ATM cash 

withdrawals always involve transaction fees. It is always best 

to inquire as to the fee before exchanging any money. ATMs 

will typically ask you if you accept the fee before enabling 

the transaction. 

Smoking 

The ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public areas 

and in the staterooms. Smoking is allowed only on the upper 

Sun Deck. Non-smoking rooms are requested in all hotels. For 

those passengers who smoke, we can request a smoking room 

in hotels with advance notice. For the comfort of all passengers, 

smoking is not permitted on sightseeing or transfer vehicles. 

On motorcoach tours, we ask that passengers rotate to allow 

everyone to sit near the front. 

Water 

Please do not drink the tap water. All hotels provide 

complimentary bottled water. Additional bottled water 

can be purchased throughout China. 

Weather 

Today, weather forecasts are widely available at the click of 

a button on the Internet. Uniworld’s favorite resource for 

up-to-the-minute international weather is weather.com. 

Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let 

them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any 

problems using your credit card(s) overseas. 

Safety Deposit Box 

There is a safe in your hotel room and stateroom onboard. 

We urge you to leave valuable jewelry at home. We are not 

responsible for any valuables left in the staterooms. Any 

charge to return “lost and found property” will be at the 

owner’s expense. Please beware of pickpockets when ashore. 

Average Temperatures 

Average Low/High (F) 

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 

Beijing 43/70 54/82 63/89 69/90 67/88 56/81 43/69 

Shanghai 49/68 59/78 66/84 74/92 74/92 67/84 56/76 

Xi’an 46/72 44/81 64/91 70/93 68/90 58/79 47/69 

Guilin 58/74 66/83 72/89 75/89 74/93 70/89 61/80 

Hong Kong 67/79 74/84 74/84 78/88 79/90 79/90 77/89 



What to Wear 

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions depending on your 

travel season. Layering clothing items is smart because it 

allows each person to adjust to any temperature, including 

artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding 

items throughout the day. 

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual day wear is appropriate 

both onshore and onboard. For warmer temperatures, we 

suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as 

a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, everyday khakis, 

slacks, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts. Mix-and-match 

solid color schemes work best to help keep baggage light. 

This program is very different from European river programs; 

attire is more casual due to the region’s warmer temperatures. 

During the cruise portion of your program, comfortable, 

lightweight clothing in lighter colors is strongly recommended. 

Shorts, cotton shirts, good walking shoes, and sun hats during 

the day are recommended. We discourage sandals and the 

like during excursions, because they don’t provide the best 

stability when boarding sampans. For evenings, we again 

recommend casual and cool attire; however, we kindly request 

that guests not wear shorts at dinner, and we require footwear 

to be worn at all times in the dining room. 

You will engage in a significant amount of walking over uneven 

terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable 

walking shoes with good ankle support. 

Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time 

during this program. 

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably 

hooded) or even a heavier-weight windbreaker, for colder 

temperatures that can be found in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay 

in late October through March. 

Visa Requirements for all China Programs 

All US and Canadian citizens need a passport and visa for 

travel to China. Non-US or Non-Canadian citizens should 

contact the Chinese consulate for proper requirements. 

It is the passenger’s responsibility to obtain all necessary 

documentation. Visa requirements for US and Canadian 

citizens can be found at uniworld.com, under the “Before 

You Go” section. Uniworld provides information on obtaining 

the required visa through Zierer Visa Service as a courtesy 

only at uniworld.com. 

Obtaining and carrying the proper documents, including 

passports, is the sole responsibility of the guest. Uniworld 

will not be responsible for any delays, damages and/or losses, 

including missed portions of your cruise/tour, which are 

related to improper travel documentation. All guests are 

strongly advised to obtain the necessary visas well in advance 

to avoid unnecessary charges to expedite the processing of 

the visas. 

When using a visa service, it is highly recommended that the 

service be provided with a copy of your entire travel itinerary. 

There are times when multiple entry visas may be required 

or there are restrictions to entering one country from another, 

depending on your nationality. If the service does not have 

your full itinerary, this may result in improperly issued 

documentation. 

For the “China, Tibet & the Yangtze” program, only a singleentry 

China visa is required. Uniworld will be responsible for 

your permit to enter Tibet. Please provide us with a legible 

copy of your passport (photo page) and a copy of your China 

visa no later than 20 days prior to your departure, so that we 

may obtain the Tibetan Entry Permit for you. 

During the cruise/tour, it is advisable to have copies of important 

documents (e.g., first page of your passport, photo, credit card 

numbers, and bank/credit card company phone numbers) in a 

separate packet, in case the originals are lost or stolen. 




About Your Uniworld Cruise Package 

and Onboard Services: Vietnam & Cambodia 

Contact Information 

Here are some important numbers for our local representatives 

who are available to offer assistance should the need arise 

while you are on your trip: 

Electrical Current 

Voltage is 220/50Hz in all hotels and onboard the ship. To use 

any electrical product from the United States, you will need a 

two-round-pin-type plug adaptor and a voltage converter. 

Elevators on the Ship 

The River Saigon does not have an elevator. 


Pandaw River Cruises 

Within North America: 1-800-798-4223 

Outside North America: + (1) 970-453-2763 

Ho Chi Minh, Ground Operator contact 

Indochina Partner Travel – Ho Chi Minh City Office 

Tel: + (84 8) 3832 9326 

Emergencies Only: Mr. Nguyen Thanh 

Tel: + (84) 973 06 8181 

Hanoi, Ground Operator contact 

Indochina Partner Travel – Hanoi Office 

Mr. Phan Thuan Tri 

Tel: + (84) 903 73 6773 

Bangkok, Ground Operator contact 

Viva Voyage – Bangkok Office 

Tel: + (66 2) 254 8381 

Emergencies Only: Ms. Tharinee Buranapim 

Tel: + (66) 8 1838 4513 

Dining 

All breakfasts both on land and onboard are American-style 

buffets. Most other meals onshore will be held at local 

restaurants with local Asian cuisine. Lunch onboard offers a 

selection of fresh salads, daily soups, and entrées. Dinner is 

seated and offers soup, salad, a main course, and dessert. 

Vegetarian options are always available. Please notify Uniworld 

immediately if you have any special dietary concerns or 

considerations that need to be taken into account while 

traveling with us. We will do our best to ensure that your 

request is accommodated but cannot guarantee this will 

happen in all cases. During dinners held ashore, wine and 

beer will be included in your program cost. During onboard 

dinners, complimentary red and white house wine, ice water, 

iced tea, draught beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea will 

be included. 

Note: The Vietnamese Theme Dinner and Royal Cambodian Theme 

Dinner are served buffet-style 

Emergency Procedures 

The River Saigon is outfitted with modern smoke detectors, 

fire alarms, extinguishers, and hoses. Alarms are situated at 

regular intervals along the Promenade Decks. Fire extinguishers 

are located at regular intervals around the Promenade Decks 

and outside all public rooms. 

Excursions 

When moored, you are welcome to come and go from the ship 

as much as you like. Our next sailing time will be listed on 

the Daily Schedule, and passengers are requested to note 

this before disembarking. Group shore excursions are 

organized by the Purser and are accompanied by a member 

of the ship’s staff. Details about group shore excursions 

are posted on the Daily Schedule. Fifteen minutes prior to 

casting off, the captain will sound the ship’s horn to warn 

you to return to the ship. When disembarking, passengers 

should hang their keys on the key board found adjacent to 

the gangplank so that we know if anyone has left the ship 

and not returned. If you go ashore with your cabin keys and 

we leave without you, we cannot be held responsible. For your 

comfort, we will attempt to schedule onshore time in the 

cool of the early morning or late afternoon. 

Fitness Center in the Hotels and on the Ship 

There are fitness centers in all hotels, with the exception of 

the Victoria Angkor Resort. On the ship, the Fitness Center 

is located on the Sun Deck. Hours of operation are generally 

from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm but may be adjusted based 

on each day’s program. 

Footwear 

Slippers are provided for your comfort onboard the vessel. 

When ashore, guests should wear comfortable but safe walking 

shoes. At certain times, the river banks and paths we use can 

be muddy and therefore slippery. Due to the possibility of 

muddy or, conversely, very dusty walking conditions, we ask 

you to remove your footwear when returning onboard so that 

we can clean your shoes for you and return them to you later. 



Going Ashore 

Because of the varying nature of the riverbank, methods of 

getting ashore may differ from time to time and, on occasion, 

access may be difficult. We will ensure that the gangways are 

safe and that crew members are on hand to assist you. 

Gift Shop 

There are gift shops in all hotels. There is a gift shop onboard 

the ship with a limited selection of toiletries, souvenirs, and 

other sundries. All items from this shop may be charged to your 

shipboard account. The hours of operation are adjusted to each 

day’s program. Hair dryers are supplied in the staterooms 

onboard the ship as well as in all hotels. 

Gratuities 

Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a 

job well done, and it is our goal to ensure that the service 

you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. The amount 

of the gratuity you choose to give is entirely subject to your 

satisfaction with your travel experience. To assist you in 

determining the amount of your gratuities, we recommend 

the following as a guideline: 

• Cruise/Tour Manager: $5 to $7 USD per guest, per day 

(given on the last day of the cruise/tour before departure) 

• Program Managers: $5 USD per guest, per day (given at the 

end of each guide’s service to passengers) 

• Drivers/Boatmen: $1 USD per guest, per excursion (given at 

the end of each excursion) 

• Ship staff and crew: $5 USD per guest, per day to be shared 

among all staff and crew (given on the last day of the cruise 

before disembarking the ship) 

The above is solely a guideline. The amount you give should 

depend upon your personal experience and level of satisfaction. 

Gratuities cannot be billed to onboard accounts or paid with 

a credit card, so please ensure that you have cash on hand 

(in bills of small denominations) for this expense. 

safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in 

good physical condition. 

Uniworld, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse 

passage or to require a current passenger to end his or her 

trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition 

may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment or 

that of other passengers. 

Insect Precautions 

External doors and gauze windows should be kept closed 

at all times—day and night. At night, if on deck or going 

ashore, make sure to rub ankles and other exposed skin 

with repellent. However, outside urban areas, mosquitoes 

are less of a problem than other forms of insect life. 

Fortunately, these insects are relatively harmless. Make 

sure to switch off lights when leaving your cabin so as not 

to lure them in. On the fast-flowing river, mosquitoes are 

rarely to be seen. 

Internet Access at the Hotels and on the Ship 

Internet access is available in all hotels. The hotel will charge 

approximately $15 – $20 USD per day, and possibly more, 

for this service. The Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa will offer 

this service free of charge. 

Wireless Internet is not available onboard. However, there is a 

wireless signal while docked in Phnom Penh that passengers 

may access free of charge using their own electronic device. 

Intra-Asia Domestic Air Tickets 

Your intra-Asia domestic air tickets will be issued to you by 

your Tour Manager while on the tour. 


Each cruise/tour program features comprehensive included 

land tour and shore excursions. Details for your particular 

itinerary are included on the following pages and can also 

be found at uniworld.com. 


Handicapped Facilities 

Laundry 

Embarkation/disembarkation facilities may be impossible to 

navigate with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or any other 

mechanical devices. The ship was not designed to accommodate 

physically challenged travelers; it does not have elevators and 

is not handicapped or wheelchair accessible. 

Laundry service is available in all hotels and onboard the ships 

for a fee. Self-service laundry facilities are not available in 

hotels or on the ships. 

Additionally, most shore excursions involve walking over uneven 

ground. Some excursions are walking tours only, and for your 



Local and Onboard Money Matters 

Currency in Vietnam is the Dong. In Cambodia the US Dollar 

is widely accepted, as is the Cambodian Riel. Thailand’s 

currency is the Baht. 

Uniworld features a “cashless” environment onboard, and 

all charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard 

account. The onboard currency is the US Dollar. While 

onboard, guests can sign for all purchases and pay their 

charges at the end of the cruise with a credit card; cards 

accepted include American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. 

Credit cards will be charged in US Dollars. Alternatively, if 

paying by cash, the currency accepted onboard for 

settlement of final bills is the US Dollar. 

The ship does not have ATM machines onboard, but ATMs 

linked to major bank networks can be found throughout 

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Most debit and major 

credit cards can be used for cash withdrawals ashore. All 

hotels have exchange facilities. Please note currency exchange 

transactions and ATM cash withdrawals always involve 

transaction fees. It is always best to inquire about the fee 

before exchanging any money. ATMs will typically ask you 

if you accept the fee before enabling the transaction. 

Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to 

let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid 

any problems using your credit card(s) overseas. 

Morning Call 

If you would like to be woken up at a specific time, please 

advise the Purser the night before. 

Moving about the Ship 

It goes without saying that this is a ship rather than a hotel, 

and as such you will need to take care when moving about 

the decks because they can be slippery. Please take extra 

care when using the stairs onboard, as they may be steeper 

than you are used to. It’s best to always use the handrails. 

Muster Stations 

In the event of an emergency, the ship’s whistle will blast 

repeatedly and the alarm bells will ring. If you hear these 

sounds and you are either in or very close to your stateroom, 

put on your life jacket, proceed immediately to Muster Station 

One, and await instructions. On the back of your stateroom 

door is a plan of the ship that shows the position of your 

stateroom in relation to the Emergency Muster Stations. 

Muster Station One on all ships is located on the Main Deck 

midships (where the main gangplank is). In the event that 

Muster Station One is not safe, you will be directed by the 

crew to Muster Station Two on the Sun Deck. Both Muster 

Stations are clearly indicated with signs. 

If you are not in your stateroom when you hear the alarm, do 

NOT return to it, but proceed at once to the Muster Station 

to await instructions. There will be an Emergency Drill during 

your voyage. Note that, as with inland water class cruise ships 

on European rivers, we are not required by Class Societies to 

carry lifeboats; the reason for this is that it is far quicker to 

beach the vessel on the nearest sandbar or riverbank and 

evacuate by foot than to transfer passengers onto life boats. 

No-Go Areas 

Some areas are clearly indicated as “Crew Only.” We ask 

you to respect these areas as the crew may be working 

there and your safety cannot be guaranteed. These areas 

include: the Main Deck bow area, galley, engine rooms, crew 

accommodation, and gangways aft of the Sun Deck. Crew 

members have been instructed to escort any unauthorized 

persons from these areas and make a report to the Captain. 

Safety Deposit Box 

Each hotel room and onboard stateroom comes equipped 

with a safe. We urge you to leave valuable jewelry at home. 

We are not responsible for any valuables left in the staterooms. 

Any charge to return “lost and found” property will be at the 

owner’s expense. Please beware of pickpockets when ashore. 

Security 

In the countries in which we operate, tourists are rarely targets 

of theft; when sailing, most passengers do not bother to lock 

their doors. When in port, a 24-hour watch is kept on the 

gangplank in order to control access to the ship, but please 

keep your deck door locked when it is not in use and at 

night. All cabins have a combination-type safe; please use a 

number you can remember, like the last four digits of your 

phone number or your date of birth. The company cannot be 

held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items 

from the ship or while on an excursion ashore during a 

voyage. In the Conditions of Carriage, you are required to 

have taken out personal travel insurance to cover these 

possibilities. 




Ship’s Office 

The Ship’s Office is located either in the bar or on the upper 

deck landing. The Purser and key team members are available 

to assist at designated times. 

Shopping 

Time for shopping is usually, but not always, allowed for 

within the framework of most of the sightseeing programs. 

The actual amount of time available for shopping may be 

limited by tour constraints. Shopping recommendations 

can be made by your Tour Manager. Larger stores will 

accept most major credit cards, while market vendors and 

small stores will usually accept the local currency only (with 

the exception of Cambodia, which widely accepts the US 

Dollar). It is a good idea to take a small amount of cash to 

use for on-the-spot gratuities and the purchasing of souvenirs 

or sundries. 

required to enter Thailand. Any visa(s) or other documentation 

required for a particular itinerary is the sole responsibility of 

the guest. As a courtesy, our website, uniworld.com, offers a 

link to a visa service company in the “Before You Go” section; 

this company can provide additional information. Obtaining 

and carrying required documents is your sole responsibility. 

Uniworld will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining 

required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any 

delays, damages and/or losses, including missed portions of 

your trip, related to improper travel documentation. 

Due to government imposed security/immigration measures, 

passport information and emergency contact information are 

required for all passengers prior to release of documentation. 

During the cruise/tour, it is advisable to have copies of important 

documents (e.g., first page of your passport, photo, credit card 

numbers, and bank/credit card company phone numbers) in a 

separate packet, in case the originals are lost or stolen. 


Smoking 

The ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public areas 

and in the staterooms. Smoking is allowed only on the upper 

Sun Deck. Non-smoking rooms are requested in all hotels. 

For those passengers who smoke, we can request a smoking 

room in hotels (if available) with advance notice. For the 

comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted on 

sightseeing or transfer vehicles. On motorcoach tours, we 

ask that passengers rotate to allow everyone the opportunity 

to sit near the front. 

Stateroom Amenities 

We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your 

voyage with us. Our stewarding team will do their best to 

ensure the highest possible standards of cleanliness and 

comfort in your room. Please do not hesitate to ask if you 

require anything at all, and please let us know if you are not 

satisfied with any aspect of our care of you. Note that cabins 

do not have mini bars, TVs, or phones. All have their own airconditioning, 

mini-safes, luggage storage, wardrobes, writing 

desks, and amenities, including hair dryers, kimonos, and 

slippers. All upper and main deck staterooms have their own 

deck space with a table and rattan chairs outside the room. 

Visa Requirements for Vietnam & Cambodia 

Programs 

For US and Canadian citizens, a multiple entry visa is required 

for entry to Vietnam, and a single entry visa is required for 

entry to Cambodia. For US and Canadian citizens, a visa is not 

Water 

Please do not drink or brush your teeth with the tap water 

while onboard or onshore. The ship’s water supply comes 

from the river after passing through a sterilization plant. This 

water is suitable for washing but should not be consumed. 

Complimentary bottled water for drinking is provided 

onboard, and additional bottled water will be made available 

free of charge on excursions. To save water and reduce 

detergent use, we will only change towels daily if they are 

placed on the floor. The ship has copious supplies of hot 

water, but you may have to run the water for up to two 

minutes before it gets hot. 

All hotels also provide complimentary in-room bottled water. 

Weather 

Today, weather forecasts are widely available at the click of 

a button on the Internet. Uniworld’s favorite resource for 

up-to-the-minute international weather is weather.com. 

Average Temperatures 

Average Low/High (F) 

Jan Feb Mar Sep Oct Nov Dec 

Hanoi 57/67 59/68 64/73 77/87 67/88 65/77 60/71 

Ho Chi Minh 70/89 73/91 76/93 76/88 76/88 73/88 71/88 

Siem Reap 67/90 69/92 79/94 76/90 75/88 72/87 69/88 

Bangkok 70/90 74/91 79/95 76/90 76/90 74/89 69/88 



What to Wear 

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your 

travel season. Layering clothing items is smart because it 

allows each person to adjust to any temperature, including 

artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding 

items throughout the day. 


both onshore and onboard. For warmer temperatures, we 

suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as 

a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, everyday khakis, 

slacks, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts. Mix-and-match 

solid color schemes work best to help keep baggage light. 

This program is very different from European river programs; 

attire is more casual due to the region’s warmer temperatures. 

During the cruise portion of your program, comfortable, 

lightweight clothing in lighter colors is strongly recommended. 

Shorts, cotton shirts, good walking shoes, and sun hats during 

the day are recommended. We discourage sandals and the 

like during excursions, because they don’t provide the best 

stability when boarding sampans. For evenings, we again 

recommend casual and cool attire; however, we kindly request 

that guests not wear shorts at dinner, and we require footwear 

to be worn at all times in the dining room. 

You will engage in a significant amount of walking over uneven 

terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable 

walking shoes with good ankle support. 

Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time 

during this program. 

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably 

hooded) or even a heavier-weight windbreaker, for colder 

temperatures that can be found in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay 

in late October through March. 

Omissions 

Uniworld is not responsible for omissions, printing and/or 

presentation errors in brochures, on Internet sites, or in 

any other media where such information may be presented; 

we reserve the right to make corrections as required. 

Classic China 

Beijing to Shanghai | 10 Days 

Discover the wonders of this magnificent land and immerse 

yourself in China’s diverse cultures 

China is both a time capsule of ancient culture and a grand 

stage showcasing modern miracles. Your itinerary will take 

you to the many majestic sights of this enchanting country. 

Explore Beijing, the current capital; Xi’an, the ancient capital; 

Hangzhou, a corner of beauty; and Shanghai, China’s largest 

city. Discover the unique mysteries and wonders these cities 

have to offer. 

Explore Beijing’s vast Forbidden City and walk along the 

magnificent Great Wall. Travel along the Sacred Way. Enjoy a 

family-hosted lunch among the ancient Hutongs in the old 

residential area of Beijing. In Xi’an, marvel at the intricately 

detailed Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. And visit lovely 

Hangzhou and its West Lake. Visit the charming ancient town 

of Wuzhen. And cap off your journey with a visit to Shanghai, 

where you’ll stroll along the city’s famous waterfront 

promenade and see a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats. 

Let your English-speaking local guides share their knowledge 

of China’s history, landmarks, people, and culture with you. 

28 uniworld.com 


Day 1 | Beijing b 

Arrive at the Beijing Airport and be greeted by a Uniworld 

representative who will escort you to your hotel. 

Day 2 | Beijing BB, L, W 

At the end of the day, we invite you to indulge in a succulent 

Peking Duck Welcome Dinner with wine, where you will receive 

an exquisite piece of Chinese folk art as a gift. The city’s 

namesake meal is a truly appropriate way to cap off your first 

day in Beijing, formerly known as Peking. 

Classic China 

Featured Excursions: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, 

Summer Palace, and Peking Duck Welcome Dinner with wine 

8 2 b f S 

Old meets new in China’s capital city of Beijing, where ancient 

architecture mixes with modern highrises. The bustling city 

has been a cornerstone of Chinese history through the ages. 

It has been an important military and trading point since the 

Qin Dynasty (202 BC) and the capital of China since the Yuan 

Dynasty (Kublai Khan, 1279 AD), with historical buildings 

around just about every corner. Beijing is also a hub of culture 

with its temples, art treasures, and opulent palaces at every 

turn, keeping the city thriving and alive. 

Begin your first full day in Beijing with an exciting visit to 

Tiananmen Square—the heart of Beijing and the largest 

open city square in the world. Tiananmen Square has been 

the site of many important events in China’s history. Among 

the many monuments in this area are Tiananmen Tower, the 

Monument to the People’s Heroes, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, 

and the National Museum of China. Pose for a souvenir group 

photo of you and your travel companions at Tiananmen Square. 

Then, walk through Tiananmen Gate, or the “Gate of Heavenly 

Peace” which is the entranceway to the Forbidden City. 

The Forbidden City is a 250-acre (97-hectare) complex of 

palaces, pavilions, courtyards, and gardens. It’s the largest 

and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. 

Construction of the palace began in 1406, and 24 emperors 

have ruled China from within its walls. 

Continue on to another Beijing gem, the Summer Palace, which 

has one of China’s largest and best preserved imperial gardens. 

In 1998, UNESCO designated the Summer Palace a World 

Heritage Site, noting that it is “an outstanding expression of the 

creative art of Chinese landscape garden design, incorporating 

the works of humankind and nature in a harmonious whole.” 

You’ll take a boat ride on the lovely Kunming Lake, where you’ll 

be able to enjoy the beautiful natural elements of the gardens 

as well as the graceful designs of the pavilions, halls, palaces, 

temples, and bridges. 

Day 3 | Beijing BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: The Great Wall, the Sacred Way, and 

Kung Fu show at the Red Theater 8 3 b p 

In the morning, you’ll travel 40 miles (64 km) north of Beijing 

for a memorable walk on a wonder of the ancient world—the 

Great Wall. The Great Wall is the longest manmade structure 

on earth. Original construction began in the third century BC 

as a way to keep out warring invaders, and additional sections 

extended the wall over the centuries to its present length of 

nearly 4,000 miles (6,436 km)—a distance longer than the 

United States is wide! It’s truly an awe-inspiring sight, which 

you will never forget. 

After your walk along this historic landmark, you’ll travel the 

Sacred Way, home to remnants of the Ming Tombs. Here, 13 

of the Ming Dynasty’s 16 emperors were laid to rest in lavish 

burial chambers. Ming monarchs made an annual pilgrimage 

to the tombs to honor their departed ancestors, and the 

grandeur of the site and its relics convey the importance of 

ancestor worship in ancient Chinese culture. You’ll end your 

day with an evening at the spectacular Kung Fu show at the 

Red Theater. 

The best Kung Fu practitioners from all over China perform 

in this production. Their average age is just 17! The costumes, 

set design and special effects are created by some of the best 

stage directors and designers in China. The performers are 

not only skilled in Kung Fu, but are also trained in theatrical 

presentation. The dancers and acrobats add new dimensions 

to the exploration of the movements and discipline of Kung Fu. 

The action is breathtaking and the drama is poignant. 

The show has English supertitles shown above the stage to 

keep you informed of the story line. The actors do not speak; 

the show is all Kung Fu, dance and acrobatics. It is the fusion 

of modern dance with Chinese traditional arts that makes this 

performance unique and spectacular. 

Classic China 


Day 4 | Beijing, fly to Xi’an b d BB, L, D 

Day 6 | Xi’an, fly to Hangzhou b d BB, L, D 

Classic China 

Featured Excursions: Hutongs tour with home-hosted lunch 

and dumpling dinner in Xi’an 8 1 b f 

You will visit a carpet factory, then see the pandas at the 

Beijing Zoo, then you’ll get an authentic taste of old Beijing on 

your last day in the city. Step back in time as you take a ride 

in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs— 

the ancient lanes and alleyways in the old residential area of 

Beijing. The Hutongs, which have been around for more than 

700 years, offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional Chinese 

life and architecture—including the area’s famous courtyard 

houses. While here, enjoy lunch with a local family. Later in 

the day, fly to Xi’an, a legendary city known as the cradle 

of Chinese culture, as well as home to one of the most 

significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century— 

the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Spend your 

first evening in Xi’an savoring a traditional dumpling dinner. 

Day 5 | Xi’an BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Terra Cotta Warriors, City Wall, and 

Tang Dynasty dinner and performance 8 2 b f p 

Xi’an was known in ancient times as Changan. Located along 

the famous Silk Road and the capital of Shaanxi Province, 

it was once one of the largest and most cultured cities in 

the world. Today, most visitors come to see the site of the 

life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses guarding the tomb 

of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the 20th-century’s biggest 

archaeological finds. The 7,000-plus members of this massive 

terra cotta army, which stands guard over the tomb of China’s 

first emperor, were first discovered in 1974 by well-digging 

farmers. You’ll be amazed by the intricacy of the life-sized 

soldier and horse figures and the grandeur of the tomb complex 

—only a small portion of which has actually been excavated. 

After your exploration of these fabulous sculptures, you’ll 

visit Xi’an’s massive ancient city wall, the oldest and bestpreserved 

surviving city wall in China. You will also have an 

opportunity to visit a jade factory and store. In the evening, 

indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural performance 

featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes. Xi’an 

served as the capital city for 13 of China’s great dynasties, 

and the Tang Dynasty is remembered as the most progressive 

and prosperous era in the history of China. Tang Dynasty 

music and dance symbolize the splendor and glory of the 

Chinese civilization. 

Featured Excursion: Lingyin Temple 8 2 b 

Fly to Hangzhou—a city so lovely, none other than Marco 

Polo pronounced it the finest and noblest in the world—and 

transfer to your hotel on the banks of the incomparable West 

Lake. In the afternoon, you will visit Lingyin Temple, one of 

China’s oldest Buddhist temples and home to treasures of 

Buddhist literature and art. Reflect on the more than 470 

carved-stone Buddhist statues, some of which are up to 

1,000 years old. 

Day 7 | Hangzhou BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: West Lake boat ride and tea farm visit, 

“Impressions West Lake” show 8 2 b p 

Relax during a scenic boat ride on breathtaking West Lake, 

where at every turn you’ll see images of such serene natural 

beauty, they look like Chinese watercolors come to life. 

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, and possessing 10 

legendary scenic spots, the lake is said to be the incarnation 

of one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. In the afternoon, 

enjoy a visit to a tea farm, where you’ll learn of the importance 

of tea to Chinese culture for thousands of years and have a 

tasting from the locally grown leaves. 

In the evening thrill to the spectacular “Impressions West 

Lake,” a multi-sensory performance combining light, water, 

and hundreds of actors in a dazzling show based on a Hangzhou 

legend and created by Zhang Yimou, one of China’s foremost 

filmmakers and the creator of the Beijing Olympics stunning 

opening ceremony. 

Day 8 | Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Shanghai BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Wuzhen 8 2 b 

On the motorcoach ride to Shanghai you’ll stop at Wuzhen, 

an ancient water town whose numerous canals make it “the 

Venice of the East.” The houses that line the canals have a 

charming look, with their white walls contrasting with black 

tiles and oil-painted-timber framework. Continue on to Shanghai 

for dinner at your hotel. 

Classic China 


Day 9 | Shanghai BB, L, D 

Classic China 

Featured Excursion: Shanghai city tour with Oriental Pearl TV 

Tower and Shanghai Acrobats performance 

8 2 b m p f 

Bustling Shanghai is the commercial capital of China, and 

today’s tour will take you to some of this sprawling city’s most 

impressive sights. You’ll go to Old Town—with its teahouses, 

temples, narrow alleyways, and markets—for a taste of historic 

Shanghai. After a dim sum lunch, you’ll stroll along the Bund, 

Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade, which is home to over 

50 buildings offering a variety of architectural styles, including 

Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Déco. 

Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower—one of the highest towers 

in Asia—and Shanghai Municipal Museum. This evening, be 

dazzled by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. 

Day 10 | Depart Shanghai b CB/BB 

Transfer to the Shanghai Airport for your return flight home, 

or continue your tour with one of our popular optional extensions. 

Note: Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due 

to uncontrollable factors. 

Grand Asia & 

the Mekong 

Beijing to Hanoi | 24 days 

Explore the old and new, the grand and the intimate of this 

dynamic region on your Grand Asia Tour 

From the formidable Great Wall, snaking across rugged 

mountains in the north of China, to the fertile Mekong River 

delta in the south of Vietnam; from the silent Terra Cotta 

Warriors of Xi’an to the moving monuments of Cambodia’s 

war dead; from the vibrant paintings of the Summer Palace 

to the hushed serenity of Angkor Wat, your journey through 

Asia will get you up-close to some of the world’s most 

magnificent treasures. Along the way you will meet the 

citizens of three countries at work and at play. You’ll taste 

local cuisines and enjoy world-class cooking at your hotels, 

restaurants, and onboard. 










namesake meal is a truly appropriate way to cap off your day 

in Beijing, formerly known as Peking. 




8 2 b f S 

























Continue on to another Beijing gem, the Summer Palace, which 

has one of China’s largest and best preserved imperial gardens. 

In 1998, UNESCO designated the Summer Palace a World 

Heritage Site, noting that it is “an outstanding expression of the 

creative art of Chinese landscape garden design, incorporating 

the works of humankind and nature in a harmonious whole.” 

You’ll take a boat ride on the lovely Kunming Lake, where you’ll 

be able to enjoy the beautiful natural elements of the gardens 

as well as the graceful designs of the pavilions, halls, palaces, 

temples, and bridges. 













After your walk along this historic landmark, you’ll travel the 

Sacred Way, home to remnants of the Ming Tombs. Here, 13 

of the Ming Dynasty’s 16 emperors were laid to rest in lavish 

burial chambers. Ming monarchs made an annual pilgrimage 

to the tombs to honor their departed ancestors, and the 

grandeur of the site and its relics convey the importance of 

ancestor worship in ancient Chinese culture. You’ll end your 

day with an evening at the spectacular Kung Fu show at the 

Red Theater. 

The best Kung Fu practitioners from all over China perform 

in this production. Their average age is just 17! The costumes, 

set design and special effects are created by some of the best 

stage directors and designers in China. The performers are 

not only skilled in Kung Fu, but are also trained in theatrical 

presentation. The dancers and acrobats add new dimensions 

to the exploration of the movements and discipline of Kung Fu. 

The action is breathtaking and the drama is poignant. 



the show is all Kung Fu, dance and acrobatics. It is the fusion 






Day 6 | Xi’an, fly to Hangzhou b d BB, L, D 




You will visit a carpet factory, then see the pandas at the 

Beijing Zoo, then you’ll get an authentic taste of old Beijing on 

your last day in the city. Step back in time as you take a ride 

in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs— 

the ancient lanes and alleyways in the old residential area of 

Beijing. The Hutongs, which have been around for more than 

700 years, offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional Chinese 

life and architecture—including the area’s famous courtyard 

houses. While here, enjoy lunch with a local family. Later in 

the day, fly to Xi’an, a legendary city known as the cradle 

of Chinese culture, as well as home to one of the most 

significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century— 

the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Spend your 

first evening in Xi’an savoring a traditional dumpling dinner. 









of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the 20th-century’s biggest 







After your exploration of these fabulous sculptures, you’ll 

visit Xi’an’s massive ancient City Wall, the oldest and bestpreserved 

surviving city wall in China. You will also have an 

opportunity to visit a jade factory and store. In the evening, 

indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural performance 

featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes. Xi’an 

served as the capital city for 13 of China’s great dynasties, 





Featured Excursion: Lingyin Temple 8 2 b 

Fly to Hangzhou—a city so lovely, none other than Marco 

Polo pronounced it the finest and noblest in the world—and 

transfer to your hotel on the banks of the incomparable West 

Lake. In the afternoon, you will visit Lingyin Temple, one of 

China’s oldest Buddhist temples and home to treasures of 

Buddhist literature and art. Reflect on the more than 470 

carved-stone Buddhist statues, some of which are up to 

1,000 years old. 

Day 7 | Hangzhou BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: West Lake boat ride and tea farm visit, 

“Impressions West Lake” show 8 2 b p 

Relax during a scenic boat ride on breathtaking West Lake, 

where at every turn you’ll see images of such serene natural 

beauty, they look like Chinese watercolors come to life. 

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, and possessing 10 

legendary scenic spots, the lake is said to be the incarnation 

of one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. In the afternoon, 

enjoy a visit to a tea farm, where you’ll learn of the importance 

of tea to Chinese culture for thousands of years and have a 

tasting from the locally grown leaves. 

In the evening thrill to the spectacular “Impressions West 

Lake,” a multi-sensory performance combining light, water, 

and hundreds of actors in a dazzling show based on a Hangzhou 

legend and created by Zhang Yimou, one of China’s foremost 

filmmakers and the creator of the Beijing Olympics’ stunning 

opening ceremony. 

Day 8 | Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Shanghai BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Wuzhen 8 2 b 

On the motorcoach ride to Shanghai you’ll stop at Wuzhen, 

an ancient water town whose numerous canals make it “the 

Venice of the East.” The houses that line the canals have a 

charming look, with their white walls contrasting with black 

tiles and oil-painted-timber framework. Continue on to Shanghai 

for dinner at your hotel. 




Day 11 | Ho Chi Minh City BB, L, W 


Featured Excursion: Shanghai city tour with Oriental Pearl TV 

Tower and Shanghai Acrobats performance 

8 2 b m p f 


today’s tour will take you to some of this sprawling city’s most 

impressive sights. You’ll go to Old Town—with its teahouses, 

temples, narrow alleyways, and markets—for a taste of historic 

Shanghai. After a dim sum lunch, you’ll stroll along the Bund, 

Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade, which is home to over 

50 buildings offering a variety of architectural styles, including 

Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Déco. 

Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower—one of the tallest towers 

in Asia—and Shanghai Municipal Museum. This evening, be 

dazzled by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. 

Day 10 | Shanghai, fly to Ho Chi Minh City CB/BB b d 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, 

Vietnam and transfer to the hotel. 

Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International 

Airport, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and 

transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a private check-in and a welcome 

briefing with complimentary drinks at the hotel. An elegant 

flower arrangement and fruit platter await you in your room. 

Tonight, consider popping out to explore the lively Ben Thanh 

Night Market or one of the city’s quintessential evening cafés. 

Featured Excursions: Cu Chi Tunnels, rubber plantation, and 

Ho Chi Minh City tour 8 2 b f x 

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an astonishing system of underground 

passageways begun by the Viet Minh in 1948 and expanded 

by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You’ll learn about 

the tunnels’ astounding history, when they housed everything 

from soldiers’ sleeping quarters to hospitals and schools. 

Examine the frightening traps that once protected the tunnels 

from enemy combatants and, if you’re feeling adventurous, 

step into the tunnels yourself for an up-close look. You’ll also 

get to speak with a Viet Cong veteran about his experiences 

living and fighting in the area. Then it’s on to a local rubber 

plantation for an eye-opening lesson on how latex is harvested 

and processed. 

After stopping for lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll enjoy a 

panoramic tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Known as Saigon until 

1975, this is the largest, most energetic city in Vietnam. Your 

tour will introduce you to the city’s storied past and its 

vibrant present, as you drive past elegant French colonial 

buildings and teeming new commercial centers. You’ll begin 

with a stop at Reunification Palace, which is situated on the 

site of the former French governor’s residence. On April 30, 

1975, a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through the 

gates of the palace, symbolizing the downfall of the South 

Vietnamese government and the end of the Vietnam War. 

You’ll then head a few blocks away to Paris Square, where 

you’ll see the stately General Post Office and imposing Notre 

Dame Cathedral, which was built entirely with materials 

imported from France. 


Then hop back on your motorcoach for a drive around the 

city to see City Theater, the French-era opera house; City 

Hall; and the US Consulate. You’ll also stop at a local shop 

to visit with lacquer artisans about the history and cultural 

significance of their beloved craft. Tonight you’ll be treated 

to a special Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant, 

featuring live music and exquisitely presented food. 



Day 12 | Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to My Tho, Cai Be 

b e BB, L, Vietnamese Theme Dinner 

Featured Excursions: Cai Be sampan cruise, Mr. Kiet’s House, 

and local rice paper- and candy-making establishment 

5 2 S x 

After breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and head to My 

Tho, where your elegant ship, the River Saigon, awaits you. A 

few hours of scenic sailing will take you to Cai Be harbor for a 

luxurious sampan cruise through its bustling floating markets. 

You’ll sail into the city center, past the gorgeous French Gothic 

cathedral, for a tour of historic Mr. Kiet’s House. This former 

imperial residence boasts beautiful antique furnishings and 

surrounding gardens replete with indigenous fruit. After your 

tour of the residence, take a short walk to a local establishment 

where workers make everything from rice paper and rice wine 

to traditional rice candy. Vietnam is one of the world’s largest 

producers and exporters of rice, and the Mekong Delta is known 

as the country’s “rice bowl.” You’ll learn all about the amazing 

versatility of this staple food and its importance to the region. 

Later this evening, enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception 

and a Vietnamese Theme Dinner onboard the ship. 

Day 13 | Sa Dec, Cu Lao Gien BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Sa Dec canal cruise, brick-making and 

rice-processing factories, and Huynh Thuy Le House 

6 2 S x 

Featured Excursion: Cu Lao Gien Cathedral 5 2 b x 

Sailing on your sampan through Sa Dec’s narrow canals 

gives you the perfect opportunity to observe locals going 

about their daily routines. Look for children frolicking in the 

water, fishermen plying their trade, and women caring for 

their families. You’ll stop at a factory where bricks and tiles 

made with mud from the Mekong River lie baking in the sun; 

here you’ll learn how rice husks from the rice-processing 

facility next door are used to fuel the brick factory’s kilns, 

and how in turn the ashes from the husks are used as 

fertilizer—just a few examples of the Vietnamese people’s 

remarkable ingenuity. 

Later in the day you’ll visit Cu Lao Gien Cathedral, which is 

part of a monastic complex built on the island of Cu Lao 

Gien in the late 19th century by French nuns. You’ll tour 

the cathedral—the oldest Catholic cathedral in southern 

Vietnam—with a Franciscan friar, who’ll tell you about life 

in the order. Then you’ll have the opportunity to visit with 

residents of the government-supported senior home that is 

housed in the former monastery next door. 

Day 14 | Chau Doc BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Chau Doc harbor cruise, fish farm, and 

holy temples at the base of Sam Mountain 

6 3 S x 

In the Mekong Delta, residents live, work, and even shop on 

the water. Today you’ll get a taste of this way of life during 

a sampan tour of lively Chau Doc harbor, which teems with 

traditional Vietnamese floating markets and homes. You’ll 

see housewives paddling their sampans from boat to boat, 

bartering and socializing with the harbor’s many vendors. 

Most merchants attach a sample of their wares—such as 

a watermelon, coconut, or cluster of bananas—to a high 

wooden mast to make shopping easier for their floating 

customers. After you’ve taken in the astonishing array of 

goods available at the market, you’ll disembark at a floating 

fish farm to learn about Vietnamese aquaculture. The 

raising and harvesting of seafood is one of Vietnam’s 

fastest-growing industries, and you’ll be amazed by the 

efficiency and ingenuity on display at Chau Doc’s floating 

farms. You’ll even get a chance to feed the fish! 

Reboard your sampan for a quick trip to the main port of 

Chau Doc, where you’ll disembark for a brief perusal of the 

port’s outdoor market before reboarding the sampan bound 

for Nui Sam (Sam Mountain). Sam Mountain, which is thickly 

strewn with tombs and temples, is one of the holiest sites in 

southern Vietnam; it’s estimated that eight to ten million 

Vietnamese make a pilgrimage here each year. You’ll have 

time to explore the religious sites at the mountain’s base. 


Return to your luxury sampan and sail past bustling markets 

into the center of town for a tour of majestic Huynh Thuy Le 

House, a late-19th-century home made famous by its connection 

to best-selling French novelist Marguerite Duras. Duras spent 

her teenage years in Sa Dec, and her prize-winning novel, 

L’Amant (The Lover), is said to be based on her doomed love 

affair with Huynh Thuy Le, the son of a wealthy Chinese 

landowner. Huynh Thuy Le House is a popular destination 

for fans of Duras’s fiction and romantics of all stripes. 


Day 15 | Phnom Penh BB, L, D 

Day 16 | Kampong Chhnang BB, L, D 


Featured Excursions: Choeung Ek Memorial Stupa and 

grounds and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum 

6 1 b m x 

Featured Excursion: Phnom Penh city tour with a visit to the 

National Museum and Royal Palace 7 1 m x 

It’s hard to reconcile the peaceful, pastoral beauty of the 

orchards and rice fields surrounding Choeung Ek with the 

horrific mass executions that took place here during the 

violent reign of the Khmer Rouge. Today you’ll learn about 

the history of these “killing fields” and view a Memorial 

Stupa filled with the skulls of Pol Pot’s victims—some of 

whose bones still protrude from the walkways around you. 

From Choeung Ek you’ll travel to the Tuol Sleng Genocide 

Museum (also known as “S-21”), a former high school 

transformed by the Khmer Rouge into a torture and 

interrogation center. More than 17,000 men, women, 

and children were taken from S-21 to the killing fields of 

Choeung Ek. The fear, sadness, and disbelief conveyed 

in many prisoners’ mug shots will touch you, while the 

brave defiance displayed by others will remind you of the 

indomitable strength of the human spirit. 

Following your powerful morning excursion, you’ll take an 

afternoon cyclo (cycle rickshaw) tour of Phnom Penh. The 

city’s wide boulevards and French-infused architecture are 

remnants of its colonial past, while its splendid pagodas and 

saffron-robed monks remind visitors of its much older Buddhist 

roots. Your cyclo will take you to visit the impressive Royal 

Palace, which was built in 1866 to house the kings of 

Cambodia. In the same walled complex is the famed Wat 

Preah Keo Morokat (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which 

is commonly known as the Silver Pagoda due to the 5,329 

silver tiles covering its floor. In the center of the pagoda 

are emerald and gold Buddha statues, the latter of which is 

studded with nearly 10,000 diamonds. After exploring the 

Royal Palace complex, you’ll tour the National Museum, 

which features a grand collection of Khmer sculpture. This 

is the only national museum in Cambodia and the best place 

to view the archaeological and artistic treasures that have 

survived the country’s turbulent history. 

Featured Excursions: Tonlé Sap River cruise and Kampong 

Chhnang walking tour 5 2 S x 

Tonlé Sap is a lake-and-river system of vital importance to 

the Cambodian people; it includes the largest freshwater lake 

in Southeast Asia and supports what is thought to be the 

most productive inland fishing industry in the world. You’ll 

see hundreds of homes and fish farms floating on the water 

as you glide across the river in your executive sampan. You’ll 

stop for a walking tour of Kampong Chhnang, a bustling 

riverfront community supported by the fishing trade. Located 

near the geographical center of Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang 

is renowned for its distinctive clay pots (chhnang is the 

Khmer word for pottery). After your tour you’ll reboard the 

River Saigon for an enchanting sunset cruise on the Tonlé 

Sap River. 

Day 17 | Chong Koh, Angkor Ban BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Chong Koh walking tour 4 2 x 

Featured Excursion: Angkor Ban walking tour 5 2 x 

Chong Koh is a small town famous on the Mekong for its silk 

and cotton weaving; as you walk along the village’s main road 

today you’ll see looms under nearly every house and women 

offering beautiful scarves and tablecloths for sale. You’ll pop 

into a villager’s home to hear how locals use indigenous fruits 

and vegetables to treat illness. Afterward, you’ll visit the 

community’s Buddhist temple and then the village school to 

observe and interact with the local school children. Don’t be 

surprised if your arrival is greeted by squeals of delight—the 

children love visitors and always appreciate opportunities to 

practice their English. 

This afternoon you’ll sail to the very rural, very friendly village 

of Angkor Ban. You’ll enjoy a two-hour walking tour of this 

charming horse-and-cart hamlet; your visit includes stops at 

traditional Khmer homes, the village school, and the local 

Buddhist monastery, where you’ll have a chance to talk with 

the monks. 



Day 18 | Wat Hanchey, Kampong Cham 

BB, L, Royal Cambodian Theme Dinner 

Day 19 | Kampong Cham, transfer to Siem Reap 

e b BB, D 

Featured Excursions: Wat Hanchey temple complex, Phnom 

Pros and Phnom Srei Monastery 6 2 b x 

Featured Excursion: Siem Reap city tour via tuk-tuk 

7 1 b f x 


Featured Excursion: Nokor Bachey Temple 

7 2 b x 

Wat Hanchey is a beautifully situated temple complex with 

incredible views of the Mekong River. Pre-Angkor and Angkor 

temples mingle with contemporary Buddhist structures, 

giving you a sense of Cambodia’s past and present religious 

life. Take your time enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, 

marveling at the quality of the seventh-century artifacts 

around you and the magnificent rice-paddy views below you. 

You’ll receive a traditional water blessing from the local 

monks before departing. 

Next on the itinerary is another sacred site: the twin holy 

mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (Man Hill and 

Woman Hill), which are rich in both religious monuments 

and playful monkeys. You’ll see the massive gilded Buddha 

statues at the mountains’ base as well as the magnificent 

stupas erected here to honor the dead from a nearby Khmer 

Rouge killing field. Afterward, you’ll travel to Nokor Bachey 

Temple, which was built during the same period as the 

Angkor temples. Nokor Bachey boasts a wealth of intricate 

wall carvings and several ancient Buddha statues. Later this 

evening, you’ll be treated to a decadent Royal Cambodian 

Theme Dinner to commemorate your last evening onboard 

the River Saigon. Take your place in the elegant, candlelit 

dining room and enjoy service provided by staff dressed in 

traditional Khmer attire as you sail along the Mekong. 

You’ll disembark your ship in the morning and transfer via 

executive motorcoach to the pleasantly airy town of Siem 

Reap. Enjoy a private check-in and a welcome briefing with 

complimentary drinks at the hotel. An elegant flower 

arrangement and fruit platter await you in your room. Then 

hop on a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) for a tour of the city. 

You’ll follow the path of the Siem Reap River through the 

heart of town, passing charming open-air markets on your 

way. The tour will introduce you to Siem Reap’s many dining 

and shopping options, which you’ll have plenty of time to return 

to later in the day. You’ll also visit a local stone- and woodcarving 

establishment, where you’ll observe skilled craftsmen 

reproducing famous images from the nearby Angkor temple 

complex in sandstone, marble, and teak. Then you’ll have time 

to explore the city on your own before taking in an Apsara 

dance show with dinner. Apsara is a traditional Khmer dance 

form that tells stories and conveys messages using graceful 

movements, ornate costumes, codified facial expressions, 

and distinctive hand and foot positions. The many Apsara 

figures that adorn Angkor and pre-Angkor temples testify to 

the dance form’s long and esteemed history. 



Day 20 | Siem Reap BB, L 

Day 21 | Siem Reap BB, D 

Featured Excursion: Angkor temple complex 8 2 b f 

Irresistible Optional Excursion: Banteay Srei sunrise picnic 

4 3 b f 

Featured Excursion: Angkor temple complex 8 3 b f 


Today is the first of two days dedicated to exploring the 

incredible Angkor temple complex, ancient capital of the 

Khmer Empire. The entire Angkor complex has been designated 

a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional historic 

and aesthetic value. In order to safeguard Angkor for future 

generations, UNESCO has worked with both local authorities 

and international experts to restore and preserve the cultural 

treasures you’ll see here over the next two days. 

You’ll begin with Angkor Wat, the most recognizable landmark 

in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. 

The temple is breathtaking in size and scope and boasts the 

longest continuous bas relief in the world. Over its nearly 

900-year-long history, Angkor Wat has been used as a site of 

both Hindu and Buddhist worship. You’ll have the morning to 

explore the temple and its environs at your leisure. 

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll journey to the intricately 

decorated South Gate of Angkor Thom and the pyramidtemple 

of Bayon, which features the enormous carved heads 

that have become an iconic symbol of Angkor. You’ll also see 

the Baphuon temple, the grand Terrace of the Elephants, and 

the lichen-covered Terrace of the Leper King. While taking in 

these magnificent sights, notice also the lively monkeys that 

frolic and chatter in the lush foliage all around you. 

Irresistible Optional Excursion: Banteay Srei sunrise picnic 

Start your day with a spectacular sunrise picnic on the grounds 

of Banteay Srei, which is considered by experts to be the 

pinnacle of artistic achievement in the Angkor period. This 

“Citadel of Women”—so named for the intricate Apsara 

carvings ornamenting its interior—is smaller than most of 

the other Angkor temples but boasts the most beautiful 

adornments. Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast of pastries, 

seasonal fresh fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, juice, 

coffee, and tea on the grounds just outside the temple 

before enjoying a tour of Banteay Srei with your local guide. 

You’ll feel like Indiana Jones as you approach the ancient 

“jungle temple” of Ta Prohm this morning. Unlike most of 

the other Angkor temples, which have been painstakingly 

excavated and restored since their 19th-century rediscovery, 

Ta Prohm has been left pretty much as it was found. Massive 

trees grow like magic out of stone walls and roofs, their 

tentacle-like roots pouring over doorways and stretching 

across courtyards. This manmade wonder has been reclaimed 

by the jungle over the course of many centuries, and exploring 

it is sure to bring out the adventurer in you. 

From Ta Prohm you’ll move on to the unfinished templemountain 

of Ta Keo. Legend has it that construction on Ta 

Keo was suspended when the temple was hit by lightning— 

an event that was considered a bad omen. You’ll also see 

massive Preah Khan, a monastic complex believed to have 

included a Buddhist university that once housed over 1,000 

teachers. In the afternoon you’ll take in intricately decorated 

Banteay Srei, considered by many experts to be the pinnacle 

of artistic achievement at Angkor, and Banteay Samré. After 

a long and exciting day of sightseeing, you’ll indulge in a 

lavish dinner with wine and live entertainment at a local 

French-Indonesian restaurant. 

Day 22 | Siem Reap, fly to Hanoi b d BB 

Today you’ll fly from Siem Reap to Hanoi and check into your 

hotel. Enjoy a private check-in and a welcome briefing with 

complimentary drinks at the stunning lakeside hotel. An 

elegant flower arrangement and fruit platter await you in your 

room. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend at 

leisure in Vietnam’s charming capital city. You might take in 

the 800-year-old Kim Lien (Golden Lotus) Pagoda, which is 

conveniently located near to your hotel and is considered by 

many to be the most beautiful pagoda in Hanoi. Later this 

evening, make sure to stroll across the romantic torch-lit bridge 

to the hotel’s Sunset Bar, which is set on its own island. 



Day 23 | Hanoi BB F 

Featured Excursion: Hanoi city tour and Ho Chi Minh 

Mausoleum 4 1 b 


Featured Excursion: Colonial Hanoi cyclo tour 

5 1 b f x 

You’ll spend the morning visiting Hanoi’s most famous 

historical and cultural sites. Step inside Ho Chi Minh 

Mausoleum, a holy place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. 

The mausoleum, where the former leader’s body lies in state, 

was built in the early 1970s and modeled closely on Lenin’s 

mausoleum in Moscow. Next you’ll see famed One Pillar 

Pagoda—which has been built and rebuilt since 1049—and 

the massive Temple of Literature. This important Confucian 

institution also dates from the 11th century and is believed 

to have functioned as Vietnam’s first university. Then it’s 

time to hop aboard a cyclo for a tour of colonial Hanoi. The 

city’s elegant, tree-lined boulevards and weathered colonial 

buildings are sure to delight you, as are the affable street 

vendors selling everything from flowers to ice cream off the 

backs of their bicycles. Later tonight you’ll be treated to 

a special Farewell Dinner with wine at a local restaurant, 

featuring live music and an authentic northern Vietnamese 

dining experience. It’s the perfect combination of delectable 

fare, warm atmosphere, and traditional entertainment. 

Day 24 | Depart Hanoi CB/BB b 

You will be transferred to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport 

for your flight home. Alternatively, you might continue your 

tour with our extraordinary optional extension to Ha Long Bay. 

Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. 

Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to 

water levels and other uncontrollable factors. 

Highlights of China 

& the Yangtze 


Watch the highlights of China unfold before you during this 

incredible adventure 

A journey to China is an enchanting odyssey through more 

than 5,000 years of history that have been recorded against 

a vast and stunning landscape. Discover the great diversity 

of this fascinating country, from the rustic hamlets lining the 

Yangtze to Beijing and Shanghai—two of the world’s most 

sophisticated cities. This program provides insight into all the 

major marvels of this grand country. 

Beijing, China’s second-largest city, offers a plethora of 

world-class sites—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, 

the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall—all of which you’ll 

visit. In Xi’an, see Emperor Qin’s life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors 

and Horses—a truly unforgettable sight—and indulge in a 

Tang Dynasty dinner. 

Marvel at your stunning surroundings as you cruise the 

breathtaking Yangtze River with its famous Three Gorges. 

And finally, explore Shanghai—China’s largest city and home 

to the legendary Shanghai Acrobats. 










8 2 b S f 
















Continue on to another Beijing gem, the Summer Palace, 

which has one of China’s largest and best preserved imperial 

gardens. In 1998, UNESCO designated the Summer Palace 

a World Heritage Site, noting that it is “an outstanding 

expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape garden 

design, incorporating the works of humankind and nature 

in a harmonious whole.” You’ll take a boat ride on the lovely 

Kunming Lake, where you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful 

natural elements of the gardens as well as the graceful 

designs of the pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges. 


Peking Duck Welcome Dinner with wine, where you will 

receive an exquisite piece of Chinese folk art as a gift. 




You’ll travel outside Beijing for a memorable walk on the 

manmade wonder of the ancient world—the Great Wall, a 

UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Wall is the longest 

manmade structure on earth. Original construction began in 

the third century BC as a way to keep out warring invaders, 

and additional sections extended the wall over the centuries 

to its present length of nearly 4,000 miles (6,436 km)—a 

distance longer than the United States is wide! 

After your walk along this historic and awe-inspiring landmark, 

you’ll travel the Sacred Way, home to remnants of the Ming 

Tombs. Here, 13 of the Ming Dynasty’s 16 emperors were laid 

to rest in lavish burial chambers. Ming monarchs made an 

annual pilgrimage to the tombs to honor their departed 

ancestors, and the grandeur of the site and its relics convey 

the importance of ancestor worship in ancient Chinese culture. 

You’ll end your day with an evening at the spectacular Kung 

Fu show. The best Kung Fu practitioners from all over China 

take part in this production. Their average age is just 17! 

The costumes, set design, and special effects are created 

by some of the best stage directors and designers in China. 

The performers are not only skilled in Kung Fu martial arts, 

but are also trained in theatrical presentation. The dancers 

and acrobats add new dimensions to the exploration of the 

movements and discipline of Kung Fu. The action is breathtaking 

and the drama is poignant. 



the show is all Kung Fu, dance, and acrobatics. It is the 

fusion of modern dance with Chinese traditional arts that 

makes this performance unique and spectacular. 



and dumpling dinner 8 1 b f 

You’ll get an authentic taste of old Beijing on your last day in 

the city. Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of 

the Hutongs—the ancient lanes and alleyways located in the 

old residential area of Beijing. The Hutongs, which have been 

around for more than 700 years, offer a fascinating glimpse 

of traditional Chinese life and architecture—including the 

area’s famous courtyard houses. Today, many of the Hutong 

neighborhoods are designated as protected areas in an effort 

to preserve this corner of Chinese culture. While here, you 

will enjoy a lunch with a local family, offering you a peek into 

the residential life of Old Beijing. 

Following your visit to the Hutongs, you will have the 

opportunity to visit a carpet factory. You will be amazed by 

the ancient art of carpet-making, which dates back 3,000 

years in China. 

Then fly to Xi’an, where you’ll check into the hotel before 

indulging in a delicious dumpling dinner. 




Day 7 | Cruising the Yangtze River BB, L, D 









of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the 20th century’s biggest 







After your exploration of these fabulous sculptures, you will 

visit a jade factory and store. Then you’ll visit Xi’an’s massive 

ancient City Wall, the oldest and best-preserved surviving city 

wall in China. In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner 

and cultural performance featuring music, dance, and traditional 

costumes. Xi’an served as the capital city for 13 of China’s 

great dynasties, and the Tang Dynasty is remembered as the 

most progressive and prosperous era in the history of China. 

Tang Dynasty music and dance symbolize the splendor and 

glory of the Chinese civilization. 

Day 6 | Xi’an, fly to Chongqing, cruising the Yangtze River 

b d e BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Chongqing 

Zoo giant panda visit 8 2 b 

Start your day with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 

well-preserved ancient building, and a holy place for Buddhists. 

The pagoda is located on the grounds of the still-active Temple 

of Thanksgiving, which boasts a park and large plaza where 

locals sometimes gather to fly kites. 

Then it’s time to leave Xi’an and fly to Chongqing, the Mountain 

City, which is located right in the middle of China. Here, we’ll 

stop briefly at the Chongqing Zoo for a glimpse of some cuddly 

but endangered giant pandas. Then it’s time to board an 

elegant Victoria Cruises ship and begin your river cruise on 

the awe-inspiring Yangtze River. 

Featured Excursion: Fengdu 7 3 p 

The Yangtze River is the third-longest river in the world, and 

your cruise will show you some of its most beautiful sights. 

Your luxury ship provides the perfect setting for soaking up 

the breathtaking views of mist-enshrouded mountains and 

jagged limestone cliffs that surround you on both sides as 

you make your way down the river. You’ll also see bucolic 

hillside rice paddies, village fishermen at work with their 

nets, and historic cliff-side carvings. 

You’ll visit the bank-side town of Fengdu. This “City of Ghosts” 

is famous for its gardens, temples, and statues of ghosts, all 

modeled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology. A place 

of pilgrimage for nearly 2,000 years, Fengdu became an island 

accessible only via the Yangtze after the construction of the 

Three Gorges Dam. This evening, enjoy a delightful Captain’s 

Welcome Reception onboard your ship. After dinner, enjoy a 

beautiful fashion show. 

Day 8 | Cruising the Yangtze River BB, L, F 

Featured Excursion: Lesser Gorges 6 1 S p 

In the early morning, your journey will take you through part 

of the Three Gorges—Quatang, whose spectacular scenery is 

justly celebrated as some of the most beautiful in all of China. 

Today you’re in for a real treat. Board a riverboat and embark 

on a voyage through the enchanting Lesser Gorges of the 

Daning River. This intimate encounter with the area’s striking 

scenery is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you 

return to your cruise ship, it’s down to Wu Gorge. After your 

peaceful trip through rustic Xiling Gorge, the longest and 

deepest of the Three Gorges with cliffs that rise around you 

to heights of up to 4,000 feet (1,219 m), you’ll experience 

the manmade excitement of the Three Gorges Dam ship 

locks. You’ll be amazed by the sheer size of the dam—the 

largest in the world—as you sail ever closer to it, and you’ll 

surely be impressed by the engineering marvel of the fivestage 

locks as your ship traverses them. 

Later, enjoy a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner on this final 

night of your Yangtze River cruise. After dinner, sit back and 

enjoy or jump in to show off your own talents, as the crew 

performs a cabaret. 




Day 9 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Yichang, fly to Shanghai 

e b d BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Three Gorges Dam 6 2 b 

You’ll begin your day with a visit to the site of the Three 

Gorges Dam. After more than a decade of construction, the 

dam body was finished in 2006 (though the final components 

of the dam’s underground power plant are not expected to 

become fully operational until 2012). The Three Gorges 

Dam harnesses the power of the mighty Yangtze River in 

order to provide electricity to ever-growing China. In addition, 

the dam is designed to provide relief from the loss of life and 

property previously caused by frequent flooding in many 

riverside cities. 

After your visit to the dam, you’ll disembark your ship in 

Yichang and fly to Shanghai, where you’ll transfer to your 

hotel and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner. 


Featured Excursions: Shanghai city tour, Oriental Pearl TV 

Tower, and Shanghai Acrobats performance 

8 1 b f m p 


today’s tour will take you to some of this sprawling city’s 

most impressive sights. Begin with a stroll through Old 

Town—with its teahouses, temples, narrow alleyways, and 

markets—for a taste of historic Shanghai. Then, it’s on to the 

Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade. Built along 

the Huangpu River, the Bund features exhilarating street life 

and beautiful architecture; it’s also an ideal spot for taking 

pictures of Pudong’s famous skyline. You will also visit a silk 

factory while on the city tour. You will enjoy a dim sum lunch 

at a local restaurant. 

Your next stop is the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower. One of 

the tallest towers in Asia at 1,535 feet (468 m), the Oriental 

Pearl TV Tower provides a bird’s-eye view of Shanghai, the 

“Pearl of the Orient.” After your elevator ride to the sky-high 

observation decks, you’ll have a chance to explore the Shanghai 

Municipal History Museum on the ground floor of the tower. 

In the evening, be dazzled by the amazing, gravity-defying 

stunts of the Shanghai Acrobats, a perfect ending for your 

final night in China. 


Transfer to the Shanghai Airport for your return flight home, 

or continue your tour with one of our popular optional extensions 

or stay an extra day or two in Shanghai. 


to water levels or other uncontrollable factors. 

Grand China 

& the Yangtze 

Beijing to Hong Kong | 18 Days 

Experience the best of China—from its bustling cities to its 

breathtaking natural splendors—all in one grand journey 

From world-class cities (Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong) 

to monumental wonders (the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta 

Warriors and Horses) to natural splendors (Suzhou, the Yangtze, 

and Guilin)—you’ll experience the grand sweep of China on 

this extraordinary expedition. 

Walk along the Great Wall in Beijing. Come face to face with 

the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in Xi’an. Visit Guilin’s 

Reed Flute Cave, a dripstone cave boasting stalactites and 

stalagmites in dazzling colors. Take a cruise down the bucolic 

Li River. Be awed by the breathtaking UNESCO-designated 

Humble Administrator’s Gardens in Suzhou. And sail the 

magnificent Yangtze River with its spectacular gorges, mistcovered 

shrines, and fanciful rock shapes. 

All along the way, enjoy a plethora of cultural pleasures, 

including a Kung Fu show in Beijing, a Tang Dynasty dinner 

and performance in Xi’an, and an acrobatic extravaganza 

in Shanghai. 





Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a Uniworld representative 

who will escort you to your hotel. 





Featured Excursions: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, 

Temple of Heaven, foot massage, and Peking Duck Welcome 

Dinner with wine 8 2 b f 





the monuments in this area are Tiananmen Tower, the 

Monument to the People’s Heroes, Mao Zedong Memorial 

Hall, and the National Museum of China. You’ll pose for a 

group souvenir photo of you and your travel companions in 

Tiananmen Square. Then, walk through Tiananmen Gate, 

which is the “Gate of Heavenly Peace,” the entranceway to 

the Forbidden City. 






You will next make your way to the Temple of Heaven, 

constructed between 1406 and 1420 by the Yongle Emperor, 

who also constructed the Forbidden City. Designated a UNESCO 

World Heritage Site, the temple grounds cover 1.7 sq miles 

(2.73 sq km) of parkland and Taoist buildings. The complex 

was visited each year by the emperors of the Ming and Qing 

dynasties, who held ceremonies to pray for an abundant harvest. 

After your tour, relax with a traditional foot massage, and later, 

enjoy a succulent Peking Duck Welcome Dinner with wine, 

where you will receive an exquisite piece of Chinese folk art as 

a gift. The city’s namesake meal is a truly appropriate way to 

cap off your day in Beijing, formerly known as Peking. 

You’ll travel outside Beijing for a memorable walk on the 

manmade wonder of the ancient world—the Great Wall, a 

UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Wall is the longest 

manmade structure on earth. Original construction began in 

the third century BC as a way to keep out warring invaders, 

and additional sections extended the wall over the centuries 

to its present length of nearly 4,000 miles (6,436 km)—a 

distance longer than the United States is wide! 



Tombs. Here, 13 of the Ming Dynasty’s 16 emperors were 

laid to rest in lavish burial chambers. Ming monarchs made 

an annual pilgrimage to the tombs to honor their departed 



You’ll end your day with an evening at spectacular Kung Fu 

show. The best Kung Fu practitioners from all over China 

take part in this production. Their average age is just 17! The 

costumes, set design and special effects are created by 

some of the best stage directors and designers in China. 



and acrobats add new dimensions to the exploration of 

the movements and discipline of Kung Fu. The action is 

breathtaking and the drama is poignant. 



the show is all Kung Fu, dance, and acrobatics. It is the fusion 







Featured Excursions: Summer Palace, Hutongs tour with 

home-hosted dinner, and rowboat ride on Shichahai Lake 

8 2 b f S 

You will also visit another of Beijing’s historic gems, the 

Summer Palace, which is one of China’s largest and bestpreserved 

imperial gardens. In 1998, UNESCO designated 

the Summer Palace a World Heritage Site, noting that it is 

“an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese 

landscape garden design, incorporating the works of humankind 

and nature in a harmonious whole.” You’ll have time to 

take in its beautiful natural elements as well as the graceful 

designs of its pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges. 

Featured Excursions: Terra Cotta Warriors and Tang Dynasty 

dinner and performance 8 2 b f p 

Visit the site of the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses 

guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the 

20th-century’s biggest archaeological finds. The 7,000-plus 

members of this massive terra cotta army, which stands guard 

over the tomb of China’s first emperor, were first discovered in 

1974 by well-digging farmers. You’ll be amazed by the intricacy 

of the life-sized soldier and horse figures and the grandeur of 

the tomb complex—only a small portion of which has actually 

been excavated. After your exploration of these fabulous 

sculptures, you’ll visit a jade factory and store. 


You will also get to visit a carpet factory during the tour. Then 

it’s time for an authentic taste of old Beijing on your last day 

in the city. Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of 

the Hutongs—ancient lanes and alleyways located in the old 

residential area of Beijing. The Hutongs, which have been 



area’s famous courtyard houses. While here, you will enjoy 

a traditional Chinese dinner with a local family. 

In the evening, take a cruise on the beautiful Shichahai Lake. 

A beloved ice-skating spot in the winter, Shichahai Lake is also 

delightful in the warmer months; people line its banks, placing 

flickering candles in little paper boats and launching them on 

the water. The charming atmosphere invites you to imagine 

yourself back in the days of the Tang or Song dynasties. 


Featured Excursions: Welcome ceremony at city wall and 

dumpling dinner in Xi’an 8 1 b f 

Fly to the ancient city of Xi’an, known in ancient times as 

Changan, which served as the capital city to some of China’s 

most important dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, 

and Tang. It is currently the capital of Shaanxi province. 

Xi’an is also the eastern terminus of the famous Silk Road, 

a fact which accounts for the city’s long history of prosperity 

and exceptional cultural production. In Xi’an, you will be 

greeted with a special Royal Welcome Ceremony at the city 

gate. After the ceremony, you’ll transfer to the hotel. 

In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural 

performance featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes. 

Xi’an served as the capital city for 13 of China’s great dynasties, 





Day 7 | Xi’an, fly to Shanghai, Tongli, Suzhou 

b d BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Tongli tour and evening cultural 

performance 8 2 b p 

From Xi’an, fly to Shanghai and then travel to Tongli en route 

to Suzhou. One of the most authentic of eastern China’s 

famous Water Villages, charming Tongli boasts a picturesque 

collection of ancient bridges crisscrossing meandering rivers. 

Enjoy strolling through its narrow alleyways and past its quaint 

tea shops. The village’s cobblestone streets and complete 

absence of motor vehicles make visiting Tongli feel like a trip 

to another—older and gentler—world. 

Then see the city of Suzhou, known for its beautiful, delicate 

gardens. This evening, be treated to an exciting performance 

of traditional music and dance at the garden of The Master of 

the Fishing Nets. 


Later, you’ll be treated to a spectacular dumpling dinner at 

a local restaurant. 



Day 8 | Suzhou, Shanghai BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Humble Administrator’s Garden tour 

and Embroidery Institute visit 8 2 b 

The beautiful waterside city of Suzhou is a cultural mecca 

known for its magnificent gardens, silk, and embroidery. 

You’ll begin your day here with a visit to the famous Humble 

Administrator’s Garden, which covers over 12 acres (5 hectares) 

and is the city’s largest and most famous garden. Listed as 

a UNESCO World Heritage Site and originally built in 1509 

during the Ming Dynasty, the Humble Administrator’s Garden 

is the perfect place for you to explore the elegance of China’s 

carefully designed classical gardens. 

Afterward, enjoy a visit to the Embroidery Institute, where you 

will have the chance to learn more about this intricate art form 

and the opportunity to buy handmade pieces to take home with 

you. In the late afternoon, you’ll travel to Shanghai and transfer 

to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet dinner. 


Featured Excursions: Shanghai city tour and Acrobats 

performance 8 1 b f p 





markets—for a taste of historic Shanghai. You will have the 

traditional local food, dim sum, for lunch. Then, it’s on to the 




pictures of Pudong’s famous skyline. 

In the evening, be dazzled by the amazing, gravity-defying 

stunts of the Shanghai Acrobats. 

Day 10 | Shanghai, fly to Yichang b d e BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai 

Municipal History Museum 8 1 b m 

Today, you will visit the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower. One of 






Yangtze River. The Yangtze River is the third-longest river in 

the world and your cruise will show you some of its most 

beautiful sights. 

Day 11 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam 

BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Three Gorges Dam 6 2 b p 

You’ll begin your day with a visit to the site of the Three 

Gorges Dam. After more than a decade of construction, the 

dam body was finished in 2006 (though the final components 

of the dam’s underground power plant are not expected to 

become fully operational until 2012). The Three Gorges 

Dam harnesses the power of the mighty Yangtze in order 

to provide electricity to ever-growing China. In addition, the 

dam is designed to provide relief from the loss of life and 

property previously caused by frequent flooding in many 

riverside cities. 

This evening, enjoy a delightful Captain’s Welcome Reception 

onboard your ship, followed by a fashion show presenting 

beautiful clothes and traditional costumes from China’s 

history, culminating in the modern styles of China today. 

Day 12 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Lesser Gorges BB, L, D 


This morning, you’ll sail through the dramatic shoals and 

verdant cliffs of Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the 

famed Three Gorges, with cliffs that rise around you to heights 

of up to 4,000 feet (1,219 m). Then sail through the Wu Gorge. 

In the afternoon, you’re in for a real treat. You’ll board a 

riverboat and embark on a voyage through the enchanting 

Lesser Gorges of the Daning River. This intimate encounter 

with the area’s striking scenery is truly a once-in-a-lifetime 

experience. 

Then, return to your cruise ship and continue down the 

Yangtze. Today’s journey will take you through Quatang 

Gorge, whose stunning scenery is justly celebrated as some 

of the most beautiful in all of China. Your luxury ship provides 

the perfect setting for soaking up the breathtaking views of 

mist-shrouded mountains and jagged limestone cliffs that 

surround you on either side as you make your way down the 

river. In the evening, sit back and enjoy or jump in to show 

off your own talents as the crew performs a cabaret. 


Then you’ll fly to Yichang, where you’ll board your luxurious 

Victoria Cruises ship to begin your journey down the mighty 


Day 13 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Fengdu BB, L F 

Featured Excursion: Fengdu 7 3 

Day 16 | Guilin, fly to Hong Kong b d BB, L 


Today, you’ll visit the bank-side town of Fengdu. This “City 

of Ghosts” is famous for its gardens, temples, and statues 

of ghosts, all modeled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist 

mythology. A place of pilgrimage for nearly 2,000 years, 

Fengdu became an island accessible only via the Yangtze 

after the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Tonight, 

enjoy a Farewell Dinner, then take part in “Emperor and 

Empress night,” where you can try on traditional costumes 

of Chinese royalty and have your picture taken. 

Day 14 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Chongqing, fly to Guilin 

e b d BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Chongqing city tour and Chongqing Zoo 

and giant panda viewing 8 1 b 

Disembark in Chongqing, the “Mountain City,” which is located 

right in the middle of China. Here, we’ll stop briefly at the 

Chongqing Zoo for a glimpse of some cuddly but endangered 

giant pandas. 

Then it’s on to Guilin, located in the most picturesque region 

in China: Guangxi. Guilin’s fairytale landscapes—which boast 

dramatic rock formations—are sure to enchant you. After 

your flight, you’ll transfer to your hotel, where you will enjoy 

a delicious dinner. 

Day 15 | Guilin, cruising the Li River BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Li River cruise and Yangshuo tour 

8 1 b S 

Even in a country replete with natural and manmade splendors, 

Guilin stands out. Its unique landscape has inspired Chinese 

artists and poets for hundreds of years, and today you’ll get to 

see Guilin’s most beautiful scenery on a delightful half-day 

cruise down the meandering Li River to the charming town of 

Yangshuo. You’ll float past quaint villages, jagged limestone 

peaks, and grazing water buffalo. Then, explore Yangshuo, a 

leading economic and cultural center since the Tang Dynasty 

and a popular destination for adventure travelers seeking to 

hike, bike, or rock climb the nearby peaks. 

Featured Excursions: Reed Flute Cave and Chinese tea farm 

8 3 b 

Begin your day with a trip to see spectacular Reed Flute Cave 

and its dazzlingly colorful stalactites and stalagmites. Then 

visit a tea farm to learn about this most beloved of Chinese 

exports before flying to Hong Kong, the city that blends East 

and West, and modern and ancient, in truly unique ways. 

Day 17 | Hong Kong BB 

Featured Excursion: Half-day Hong Kong city tour 

6 1 b 

Reunited with China in 1997 after years of British rule, Hong 

Kong offers its visitors the chance to experience a dynamic 

blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Today, you’ll have the 

opportunity to sample the best that Hong Kong has to offer 

—from its famous seafood to its fabulous shopping—on your 

exciting city tour. 

Start with a trip to Victoria Peak, the “Mountain of Great 

Peace,” which features the world’s steepest funicular railway 

and a not-to-be-missed panoramic view of the city’s glittering 

skyscrapers, colonial buildings, and romantic harbor. Then 

enjoy a trip to the Aberdeen Fishing Village on the south side 

of the island, where one can still find remnants of traditional 

Hong Kong fishing life. This area is also famous for its huge 

floating seafood restaurants, which you can enjoy during an 

optional boat ride. Finally, visit Stanley Market, the bustling 

street market long renowned for its excellent bargains. 

Note: The Tour Manager will not go to Hong Kong; there will be a 

local guide. 

Day 18 | Depart Hong Kong b CB/BB 

Transfer to the Hong Kong Airport for your return flight home, 

or extend your stay in Hong Kong. 



water levels or other uncontrollable factors. 



Day 1 | Shanghai b 

Arrive at the Shanghai Airport and be greeted by a Uniworld 




Tower, Shanghai Municipal Museum visit, and Shanghai 

Acrobats performance 8 1 b f m p 





markets—for a taste of historic Shanghai. Then, it’s on to the 




pictures of Pudong’s famous skyline. You’ll savor a traditional 

dim sum lunch at a local restaurant. 

Wonders of China & 

the Grand Yangtze 

Shanghai to Beijing | 17 Days 

Step back in time to explore the wonders of China and the 

legends of the mighty Yangtze 

Start your wondrous journey in Shanghai with its exciting urban 

streets, emerging fashion district, and pulsating nightlife. From 

here, you’ll visit Tongli, one of the most authentic of eastern 

China’s famous Water Villages, and Suzhou, a beautiful 

waterside city known for its gardens, silk, and embroidery. 

Cruise along the mysterious waterway that is the heart of China: 

the mighty Yangtze River. Watch monkeys frolicking along the 

Emerald Gorge and see dazzling landscapes along the way. 

On your adventure, you’ll see giant pandas at the Chongqing 

Zoo and the life-size Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in Xi’an. 

You’ll finish in Beijing, a bustling metropolis that offers worldclass 

sites—the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden 

City, Tiananmen Square, and the Sacred Way—all of which 

you’ll visit. 

Quiet and bustling, ancient and ultra-modern, China offers 

astonishing contrasts waiting to be uncovered. 






Municipal Museum on the ground floor of the tower. After 

taking in some of the most famous sites of Shanghai, you will 

also visit a silk factory before dinner. 

Tonight, you’ll be dazzled by the amazing, gravity-defying 

stunts of the Shanghai Acrobats. 

Day 3 | Shanghai, Tongli, Suzhou BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Tongli canal cruise and evening cultural 

performance 8 2 b p S 

Depart Shanghai for picturesque Tongli. One of the most 

authentic of eastern China’s famous Water Villages, charming 

Tongli boasts a picturesque collection of ancient bridges 

crisscrossing meandering rivers. Enjoy strolling through its 

narrow alleyways and past its quaint tea shops. The village’s 

cobblestone streets and complete absence of motor vehicles 

make visiting Tongli feel like a trip to another—older and 

gentler—world. 

You’ll cruise through Tongli’s canals on a sampan—a 

traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat—before going on to 

the beautiful city of Suzhou. This evening you’ll enjoy a gala 

at the city’s Garden of the Master of the Fishing Nets, where 

graceful pavilions and rock hills surround a central pond. 





Your evening here, complete with a special performance of 

native classical music and dance, is a rare opportunity to 

experience a truly intimate and memorable encounter with 

traditional Chinese culture. 

Day 4 | Suzhou, Shanghai, cruising the Yangtze River 

b e BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Humble Administrator’s Garden and 

Embroidery Institute 8 2 b 

The beautiful waterside city of Suzhou is a cultural mecca 

known for its magnificent gardens, silk, and embroidery. You’ll 

begin your day here with a visit to the Humble Administrator’s 

Garden, which covers over 12 acres (5 hectares) and is the 

city’s largest and most famous garden. Listed as a UNESCO 

World Heritage Site and originally built in 1509, during the 

Ming Dynasty, the Humble Administrator’s Garden is the 

perfect place for you to explore the elegance of China’s 

carefully designed classical gardens. 

Afterward, enjoy a visit to the Embroidery Institute, where 

you will have the chance to learn more about this intricate art 

form and the opportunity to buy handmade pieces to take 

home with you. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Shanghai 

and board your elegant Victoria Cruises ship to begin your 

cruise down the mighty Yangtze River. 

Day 5 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Nanjing BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Ming Dynasty City Wall Museum 

7 2 b p m 

Today, your cruise takes you to China’s “Southern Capital,” 

Nanjing. The massive Ming Dynasty-era city wall and the 

various monuments and tombs scattered around the city bear 

witness to the historical importance of Nanjing, which served 

as the capital city of six Chinese dynasties. Your next stop is 

at Nanjing’s traditional-style Confucian Temple, which overlooks 

the Qinhuai River, one of the Yangtze’s tributaries. While the 

alleys behind the temple used to be a famous courtesan district, 

they now feature shops full of toys and fascinating trinkets. 

This evening, enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception 

onboard the ship. After dinner, enjoy the beautiful Victoria 

Fashion Show. 

Day 6 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Huangshan BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Huangshan Mountain tour 8 3 b 

Enjoy a full-day trip to Huangshan Mountain, which boasts 

eastern China’s most striking natural landscapes. Not a 

single mountain but actually a string of impressive peaks, 

Huangshan has long been a favorite subject of traditional 

Chinese paintings and literature; it also served as a retreat 

for many Chinese emperors. You’ll understand its longstanding 

popularity when you take in the views from both the bottom 

and the top of the mountain. The foothills below Huangshan 

feature picturesque traditional villages with flooded rice 

paddies nestled in the shadow of towering peaks. The 

mountain itself is dotted with ancient twisted pines and 

strange rock formations and shrouded in thick romantic 

mists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly one of the 

most beautiful and memorable places in China. 

Note: Depending on river conditions, an alternative tour to 

Jiuhuashan Mountain may be substituted. 

Day 7 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Wuhan BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Ancient Guqin Terrace 5 1 b 

Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province and the political, 

economic, cultural, and educational hub of central China. 

Today you will visit the lovely Guqin, or Heptachord, Terrace. 

It was built over 1,000 years ago to commemorate a deep 

friendship that arose between an important official who played 

the heptachord (an ancient stringed instrument) and a humble 

woodcutter. Zhong Ziqi was so moved by the beauty of the 

music Yu Boya played that it changed them both and inspired 

a legend. 

Day 8 | Cruising the Yangtze River p BB, L, D 

The Yangtze River is the third-longest river in the world, and 



the breathtaking views of mist-shrouded mountains and 

jagged limestone cliffs that surround you on either side as 

you make your way down the river. You’ll also see bucolic 

hillside rice paddies, village fishermen at work with their 

nets, and historic cliff-side carvings. Today, enjoy a full day 

cruising the majestic Yangtze. Enjoy the Victoria Minorities 

Show, featuring costumes and customs from some of the 

56 ethnic groups that make up China. 



Day 9 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Yichang BB, L, D 

Day 11 | Cruising the Yangtze River BB, L F 



Today you’ll sail through the dramatic shoals and verdant cliffs 

of Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the famed Three 

Gorges, with cliffs that rise around you to heights of up to 

4,000 feet (1,219 m). 

You’ll begin your day with a visit to the site of the Three Gorges 

Dam—the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. After more 

than a decade of construction, the dam body was finished in 

2006 (though the final components of the dam’s underground 

power plant are not expected to become fully operational until 

around 2012). The Three Gorges Dam harnesses the power 

of the mighty Yangtze in order to provide electricity to evergrowing 

China. In addition, the dam is designed to provide 

relief from the loss of life and property previously caused 

by frequent flooding in many riverside cities. 

Then, return to your ship to sail through the Three Gorges Dam 

five-stage ship locks, an engineering marvel that is sure 

to impress. 

Day 10 | Cruising the Yangtze River BB, L, D 

Today, you’ll visit the bank-side town of Fengdu. This “City of 

Ghosts” is famous for its gardens, temples, and statues of 

ghosts, all modeled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology. 

A place of pilgrimage for nearly 2,000 years, Fengdu became 

an island accessible only via the Yangtze after the construction 

of the Three Gorges Dam. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s Farewell 

Dinner. After dinner, enjoy “Emperor and Empress night,” 

where you can try on traditional costumes of Chinese royalty 

and have your picture taken. 

Day 12 | Chongqing, fly to Xi’an e b d BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Chongqing city tour, Chongqing Zoo 

and giant panda visit, and traditional dumpling dinner in 

Xi’an 8 1 b f 

Disembark in the morning in Chongqing, the “Mountain City,” 

which is located right in the middle of China. Here, you enjoy 

a tour of the city, and if time allows, we’ll stop briefly at the 

Chongqing Zoo for a glimpse of some cuddly but endangered 

giant pandas. 



Today’s journey will take you through Wu Gorge. In the 

afternoon, you’re in for a real treat. You’ll board a riverboat 

and embark on a voyage through the enchanting Lesser 

Gorges of either the Daning River or Shennong Stream. This 

intimate encounter with the area’s striking scenery is truly a 

once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Then, return to your cruise ship and continue down the Yangtze. 

Today’s journey will take you through Quatang, whose stunning 

scenery is justly celebrated as some of the most beautiful in all 

of China. 

An unforgettable Crew Cabaret is waiting for you in the evening. 

Then it’s on to storied Xi’an. Known in ancient times as 

Changan, Xi’an served as capital city to some of China’s most 

important dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and 

Tang. It is currently the capital of Shaanxi province. Xi’an is 

also the eastern terminus of the famous Silk Road, a fact 

that accounts for the city’s long history of prosperity and 

exceptional cultural production. 

Spend your first evening in Xi’an savoring a sumptuous 

traditional dumpling dinner at a local restaurant. 








Xi’an was once one of the largest and most cultured cities in 

the world, but today most visitors come to see the site of one 

of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th 

century: the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. The 7,000-plus 

members of this massive terra cotta army, which stands guard 

over the tomb of China’s first emperor, were first discovered in 

1974 by well-digging farmers. You’ll be amazed by the intricacy 

of the life-sized soldier and horse figures and the grandeur of 

the tomb complex—only a small portion of which has actually 

been excavated. 

After your exploration of these fabulous sculptures, you’ll visit 

a jade factory and store. After the jade factory, you will go 

to Xi’an’s massive City Wall, the oldest and best-preserved 

surviving city wall in China. In the evening, indulge in a Tang 

Dynasty dinner and cultural performance featuring music, 

dance, and traditional costumes. The Tang Dynasty is 

remembered as the most progressive and prosperous era in 

the history of China, and Tang Dynasty music and dance 

symbolize the splendor and glory of the Chinese civilization. 

Day 14 | Xi’an, fly to Beijing b d BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Summer Palace 8 2 b S 

Today, you’ll depart China’s ancient capital city and fly to its 

current capital: Beijing! Your stay in Beijing will begin with 

a visit to one of the city’s most beautiful historic gems—the 

Summer Palace and the Imperial Gardens, which is one of the 

world’s largest and best-preserved imperial gardens. In 1998, 

UNESCO designated the Summer Palace a World Heritage 

Site, noting that it is “an outstanding expression of the creative 

art of Chinese landscape garden design, incorporating the 

works of humankind and nature in a harmonious whole.” 

You’ll take a boat ride on the lovely Kunming Lake, where 

you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful natural elements of the 

gardens as well as the graceful designs of the pavilions, 

halls, palaces, temples, and bridges. Tonight, you will enjoy 

a delicious dinner at your hotel. 


Hutongs tour with home-hosted lunch, and Kung Fu show at 

the Red Theater 8 2 b f p 

















Then it’s time to get an authentic taste of old Beijing. Ride in 

a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hutongs—the 

ancient lanes and alleyways located in the old residential area 

of Beijing. The Hutongs, which have been around for more 

than 700 years, offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional 

Chinese life and architecture—including the area’s famous 

courtyard houses. While here, enjoy a traditional Chinese 

lunch with a local family. You will also visit a carpet factory 

before dinner. 

You’ll end your day with an evening at spectacular Kung Fu 

show. The best Kung Fu practitioners from all over China 

take part in this production. Their average age is just 17! The 

costumes, set design and special effects are created by 

some of the best stage directors and designers in China. 



and acrobats add new dimensions to the exploration of 

the movements and discipline of Kung Fu. The action is 









Day 16 | Beijing BB, L F 


Peking Duck Farewell Dinner with wine 8 3 b f 








United States is wide! 










Peking Duck Farewell Dinner with wine, where you will receive 




Day 17 | Depart Beijing b CB/BB 

Transfer to the Beijing Airport for your return flight home, or 

continue your tour with an extension to Hong Kong. 



Splendors of China & 

the Grand Yangtze 


Celebrate China with an endless parade of splendid scenery 

and spectacular sights 

Watch China’s history and culture unfold during this incredible 

adventure, which ranges from the imperial splendor of Beijing 

to the dynamism of Shanghai to the majesty of the Yangtze’s 

Three Gorges. 

Feel the presence of over 2,000 years of history as you walk 

along the Great Wall. And cruise through the heart of China 

on the grand Yangtze River, where you’ll see the majestic 

12 mountain peaks of Wu Gorge, the dramatic shoals and 

verdant cliffs of Xiling Gorge, and the grandest gorge of all— 

the Quatang Gorge. 

Enjoy a full-day trip to Huangshan Mountain, a UNESCO 

World Heritage Site, which boasts eastern China’s most 

striking natural landscapes, and the mountain itself, which 

is dotted with strange rock formations and shrouded in thick 

mist. In Nanjing, walk up the grand steps to the Mausoleum 

of Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China. China’s memorable 

and splendid delights await you. 





representative who will escort you to the hotel. 




8 2 b f S 


Peking Duck Welcome Dinner with wine—a must for any visitor 

to Beijing—where you will receive an exquisite piece of Chinese 

folk art as a gift. The city’s namesake meal is a truly appropriate 

way to cap off your day in Beijing, formerly known as Peking. 


Old meets new in Beijing as ancient architecture mixes with 

modern high rises. The bustling city has been a cornerstone 

of Chinese history through the ages. It has been an important 

military and trading point since the Qin Dynasty (202 BC) 

and the capital of China since the Yuan Dynasty (Kublai 

Khan, 1279 AD), and thus it has historical buildings around 

just about every corner. Beijing is also a hub of culture, with 

its temples, art treasures, and opulent palaces at every turn, 

keeping the city thriving and alive. 















Construction on the palace was begun in 1406, and 24 

emperors have ruled China from within its walls. 


which is one of China’s largest and best preserved imperial 




design, incorporating the works of humankind and nature in 

a harmonious whole.” You’ll take a boat ride on the lovely 






















the importance of ancestor worship in ancient Chinese 

culture. Then end your day with an evening at the spectacular 

Kung Fu show. 

The best Kung Fu practitioners from all over China take part in 

this production. Their average age is just 17! The costumes, 

set design and special effects are created by some of the 

best stage directors and designers in China. The performers 

are not only skilled in Kung Fu martial arts, but are also 

trained in theatrical presentation. The dancers and acrobats 

add new dimensions to the exploration of the movements 

and discipline of Kung Fu. The action is breathtaking and 

the drama is poignant. 









Day 4 | Beijing, fly to Chongqing b d BB, L, D 


and Chongqing Zoo 8 1 b f 

Today, you will visit a carpet factory, and then you’ll get an 

authentic taste of old Beijing on your last day in the city. 

Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the 

Hutongs—the ancient lanes and alleyways located in the old 




area’s famous courtyard houses. While here, enjoy a traditional 

Chinese lunch with a local family. Later in the day, you’ll 

fly to Chongqing to visit the pandas. Enjoy dinner at the 

hotel tonight. 

Day 5 | Chongqing, Cruising the Yangtze River 

b e BB, L, D 


The mighty Yangtze is the third-longest river in the world, and 



the breathtaking views of mist-shrouded mountains and 

jagged limestone cliffs that surround you on either side as you 

make your way down the river. You’ll also see bucolic hillside 

rice paddies, village fishermen at work with their nets, and 

historic cliff-side carvings. 






of the Three Gorges Dam. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception 

before dinner. 

Day 6 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Lesser Gorges BB, L, D 


Today’s journey will take you through the first of the Three 

Gorges—Quatang, whose stunning scenery is justly celebrated 

as some of the most beautiful in all of China. 

You’re in for an additional treat today. You’ll board a riverboat 

and embark on a voyage through the enchanting Lesser 

Gorges of either the Daning River or Shennong Stream. 

This intimate encounter with the area’s striking scenery is 

truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Then, return to your cruise ship and continue down the Yangtze. 

Today’s journey will take you through Wu gorges, and the 

dramatic shoals and verdant cliffs of Xiling Gorge, the longest 

and deepest of the famed Three Gorges, with cliffs that rise 

around you to heights of up to 4,000 feet (1,219 m). 

Later, you’ll sail through the Three Gorges Dam five-stage 

ship locks, a true engineering marvel that is sure to impress. 

Once you’re through the locks, After dinner, enjoy the beautiful 

Victoria Fashion Show. 

Day 7 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Yichang BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Three Gorges Dam 6 2 b p 

You’ll begin your day with a visit to the site of the Three Gorges 

Dam—the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. After more 

than a decade of construction, the dam body was finished in 

2006 (though the final components of the dam’s underground 

power plant are not expected to become fully operational until 

2012). The Three Gorges Dam harnesses the power of the 

mighty Yangtze in order to provide electricity to ever-growing 

China. In addition, the dam is designed to provide relief from 

the loss of life and property previously caused by frequent 

flooding in many riverside cities. An unforgettable Crew 

Cabaret is waiting for you in the evening. 

Day 8 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Wuhan BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Wuhan city tour and Hubei Provincial 

Museum 7 1 b m p 

Tour Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province and the political, 

economic, cultural, and educational hub of central China. 

It is also the home of the well-known Hubei Provincial Museum, 

which you’ll explore today. The museum has collected over 

200,000 important cultural relics, including pottery, porcelains, 

jade, bronze vessels, ancient weapons, and ancient musical 

instruments. Among these cultural relics, 812 are listed as 

first-class relics of China, and 16 are considered national 

treasures. One of its most famous pieces is the Sword of 

Goujian, which historians believe was owned by Goujian, the 

King of Yue, who ruled from 496 BC to 465 BC. The sword 

was discovered in the mid-20th century, and even though it 

had spent the previous 2,000 years under water, it still had 

a sharp blade and showed no signs of tarnish when found. 

In the evening, enjoy the Victoria Minorities Show onboard, 

featuring the costumes and customs of some of the 56 ethnic 

groups that make up China. 



Day 9 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Huangshan BB, L, D 

Day 11 | Shanghai e b BB, L, D 


Featured Excursion: Huangshan Mountain tour 8 3 b 

Enjoy a full-day trip to Huangshan Mountain, which boasts 

eastern China’s most striking natural landscapes. Not a single 

mountain but actually a string of impressive peaks, Huangshan 

has long been a favorite subject of traditional Chinese paintings 

and literature; it also served as a retreat for many Chinese 

emperors. You’ll understand its longstanding popularity when 

you take in the views from both the bottom and the top of the 

mountain. The foothills below Huangshan feature picturesque 

traditional villages with flooded rice paddies nestled in the 

shadow of towering peaks. The mountain itself is dotted with 

ancient twisted pines and strange rock formations and shrouded 

in thick romantic mists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is 

truly one of the most beautiful and memorable places in China. 

Note: Depending on river conditions, an alternative tour to 

Jiuhuashan Mountain may be substituted. 

Day 10 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Nanjing BB, L, F 

Featured Excursions: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Bazaar, and 

Confucian Temple 8 3 b 

Today you will visit China’s “Southern Capital,” Nanjing. 

The massive Ming Dynasty-era city wall and the various 

monuments and tombs scattered around the city bear witness 

to the historical importance of Nanjing, which served as 

the capital city of six Chinese dynasties. The Sun Yat-sen 

Mausoleum, which you’ll visit today, is the resting place of 

the revolutionary and political leader who is considered the 

father of modern China. The mausoleum is a tribute to Sun’s 

life and political philosophy, the Three Principles of the People, 

which helped overthrow the imperial system of rule in China. 

Tonight enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. After dinner, enjoy 

“Emperor and Empress night,” where you can try on traditional 

costumes of Chinese royalty and have your picture taken. 


Tower, Shanghai Municipal History Museum visit, and 

Shanghai Acrobats 8 1 b m p 

Disembark your ship in Shanghai, and continue your journey to 

some of this sprawling city’s most impressive sights. Begin with 

a stroll through Old Town—with its teahouses, temples, narrow 

alleyways, and markets—for a taste of historic Shanghai. Then, 

it’s on to the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade. 

Built along the Huangpu River, the Bund features exhilarating 

street life and beautiful architecture; it’s also an ideal spot for 

taking pictures of Pudong’s famous skyline. You’ll also visit a 

silk factory. For lunch, you will have a traditional dim sum meal 

before you continue on with your tour. 

Your next stop is the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower. One of the 

tallest towers in Asia at 1,535 feet (468 m), the Oriental Pearl 

TV Tower provides a bird’s-eye view of Shanghai, the “Pearl of 

the Orient.” After your elevator ride to the sky-high observation 

decks, you’ll have a chance to explore the Shanghai Municipal 

History Museum on the ground floor of the tower. 

Tonight, be dazzled by the amazing, gravity-defying stunts of 

the Shanghai Acrobats. 

Day 12 | Shanghai, Zhujiajiao B, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Zhujiajiao city tour 8 2 b S 

Today you will step from the hustle of the metropolitan city to 

the calm retreat of one of Shanghai’s most beautiful suburbs. 

Also known as “Pearl Stream,” Zhujiajiao is a lovely “water 

town,” whose ancient and varied bridges crisscross streams 

and canals overhung with willows dipping their branches in the 

cool water. Along the stream side, houses and their courtyards, 

some standing for many hundreds of years, provide a beautiful 

backdrop to your picturesque visit. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your 

Shanghai hotel. 

Day 13 | Depart Shanghai CB/BB b 

Transfer to the Shanghai Airport for your flight home, or continue 

with an optional extension. 






Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a Uniworld representative 

who will escort you to your hotel. 


China, Tibet & 

the Yangtze 


Explore the majestic Yangtze and experience the best of 

China and Tibet 

Lhasa means “holy land,” and indeed, it is the heart and soul 

of Tibet. In existence since the seventh century and ruled by 

the Dalai Lamas from the early 1600s to 1959, Tibet has long 

been associated with peace and spirituality. Marvel at Lhasa’s 

unique architecture—from gilt-roofed temples and intricately 

decorated monasteries to homes that face south and have flat 

roofs for energy efficiency—and enjoy an inner calm as you 

wander through its peaceful gardens. 

Along with visiting Beijing, Xi’an, and Tibet, you’ll cruise the 

most scenic section of the Yangtze River. On land, enjoy a virtual 

dim sum of China’s highlights: the Great Wall, a Kung Fu show, 

a Peking Duck dinner, the ancient Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi’an, 

a home visit in Lhasa, and a night in lively Shanghai, complete 

with a performance by the amazing Shanghai Acrobats. 

The majestic scenery, soul-enriching spirituality, and wonderful 

people of China and Tibet will reward you with unforgettable 

memories. 



8 2 b f S 























Construction on the palace was begun in 1406, and 24 

emperors have ruled China from within its walls. 


which has one of China’s largest and best preserved imperial 




design, incorporating the works of humankind and nature in 

a harmonious whole.” You’ll take a boat ride on the lovely 


























United States is wide! 








You’ll end your day with an evening at the spectacular Kung 

Fu show. The best Kung Fu practitioners from all over China 

perform in this amazing production. Their average age is just 

17! The costumes, set design, and special effects are created 

by some of the best stage directors and designers in China. 



and acrobats add new dimensions to the exploration of the 

movements and discipline of Kung Fu. The action is 




the show is all Kung Fu, dance, and acrobatics. It is the 

fusion of modern dance with Chinese traditional arts that 

makes this performance unique and spectacular. 

Today, you will visit a carpet factory, then you’ll get an 

authentic taste of old Beijing on your last day in the city. 

Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of the 

Hutongs—the ancient lanes and alleyways located in the old 




area’s famous courtyard houses. While here, enjoy a lunch 

with a local family before you fly to Xi’an and transfer to the 

hotel. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous traditional 

dumpling dinner at a local restaurant in Xi’an. 




Known in ancient times as Changan, Xi’an—which is located 

along the famous Silk Road and is the capital of Shaanxi 

Province—was once one of the largest and most cultured 

cities in the world. Today, most visitors come to see the site 

of one of the most significant archaeological excavations of 

the 20th century: the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. The 

7,000-plus members of this massive terra cotta army, which 

stands guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor, were 

first discovered in 1974 by well-digging farmers. You’ll be 

amazed by the intricacy of the life-sized soldier and horse 

figures and the grandeur of the tomb complex—only a small 

portion of which has so far been excavated. 

After your exploration of these fabulous sculptures, you’ll visit a 

jade factory and store. Later, you will get to see Xi’an’s massive 

City Wall, the oldest and best-preserved surviving city wall in 

China. In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and 

cultural performance featuring music, dance, and traditional 

costumes. Xi’an served as the capital city for 13 of China’s 

great dynasties, and the Tang Dynasty is remembered as the 

most progressive and prosperous era in the history of China. 

Tang Dynasty music and dance symbolize the splendor and 

glory of the Chinese civilization. 




Day 6 | Xi’an, fly to Lhasa b d BB, L, D 

Today, you’ll fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, which has a 

fascinating history dating back more than 1,300 years. As 

the former seat of the Dalai Lama, Lhasa, which translates to 

“holy land” or “place of the gods,” embodies the culture of 

Tibetan Buddhism, and beautiful temples, monasteries, and 

palaces can be found all over the city. Tonight, enjoy dinner 

at local restaurant and a quiet night of relaxation as you 

adjust to Lhasa’s altitude. 

Day 7 | Lhasa BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: The Jokhang Temple, Tibet Museum, 

a visit to a Lhasa family home, and a folk show 

8 2 f m p 

Begin your encounter with Tibet by exploring the early 

Buddhist Jokhang Temple, which is embellished with Nepalese 

and Indian touches and capped by a golden canopy. Built 

in the seventh century and standing in the heart of old town 

Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the most sacred building in Tibet. 

Scores of the Tibetan faithful come to the temple to worship 

day and night. You’ll get to see ancient sculptures, murals, 

tapestries, and—if you climb the stairs to the ornately 

decorated roof—you’ll get a breathtaking view of Lhasa and 

the snowcapped mountains beyond. 

Next, learn more about the history of the region and traditional 

Tibetan life with a visit to the Tibet Museum, which houses a 

rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics. Then catch a 

glimpse into the life of the local people with a visit to a Lhasa 

family’s home, and enjoy dinner with a traditional folk show. 

Day 8 | Lhasa BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Potala Palace and Sera Monastery 

8 3 b 

Today, you’ll visit Lhasa’s Potala Palace, once the world’s 

tallest structure. The original 11-story structure was built in 

637, but what you’ll see today is a 17th-century replacement 

commissioned by the fifth Dalai Lama. While no longer the 

tallest building in the world, this palace of the Dalai Lamas 

perched atop Red Mountain still towers over Lhasa. Its 1,000 

rooms now serve as a huge museum. Gaze at its jewel 

collections and tombs, and wander the chapels as pilgrims 

make offerings at the altars. 

After lunch visit Sera Monastery, located three miles (5 km) 

north of Lhasa at the base of Mt. Phurbuchok. Founded in 

1419, this important Gelugpa monastery once housed more 

than 5,000 monks. Monks still conduct daily philosophical 

debates under the watchful eye of Manjashuri, the God of 

Wisdom, in the courtyard of Sera Je Tratsang temple. Today, 

you’ll enjoy a tour of the monastery’s numerous temples, which 

are filled with amazing collections of perfectly preserved 

murals and Maitreya, Bodhisattva, and Arhat statuary. 

Day 9 | Lhasa, fly to Chongqing, cruising the Yangtze River 

b d e BB, L, D 

Featured Excursions: Chongqing city tour, Chongqing Zoo 

and giant panda viewing 7 1 b 

This morning, it’s time to leave beautiful Lhasa and fly to 

Chongqing, the “Mountain City,” which is located right in the 

middle of China. Here, you’ll stop at the Chongqing Zoo for a 

glimpse of some cuddly but endangered giant pandas before 

boarding your elegant Victoria Cruises ship. 

Day 10 | Cruising the Yangtze River, Fengdu BB, L, D 

Featured Excursion: Fengdu 7 3 p 

The mighty Yangtze is the third-longest river in the world, and 


Your luxury ship provides the perfect setting for soaking up the 

breathtaking views of mist-shrouded mountains and jagged 

limestone cliffs that surround you on both sides as you make 

your way down the river. You’ll also see bucolic hillside rice 

paddies, village fishermen at work with their nets, and historic 

cliff-side carvings. 






of the Three Gorges Dam. This evening, enjoy a delightful 

Captain’s Welcome Reception onboard your ship, followed by 

a fashion show presenting beautiful clothes and traditional 

costumes from China’s history, culminating in the modern 

styles of China today. 



Day 11 | Cruising the Yangtze River BB, L F 



In the early morning, your journey will take you through part 

of the Three Gorges—Quatang, Wu, and Xiling—whose 

spectacular scenery is justly celebrated as some of the most 

beautiful in all of China. 

Later in the morning, you’re in for an additional treat. Board 

a riverboat and embark on a voyage through the enchanting 

Lesser Gorges of the Daning River. This intimate encounter 

with the area’s striking scenery is truly a once-in-a-lifetime 

experience. When you return to your cruise ship, it’s down to 

Wu Gorge. 

After your peaceful trip through rustic Xiling Gorge, the 

longest and deepest of the Three Gorges, with cliffs that rise 

around you at heights of up to 4,000 feet (1,219 m), you’ll 

experience the manmade excitement of the Three Gorges 

Dam ship locks. You’ll be amazed by the sheer size of the 

dam—the largest in the world—as you sail ever closer to it, 

and you’ll surely be impressed by the engineering marvel of 

the five-stage locks as your ship traverses them. 

You’ll enjoy a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner on this final 

night of your Yangtze River cruise. In the evening, sit back 

and enjoy or jump in to show off your own talents as the crew 

performs a cabaret. 

Day 12 | Yichang, fly to Shanghai e b d BB, L, D 



Tower, Municipal History Museum visit, and Shanghai 

Acrobats 8 1 b f m p 





markets—for a taste of historic Shanghai. Then it’s on to the 




pictures of Pudong’s famous skyline. You will then savor a 

traditional meal of dim sum for lunch. 





observation decks, you’ll have a chance to explore the 


On your final evening in Shanghai, be dazzled by the 

amazing, gravity-defying stunts of the Shanghai Acrobats. 


Transfer to the Shanghai Airport for your return fight home, 

or continue your tour with an extension to Hong Kong. 


You’ll begin your day with a visit to the construction site of the 

Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric plant. 

After more than a decade of construction, the dam body was 

finished in 2006 (though the final components of the dam’s 

underground power plant are not expected to become fully 

operational until 2012). The Three Gorges Dam harnesses 

the power of the mighty Yangtze in order to provide electricity 

to ever-growing China. In addition, the dam is designed to 

provide relief from the loss of life and property previously 

caused by frequent flooding in many riverside cities. 

You’ll then disembark your ship in Yichang and fly to Shanghai. 

You’ll transfer to your hotel, where you will enjoy a delicious 

dinner. 



water levels or other uncontrollable factors. 




Tour and General 

Information 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What about the weather? 

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions depending on your 

travel season and the river you will be cruising on. Layering 

clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows each 

person to adjust to any temperature, including artificially 

maintained temperature, by removing or adding items 

throughout the day. 

What should I wear ashore? 


both onshore and onboard. For warmer temperatures and 

summer departures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can 

be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, 

khakis, slacks, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts. For early 

spring and late fall departures, you’ll find sweatshirts, heavier 

cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or 

heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. You will engage in a 

significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your 

time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with 

good ankle support. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, 

waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavierweight 

windbreaker for colder temperatures. 

I have concerns about my physical ability. 

What do I do? 

Guests with mobility concerns need to discuss their concerns 

with Uniworld staff in advance of their departure. Guests 

requiring the use of a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, 

motorized scooter, or walker, may not be able to participate 

in many shore excursions or use them onboard the ships. 

Also, guests who are limited in their ability to walk long 

distances may also have difficulties as there is often uneven 

terrain on many shore excursions. 

How accurate are the shore excursion/tour 

descriptions? 

Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore 

excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined in the 

previous pages. In certain circumstances or for reasons beyond 

the control of Uniworld, it may not be possible or practical for 

the excursion to be performed exactly as written. The decision 

to not operate, to alter the operation, change content, and/or 

otherwise adjust or modify any element of the excursion as 

advertised is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always taking 

into account the safety and best interests of the guests, and the 

intent of the overall product delivery. Any such modifications to 

excursions will not result in eligibility for a refund. 

Can the itinerary change? What happens if it 

does change? 

You can count on the value of Uniworld’s experience and 

regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/tour 

even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very 

nature of a river, its sources, and networks of bridges and 

locks means that there will be times when weather or other 

conditions in a region require Uniworld to make adjustments 

and modifications to the operation of an itinerary. Although 

every effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised, 

Uniworld reserves the right to make changes and 

substitutions as may be necessary to ensure the safety of our 

guests and the vessels. Itineraries may need to be altered 

specifically because of water levels. Time permitting, every 

possible effort will be made to alert guests in advance of 

boarding of any known changes. Otherwise, all guests will be 

informed onboard of changes and amendments. Any changes 

to itineraries, including the addition of extensive motorcoach 

touring to effect delivery of the intended itinerary operation, 

will not result in eligibility for a refund. 

What time will excursions depart? 

On the second day of the land portion of each itinerary the Tour 

Manager will brief all guests about what activities will be offered. 

All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s 

daily schedule. Just prior to dinner each evening, or perhaps 

earlier, your Tour Manager will brief all guests about what 

activities will take place the next day. This briefing includes 

information about departure times, specifics about the shore 

excursions/tours not covered in this booklet, suggested 

shopping and restaurant recommendations, and other 

important information about the port of call. In addition to 

the briefing, a daily program will be distributed to each 

guest’s stateroom every evening. This program provides a 

written overview of all events taking place the next day— 

whether onboard or ashore. 

How can I book the optional excursions listed in 

the booklet? 

Reservations for the optional excursions on your cruise can 

be made directly with your Cruise Manager onboard the ship. 

Charges for optional excursions will be added to your onboard 

account. On pre- and post-cruise extensions, payment for 

90 uniworld.com Uniworld 91 

Tour and General Information


optional excursions will be made directly with your Local Host 

via credit cards. We cannot accept cash payments for optional 

excursions. A briefing will be held the day prior to go over 

any information you may need to make an informed purchase 

decision. Operation of optional excursions is subject to a 

minimum number of participants. No refunds are available for 

any optional excursions canceled by the guest within 24 hours of 

the start of the excursion, or if the excursion was pre-purchased. 

Does each motorcoach or walking group have its 

own tour guide? 

Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own Englishspeaking 

local tour guide. Uniworld tries very hard to ensure 

that our guides are of the highest quality, well-versed in their 

subjects, and, most of all, making sure that you have the best 

possible time ashore. 

What about tipping? 

Gratuities should always be in accordance with each guest’s 

personal satisfaction. And Uniworld endeavors to work with 

the best local guides available. Please refer to the “Gratuities” 

section of this book for specific recommendations and guidelines. 

What is the transportation like on excursions? 

Uniworld works with some of the world’s best tour companies, 

all of which are chosen with exacting standards in mind. 

To ensure your maximum enjoyment of each excursion, all 

motorcoaches seat 40 – 45 people and are air-conditioned 

whenever possible. There are a few destinations where the 

equipment may not be of a similar standard, and, in such 

cases, the best possible transportation will be arranged. 

Rest stops are provided throughout the course of the excursion, 

as most motorcoaches used for excursions will not have 

onboard toilets. 

Is smoking allowed on shore excursions/tours? 

Smoking is not allowed while on the motorcoach, and many 

historical venues now request that visitors not smoke 

anywhere on site. We ask all our guests who smoke not to 

do so while on excursions/tours. 

Responsibility and Waiver 

The Passenger accepts the terms and conditions of the 

Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any organized 

shore excursion/tour that is provided by Uniworld. Participation 

in some shore excursions or tours may also be subject to an 

independent operator’s own Terms and Conditions. 


Notes 

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There are many ways to travel 

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but none compare to the luxury, 

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