Time & Tide
China's Grandeur and
Disappearing Three Gorges
October 7 - 21, 2006
THE TIDES OF CHANGE
China is more than just a country—it is practically a world unto
itself. Centuries of migration, amalgamation, and transformation brought
about a distinctive system of writing, philosophy, art, and political
organization that came to be recognizable as “Chinese civilization.”
What makes it unique in world history is a continuity over 4,000 years
to the present century. While other empires, languages, nations and
entire peoples around the world have risen, blossomed then vanished
without a trace, China has continually recycled and perpetuated itself.
From one Dynasty to another, the concept
of a central kingdom evolved because the country has all the things
an ideal realm should possess. There are towering mountains, beautiful
lakes, powerful rivers, fertile plains, and deep-water harbors. As if
these natural attributes were not enough, successive Emperors down through
the ages offered their own adornments.
Once called “Peking,” Beijing
became the center of the whole universe. An entire walled city served
as the rulers’ private residence, flanked by expansive plazas where
the commoners came to pay homage to the high and mighty. To guard against
invading hoards who might seek to overrun their sanctified realm, a
series of frontier fences outside of the city were joined together and
fortified into a massive, high protective barrier that stretches for
thousands of miles.
In Xian, an artificial army of
life-sized soldiers stands guard over an emperor’s tomb. Pagodas,
skewed at dangerous angles from past earthquakes, defy the forces of
nature that conspire to topple them and continue reaching towards the
heavens. Shanghai, once a tiny, peaceful fishing village situated
along a tributary of the Yangtze River with ocean access, has undergone
a breathtaking transformation into one of the world’s most populace
and modern cities, and one of it’s busiest ports. The Shanghai
World Financial Center will be the world’s tallest building when
completed in 2007. Now the most expensive city in mainland China, Shanghai’s
high standard of living, pulsating night life and cosmopolitan air rival
Hong Kong.
Everything in China seems just a little
bit grander, and even in the midst of frantic modernization it is easy
to find evidence of China’s glorious traditions. Not even the
dour and rather unstylish Communists could squelch the country’s
past glories. Time, however, can be a cruel opponent, reshaping the
landscape or whittling away at the monuments of human civilization.
With such an ancient history, change is inevitable.
We have the good fortune to travel in
China during a period of historic change, and to witness China’s
most challenging construction project since building the Great Wall—the
awe-inspiring (and controversial) Three Gorges Dam. Now twelve years
into a seventeen year construction schedule, the project is in its third
and final phase. When completed in 2009 the water level behind the dam
will be raised to 312 feet deeper than it was when the project started,
diminishing somewhat the dramatic impression of cruising through the
scenic Three Gorges.
For the next few years, however, the water
will hold at the 135 meter level (just 181 feet higher than at the outset),
and the Gorges will retain much of their original grandeur. Cruising
the river during this period will have the added benefit of allowing
observation of the continuing work to clear the waterfront up to the
175 meter level, and the ability to view the dam during construction.
Your opportunities to witness the beauty
of the Three Gorges before final flooding are dwindling! Join Toto Tours
on our fourth expedition through Imperial China, with a cruise down
the Yangtze River to see the Three Gorges before the works of modern
man have whittled away these ancient peaks. The tour begins in Beijing,
visiting the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the beautiful Temple
of Heaven. Walk upon the Great Wall of China, see the Ming Tombs and
the amazing Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian. After the Yangtze Cruise and
a visit to the ancient relics of Wuhan, the tour comes to a dramatic
conclusion in modern Shanghai.
The wheel of history is turning into the
21st Century, and China is changing forever. Experience the grandeur
of this fascinating country as it will never be seen again! Time waits
for no man and the tides of change will soon have their way.
ITINERARY
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Departure from the U.S.
Toto Tours is not arranging group air for this tour. Please depart
the United States today, arriving in Beijing tomorrow. Toto Tours will
be happy to arrange additional hotel nights in Beijing for those who
want to arrive a day or two before the tour begins.
Sunday, October 8, 2006
Arrival in Beijing / Welcome Dinner
Toto Tours provides one group transfer from the airport to the hotel,
timed to accommodate the greatest number of arriving tour participants.
There will be a supplemental charge for private transfers if your flight
schedule does not coincide with the group transfer. Check in at our
hotel, and rest until our Welcome Dinner, which will be served in the
hotel. (Welcome Dinner)
Monday, October 9, 2006
Tiananmen Square / Forbidden City / Temple of Heaven
After breakfast at the hotel an exciting day begins with a visit to
the Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest. Continue to the Imperial
Palace, also known as the “Forbidden City.” Famous from
movies such as The Last Emperor, the area symbolizes all the glories
of imperial and traditional China. After lunch at a local restaurant
visit the Temple of Heaven, the place where the emperors of the Ming
and Qing Dynasties worshipped, praying for peace and bountiful harvests.
Dinner tonight is at the Beihai
Fangshan Restaurant inside Beihai Park, part of the Imperial
Garden of the Qing Emperor, where we enjoy an imperial feast. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Great Wall / Ming Tombs
The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest engineering marvels
in the world. Begun in the 2nd Century B.C., its present size, stretching
over 3200 miles of mountainous terrain, was achieved during the 16th
Century Ming Dynasty with the addition of tower battlements and brick
facings.
An old Chinese proverb states that “you
are not truly a man until you have walked upon the Great Wall.”
Today might very well provide a life altering experience! After breakfast
at the hotel visit two sections of the Great Wall. The first is an unrestored
section away from the popular tourist spots which enables you to experience
this historic landmark in its natural, unretouched state. After an invigorating
hike at this spot we visit the much acclaimed Badaling section of the
Wall, whose broad expanse and far-reaching lines receeding into the
distance make for amazing photographic memories.
After lunch at the Dayi Restaurant, visit
the Ming Tombs and walk the Sacred Way, an avenue lined with many giant
marble figures and animals guarding the deceased emperors of the Ming
Dynasty. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is
a buffet at the hotel. (All Meals)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Lama Temple / Summer Palace / Kung Fu Performance
After breakfast at the hotel we begin a very full day with a visit
to the Lama Temple, known in Chinese as the Palace of Peace and Harmony.
It was at one time the palace of a prince who later became emperor,
and was thereafter converted into a lamasery housing many hundreds of
Tibetan lamas and disciples.
Lunch is followed by an afternoon visit to
the Summer Palace, one of China’s largest and best preserved imperial
gardens. Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner tonight at Hepingmen
Quanjude Restaurant, followed by a performance of Shaolin
Kung Fu. (All Meals)
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Hutong Tour / Fly to Xian
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and enjoy a tour of a Hutong,
or ancient family living area. Our means of transportation will be rickshaws
and walking through these centuries old narrow lanes of dwellings, observing
houses and courtyards in the traditional style, and visiting a local
family. After lunch at a local restaurant we transfer to the airport
for our flight to Xian. We are met by our local guide upon arrival,
and transferred to our hotel. Tonight enjoy a tasty Dumpling Banquet
at the famous De Fa Chang Restaurant. (All
Meals)
Friday, October 13, 2006
Terra Cotta Warriors / Mosque / Wild Goose Pagoda / Tang Dynasty
Show
After breakfast at our hotel, undertake one of the highlights of the
tour—a visit to the museum complex enshrining the 2,200-year-old
Terra Cotta Warriors standing guard at Emperor Qin Shi’s funeral
vault. Discovered just 30 years ago in 1974, you won’t believe
the amount of work that has been accomplished in that time to unearth
and restore this priceless treasure. Lunch at a local restaurant will
be followed by a visit to the Xian Mosque—a cross-cultural experience
of the most amazing kind. We approach the mosque along narrow lanes
crammed with a bewildering array of stalls hawking every souvenir trinket
your heart could desire. Next we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda containing
a large volume of Buddhist scripture obtained from India by a Chinese
monk. This evening enjoy an outrageously entertaining Tang Dynasty Show
with a sumptuous banquet dinner. (All
Meals)
Saturday, October 14, 2006
City Wall / Fly to Chongqing & Board Ship
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and tour the ancient City Wall,
one of the most complete ancient city walls in China. Free time will
be allowed to rent bicycles for a ride along the wall, which is as wide
as a two-lane highway (optional). Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Bell Tower
Hotel, then transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Chongqing.
We are met by our local guide upon arrival, and enjoy a short overview
tour of Chongqing city. This evening enjoy a Sichuan Hot Pot dinner
prior to boarding our ship. Boarding time is scheduled for 8:00pm, and
we settle in for the first of three nights aboard our cruise ship. (All
Meals)
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Yangtze River Cruise / Ghost City
Our cruise ship is scheduled to depart at 9:00am for a cruise on the
Yangtze River through the Three Gorges. All meals are served on board.
This afternoon take an excursion to Fengdu, the legendary “Ghost
City,” to see ancient temples with statues of wild demons and
various torture instruments on display, and learn of the superstitions
and traditions surrounding these places. Tonight the ship’s Captain
hosts a welcome dinner. (All Meals)
Monday, October 16, 2006
Yangtze River Cruise / Lesser Three Gorges
You’ll want to arise early today, as we begin our passage through
the Three Gorges at the crack of dawn. Enjoy a full day of cruising,
with a beautiful afternoon excursion to the Shennong Stream or to the
Lesser Three Gorges. Throughout the day crew members make informative
presentations on the Three Gorges, the Dam Project, and Chinese art
and fashion. Tonight we approach the new dam and make the passage through
its massive locks, docking just downstream at Yichang. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Visit to Dam Site / Third Gorge / Transfer to Wuhan
This morning enjoy a tour of the dam site including the very informative
visitors center overlooking the ship locks through which we recently
passed. A new viewing station has been opened just below the dam from
which to appreciate the massive spillways and power generating stations.
After the tour we reboard our ship and continue downstream through the
third gorge to Sandouping, our disembarkation point. Here we board a
private motorcoach for the transfer to Wuhan with a lunch stop along
the way. Dinner will be at the revolving top-floor restaurant at our
hotel tonight. Those with the energy will want to take an after dinner
stroll through the nearby commercial district to view the many beautiful
buildings remaining from its colonial past. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Hubei Provincial Museum / Mao’s Villa / Fly to Shanghai
This morning tour the wonderful Hubei Provincial Museum, which is dedicated
to artifacts excavated from the tomb of Marquis Yi, who died in 433
BC. Foremost among them is a complete set of bronze bells still possessing
perfect pitch and tone after almost 2,500 years! The originals are displayed
behind glass, and have only been played twice, but we enjoy an impressive
performance on a duplicate set of bells in the museum’s auditorium.
Chairman Mao enjoyed frequent visits to his summer villa near the museum.
It has been left almost exactly as it was in his day, and has to be
seen to be believed! Take an evening flight to Shanghai and transfer
directly to the JC Mandarin Hotel for a free evening. There are many
Western-style restaurants in the immediate viscinity (including a Starbucks),
or you might even want to enjoy room service after a long day of traveling. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Touring Shanghai
After breakfast at our hotel, take a sightseeing tour of Shanghai
which includes the Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, lunch at Lubolang restaurant,
the Jade Buddha Temple and the Shanghai Museum. We will also include
a brief cruise on the river fronting the Bund. Enjoy free time after
the tour today to work out at the hotel’s gym, have a massage,
and grab a bite to eat. This evening we transfer to a nearby hotel’s
theatre for a beautiful demonstration of Chinese Acrobatics. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Friday, October 20, 2006
Free Day in Shanghai / Farewell Dinner
After breakfast at our hotel, the entire day is free for independent
sightseeing in Shanghai. We say a fond farewell to China and each other
tonight during a very special Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. Toto Tours
provides one group transfer to the PuDong Airport for those departing
today. We will be happy to arrange additional hotel nights if you would
like to stay longer in Shanghai at the conclusion of the tour. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
(click on hotel name to view description)
Beijing: New
Otani Chang Fu Gong Hotel
Xian: Grand
Mercure Hotel Just opened in December 2004!
Chongqing to Sandouping: Victoria
Cruises
Wuhan: Holiday
Inn
Shanghai: JC
Mandarin Hotel
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements
For citizens of the United States and Canada, both a valid passport
and a visa for travel to China are required. Visas may be obtained through
a Chinese consulate here in the U.S. prior to departure. Consulates
are located in New York, NY; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles,
CA; and Houston, TX. The China Embassy is located in Washington, DC.
If you live in any of these cities it will be relatively easy for you
to obtain your visa. You can apply by mail by following the instructions
at the China
Embassy Website. Or, if
you wish, Toto Tours will personally obtain your visa
at the Chicago Consulate if you send us all the appropriate documents
(passport, application form, photos). The cost for this service is the
$50.00 standard Visa price plus a $25 handling fee. We return your passport
via Express Mail at a cost of $15. (Total charge to have us get your
Visa: $90) The process can take 2 to 3 weeks, so please don’t wait
until the last minute to get started. A Visa form and further instructions
will be provided upon receipt of reservation.
Immunizations
No immunizations are required, but it is wise to have your inoculations
up to date. Please check with your health professional and follow recommended
protections. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements
There is an “Airport Construction Fee” of 50 Yuan (about
US$6) collected before each of our 3 domestic flights. When catching
your international flight departing China, a departure tax of 90 Yuan
(about US$11) will be collected. These fees are not included in your
tour cost, and are payable in cash (Yuan) only at a special airport
tax desk before check-in.
WHAT TO BRING
China is an enormous country, and during this extensive two-week tour
we will be traveling to many far-flung destinations. In order to avoid
having to lug around several huge pieces of heavy luggage, try to pack
clothing which can be worn repeatedly or put together in mix-’n’-match
fashion. Laundry service is available aboard the ship, and our three-night
stay aboard during the middle of the tour is a good time to have a few
essentials cleaned!
Gay culture is VERY underground in China’s
largest cities and non-existent in rural areas, so be conservative in
your choice of attire. Beijing and Xian will be entering their winter
season, with temperatures between 32 and 52 degrees F. The Yangtze River
and Shanghai will be more moderate with temps between 54 and 70. Extreme
variations are always a possibility, so please pack accordingly!
Suggested Packing List:
___ Proof of citizenship. Passport and Visa required.
___ Comfy walking shoes for day tours and walks.
___ Totes or galoshes in case of rain.
___ Polo shirts / T-shirts / Undershirts (8 - 10).
___ Shorts (1 or 2 pairs).
___ Long pants (3 - 4 pairs) plus belt.
___ Sleepwear.
___ Sunscreen / lip balm / bug spray.
___ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on (will be windy on
the Yangtze River cruise).
___ Sweaters / polar fleece with good insulating capacity.
Think layers!
___ Windbreaker or water repellant jacket.
___ Coat / gloves / scarf / winter hat.
___ Personal toiletries (Bring an anti-diarrheal remedy
just in case!)
___ Swimsuit.
___ Camera & plenty of film.
___ Ziploc Bags (sandwich size for documents, gallon
size for wet items or toiletries).
___ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
The currency unit in China is the Yuan. All notes and coins have Western
numerals, so they are easy to identify. The largest note is 100 Yuan;
other notes are Y50, Y20, Y10, Y5, Y2, Y1, Y.50, Y.20, and Y.10. Coins
are called fen and there are 5f, 2f and 1f dominations. Major credit
cards are accepted throughout China and may be used at most hotels,
restaurants and major shops, but you will need cash at local markets.
It is easy to obtain local currency from ATM machines, so you won’t
need to bring a lot of cash with you. As of January 21, 2005, the exchange
rate was 8.28 Yuan to the U.S. $1.00.
Tipping
We need to do a lot of group tipping to drivers and guides in each
city along the way. To make this easier for the group we will collect
a suggested tip amount during the Welcome Dinner, which will be disbursed
throughout the tour by the tour leader and an “auditor”
selected from the group. Suggested tipping guidelines will be provided
prior to departure so you can come prepared to participate.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to
accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and
to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. This
tour is a guaranteed departure.
Toto Tours is not responsible for
airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour
participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the
tour is a confirmed departure.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the
form, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The
balance of $2,695 (double) or $3,895 (single) is due 80 days prior to
departure (by July 20, 2006). Tour registration is not complete until
we have received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards
as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address
is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753.
Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages)
you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain
traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate
the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations
as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for
granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Don’t wait too long to see the imperial glories and natural beauty
of China. The country is changing with lightning speed, and it will
not wait for you. Seize this opportunity to see the Three Gorges before
the new dam is completed! If you have any questions, please call toll-free:
800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $3,195 double occupancy
Private Room: $1,300 extra, if available. (This is
high due to the time spent aboard a cruise ship. Paying a single supplement
is not required. Toto Tours can match you with a roommate if you are
traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)
Deposit: $500
Remaining Balance: $2,695 double / $3,895 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)
Balance Due: July 21, 2005
(Full payment required with reservation form if you register for the
tour after this date.)
Included: All meals as indicated in the tour itinerary;
nine nights accommodation in five-star hotels throughout the tour; three
nights accommodation during the Yangtze River cruise aboard a ship in
the Victoria Cruise Line; all guided excursions described in the itinerary
(except those listed as “optional”); three domestic flights
within China (Beijing-Xian, Xian-Chongqing, Wuhan-Shanghai); touring
in a private, deluxe motorcoach; coach transfer from Yangtze River disembarkation
point to Wuhan. This is a fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round-trip air transportation to Beijing
and returning from Shanghai; China tourist visa; airport taxes and fees;
items not specifically covered in the itinerary; insurance; alcoholic
beverages; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes;
or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers, guides,
and the staff aboard the Victoria Cruise ship are not included.
Airfare: Please arrange your flight into the Beijing
Airport (PEK) to arrive as early as possible in the afternoon of October
8. There are two international airports serving Shanghai. We will provide
a group transfer to the PuDong Airport (PVG) on the morning of October
21. We are happy to assist with hotel accommodations if you wish to
extend your tour in Beijing at the beginning or in Shanghai at the end.
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