Imperial China, Mysterious Tibet & the Yangtze River - 2022

PACING:

• This is a moderately strenuous paced itinerary
• You'll visit 7 cities in 18 nights (15 nights in hotels & 3 nights cruising the Yangtze River onboard the Century Legend)
• Included are 4 flights in China (each one to two hours long) and a local train from Xian to Chengdu (about four hours), all with late morning or afternoon departures

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

• Moderate to heavy walking is required throughout the tour, including two hours of walking at the Forbidden City
• Many sites involve climbing stairs; the walk on the wild section of the Great Wall can be strenuous
• Ability to maneuver on and off a ship gangway is also required for embarking and disembarking your Yangtze cruise ship
• Additionally, those who suffer from heart disease and high blood pressure should consult a doctor before traveling to Tibet (high altitude)
• Please refer to Vantage’s wheelchair and handicapped traveler policy for this program as there are many physical limitations for guests on this tour

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION:

• Most sightseeing is on air-conditioned coaches with guides
• Expect a good amount of walking to/from trains and at airports. Transfer times can be long due to heavy traffic, especially in the larger cities.
• In Tibet, altitude sickness is relatively common. Travelers should be aware of the symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping

CLIMATE:

• Temperatures are at their highest during the summer months. March and October are typically the cooler months of this departure
• There can be a big temperature difference between day and night, so bring warmer clothes just in case
• Travelers should bring appropriate clothes, including a rain coat
• Since the weather is unpredictable, please check weather sites online for 10-day forecasts closer to your departure date to plan your packing accordingly