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China, the Yangtze and Hong Kong
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China, The Yangtze River & Hong Kong Imagine a China travel adventure that takes you behind the scenes at ancient treasures, exotic gardens, architectural masterpieces and compelling UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors... includes a memorable cruise through the Yangtze River's Three Gorges aboard the Yangzi Explorer... and is filled with new-for-2010 experiences ranging from an insider visit to Beijing's hutongs to an introduction to Shanghai from a private VIP viewing terrace! Experience China travel by trishaw in Old Beijing, by sampan in Aberdeen Harbour, via funicular up Victoria Peak, on foot along the Great Wall, and aboard the world's fastest train, the Maglev, in Shanghai. Meet a Tang Dynasty expert in Shaanxi, the conservation director for the Terra Cotta Warriors museum in Xi'an, and school children at a Three Gorges Dam relocation village along the Yangtze. There's no end to the enriching discoveries you'll make on Tauck's comprehensive China travel experience! Day-by-Day Itinerary 2010 ItineraryEastbound .
Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing Tauck's China travel adventure begins at The Peninsula Beijing. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Beijing Capital International Airport to The Peninsula Beijing in the heart of the city, where a taste of Peking Duck awaits at tonight's Welcome Reception followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner Lodging: The Peninsula Beijing, China Day 2 - Past meets present meets future in Beijing In Tauck's China travel means more than simply seeing each destination -- and today, you'll explore the delicate balance between Beijing's past, present and future at some of the capital's must-see sites. Visit Tiananmen Square, a witness to much of modern Chinese history and home to Mao's mausoleum; view his portrait hanging above the "Gate of Heavenly Peace." Beyond it, in the legendary Forbidden City, where Imperial China's emperors dwelt for centuries, tour the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Imperial Garden and more. After lunch, the director of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center shares insights on the city's centuries-old hutongs with a multi-media presentation, and leads you on a private tour of one of these unique traditional neighborhoods threatened by ongoing urban development. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: The Peninsula Beijing, China Day 3 - From Great Wall to "Bird's Nest" & "Bubble" Besides being the only man-made structure visible from space, the Great Wall of China tops most travelers' lists of the earth's must-visit places. And today, you'll not only visit it, but experience it in more ways than one - riding a gondola up to the highest point of its Badaling section, walking down to the bottom along an ancient stone path, and having lunch with views of this architectural wonder spread out all around you at the Commune by the Great Wall. Then recapture the welcoming spirit of the 2008 Beijing Olympics on visits to two of its most iconic venues - the "Bird's Nest" (Beijing National Stadium), where the track and field events and opening and closing ceremonies were held; and the "Bubble" or "Water Cube" (National Aquatics Center), where U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps set a new Olympic record by winning 8 gold medals in 2008. Meals: Breakfast, lunch Lodging: The Peninsula Beijing, China Day 4 - In and around old Imperial Beijing As Tauck's China travel adventure continues, you'll visit a grand example of traditional Chinese architecture, Beijing's Temple of Heaven, a round, three-tiered wood structure intricately decorated with gold leaf and colorful designs; try to imagine a long-ago time when the emperor and his entourage would travel here in secret processions from the Forbidden City to hold solemn ceremonies asking the gods for a bountiful harvest. Take part in a Tai Chi racquet exercise in one of the Temple's beautiful parks, learning the moves from the locals. Check out the pavilions, halls, bridges and gardens of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a dragon boat cruise on adjacent, man-made Kunming Lake. Tonight, have dinner à la carte at one of several fine restaurants housed in restored, historic western-style diplomatic buildings in Beijing's Legation Quarter. Meals: Breakfast, dinner Lodging: The Peninsula Beijing, China Day 5 - On to Xi'an, former capital of ancient China After a free morning to explore more of Beijing on your own or simply relax, today's China travel includes a flight to the ancient city of Xi'an; set at the eastern end of the Silk Road, it's one of the country's oldest cities and served as the capital during the Han, Qin, Tang and other early dynasties. You'll spend the next two nights at the Golden Flower Hotel by Shangri-La, Xian, in Horizon Club-level rooms. Meals: Breakfast, dinner Lodging: Golden Flower Hotel by Shangri-La, Xian, Xi'an, China Day 6 - Tea training & the scoop on the Terra Cotta Warriors Go behind-the-scenes with Tauck today at the site of Xi'an's amazing Terra Cotta Warriors - 8,000 individualized, life-size terra cotta statues of soldiers who stood guard at the underground tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, China's first emperor, for more than 2,000 years. They were discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, and are now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site! Tour the site's museum to learn the secrets of tea at a demonstration and tasting, view the incredible statues, and get the scoop on future plans for their preservation during a talk with the museum's conservation director. Explore Xi'an's city walls and the 1,300-year-old, 15-tiered Little Wild Goose Pagoda before returning to the hotel for dinner. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Golden Flower Hotel by Shangri-La, Xian, Xi'an, China Day 7 - Inside the Shaanxi Museum and a flight to Guilin The Shaanxi History Museum's splendid collection of more than 350,000 artifacts illustrates the story of ancient China's feudal dynasties, many of which had their capitals here in Xi'an; our special visit includes insights from a Tang Dynasty expert. Your China travel continues as you fly to Guilin, among China's most picturesque places, whose landscapes have inspired poets and artists for centuries; you'll overnight at the Sheraton Guilin Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Sheraton Guilin Hotel, Guilin, China
Day 11 - The Three Gorges Dam and on to Shanghai Sail into Yichang through a series of locks adjacent to the site of the Three Gorges Dam, scheduled for completion in 2009 and one of the world's largest construction projects. On your private visit to the site, you'll have access to the Map Room. After lunch aboard the ship, disembark and fly to Shanghai, one of the country's most cosmopolitan cities, where you'll spend three nights at a brand-new, five star hotel on the famous Bund, The Peninsula Shanghai. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: The Peninsula Shanghai, China Day 12 - A VIP view of Shanghai and ERA acrobats Your China travel adventure continues with a private introduction to Shanghai from the VIP viewing terrace of the Shanghai Urban Planning Center overlooking the city. Explore the center's exhibits on this historic port city's past, present and future, including a mock-up of 1930s Shanghai; a huge model of what the city might look like in 2020; a 360-degree, 3-D film and more. Then walk across People's Square to tour the Shanghai Museum, displaying 120,000 works of art and artifacts. After lunch on your own in the Xiantiandi neighborhood, you'll have time to explore the area and its vanishing traditional stone-gated shikumen homes. The daring acrobatic performers of Shanghai's acclaimed ERA show entertain you tonight. Meals: Breakfast Lodging: The Peninsula Shanghai, China Day 13 - Shanghai sights and the world's fastest train Today you'll explore Shanghai's famous Bund, adjacent to your hotel, and walk through its sightseeing tunnel before visiting historic and harmonious Yu Gardens, whose original grounds and temple date back to the 1550s; the word yu translates to "peace and health." Enjoy lunch at M on the Bund, then take a ride on the world's fastest passenger train - the Maglev - which can reach a top speed of 268 mph! At Shanghai's Children's Palace, local youngsters entertain you with song, dance and musical performances. This evening, bid Shanghai adieu with a farewell cocktail reception in the Peninsula Shanghai's glass-enclosed rooftop lounge, followed by dinner at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: The Peninsula Shanghai, China Day 14 - On to Hong Kong and Aberdeen Harbour A morning flight takes you to continue your China travel in legendary Hong Kong, arriving in time for lunch at a local dim sum restaurant. You'll experience this fascinating city from different perspectives today - first on a funicular tram ride up Victoria Peak, then aboard a traditional sampan on a cruise through one of the city's oldest floating villages, Aberdeen. 14-Day Tour ends in Shanghai. Guests choosing a shorter, 14-day experience have the option to depart the tour after breakfast in Shanghai; a transfer is provided from The Peninsula Shanghai to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for these guests. Meals: Breakfast, lunch Lodging: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, China Day 15 - Old meets new in Hong Kong Take a crash course in Hong Kong's cultural, archaeological, and natural history with a visit to the renowned Hong Kong Museum of History this morning. Have lunch on your own and spend the rest of the day exploring the city as you please. Hong Kong abounds with street stalls selling everything from sneakers to silk, tropical birds to exotic fish; your hotel is in the Kowloon section, right in the heart of this shopper's paradise. This evening, enjoy dinner in the hotel at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast, dinner Lodging: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, China Day 16 - Bound for home Tauck's China travel days end in Hong Kong. Your extraordinary China travel adventure ends in Hong Kong, where you'll catch your return flight home. A transfer is included from the Kowloon Shangri-La to Hong Kong International Airport; you should allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals: Breakfast Cruise Aboard Yangzi ExplorerOur three-night cruise aboard the Yangzi Explorer takes you through the scenic heart of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges. A visual feast of ancient whitewashed villages, steep gorges and terraced mountains combines with included shore excursions and a private visit to the new Three Gorges Dam. This memorable cruise will be a tour highlight!Yangzi Explorer is the newest and roomiest ship on the Yangtze River following a full renovation completed in 2008; she is the only internationally managed five-star cruise ship sailing the Yangtze. Carrying no more than 124 guests with a crew of 130, Yangzi Explorer boasts the highest ship staff-to-guest ratio on the river. Her staterooms set a new standard in spaciousness and elegance; all feature a mini bar, bathrobes and slippers, telephone, private safety box, television, hair dryer, and a private balcony to gaze at the passing Yangtze River landscapes. Offering all the amenities one would expect at a five-star hotel, the Yangzi Explorer features a fitness center; a multi-language library; spa facilities offering beauty treatments and massages; on-board entertainment, including a theater, lounge and espresso bar; and informative lectures provided by an on-board Sinologist. International buffets are offered for breakfast and lunch, while dinner tempts with a variety of international and Chinese specialties; wine and beer are included with meals. Tauck's unforgettable China travel adventure features a host of new experiences for 2010 and a Three Gorges cruise aboard the Yangzi Explorer - book your journey today!
Prices
16 Days from $5,990 plus on-tour airfare - Small Group Departures Small Group Departures - only 22 Tauck guests! Departure dates include April 29, May 16, June 3, September 5, 19 & 23, October 10 - ask at time of booking for details.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability). Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan. All prices are per person in U.S. dollars. 14 Days from $4,290 plus on-tour airfare
14 Days from $5,590 plus on-tour airfare - Small Group Departures Small Group Departures - only 22 Tauck guests! Departure dates include April, 29, May 16, June 3, September 5, 19 & 23, October 10 - ask at time of booking for details.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability). Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan. Note: China, the Yangtze River & Hong Kong includes a three-night Yangtze River cruise aboard the Yangzi Explorer that runs either eastbound (downstream) from Chongqing to Yichang, or westbound (upstream) from Yichang to Chongqing. Each version of the journey features the same hotels and sightseeing, with slightly different itineraries depending on the direction of the cruise. The eastbound (downstream) cruise is featured on departures of Apr 15, 22 & 29; May 20 & 27; Jun 3 & 24; Sep 16, 23 & 30; and Oct 21. The westbound (upstream) cruise is featured on departures of Apr 4 & 11; May 2, 9 & 16; Jun 6, 13 & 20; Aug 29; Sep 5, 12 & 19; and Oct 3, 10 & 17. Need to Know Inclusive PricesTour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel and riverboat accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach transportation, sightseeing, porterage, admissions, the services of Tauck Directors, ship crew, local guides and drivers are included. Transportation from Beijing Capital International Airport to The Peninsula Palace Beijing is included provided you furnish us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Transportation from the Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong to Hong Kong (Chek Lap Kok) International Airport is also included regardless of the day or time of your departing flight. Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations - The tour price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort. Triple accommodations on the riverboat are very limited and consist of two separate cabins. Tauck Director - China, the Yangtze River & Hong Kong is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck World Discovery. Meals - Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Gratuities Included - All customary gratuities for hotel, riverboat and restaurant staff and local guides and drivers are included. No Options Sold - Your Tauck Director will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you. On-Tour FlightsAirfare While on Tour - Five on-tour flights, including the flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong on Day 14, must be purchased through us as part of your tour package. Not IncludedAirfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States. Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours - To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour. Luggage Responsibility - Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection for more information. Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant. Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuity to the Tauck Director is not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group. Additional InformationAirline Security Measures - In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match exactly the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding. in addition, you will need to provide your gender and date of birth, if this information is not already included in your passport. If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport. Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website by clicking here. Air Services - Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply. International Cruise Requirements - You must provide your passport number, passport type and date of birth to Tauck at time of booking. Tauck must provide this information to the cruise line before departure or you may be denied boarding. Holiday and Museum Closures - Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious and public holidays locally observed. China celebrates The Labor Day festival on May 1st, which extends for one week, and The National Day festival on October 1st, which also extends for one week. During these extended holidays, you will encounter larger than normal crowds and some inconvenience. Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility- We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication. Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at The Peninsula Hotel, Beijing on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the the Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. We advise you to allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in. Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour. Photography on Tour - Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour. Preparing To GoTravel Document Requirements - If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your tour and that contains at least two blank pages. You will also need a current visa to enter China. When we have received your deposit, we will fax or email a Zierer Visa Service (ZVS) Visa Kit to you or your agent 120-90 days prior to your departure date. Over the years, we have successfully partnered with ZVS for processing visas to destinations for which U.S. citizens are required to have entry visas. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and shipping fees, is not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed with the completed application directly to ZVS. The amount of the visa fee, which varies by destination, is stated on the application. For more information, or to download a ZVS application, please log on to the ZVS Internet website by clicking here. To speak directly with ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and that the process does take several weeks to complete. If you are a citizen of another country, please contact a consulate or embassy of China and of Hong Kong to determine if entry visas are required. We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver's license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen. Air Conditioning -The hotels, riverboat and motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. Clothing and Packing - The climate in China is similar to that in U.S., as it is generally temperate and seasonal. During the cooler spring months of March through April, wearing a sweater and a warm, waterproof jacket is recommended. During the warmer summer months, June through September, we recommend a sweater for cool nights as well as a water-proof jacket. Layering is essential throughout the cooler months, as temperatures will vary. Comfortable, well broken-in walking shoes are highly recommended. For the welcome and farewell receptions and dinners, and for other fine dining experiences, we recommend a casually elegant outfit for ladies and a jacket for men. When visiting temples in China, women must cover their shoulders, knees and heels. Both men and women should not wear shorts. Valet laundry service is available throughout the tour. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Prescription drugs are not available in China. We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. We recommend you pack the following items for you journey to China:
Health - You should be in good health and able to walk significant distances over varied terrain and stand for extended periods of time. This is a rigorous journey that covers 1,065 m (1,714 km), and includes five on-tour flights and a riverboat cruise. The benefits are many and require the effort to match. Various modes of transportation will be used to highlight different aspects of China's culture and geography, including airplane, riverboat, sampan, trishaw, aerial lift and funicular. Much of the sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot and it is strongly suggested that you pack sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in in order to appreciate fully what China has to offer. Although there is no significant altitude change from location to location, the air quality is poor in Beijing and in most of the cities visited. In the summer months, it is hot and humid throughout China and Asia. There are no restrooms on the motor coaches in China and there are no laws regarding disabilities similar to those found in the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Therefore, restrooms at some of our destinations do not have western commodes and are not stocked with soap or paper towels. We suggest you bring tissues, handkerchiefs, soap leaves and antibacterial lotion. The hotels do have western commodes as well as soap and paper towels. Some hotels have washroom attendants; it is customary to tip these attendants. The local water is not potable and Tauck will supply bottled water or water in thermoses throughout the tour. We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you require such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you. There is a physician on board the riverboat who is qualified in both western and Chinese medicine. The riverboat does not carry a defibrillator. Customary charges are in effect for medical care. If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly. If you are a citizen of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to China or Hong Kong, except that an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required to enter China if you arrive from an infected area within 5 days. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here. If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of China and of Hong Kong to determine what vaccinations may be required. Luggage Restrictions - Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions on intra-China flights, luggage weight per person must not exceed 44 lbs (20 kg) and you are permitted only one piece of checked luggage. Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges, which can result in a considerable additional expense. The charge for overweight baggage can range from $1 to $5 USD per pound, per flight sector. It is your sole responsibility to pay for any excess baggage charges. Regulations within most airports require that you handle your own luggage through customs. On these occasions, luggage carts will be available. Further regulations in China require that all checked baggage be locked, including outside packets and separate compartments. Sturdy hard-sided luggage is recommended. The Chinese government has strict regulations regarding carry-on luggage as well. The maximum allowable weight is 11 lbs (5 kg), and the maximum allowable dimensions are 22" by 16" by 8" (55 cm 40 cm by 20 cm). THESE DIMENSIONS INCLUDE ALL WHEELS, HANDLES, ETC. If these dimensions are exceeded, the carry-on will be checked. This requirement is enforced by the airport, not the airline, and is done before you go through to passport control or the gate. On on-tour flights, the following additional items are allowed:
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person. In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind. Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here, We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies. Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home! Carry-on Luggage - General Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc. For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel. Travel with Children - Age Recommendations - Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation. Babysitting - Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. if you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services. Safety and Welfare Responsibility - We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling. Special Travel Documentation for Children Authorization for Travel If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful. Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country's consulate or embassy. Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child's parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child. We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child. Destination InformationCell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others. Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to China and Hong Kong. Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency used in mainland China is called the Yuan and this currency cannot be purchased outside of China. You will have an opportunity to exchange money upon your arrival at the airport and at the hotel in Beijing. There are ATM and cash exchange machines located throughout China that accept most major bankcards, but they may be difficult to locate in some instances. Most guests find it easiest to exchange money at the hotel cashier's desk. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Asia and can be used for major purchases. Most hotels will convert U.S. dollars to local currency. Travelers' checks are also widely accepted. It's a good idea to carry U.S. dollars in small denominations (1's or 5's) for small purchases. It will make bargaining and paying for local handicrafts much easier. The island of Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar as its currency. You may purchase this currency at the Beijing and Hong Kong Airports. ATM and cash machines are everywhere on Hong Kong, and you will not have any challenges using a credit card. To obtain the latest currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website, www.oanda.com by clicking here. Customs and Tax-Free Shopping - China and Hong Kong each has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country's specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go. If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country's rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return. Electrical Current - The electrical current in the hotels in Asia is 200/240 V, AC. If you plan on bringing electrical devices with you, it is suggested that you bring an electrical converter with an adapter plug set, although it may not be necessary as all hotels have pre-adapted outlets for razors, as well as hairdryers. The electrical current on the riverboat is 220 V; however, it is 110 V in the bathrooms. Time Zones - All cities on this journey are located in the same time zone. They are 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com by clicking here. Weather - The climate of China is temperate, which is similar to the United States. Expect cool, sometimes cold, weather in Beijing in spring and fall with temperatures ranging from 40-65 ºF (4-18 ºC). During the summer months, the temperatures are warm and generally range from 75-85 ºF (24-29 ºC). The average temperature in Hong Kong rarely dips below 60 ºF (16 ºC). From April through October, you may expect temperatures to vary between 65 and 85 ºF (18 and 29 ºC). Temperatures in the Three Gorges region (Yangtze) and Guilin average 65 ºF (18 ºC) in April and May and 80 ºF (27 ºC) in June, July and August. Temperatures return to about 65 ºF (18 ºC) in October. Please note that although it does appear to be quite rainy in some areas of the tour at different times of the year, the rain is often intermittent. It is entirely appropriate to encourage travel during these months.
To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here. If You Have to CancelCancellation Fees - Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. Cancellation penalties per person as follows: 60 days or more before departure $600 per person 59-8 days before departure $1,250 per person 7-1 days before departure $2,000 per person
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