Victoria Cruises Partners with Ritz Tours on 10-Nite ‘Yangtze Essence’ China Tour Priced From $1999

Ritz Tours’ 10-night ‘Yangtze Essence’ China package includes a three-night luxury cruise along the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang on Victoria Cruises.

Victoria Cruises (www.victoriacruises.com/) has partnered with Ritz Tours (www.ritztours.com/) to offer a 10-night Yangtze Essence program combining a luxurious three-night Yangtze River cruise in a private-balcony Executive Suite on the five-star Victoria Anna with tours of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. With land-only pricing from $1,999 per person, based on double occupancy, the China itinerary provides value with five-star hotel and cruise accommodations, superb dining and authentic cultural entertainment

Travelers can save an additional $100 per person by booking the Yangtze Essence program with Ritz Tours by Feb. 28, 2013.

The program begins with three nights in Beijing where guests will observe the tombs of the Ming Dynasty Emperors and other historical treasures such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace. A morning excursion to the Temple of Heaven is often enhanced by the countless local tai chi practitioners who assemble in the courtyards to practice and train (weather permitting).

In Xi’an, guests will visit the Ming Dynasty City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda as well as the Terracotta Warriors exhibit – the city’s star attraction – buried for more than 2,000 years until its accidental discovery in 1974. The Xi’an experience culminates with an Imperial Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Show.

Next, guests will depart for a three-night luxury cruise along the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang, enjoying private-balcony Executive Suite accommodations with enhanced ship placement and other VIP services and amenities offered through Victoria Cruises’ Executive Program on the five-star Victoria Anna. Amenities include personalized “white glove” service, access to exclusive ship areas, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, a la carte dining privileges, complimentary laundry (up to four items per day), shoe shine service and reserved seating for evening entertainment.

Passengers will discover cultural and scenic gems along the Yangtze including an excursion to the “Ghost City” of Fengdu and passage through the mist-shrouded Three Gorges, as well as a small boat experience through one of the Yangtze’s tranquil tributaries (Daning River or Shennong Stream, based on weather conditions). Travelers will also enjoy an educational tour of the Three Gorges Dam site, the largest hydroelectric dam project in the world.

The Yangtze Essence program culminates with a visit to Shanghai, where guests will have an opportunity to stroll the elegant waterfront boulevard known as The Bund, shop for designer luxury items on Nanjing Road and visit the peaceful Yu Garden, a classical garden right in the center of the bustling city. The tour ends with an exciting Chinese Acrobatic performance.

Land-only departures for Ritz Tours’ Yangtze Essence itinerary start at $1,999 per person, based on double occupancy. The program features all intra-China land and air transportation, Executive Suite accommodations with private balcony and VIP amenities aboard the five-star Victoria Anna, five-star hotel accommodations in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary, English-speaking guides and applicable taxes/fees. International airfare is not included but can be booked with Ritz Tours at competitive rates.

Consult your local travel agent for more information or to book, or contact Ritz Tours at 888-345-7489 or www.ritztours.com.

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Victoria Cruises, Travcoa Offer Exclusive ‘Legendary China’ Journey on Yangtze River

Cruising aboard Victoria Cruises affords a spectacular view of centuries-old pagodas and temples nestled along the mist-shrouded Yangtze River.

Victoria Cruises (www.victoriacruises.com) and Travcoa (www.travcoa.com) partner to offer an exclusive 12-night Legendary China itinerary, which includes stays in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, in addition to two other itineraries featuring Yangtze River cruises throughout 2012.

The extensive Legendary China journey includes a luxurious three-night cruise with Executive Deck accommodations aboard the five-star Victoria Jenna, the newest and largest ship in the Victoria Cruises’ fleet. The trip also includes nine nights in five-star deluxe hotels throughout China. Also included are airport transfers, three a la carte meals per day, captivating sightseeing with an experienced English-speaking guide and TRAVCOA travel director plus the TravcoAssist Travel Protection Plan, including emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage for injury or illness, and 24-hour Worldwide Live Travel Assistance through Travel Guard Assistance.

The Executive Deck program on Victoria Cruises’ ships features a variety of services, including enhanced ship placement, access to exclusive VIP areas, complimentary beverages including morning coffee and tea service, exclusive shore excursions for groups of six or more, enhanced dining privileges, exclusive happy hour and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access in the Executive Lounge and lobby areas, with computers available for passenger use.

The program also now includes a welcome fruit basket, complimentary laundry (up to four items per day), shoe shine service, complimentary diet soda and wine and beer with dinner, nightly turn down service, and reserved seating for evening entertainment (must be pre-reserved with cruise director).

“This itinerary encompasses the greatest wonders of China, all while staying in upscale accommodations,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises. “Unsurpassed luxury, a hassle-free experience and peace of mind are what people expect from Travcoa and Victoria Cruises – and our exclusive ‘Legendary China’ program delivers.”

The deluxe 12-night Legendary China itinerary includes the following escorted sightseeing experiences:

Beijing

An excursion to the extraordinary 2,000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man.

A visit to Tiananmen Square and nearby Forbidden City, an impressive architectural masterpiece, with special access to the Chong Hua Palace.

Explore the hutongs – narrow streets of “Old China” – by rickshaw.

A visit to the fabled Summer Palace, resort of the Empress Dowager.

A special Peking Duck dinner.

A visit to the home of a local family for a cup of tea.

Xi’an

See the extraordinary life-sized Terry Cotta Army, along with their horses and chariots entombed with the Emperor.

A trip to the Shaanxi Historical Museum to learn about Xi’an’s buried past.

A visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda.

Yangtze River

Explore the streets and museums of Chongqing before boarding the five-star Victoria Jenna cruise ship.

A spectacular view of centuries-old pagodas and temples nestled along the mist-shrouded Yangtze River.

Many onboard activities including a host of nightly entertainment options.

An excursion to the impressive Three Gorges Dam Site in Sandouping, an extraordinary feat of engineering and major highlight of the river cruise.

An incredible sailing experience through the Shennong Stream – one of the Yangtze’s scenic tributaries.

Shanghai

A visit to the classical Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai’s Old Town.

Explore the extraordinary collection of ancient Chinese art at the Shanghai Museum.

A spectacular dinner followed by a dazzling Acrobatics Show.

The deluxe Legendary China itinerary is priced from $5,475 per person, based on double occupancy, with departures scheduled throughout 2012. International airfare is not included. To travel with Travcoa, call your travel agent, or a Travcoa Journey Consultant at 1.800.992.2003, email info@travcoa.com or visit www.travcoa.com.

Travcoa

For more than a half-century, Travcoa has ensured that guests travel in the utmost comfort and style to the most exceptional places in the world. A leading luxury tour operator since 1954, Travcoa is renowned for crafting unique journeys that feature meaningful cultural encounters without sacrificing sophistication, style or luxury. Your journey is enriched through the people you meet and the epicurean delights, events and places experienced along the way.

Travcoa offers three styles of luxury travel experiences: discover worldwide destinations in a small-group averaging 12 like-minded guests with an Escorted Journeys; travel privately on a pre-set itinerary for two people, or as many as you wish with an Independent Journey; or have one of our Custom Journey Planners handcraft a Tailor-Made Journey to your exacting specifications. Each style includes private transportation, superior accommodations, expert local guides, privileged access to local treasures and natural wonders, and either the company of one of our renowned Travcoa Travel Directors or on-call assistance from TravcoAssist throughout your journey.

Whichever way you prefer to travel, Travcoa pledges the highest level of personal service with unparalleled attention to detail and value.

To travel with Travcoa, call your travel agent, or a Travcoa Journey Consultant at 1.800.992.2003, email info@travcoa.com or visit www.travcoa.com.

Victoria Cruises

Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Since that time, Victoria Cruises has achieved tremendous success by introducing the majesty of the Yangtze River to travelers worldwide. A true pioneer and innovator, Victoria Cruises delivers an unrivaled and unsurpassed Yangtze River experience. An American-managed company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration. Victoria Cruises offers a variety of itineraries varying from four to nine days including Grand Yangtze Discovery, Three Gorges Highlights, and Three Gorges Explorer.

Victoria Cruises has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the years and has most recently received the 2011 TravelAge West WAVE Award Editor’s Pick for Best River Cruise Line as well as Best New River Cruise Ship in 2010 with the launch of the luxurious Victoria Jenna.Travel Weekly also recently selected the Victoria Jenna as a Silver Award Winner for the Magellan Awards’ River Cruise Ship category.

For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39^th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit www.victoriacruises.com.

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Pacific Delight Sets ‘Once-a-Year’ China Special Package featuring Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River Cruise from $1899 With Air

Pacific Delight (www.PacificDelightTours.com) is launching  its annual promotion offering major savings on one particular date. The Once A Year China Special kicks off with a Jan. 11, 2012 departure from Los Angeles (add $200 for New York’s JFK) covering Beijing (three nights) and Shanghai (two nights) and featuring a four-night Yangtze River sailing with Victoria Cruises. Rates start at $1,899 per person including airfare.

“Don’t let the rate fool you, despite the attractive price tag this special departure features 20 meals including a Beijing Duck dinner with American breakfast and all the deluxe amenities you’d expect from a Pacific Delight program,” said Larry Kwan, president of Pacific Delight Tours. “We’re confident that this is without a doubt the best value to China in the market.”

Pacific Delight’s Jan. 11 Once A Year China Special features four- and five-star hotels as well as five-star accommodations on a luxurious Victoria Cruises vessel, international air transportation from Los Angeles (add $200 for JFK), intra-China flights and transportation, and meals as specified in the itinerary.

The program also includes a plethora of sightseeing including The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing as well as the classical Yu Gardens and Temple of the Town God in Shanghai. The Bund, Shanghai’s colonial waterfront promenade, is also included along with a visit to the Shanghai Museum.

A relaxing Victoria Cruises sailing through the mist-shrouded Three Gorges of the Yangtze River complements the journey perfectly with excursions such as the scenic Daning River and tranquil Ma Du River tributaries (the Ma Du segment utilizes a traditional sampan) and the impressive “Ghost City” of Fengdu.

Rates start at $1,899 per person, based on double occupancy, with departure from Los Angeles on Jan 12, 2012.

Consult your local travel agent or contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179 for more information. Visit Pacific Delight Tours at www.PacificDelightTours.com.

See also:

HANGZHOU: CHINA’S CITY OF ROMANCE
Marco Polo’s ‘City of Heaven’ As Alluring as Ever

HANGZHOU: ANCIENT & MODERN COME TOGETHER IN CHINA’S RESORT CITY

ZHEJIANG PROVINCE PRESENTS
MICROCOSM OF CHINA, OLD & NEW
Region Was Cutting Edge, Even in Marco Polo’s Time

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www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin