Day #1 Arrive in Shanghai, China. Welcome to China's premier center of trade and industry. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day #2 Shanghai. Your morning guided sightseeing tour includes time to stroll along the Bund and a visit to the SHANGHAI MUSEUM featuring stunning displays of ancient bronze, jade, and ceramics. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day #3 Shanghai. Explore Shanghai on your own. (B)

Day #4 Shanghai–Xi’an. Today, fly to Xi’an, an archeological treasure trove in central China. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day #5 Xi’an. This morning, marvel at the TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that have been standing guard at the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, for over 2,000 years. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon. (B)

Day #6 Xi'an–Lhasa, Tibet. Today, fly to the holy city of Lhasa, capital of the mystical Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. The rest of the day is free to rest and adjust to the 14,000-foot altitude. (B,L,D)

Day #7 Lhasa. This morning, take a brief city tour, then visit the SUMMER PALACE of the Dalai Lama, featuring the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, take a special trip to a TIBETAN'S HOME that includes lunch before visiting a typical TIBETAN MONASTERY. The final stop today is a TIBETAN HOSPITAL, where you will learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and therapy. (B,L,D)

Day #8 Lhasa. Today, visit the imposing POTALA PALACE, once the center of the Tibetan government and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Also visit one of Tibet's oldest shrines, JOKHANG TEMPLE, then spend time in the local BAZAAR. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)

Day #9 Lhasa–Beijing. Fly to Beijing, the capital city of China. (B)

Day #10 Beijing. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour to the GREAT WALL OF CHINA, which once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain. Walk along the wall and enjoy stunning views of this mammoth fortress. Return to Beijing and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day #11 Beijing. Enjoy a full day at leisure. (B)

Day #12 Beijing–Ulaanbaatar. Today, fly to Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. After some time at the hotel, enjoy a city tour that includes Sukhbaatar Square and Zaisan Hill, offering sweeping views of the city. Next, visit the NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM with a rich collection of exhibits covering the history and people of Mongolia. The last stop is the NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, housing fascinating exhibits that showcase the geography, flora, and fauna of Mongolia, as well as dinosaur fossils excavated from the Gobi Desert. (B,D)

Day #13 Ulaanbaatar–Gobi Desert. Early this morning, fly to the Gobi Desert. Covering most of southern Mongolia, the Gobi is the world’s fourth-largest desert. Visit EAGLE VALLEY NATIONAL PARK and drink in stunning mountain scenery and the Gobi Glacier. The Gobi supports more than 300 varieties of flora and fauna and several endangered species, including the snow leopard and Bactrian camel. (B,L,D)

Day #14 Gobi Desert. This morning, stop at the largest SAND DUNES in the region en route to Bayan Zag. Here, explore the CEMETERY OF DINOSAURS, where the world’s best-preserved dinosaur skeletons and their petrified eggs were excavated. Then, visit a CAMEL BREEDERS CAMP to learn about the nomadic lifestyle and culture, and to try some traditional food. (B,L,D)

Day #15 Gobi Desert–Ulaanbaatar. Fly back to Ulaanbaatar early this morning. Upon arrival, visit the BOGD KHAN WINTER PALACE and the GANDAN MONASTERY. With more than 150 monks in residence and numerous temples, it is the most important Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. This evening, enjoy a dinner followed by a MONGOLIAN FOLKLORE PERFORMANCE featuring traditional musical instruments, songs, and dances. (B,L,D)

Day #16 Ulaanbaatar–Beijing. Today, return to Beijing. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day #17 Beijing. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)