Compare Nature & Adventure Package by Project Expedition vs Yangtze Sampler Small Ship Cruise + Tour by Alexander+Roberts

Day 1 - San Jose

At your arrival to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and after going through all the airport steps, look for the exit sign, where many people will be asking if you need a taxi or private transfer to somewhere, just tell them “-no thanks” always with a smile on your face- and look for one of the hotel’s drivers, whom will be holding a sign with either your name or your last name, and will drive you for about 15 minutes to the Hotel Best Western Irazú & Casino. This shuttle runs every day from 05:00am through 10:00pm, any requirement out of this schedule might mean an extra charge.Leisure. After checking in, you will have the rest of your day off for optional activities in the surroundings of San José, or if you are limited by time, just lay back and enjoy the pool, get a cocktail at the bar (happy hour from 05:00 pm to 06:00 pm), or spend some time at the Sauna (30min). Best Western Irazú Hotel & Casino

Day 2 - San Jose

The Laguna Lodge transportation service, with its own naturalist guide, will pick up all guests and drive along the road to Limon, crossing the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Local Flavor. The trip continues to the shipment port, passing the long banana plantations and there may be an opportunity to see the packing process.Boating at Suerte River. Around 11:00 the boat will be waiting for to take boat journey throughout the canals or La Suerte river, arriving to Laguna Tortuguero Lodge around 12:30pm /1:00pm.Eco Tour. The first tour starts during the afternoon, taking the guests to the Botanical Garden. Guests can also enjoy the exclusive use of the installations such as the frog garden, the pools, bars and the different areas of the hotel or a walk throughout the Caribbean beach. You can also witness the green turtle spawning, from June to October, which is a huge attraction for tourist around the world. Laguna Tortuguero Lodge

Day 3 - San Jose

Breakfast will be served between 7:00am and 9:00am.Boating at Tortuguero National Park. At 8:30am, enjoy a boat tour through the Tortuguero National Park Canals and see the tropical rainforest. (The entrance to the National Park is not included and must be paid by cash US$15.00 per person). Tortuguero is extremely humid, with year-round precipitations reaching the 6.000 mm, which makes this one of the rainiest places in Costa Rica, where dry season doesn’t actually exist. The canals were built to connect a series of lagoons and rivers, making it proper for the navigation of small embarkations, piraguas as the locals’ call them, being the most important transportation means in the region. Tortuguero is the most important egg-laying point for the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the whole Caribbiean Sea. But turtles are not the only attraction, the National Park is full of life; sloths and howler monkeys over the tree tops, miniature frogs and green iguanas within the tree buttress roots, and endangered aquatic species such as the manatee (the sea cow) and the Tarpon Fish. Lunch will be served between 12:00pm and 2:00pm.Local Flavor. Guests are taken on a guided 2 hour tour of the Tortuguero town; located between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero Lagoon, there are no motor vehicles apart from the boats. This colorful small Caribbean village is definitely worth the visit. In the north of the Tortuguero Town is the Caribbean Consevations Corportation research center with a small museum dedicated to the Sea Turtles and the Tortuguero Town history.Leisure. At the lodge, you can also enjoy the use of the installations such as the frog garden, the botanical garden, the pool, bars and the different areas of the hotel or a walk on the Caribbean beach. Dinner will be served between 7:00pm and 9:00pm. Laguna Tortuguero Lodge

Day 4 - San Jose

Have breakfast and then head back by boat at approximately 9:00 am. At the Selva Tropical our driver will meet you to continue the journey to La Fortuna, in the Arenal Volcano National Park Region. Leisure. Casa Luna Hotel & Spa will be the last hotel prearranged in this package; after checking in you will have off time for enjoying the pool or you can have a massage at Luna Spa, which you can arrange in advance with our reservations department or with the hotel’s front desk; if you pleased and you prefer to chill you can also simply relax in your balcony, enjoying the view of Arenal Volcano (when clear) or have a cocktail at the bar. Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

Day 5 - San Jose - Ziplining

Ziplining. After breakfast, we will go ziplining along seven cables with a full distance of 1.7 miles and lengths from 400 feet to 3280 feet. This is an incredible experience to quite literally soar through the canopy of the trees, where you can get a new perspective of the jungle.Local Flavor. Next, visit a representation of a Maleku Indigenous Village, members of a tribe dressed in traditional clothes greet you with a refreshing beverage and teach you about their culture, language and traditions. They share stories about animals and the environment, expressing their gratitude for nature. You can then enjoy the butterfly garden or have the choice of a self guided walk to La Fortuna Waterfall.Hiking at Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon, you will be greeted by your guide aprox at 03:10 pm at the front desk, to visit the Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, we will walk through primary and secondary forests (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes), where we will reach an old lava flow that was formed in 1992, and observe some animals and plants. On clear days, you will enjoy incredible views of the impressive Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, The Tilarán mountain range, and Cerro Chato Hill. Hot Springs. At the end of the day, the perfect place to relax will be at the Arenal Paradise Hot Springs, including a dinner served at the onsite Restaurant. At about 9:00 pm you will be picked up to return to the hotel. At about 9:00 pm you will be picked up to return to the hotel Lodging at Casa Luna Hotel

Day 6 - San Jose - Leisure

Leisure. You are free to spend the day as you please, but hotel guests will receive special rates on a host of various tours in the La Fortuna area. We can recommend several options to help fill you day and you can book one on Project Expedition in advance of your trip. Lodging at Casa Luna Hotel

Day 7 - San Jose

Today, you have the shuttle back to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela at 8:00 am. Please consider this transfer takes about 3 hours to the airport, and you must be there at least 3 hours earlier your flight time for checking in; if you require a transportation on a different time we can arrange a private transportation for some extra bucks.

: Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing

You’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and escorted to the luxurious Fairmont Beijing Hotel. The rest of this day is yours to relax and enjoy as you wish.

: Day 2 - In + around Beijing #WHS#

Stand in Tiananmen Square and admire the architectural landmarks that surround one of the world’s grandest public plazas. Then follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty Emperors on an expertly-guided tour through the magnificent Forbidden City ,a sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards and pavilions. At colorful local market, you’ll mingle with city residents and experience a slice of daily life as you help your guide to select some produce for a local family. Joining this family for lunch in their home, you’ll enjoy congenial conversation and gain real insight into Chinese traditions that still endure in this rapidly evolving city. Then hop aboard a rickshaw to explore the ancient streets of a Hutong, an ancient enclave of traditional courtyard homes. This evening, sit down to a festive Peking Duck Banquet with wine. Meals B+L+D

: Day 3 Great Wall + Summer Palace #WHS#

Juyong Pass was recognized very early in China’s history as a site of great strategic importance and indeed this section of the thousands-mile long Great Wall  is one of only three that were recognized by military leaders as being practically impregnable. Today, as you walk atop this ancient defensive structure, your expert guide will be on hand to enrich your exploration with dramatic stories and legends of the great battles that were waged here. Then tour the resplendent Summer Palace, erstwhile seasonal retreat of China’s emperors. Set on wooded hills surrounding a tranquil lake, this assemblage of pavilions, palaces and gardens offers a fascinating look into Imperial life long ago.  Meals B+L

: Day 4 – Fly to Yichang + Embark your Yangtze Cruise #WHS#

This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Heaven; it’s a resplendent example of Ming Dynasty design and engineering that also offers fascinating insight into ancient Chinese beliefs in numerology and cosmology. The temple’s tranquil grounds are the perfect place for our specially arranged private class with a Tai Chi Master. After sightseeing, we’ll take you to the airport for your included flight to the river city of Yichang. On arrival, you’ll be escorted to the pier to board the Yangzi Explorer, China’s finest river ship. You’ll have time to settle in to your balcony stateroom and refresh before dinner is served in the Explorer’s elegant restaurant. Choose from a tempting array of international and regional Chinese dishes, accompanied by free-flowing wine.  This evening, the 7 Wonders of China documentary will be screened in the Tang Theater. Meals B+L+D

: Day 5 - The Immense Three Gorges Dam

Early risers can start the day with invigorating Tai Chi exercise before an expansive buffet breakfast. A relaxing morning onboard offers a chance to relax on your private balcony, attend an informative talk on Chinese traditions, or indulge in a treatment at the shipboard spa. After lunch, you’ll step off  ship to visit the Three Gorges Dam; stretching more than 3,300 yards across at the top and towering over 600 feet, this massive construction project took 17 years to complete! It’s still the world’s largest hydro-power dam and this afternoon’s guided tour explores its far reaching impact upon the geography, archaeological sites, industries, and residents of the region. Back onboard, you can enjoy a lecture on traditional Chinese medicine. Later, the Yangzi Explorer will navigate through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the river’s Three Gorges. Then as the river widens and sweeps through groves of orange and pomelo trees, you’ll experience the tranquil side of life along China’s mightiest river. Tonight’s Captain’s Welcome Reception is followed by dinner and then entertainment in the Tang Theater. Meals B+L+D

: Day 6 – Up Shennong Stream + Through the Yangtze Gorges

If you wish, you can join fellow passengers for early morning Tai Chi before breakfast is served. Then step off ship for an unforgettable journey up Shennong Stream. You’ll explore this spectacular region in traditional sampan boats poled by Tujia boatmen. The landscapes here are unrivalled, encompassing crystalline rushing waters, dense forests and towering rock formations. As you venture upstream, you’ll espy coffins stowed high within the limestone cliffs that tower above you – a legacy of the region’s earliest inhabitants. Before returning to ship, you’ll visit a nearby village to experience life in a rural community. After lunch, you’ll want to be on your balcony or with fellow passengers on the Sun Deck as the Yangzi Explorer navigates Wu Gorge, renowned for massive cliffs that rise sharply from the river. Later, our ship cruises through spectacular Qutang Gorge, the narrowest of the river’s Three Gorges.  Then enjoy a demonstration of traditional Chinese arts and crafts before sitting down to another elegant à la carte dinner accompanied by free-flowing wine. Meals B+L+D

: Day 7 - Ashore in Fuling

A delightful morning onboard our 5-star ship is yours to do as you wish. You might learn about China’s thriving pearl industry or attend a workshop on traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. After lunch, you can tailor your touring with the included excursion of your choice: The 816 Underground Project: This unique tour takes you underground into a vast cavern that was built by more than 60,000 laborers as part of a top-secret military project. Initiated in the 1960’s and designed to house China’s first nuclear reactor, construction was halted after 17 years before the project’s completion. The tunnels and cavern remained a closely guarded secret for nearly 50 years until the Government revealed its presence in 2002. The White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum: Venture close to 150 feet under water to see what lies beneath the surface of the Yangtze River. You’ll discover ancient rock carvings from the Tang Dynasty that were permanently submerged after the construction of the Dam and also learn about the Yangtze’s flora and fauna. Before returning to ship, you’ll spend time with local farmers and other residents at a lively market filled with a wide variety of fish, meat, produce and Fuling’s famous pickles. Note: Today’s morning at leisure and your choice of an included afternoon excursion applies to cruises from May to September. Guests on our other sailings will visit the 816 Underground Project in the morning and the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum in the afternoon.  Meals B+L+D

: Day 8 - Fly to Xian

Disembark the Yangzi Explorer after breakfast and visit the Chongqing Zoo to see their marvelous Panda exhibit. Then transfer to the airport for your included flight to Xian, China’s ancient capital for 13 dynasties. At a bustling local market, an engaging Xian resident will share his lifetime of experience – offering a firsthand look into the culture of the city and the many exotic products for sale. Enjoy a dinner of savory dumplings, a regional favorite, and retreat to the 5-star Hilton Hotel, ideally located within the ancient city walls.  Meals B+D

: Day 9 - Discover the Terra Cotta Army #WHS#

In 1974, local villagers digging a well stumbled upon what would ultimately become China’s greatest archaeological discovery… Thousands of life-sized terra cotta soldiers, horses and chariots that had been buried in perfect infantry formation to guard the tomb of an Emperor! This morning, we’ve arranged for you to meet with a local archaeologist – a great introduction to this World Heritage Site. Gaze upon this extraordinary terra cotta army as you learn about their history and discovery. Enjoy a festive lunch of regional cuisine as you watch a lively noodle-making demonstration. Then visit the old defensive walls that still surround much of Xian’s historic core and hear colorful stories about this ancient Imperial capital.  Meals B+L+D

: Day 10 - Onward to Shanghai

We’ll take you to the airport today for your included flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in this wonderfully cosmopolitan city, you’ll be met and escorted to the Fairmont Peace Hotel, a luxury landmark overlooking the historic waterfront Bund. Tonight, you’ll thrill to the daring feats and graceful artistry of the world-famous Shanghai Acrobats!  Meals B

: Day 11 - Shanghai Sightseeing

Your comprehensive guided tour of Shanghai begins this morning along the historic Bund; in a city now renowned for its striking 21st-century skyscrapers, this elegant waterfront boulevard is still graced with architectural landmarks built by European and Japanese mercantile companies after the 1842 Treaty of Nanjing opened the city to international trade. Then stroll in Yu Yuan Garden, originally established in 1577 by a government officer as a tranquil retreat for his aging parents. At the highly regarded Shanghai Museum, you’ll find a vast collection of artifacts spanning millennia of Chinese culture, history and civilization – from ancient bronzes and celadon pottery to precious jade and exquisite Ming Dynasty furniture. At midday, we’ll leave the past behind to experience a thoroughly modern side of Shanghai at one of the city’s currently popular restaurants. Fusion cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and sommelier-curated wine lists are now as popular here as in any other world-class city. As we sit down to lunch accompanied by a glass of the house wine, restaurant staff will join us to offer insight into the city’s ever-changing food-and-wine scene.  Meals B+L+D

: Day 12 - Farewell to Shanghai

Transfer to the airport for your flight. meals b