Expanding on its commitment to offer “the best quality tours at the most affordable prices,” Ritz Tours introduces travelers to China through its brand new 12-day Yangtze Essence program. Combining stays in historical Beijing, culturally-rich Xian and cosmopolitan Shanghai with a Yangtze River voyage.

This exciting excursion begins in Beijing, host city for the 2008 Olympic Games, where highlights include visits to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world, the ancient Forbidden City.

Several days in Xian provide travelers with the chance to see Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s famous Terra Cotta Warriors, the ancient City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. For evening dining and entertainment, an Imperial Dumpling Banquet and Tang Dynasty Stage Opera reflect the culinary creativity, rhythmic music and passionate performances of ancient times that are still alive today.

Tour guests will be treated to the sites and sounds of a sail on China’s Yangtze River, onboard a Victoria Cruises vessel. In addition to exciting shore excursions, Victoria Cruises keep passengers engaged with informative lectures, cultural presentations and demonstrations, entertainment and more.

The Yangtze Essence program concludes with several nights in bustling Shanghai, China’s largest metropolis. Travelers can appreciate the dramatic landscape of this port city plus the intrigue of Yu Garden, exceptional shopping on Nanjing Road, and the Bund, Shanghai’s popular and picturesque waterfront area. The group will also be treated to a thrilling Chinese Acrobatics Show.

Aside from the group tours, travelers will enjoy ample free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or exploring the various cities at their own pace.