Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city, then transfer to your hotel.* Here, you can see a thriving modern metropolis juxtaposed with the older sections of the city.
Day 2 - Shanghai
This morning, tour Old Shanghai and the riverfront Bund district lined with banks and customs houses. After lunch, visit the Shanghai Museum; see its ancient ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and other artifacts. Dine in a local restaurant, and then admire the dexterity of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe at tonight’s performance. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Shanghai & Wuhan
Enjoy a free morning to further explore Shanghai. See the famous Jade Buddha Temple, view some of Shanghai’s distinctive modern architecture, or visit one of this multicultural city’s cathedrals, churches, synagogues or mosques. After lunch, fly to Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, and tour the Hubei Provincial Museum before embarking your ship, docked close to Wuhan’s historic waterfront. A Western-style meal welcomes you aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Jingzhou
Today, visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises. You are greeted and entertained by the children, then return to your ship. For the next 150 miles, you travel the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze River through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Three Gorges & Three Gorges Dam
This morning, cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the gorges. After lunch, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2008. Learn about this immense engineering masterpiece and what it will mean to the surrounding area. After your tour, return aboard and cruise through the dam’s five-stage lock system. Dock overnight at Badong. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
Cruise through Wu (Witches) Gorge, known for its magnificent scenery, during breakfast. Then, board smaller boats for an excursion through the dramatic Lesser Three Gorges. Return to your ship for lunch, and spend the afternoon sailing through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest of the three larger gorges. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Shibaozhai
After a morning of scenic cruising, visit the 12-story Shibaozhai Temple. This red pavilion is a gem of Qing Dynasty architecture. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Chongqing & Lhasa
This morning, disembark in the mountain city of Chongqing. Enjoy a tour and lunch, then fly to Lhasa, the economic, spiritual and cultural center of Tibet. Experience Tibetan life with a family-hosted tea followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Lhasa
Today, visit 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple. After a local lunch, explore the maze-like Barkhor Market in old Lhasa and tour the Tibetan Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Lhasa
This morning, tour the 13-story Potala Palace, winter home of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century. Later, visit Sera Monastery, an active temple with monks in training. Lunch and dinner in local restaurants. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Lhasa & Xian
Fly to Xian, key city of the Tang Dynasty. From 618 to 907 A.D., this dynasty presided over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods. This evening, you may choose to dine surrounded by the song and dance of this colorful era, or have dinner and relax at your hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Xian
Today, tour Xian’s archaeological wonder: thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, each soldier and horse molded in incredible detail. This afternoon, tour the majestic 7-story Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight’s activity is a nighttime marketplace tour. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Xian & Beijing
Morning free time in Xian—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your activities. After lunch, fly to Beijing, China’s former imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years. Check in to your hotel and dine there; your evening is free to relax. (B, L, D)
Day 14 - Beijing
This morning, ride to nearby Badaling Hills. There, you behold one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the legendary Great Wall of China, and stand on its famous ramparts. A local lunch is followed by a visit to the Sacred Way, where you walk among the huge animal sculptures flanking the tree-lined avenue to the Ming Tombs. This evening you can relax and dine at your hotel—or, enjoy an optional evening featuring China’s famous Peking duck and the artistry of performers from the world-renowned Peking Opera. (B, L, D)
Day 15 - Beijing
Today, visit massive Tiananmen Square, and then see the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its elegant palaces, pavilions and landscaped gardens, once open only to nobility. Later, tour the 700-acre Summer Palace and ride a dragon boat across its manmade lake. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 16 - Beijing
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
PRICE INCLUDES
Daily Shore Excursions
18 included guided tours
Included Meals
All meals: 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches & 14 dinners
Port Charges
Included on all itineraries
Complimentary Beverages
Wine, beer & soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner
*Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfer
Cruise ship operating this itinerary:
Viking Emerald
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Save $1,500 per person
Book by 30 April 2012 — ask for offer A10
All pricing is in AUD, details appear below
Apr 11, 21; May 1, 11, 21; Jun 10; Jul 10; Aug 19, 29; Sep 18, 28; Oct 8
Apr 12; May 2; Jun 1, 11; Jul 21; Aug 30; Sep 19; Oct 9
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Shanghai
For the past 15 years Shanghai has reawakened and regained its former glory as “The Paris of the East” in the 1920s and 30s. Its new skyscrapers seem to go up almost overnight, especially in the Pudong District, Shanghai's commericial center. And the air's electric with a sense of confidence and purpose.
Even the best museum, the Shanghai Museum, is but a decade old and already owns a collection of bronze that may well be the finest in the world. Still, there are a few more ancient sites worth your attention such as the pastoral, 16th century Yu Garden, an extraordinary maze of Ming Dynasty pavilions and bridges, encircled by an udulating dragon wall.
Country - China Distance from port to City - 5kms Distance from port to Airport - 50kms Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Gardens, Old Bazaar, Xintiandi, Shanghai Museum
Wuhan
Country - China Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 0kms Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest
Shibaozhai
Country - China Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 0kms Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest
Chongqing
Country - China Distance from port to City - Distance from port to Airport - 20km Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest Three Gorges, The Great Hall of the People, People's Liberation Monument
Xian
Xian is located in the southern part of the Guanzhong Plain. With the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north, it is in a great geographical location surrounded by water and hills. It has a demi-moist monsoon climate and there is a clear distinction between its four seasons. Except the colder winter any season is perfect for for traveling.
Country - China Distance from port to City - N/A Distance to Airport - 20km Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest City Wall of Xian, Terracotta Army, Mount Hua, The Bell and Drum Tower
Beijing
The capital of The People's Republic of China covers an area of some 6,870 square miles and boasts a population of over 11 million people. At the heart of this immense metropolis lies the Forbidden City. Two more examples of China's enduring culture are The Great Wall and Tiananmen Square.
Country - China Distance from port to City - 225kms Distance from port to Airport - 250kms Currency - Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Places of Interest Tiananmen Square, Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
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Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises itineraries journey along the rivers of Europe and Russia, allowing you to explore fascinating destinations up close and in comfort.
Better than an ocean cruise or bus tour, our river cruises show you the best of Europe from the large cosmopolitan cities to small quaint villages.
So come aboard, unpack just once, and see it all. Spend your time exploring Europe, not getting to it, and enjoy the best of Europe with Viking River Cruises.
A river cruise with Viking River Cruises is the best way to see the real Europe up close and in depth. Explore the best of Europe from an intimate perspective, spending your time being there, not getting there.
Unlike a bus tour where you spend more time on the bus than actually seeing the country, or a hotel-hopping trip where you constantly pack and unpack, Viking River Cruises offers you fine food, great service and scenic cruising along Europe's great rivers.
Viking River Cruises visits at least one port a day on virtually every itinerary and you can explore small villages off the beaten path that are inaccessible via an ocean cruise. Docking in the heart of town, you'll have more to time to see the cities, not just travel to the cities. You'll experience ever-changing riverside scenery as well as local nightlife when your ship overnights in port.
Ship info
Viking - China River Cruises
China is a fascinating land of contrasts: mountains, plateaus, deserts, lakes and rivers…small villages and huge modern metropolises…ancient history and futuristic technology. China’s geography is widely varied, with terrain ranging from rainforests to deserts and beaches to snow-capped peaks. The Chinese landscape boasts the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, as well as the world’s third longest river, the Yangtze; all of Viking’s China itineraries include a cruise along the Yangtze River.
Viking River Cruises ships cruising the waterways of China are listed below. Click on the ship name for details about each specific ship.
