Imperial Jewels of China

Chongqing to Wuhan

(Or in Reverse Direction)

River/Canal Cruising | 11 Nights

Top▲Highlights

This phenomenal itinerary presents China’s key highlights in just 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, China’s most cutting-edge, modern city. Cruise the legendary Yangtze between Wuhan and Chongqing through the scenic Three Gorges and wildly beautiful Lesser Gorges. You will also tour the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel that has changed the face of China. Visit Xian and stare into the faces of thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors. In Beijing, explore historic imperial treasures like The Forbidden City, Great Wall and famed Summer Palace, and walk through Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public venue. Distinctive hotel stays and our five-star-rated Viking Century Sun round out an amazing trip.

Reverse itienrary may vary slightly

Top▲Itinerary

NOTE: All itineraries on the website are constantly being updated. This itinerary may not be the most current, so please check with one of the Specialty Cruise Advisors on the left to ensure that this is the most current one.

Top▲Dates & Prices

Seasonality

May to October

Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and include port charges. Limited single pricing is available; call for details.

Price Guarantee :- Once you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges. Airfare increases, currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges, new government taxes—none of these will apply to you.

Itineraries are subject to change and may need to be altered or cancelled specifically because of water levels or wind factors. Prices, shown in this brochure are subject to change with or without notice. Adjustments for currency and/or fuel fluctuations may apply. Airfares are subject to change if bookings are not paid in full.

This example may be available on other dates or with different itineraries. We will gladly research other options for you! Special savings may be available for groups of 6 or more. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, for standard and/or inside stateroom unless stated otherwise, are capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Fare is shown in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Government Fees and Taxes are additional. Refer to appropriate supplier brochure for terms and conditions. Pricing for Singles, 3rd, 4th or 5th guests if available, will be provided upon request and is subject to stateroom category availability. Unless specified, airfare is not included. Full details of airfare offers will be provided upon request and may vary by departure location. Prices vary by date of travel, were available when written, but are subject to restrictions and availability when booked, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer not combinable with other promotions or discount offers. FST #ST37451 / CST #2092247-50 / WST #602-708-936

Top▲What's Included

Your fare covers meals, shore excursions, lectures and cultural performances; it also covers hotel accommodations during city portions of “cruisetour” itineraries. And when you purchase air travel through Viking, we transfer you to and from the airport, ship and hotels at no additional charge.

The price of this fully escorted Viking River Cruises vacation includes all meals, shore excursions, 12 guided tours with tour headphones, entertainment and activities, 6 nights in 5-star hotels and intra-China flights.

This cruisetour includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners, plus a welcome cocktail reception.

Shore Excursions and Activities (Included)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Day 2 - Explore Historical Sites in Beijing (Beijing)

  This morning visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, which can accommodate over 1,000,000 people. Then, tour Beijing’s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; made up of nearly 800 buildings, it is the world’s largest surviving palace complex. Walk its grounds among the opulent palaces, pavilions, courtyards and imperial gardens within the 26-foot-high walls. After lunch in a local restaurant, see the Summer Palace, a 700-acre complex of elegant buildings and gardens (complete with manmade Kunming Lake) frequented by the Imperial Court when they wanted to escape the bustle of Beijing. This evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner and a recital by Peking Opera performers. (B, L, D)

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  Day 3 - Travel to the Badaling Hills and visit the Sacred Way (Beijing)

  Travel to the Badaling Hills. There, you behold one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China—a 4,000-mile-long series of sandstone and earthwork fortifications built and maintained between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century A.D. that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its winding pathways and marvel at the panoramic views from its ramparts. Visit the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by massive sculptures of elephants, lions and camels leading to the Ming Dynasty tombs.

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  Day 4 - Tour Old Beijing’s hutongs and Visit a silk carpet workshop for a demonstration of this ancient art (Beijing)

  Today tour Old Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleys) via rickshaw. Discover the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese life. Visit a silk carpet workshop for a demonstration of this ancient art.

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  Day 5 - Tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest (Xi'an)

  Tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. See the more than 8,000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers and infantrymen that were buried with him; each man and horse molded with its own distinctive features. Walkways provide a bird’s-eye view of the entire manmade necropolis where the Terra Cotta Army was discovered in the 1970s.

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  Day 6 - Visit Shibaozhai Temple (Shibaozhai)

  This morning, visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze.

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  Day 8 - A tour of the Three Gorges Dam (Three Gorges)

  Take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam where you learn about this immense engineering masterpiece and what it means for the Chinese people and the Yangtze.

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  Day 9 - Visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises (Jingzhou)

  Then arrive in Jingzhou, where you visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises. You are greeted and entertained by the children.

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  Day 10 - Visit the Wuhan Museum (Wuhan)

  Visit the Hubei Provincial Museum where you enjoy the music of ancient bronze bells.

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  Day 11 - Tour Old Shanghai (Shanghai)

  This morning, tour Old Shanghai and travel along the elegant Bund, stopping to admire some of its historic buildings and city views. Visit a silk carpet workshop for a demonstration. Then tour the Shanghai Museum, featuring displays of ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and paintings. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and see the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe show from the best seats in the house.

Top▲What's NOT Included

• Optional shore excursions/tours/concerts
• Excess baggage charges
• Drinks, beverages and meals not included in the package are additional costs to the passenger.

Top▲Optional Add-ons

Shore Excursions and Activities (Optional)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Accomodations or Meals: 4-night post-extension in Hong Kong & Mystical Guilin

  $1699 (US Dollar)

  Day 1
  After lunch in Shanghai or Beijing, fly to Guilin where you are escorted to the first class Sheraton Hotel (or similar). Dine at the hotel and your evening is free to relax or take a stroll. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and see Guilin’s many beautiful pagodas lit up after dark. (L, D)

  Day 2
  After breakfast, board a small boat to see local village life along Guilin’s breathtaking Li River. Then, take a walking tour of Yangshuo, an ancient stone village whose name means “Bright Moon.” Next, fly to Hong Kong and check in to the deluxe Shangri-La Kowloon (or similar). Enjoy evening free time to get acquainted with the area; tonight’s dinner is on your own. (B, L)

  Day 3
  Your half-day Hong Kong city tour takes you to the top of Victoria Peak; located on the western part of Hong Kong Island, this location offers panoramic views of Hong Kong’s unique skyline. Travel around Hong Kong Island to visit the floating city of Aberdeen and take a sampan ride.

  Take afternoon free time to further explore the island, do some shopping or take a short train ride to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Shatin. Tonight, try one of Kowloon’s fine restaurants for dinner. (B)

  Day 4
  You have a full day to explore Hong Kong on your own. Take a ferry across Victoria Harbor and visit other islands. Stroll Kowloon’s unique markets or tour one of the city’s museums. (B)

  Day 5
  After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)

  *Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Please note, Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.

Top▲Vessel Information

Viking Century Sun

Motor Ship (Riverboat) | 306 Passengers | Operated by Viking River Cruises,

Built in 2005/2006, the Viking Century Sun offers a maximum of 306 passengers the comfort and amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel—for example, her grand lobby, elegant restaurant, well-appointed gym and onboard beauty salon. The ship boast a lounge bar, a sheltered bar on the sun deck with breathtaking 360-degree views, and an elegant cafeteria on the promenade deck. The spacious staterooms all have outside views and private balconies. You will cruise in comfort and with peace of mind knowing that the ships are equipped with the state-of-the art navigation and safety systems in line with our philosophy to offer our guests only the best.

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