Our China Experience!

 

One out of every four babies born in the world is born in China. Chinese has more than 100 dialects and is the most commonly spoken language in the world, but the country and its people are perhaps the most misunderstood. China has traditionally been inaccessible to foreign visitors. Symbolic of this isolation is the Great Wall, whose construction was begun more than 2,000 years ago to keep out foreign invaders. China’s traditional name is Zhongguo, or Middle Kingdom; even the name of the imperial center of the Middle Kingdom, the Forbidden City, embodies China’s historic determination to keep itself free from outside influence.

When Communism emerged as the ruling force in China, the isolation of the country did not lessen—if anything, it increased, and China became even more impenetrable. It is only in the past three decades that the country has welcomed Western tourism. Fortunately, China’s historic isolation and its reverence for its past mean that its ancient treasures and extraordinary landscapes are remarkably well preserved for us to admire and enjoy.

 

Viking River Cruises offers several exciting cruisetours in China, all of which take guests to the highlights of Beijing, Shanghai and Xian (including the Terra Cotta Warriors) and include a Yangtze River Cruise through the spectacular Three Gorges region on a sumptuous cruise ship with all balcony staterooms. Choose the journey that most interests you: see China’s cultural delights on a longer Yangtze cruise, visit Silk Road outposts like Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar, or take three days at the “roof of the world,” Lhasa, Tibet.

STAFF: Our company philosophy is to immerse our travelers into the countries and destinations they are visiting. Our accent is on culture, education and entertainment. Along with our expert US staff, most of whom have experienced our programs first hand, we are especially proud of our carefully selected team of overseas national and local tour guides and cruise directors! Experienced, charming and delightful, they will educate you, entertain you and take care of your every need. They are the ones that provide that special "Value" added care that make our programs so popular!

Our Ships: We are extremely proud to bring to you some of the best cruise vessels plying the Yangtze waterways! The MS "Victoria Empress" and the MS "Victoria Prince" feature cabins with balconies and will impress you with their spacious and elegantly appointed public areas, their fine food, on board lectures, activities and entertainment. Both of our vessels are staffed with young, eager to please crews who will assure that you have a memorable sailing experience!

Hotels: On all of our programs we use carefully selected 5* or 4*+ hotel accommodations that are sure to satisfy even the most discriminating traveler. Regardless of the city, all of our hotels feature modern Western style rooms and appointments including satellite TV's, fully equipped bathrooms, direct dial telephones and air conditioning! All have been carefully chosen for their location, quality of service and price...we are confident you will be pleased!

FOOD: We have taken extra care to provide our travelers with the opportunity to sample local cuisine along with standard Western meals. Therefore, on most of our land programs you will enjoy full Western style breakfasts combined with local Asian style lunches and dinners. On board ship, your three meals daily will have a choice of Western and Asian style buffet breakfasts and lunches along with sit down dinners that will feature international staples along with local delicacies.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS: As with all of our programs world wide, we believe that part of the pleasure of travel is to meet and experience different cultures, customs, foods and the people of your host country. This is why in addition to all the natural and man-made attractions you will see as part of your tour, we have peppered our programs with unique highlights such as meals shared with local families, performances of local folklore groups, opera singers, national dance groups and similar. We sincerely believe we have put together the best possible combination of fun, education and entertainment! Welcome Aboard!

"More Bang For Your Buck!"

All of our China programs include ALL of the features listed below in the total price of your package! No hidden fees - no hidden costs!

AIRFARE: If you choose to purchase our airfare, we will put you on one of our preferred carriers such as Asiana Airlines, Singapore, Malaysia and others, utilizing the best available connections and our special group airfares AND we include all of your arrival and departure transfers FOR FREE!

Land Arrangements: All of your transportation and sightseeing costs are covered, including comfortable motor coaches, all domestic flights, entrance fees and English speaking guides.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS: All special highlights as outlined in each individual itinerary are also included in the price of your tour! These may include an Opera performance, Acrobat Show, a Tang Dynasty performance, a Kung Fu show, or a home hosted lunch by a local Chinese family. Please check each itinerary, as there are many more surprises than we can list here!

ON BOARD OUR SHIPS: Everything except your bar bill, laundry, souvenirs and tips is included! Starting with 3 full meals daily, all on board lectures, activities, entertainment and

ALL YOUR SHORE EXCURSIONS are INCLUDED in the cost of your program!

We urge you to compare all of the included features and prices to those of any of our competitors! We sincerely believe that dollar for dollar we offer the best value that money can buy!

Imperial Jewels of China12 DAYS

 

 

 

See all of China’s key highlights in just 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai and, in Beijing, imperial treasures like the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Cruise the wildly beautiful Three Gorges region of the legendary Yangtze, and admire the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. You also visit Xian, home of the famous Terra Cotta Army.

Ports of callBeijing | Chongqing | Jingzhou | Lesser Three Gorges | Shanghai | Shibaozhai | Three Gorges | Three Gorges Dam | Wuhan | Xian - Terra Cotta Warriors | Yueyang

 

Imperial Jewels of China Shanghai to Beijing

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 wildly beautiful Three Gorges and mystical Lesser Gorges. You will also tour the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel changing 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 Viking Century Sky round out an amazing trip.

 

1

Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai, China’s largest city. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* See the modern financial district juxtaposed with the older sections of the city.

 

2

Shanghai

This morning, tour Old Shanghai and travel along the elegant Bund, stopping to admire some of its historic buildings and city views. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit a silk carpet workshop for a demonstration. Then tour the Shanghai Museum. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and see the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe show from the best seats in the house. (B, L, D)

 

3

Shanghai & Wuhan

Your morning is free 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. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. After lunch, fly to Wuhan. Visit the Hubei Provincial Museum, where you enjoy the music of ancient bronze bells, then transfer to Viking Century Sky, docked close to Wuhan’s historic waterfront. You are welcomed aboard with a Western meal, and your ship sails this evening. (B, L, D)

 

4

Yueyang

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 through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. (B, L, D)

 

5

Three Gorges & Three Gorges Dam

This morning, cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. After lunch, disembark for 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. Return to your ship and sail through the five-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. Dock overnight at Badong. (B, L, D)

 

6

Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges

During breakfast, cruise through Wu (Witches) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Lesser Three Gorges. Along the way, see fascinating sites including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. Lunch at Viking’s private scenic stop overlooking the gorges, then sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

 

7

Shibaozhai

This morning, visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 above the Yangtze. Tour the pavilion and temple before returning aboard for lunch. Cruise along the Yangtze through the night. (B, L, D)

 

8

Chongqing & Xian

After breakfast, disembark and enjoy a brief tour of Chongqing, the largest city in western China and an important inland port. Enjoy a visit to the Chongqing Zoo to see the Giant Pandas and other exotic species. After lunch in a local restaurant, 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, spreading its influence throughout Asia into Europe and Africa. Tonight, experience the historic grandeur of the era as you dine surrounded by its traditional song and dance. (B, L, D)

 

9

 

Xian & Beijing

In the morning, 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; walkways provide a bird’s-eye view of the entire manmade necropolis where the Terra Cotta Army was discovered in the 1970s. Each man and horse is molded with its own distinctive features. After lunch in Xian, 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; free time this evening. (B, L, D)

 

10

 

Beijing

After breakfast, travel to nearby 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. After lunch in a local restaurant, walk along the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by massive sculptures of elephants, lions and camels leading to the Ming Dynasty tombs. Tonight, taste some local specialties at dinner. (B, L, D)

 

11

 

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 1,000 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, followed by a recital by Peking Opera performers. (B, L, D)

 

12

Beijing

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

 

 

Life Onboard the Viking Century Sky

Built in 2005/2006, the Viking Century Sky 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.

Sun Deck

Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail through the Yangtze’s stunning Three Gorges region and beyond. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair—cushions are available. Seating in the center section has a canopy for those who prefer shade.

Lotus Bar

This spacious bar, featuring large picture windows and about three dozen small tables with comfortable chairs, is an excellent place to relax over a drink and enjoy conversation or a book while you watch the scenery.

Observation Lounge/Bar

The Observation Lounge is a terrific place to meet old and new friends before and after meals. Occupying the entire forward section of this deck, the lounge boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables and a bar area with barstools. The lounge has a stereo system and a dance floor near the bar.

Conference Room

Located in the midsection of this deck, there is a conference room available to guests by prior arrangement for meetings or private functions.

Library

Located across from the conference room, the library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.

Shop

Located in the midsection of this deck, the onboard shop offers items to help you enjoy—or remember—your journey.

Fine Dining Aboard the Viking Century Sun

Our chefs create a variety of tasty offerings for you, with freshly prepared seasonal local vegetables, European and local specialties adapted for American tastes, and homemade soups prepared daily. For breakfast, choose from our selections including eggs, cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. Or maybe you prefer a made-to-order hot dish like an omelet or pancakes. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, you are treated to a five-course gourmet menu with regional specialties. You can also select from our regional wines to perfectly complement your meal. And wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting your itinerary. It is all part of experiencing the local culture.

Staterooms Aboard the Viking Century Sky

 

• Staterooms: 149
• Standard Stateroom: (Cat A, B, C, D, E, F) 221 sq. ft.
• Suite: 332 sq. ft.
• All staterooms are outside with river view through large picture windows. In all staterooms, the windows slide open to provide access to a private balcony
• All staterooms have hotel-style beds; some of them can be separated. Bed size: L 6.56 ft. x W 2.62 ft. x H 1.31ft.
• All beds are equipped with a feather duvet (or hypoallergenic substitute on request)
• Additionally, the following is supplied in all staterooms on embarkation day: ship information folder containing welcome letter and two post cards.
• The Daily Program for the following day will be delivered each evening to your room.

 

 

 

Other China Options

China's Cultural Delights 16 or 17 DAYS

 

 

 

This 16-day adventure delves into China’s cradle of culture with a 10-day cruise on the Yangtze all the way from Chongqing to Nanjing. You see all the wonders of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and the Three Gorges, and visit small Yangtze River villages, the birthplace of porcelain, ancient Buddhist temples and more.

 

Ports of call Beijing | Chongqing | Dongting Lake | Great Wall - Beijing | Jingzhou | Lesser Three Gorges | Mt. Jiu Hua | Nanjing | Shanghai | Shibaozhai | Suzhou | Three Gorges | Three Gorges Dam | Wuhan | Xian - Terra Cotta Warriors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roof of the World 16 DAYS priced from $4,134

 

Explore Tibet on this 16-day adventure including Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and a 6-day Yangtze River cruise. Discover the many faces of China, from her imperial treasures in Beijing and Xian to bustling Shanghai to the unique beauty of the Yangtze’s gorges region. You also experience Lhasa, Tibet—visit Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and much more.

Note: Viking River Cruises is aware of the current situation in Tibet and is in contact with both the Foreign Office and our own local office in Beijing to ensure that we are able to fully appraise the latest information. Should we be advised at any time that it is unsafe for our guests to travel to Tibet, we will provide alternative arrangements to those booked on our Roof of the World cruisetour.

Ports of call Beijing | Chongqing | Jingzhou | Lesser Three Gorges | Lhasa | Shanghai | Shibaozhai | Three Gorges | Three Gorges Dam | Wuhan | Xian - Terra Cotta Warriors

 

 

 

 

Silk Road Adventure 17 DAYS  priced from $4,334

 

 

 

Walk in the footsteps of Marco Poloalong the Silk Road trade route. On your 17-day journey, see 2,000 years of history and culture unfold in ancient cities Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar. Also, experience the imperial treasures of China’s more modern cities Shanghai, Xian and Beijing, and sail along the legendary Yangtze through the heart of China.

 

Ports of call Beijing | Chongqing | Lesser Three Gorges | Shanghai | Shibaozhai | Three Gorges | Three Gorges Dam | Turpan | Urumqi | Wuhan | Xian - Terra Cotta Warriors | Yueyang

Call 800-640 4899 for detailed Itinerary