IMPERIAL JEWELS OF CHINA
12 DAYS FROM $2,734 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
This itinerary gives you China’s key
highlights in just 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, China’s most
cutting-edge, modern city. Next, cruise the legendary Yangtze from
Wuhan, starting with a visit to the engineering marvel of the Three
Gorges Dam and then sailing through the wildly beautiful Three Gorges
and Lesser Gorges before you reach Chongqing. Next, visit Xian, home of
the Terra Cotta Warriors. Finally in Beijing, explore historic imperial
treasures like The Forbidden City, Great Wall and famed Summer Palace.
Day 1
Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s former imperial capital whose rich history dates back to more than 1,000 years B.C. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to relax or explore.
Day 2
Beijing
This morning visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, which can accommodate over 1,000,000 people. Then, tour Beijing’s Forbidden City. Nearly 800 buildings and 9,999 rooms make up this amazing site. As you walk its grounds, marvel at the elegant palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens within its walls. After lunch in a local restaurant, you visit the Summer Palace, a 700-acre complex of gardens and elegant buildings. Its Chinese name means Garden of Nurtured Harmony, and it was frequented by the Imperial Court to escape the bustle of Beijing. Walk its landscaped grounds, considered among the finest Chinese architectural gardens. This evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner. Then, you are treated to a performance of the Peking Opera, a fascinating cultural experience.
Day 3
Beijing
After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills to see one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the fabled Great Wall of China. Walk along its winding pathways and marvel at the excellent views. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by massive sculptures of elephants, lions and camels. Tonight, taste some local specialties at dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4
Beijing & Xian
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. After lunch, 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. Tonight, experience its grandeur as you dine surrounded by the historic song and dance of this colorful era. (B, L, D)
Rickshaw hutong tour only available on Beijing to Shanghai itinerary direction.
Day 5
Xian & Chongqing
After breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. See the more than 6,000 life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors, archers and infantrymen that were buried with him, from the walkways that provide a bird’s-eye view. Each man and horse is molded with his own distinct features. After lunch fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze. You are welcomed aboard the Viking Century Sky with a Western meal, and your ship sails this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6
Shibaozhai
This morning, you visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 and perched high above the Yangtze. Climb up to the top for breathtaking views of the river below. Return to your ship and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 7
Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
For the next 150 miles, you travel the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. During breakfast, cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Lesser Three Gorges. Sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way you see ancient sites including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. Enjoy lunch at a scenic stop overlooking the gorges. After, return to your ship and sail through Wu (Witches) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 8
Three Gorges Dam
This morning, you disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam. You learn all about this immense engineering masterpiece—first conceived by Sun Yat-Sen in 1919—and how it will affect the Chinese people and the Yangtze. Then, you return to your ship and traverse the 5-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. Lunch and dinner are served aboard while you cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 9
Three Gorges & Yueyang
This morning, cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Then arrive in Yueyang, where you visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises in this rural village. You will be warmly greeted by the children and enjoy a performance. Return to your ship for meals and scenic cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 10
Wuhan & Shanghai
After breakfast, disembark in Wuhan. Visit the Wuhan Museum. Then, fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city and one of the world’s most important ports. Here, you can see the modern metropolis of the financial district juxtaposed with the other sections of the city. Check in to your hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Shanghai
This morning, tour Old Shanghai and travel along the Bund, the city’s elegant riverfront promenade. After lunch in a local restaurant, tour a silk carpet workshop for demonstrations of this ancient art form. Then visit the Shanghai Museum, featuring displays of ceramics, bronzes and paintings. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and a Chinese acrobatic show. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.*
Departure Dates:
March - November
12 DAYS FROM $2,734 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
This itinerary gives you China’s key
highlights in just 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, China’s most
cutting-edge, modern city. Next, cruise the legendary Yangtze from
Wuhan, starting with a visit to the engineering marvel of the Three
Gorges Dam and then sailing through the wildly beautiful Three Gorges
and Lesser Gorges before you reach Chongqing. Next, visit Xian, home of
the Terra Cotta Warriors. Finally in Beijing, explore historic imperial
treasures like The Forbidden City, Great Wall and famed Summer Palace.Day 1
Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s former imperial capital whose rich history dates back to more than 1,000 years B.C. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to relax or explore.
Day 2
Beijing
This morning visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, which can accommodate over 1,000,000 people. Then, tour Beijing’s Forbidden City. Nearly 800 buildings and 9,999 rooms make up this amazing site. As you walk its grounds, marvel at the elegant palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens within its walls. After lunch in a local restaurant, you visit the Summer Palace, a 700-acre complex of gardens and elegant buildings. Its Chinese name means Garden of Nurtured Harmony, and it was frequented by the Imperial Court to escape the bustle of Beijing. Walk its landscaped grounds, considered among the finest Chinese architectural gardens. This evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner. Then, you are treated to a performance of the Peking Opera, a fascinating cultural experience.
Day 3
Beijing
After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills to see one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the fabled Great Wall of China. Walk along its winding pathways and marvel at the excellent views. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by massive sculptures of elephants, lions and camels. Tonight, taste some local specialties at dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4
Beijing & Xian
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. After lunch, 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. Tonight, experience its grandeur as you dine surrounded by the historic song and dance of this colorful era. (B, L, D)
Rickshaw hutong tour only available on Beijing to Shanghai itinerary direction.
Day 5
Xian & Chongqing
After breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. See the more than 6,000 life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors, archers and infantrymen that were buried with him, from the walkways that provide a bird’s-eye view. Each man and horse is molded with his own distinct features. After lunch fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze. You are welcomed aboard the Viking Century Sky with a Western meal, and your ship sails this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6
Shibaozhai
This morning, you visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 and perched high above the Yangtze. Climb up to the top for breathtaking views of the river below. Return to your ship and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 7
Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
For the next 150 miles, you travel the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. During breakfast, cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Lesser Three Gorges. Sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way you see ancient sites including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. Enjoy lunch at a scenic stop overlooking the gorges. After, return to your ship and sail through Wu (Witches) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 8
Three Gorges Dam
This morning, you disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam. You learn all about this immense engineering masterpiece—first conceived by Sun Yat-Sen in 1919—and how it will affect the Chinese people and the Yangtze. Then, you return to your ship and traverse the 5-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. Lunch and dinner are served aboard while you cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 9
Three Gorges & Yueyang
This morning, cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Then arrive in Yueyang, where you visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises in this rural village. You will be warmly greeted by the children and enjoy a performance. Return to your ship for meals and scenic cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 10
Wuhan & Shanghai
After breakfast, disembark in Wuhan. Visit the Wuhan Museum. Then, fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city and one of the world’s most important ports. Here, you can see the modern metropolis of the financial district juxtaposed with the other sections of the city. Check in to your hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Shanghai
This morning, tour Old Shanghai and travel along the Bund, the city’s elegant riverfront promenade. After lunch in a local restaurant, tour a silk carpet workshop for demonstrations of this ancient art form. Then visit the Shanghai Museum, featuring displays of ceramics, bronzes and paintings. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and a Chinese acrobatic show. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.*
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.
Fine Dining
Fine dining consists of early bird breakfast, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests may choose between several courses during lunch and dinner.
Staterooms
Viking Century Sky features 149 comfortable outside staterooms each with balcony, telephone, television, air conditioning and in-room safe.
Viking Century Sky Ship Features
Bar
Business center
149 comfortable outside staterooms with balconies
Restaurant
Internet station
Elevator access to all decks
Souvenir shop
Library
Laundry & massage service
Sauna and gym
Conference room
Doctor & beauty salon
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.
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.
Fine Dining
Fine dining consists of early bird breakfast, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests may choose between several courses during lunch and dinner.
Staterooms
Viking Century Sky features 149 comfortable outside staterooms each with balcony, telephone, television, air conditioning and in-room safe.
Viking Century Sky Ship Features
Bar
Business center
149 comfortable outside staterooms with balconies
Restaurant
Internet station
Elevator access to all decks
Souvenir shop
Library
Laundry & massage service
Sauna and gym
Conference room
Doctor & beauty salon
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.
Departure Dates:
March - November
Prices:
from approx $2,734 US per person double
occupancy
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
tours@a-ztravel.com