Day 1Shanghai
Welcome to Shanghai, China’s largest city. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* Relax in Shanghai this evening.
Day 2Shanghai & Chongqing
After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Shanghai before we take you to the Shanghai airport for your flight to Chongqing. You have a panoramic city tour of Chongqing, China's third largest city, on the way to the banks of the Yangtze River to be welcomed aboard your ship. Enjoy a Western dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 3Fengdu
This afternoon, sail into Fengdu, a city dating back to the Han Dynasty. From here, embark on a tour of Snow Jade Cave, an underground labyrinth of caverns featuring dramatic karst limestone formations. Return to your ship for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 4Shibaozhai
After a morning of scenic cruising along the Yangtze, tour the 12-story Shibaozhai Temple, an impressive example of Qing Dynasty architecture set on the banks of the river. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 5Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
This morning, begin cruising past the spectacular limestone cliffs known as the Three Gorges. During your 150-mile journey, first pass Qutang Gorge, shortest and narrowest of the three larger gorges. Then board smaller boats to the Lesser Three Gorges. Marvel at the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. Return to your ship for lunch and spend the afternoon sailing through Wu (Witches) Gorge. Dine aboard; this evening, pass through the five-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. (B, L, D)
Day 6Three Gorges Dam & Three Gorges
First thing this morning, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, an immense hydroelectric engineering project completed in 2008. After your tour, return aboard and cruise through Xiling Gorge, longest of the Three Gorges. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 7Jingzhou
This morning, visit a town where Viking River Cruises has sponsored a much-needed elementary school. Arrive to a warm greeting from the children. Return aboard for afternoon cruising and meals. (B, L, D)
Day 8Dongting Lake
After breakfast, cross Dongting Lake, China’s second largest freshwater lake. Stop for a visit to the 66-foot-high Yueyang Tower—built without a single nail—and its nearby pavilions, originally built during the Qing Dynasty. Cruise overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 9Wuhan
After breakfast, stop in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. Go through the Hubei Provincial Museum to see its many ancient artifacts, including a large collection of bronze bells, and enjoy a conert on these wondrous instruments. (B, L, D)
Day 10Jingdezhen
Today, visit the Ceramic History Museum in this city dubbed “the Porcelain Capital” due to its 1,700-year history of making pottery. Learn how ceramics were produced in ancient times and their significance to each dynasty. Dine aboard and sail overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 11Mt. Jiu Hua
Marvel at the tranquil beauty of Mt. Jiu Hua, one of only four sacred Buddhist mountains. Visit one of the area’s Buddhist temples; return to your ship for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 12Nanjing, Suzhou & Shanghai
After breakfast in Nanjing, enjoy a scenic journey to Suzhou, nicknamed “Venice of the East” for its intricate canals. Take a guided walk through the Old Town and along the city’s canals, then tour a silk factory and the exquisite Fishermen’s Garden.
After lunch, continue to Shanghai; check in to your hotel and have dinner with evening free to relax or explore. (B, L)
Day 13Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*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.