China | Roof of the World

Welcome to Beijing, China’s former imperial capital. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to relax.

After breakfast, visit massive Tiananmen Square, then see the Forbidden City with its elegant palaces, pavilions and landscaped gardens, once open only to nobility. This afternoon, tour the 700-acre Summer Palace and ride a dragon boat across its manmade lake. Tonight’s treat is a Peking duck dinner; then enjoy the artistry of performers from the famed Peking Opera. (B, L, D)

Today, ride to 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. (B, L, D)

See traditional Chinese life during your rickshaw tour along Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleyways), then tour a silk carpet workshop.† After lunch, fly to Xian, China’s legendary home of the Tang Dynasty from 618 to 907 A.D. Tonight, experience the glory of this era at a banquet with traditional song and dance. (B, L, D)

†Rickshaw tour only available on Shanghai to Beijing direction.

Today, tour Xian’s archaeological wonder: 8,000 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)

Morning free time in Xian—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your activities. After lunch, fly to Lhasa, the economic, spiritual and cultural center of Tibet. Experience Tibetan culture with a family-hosted tea followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

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)

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)

After breakfast, fly to the mountain city of Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze, to embark Viking Century Sky. (B, L, D)

This morning cruise the Yangtze; after lunch, visit Shibaozhai Temple. Built into the cliffs, this red pavilion is a gem of Qing Dynasty architecture. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

During breakfast, sail through the spectacular scenery of Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest gorge. Board smaller boats for an excursion through the Lesser Three Gorges. Stop for a barbecue lunch at a private Viking picnic spot, then return to your ship and continue through Wu Gorge. This evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam’s five-stage lock system. (B, L, D)

This morning, tour the monumental Three Gorges Dam, scheduled for completion in 2009. In the afternoon, sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the gorges. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, travel to this town's elementary school, sponsored by Viking River Cruises. The children warmly welcome you and share stories and photos. Return to your ship for meals and scenic cruising. (B, L, D)

Disembark and tour the Hubei Provincial Museum before your flight to Shanghai, China’s largest city and a modern metropolis. After checking in, the rest of your day is free. (B, L, D)

Today, 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 and other artifacts. Dine in a local restaurant, then admire the dexterity of Chinese acrobats at tonight’s performance. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, add to your China experience with a fully escorted land package to bustling Hong Kong and scenic Guilin. (B)