RiverCruiseTours.com Tian An Men Square in Beijing, China
Asia River Cruises
Europe River Cruises
Russia River Cruises
Nile River Cruises
North America River & Lake Cruises
Navigation
Home
  
- Asia Cruises
      
- China's Cultural Delights

2008 Beijing to Shanghai
Jun 17
Jul 5, 23
Aug 10, 28
Sep 15
Oct 3, 21
Nov 8

2008 Shanghai to Beijing
Jun 10, 28
Jul 16
Aug 3, 21
Sep 8, 26
Oct 14
Nov 1, 19

2009 Beijing to Shanghai
Mar 18; Apr 7, 27; May 27; Jun 16; Jul 6, 26; Aug 15; Sep 4, 24; Oct 14; Nov 3

2009 Shanghai to Beijing
Mar 30; Apr 19; May 9; Jun 8, 28; Jul 18; Aug 7, 27; Sep 16; Oct 6, 26; Nov 15

Ship Information
Viking Century Sun
Reservations
1-888-942-3301
Our Newsletter

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List iconJoin our Email Newsletter

Send Page To a Friend


 
    SITE SEARCH
 
Web rivercruisetours.com

Certain restrictions apply. All rates in U.S. dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms subject to change without notice. Images, logos, photographs etc. on this page is copyrighted by Viking River Cruise. It is presumed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice.

This 15-night adventure explores China’s cradle of culture with a 9-night cruise on the Yangtze all the way from Chongqing to Nanjing. See the wonders of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Uncover the roots of Chinese civilization from Jingdezhen, birthplace of porcelain, to Mt. Jiu Hua’s remote Buddhist Temple complex, to Nanjing, capital of ancient China, and Suzhou, “Venice of the East.” Cruise for 9 nights along the Yangtze River aboard the best ships on the river. Marvel at the scenery through the lounge’s panoramic windows, or enjoy the views from the sun deck or the comfort of your cabin’s private balcony. On board, your meals are overseen by our Swiss catering department and alternate between Chinese and Western entrées. Ashore, enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Dinner and select meals at local restaurants. All noted meals are included in your cruisetour fare.

Our English-speaking guides will take you to famous landmarks like the Great Wall as well as hidden gems like the Yue Yang Tower at Dongting Lake. Enjoy cultural highlights such as a Chinese acrobatic performance, Peking Opera and a Tang Dynasty dinner show. Explore ancient Chinese culture at the Wuhan Museum, Ceramic History Museum and Suzhou’s silk factory. In Xian, you’ll marvel at the 6,000 terra cotta warriors Emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned to guard him in the afterlife.
Included Features
  • 10-Day Yangtze Cruise in balcony stateroom
  • 3 nights Beijing, 1 night Xian, 2 nights Shanghai in 5-star hotels
  • Fully escorted with 16 guided tours
  • 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches & 14 dinners, with select meals at local Chinese restaurants
  • Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner
  • Captain's Farewell Dinner
  • Intra-China flights
  • Cultural Highlights: Peking Opera; Peking Duck Dinner; Tang Dynasty dinner show; Chinese acrobatic performance
  • All port & cruise fuel surcharges - no hidden costs
Pricing

2008 BEIJING TO SHANGHAI
  CAT F CAT E CAT D CAT C CAT B CAT A CAT A SUPE-RIOR MINI SUITE SUITE
Mar 19; Jul 5, 23 $3,399 $3,549 $3,849 $3,999 $4,299 $4,599 $5,199 $6,099 $7,599
Apr 6; Jun 17 $3,799 $3,749 $4,249 $4,399 $4,699 $4,999 $5,599 $6,499 $7,999
Apr 24; May 30; Oct 21; Nov 8 $3,799 $3,949 $4,249 $4,399 $4,699 $4,999 $5,599 $6,499 $7,999
May 12 $3,999 $4,149 $4,449 $4,599 $4,899 $5,199 $5,799 $6,699 $8,199
Aug 10 $4,999 $5,149 $5,449 $5,599 $5,899 $6,199 $6,799 $7,699 $9,199
Aug 28 $5,399 $5,549 $5,849 $5,999 $6,299 $6,599 $7,199 $8,099 $9,599
Sep 15; Oct 3 $4,099 $4,249 $4,549 $4,699 $4,999 $5,299 $5,899 $6,799 $8,299


2008 SHANGHAI TO BEIJING
2008 Shanghai to Beijing
  CAT F CAT E CAT D CAT C CAT B CAT A CAT A SUPE-RIOR MINI SUITE SUITE
Mar 30; Apr 17; Jun 10, 28; Nov 1, 19 $3,799 $3,749 $4,249 $4,399 $4,699 $4,999 $5,599 $6,499 $7,999
May 5, 23 $3,999 $4,149 $4,449 $4,599 $4,899 $5,199 $5,799 $6,699 $8,199
Jul 16; Aug 21 $3,399 $3,549 $3,849 $3,999 $4,299 $4,599 $5,199 $6,099 $7,599
Aug 3 $4,999 $5,149 $5,449 $5,599 $5,899 $6,199 $6,799 $7,699 $9,199
Sep 8, 26; Oct 14 $4,099 $4,249 $4,549 $4,699 $4,999 $5,299 $5,899 $6,799 $8,299

Note: Prices listed above are per person, double occupancy, and include port charges of $90, cruise fuel surcharges of $45 and intra-China air taxes/fees of $13. Limited singles are available at an additional charge; call for details. Normal cancellation policy applies to all Early Bookings; see Terms and Conditions. Early Booking Discount is not combinable with any other offer except Past Passenger Discount.

AIRFARE
September 1 – November 30
Roundtrip Air from Zone 1: from $1,095
Roundtrip Air from Zone 2: from $1,295

March 1 – May 31
Roundtrip Air from Zone 1: from $1,095
Roundtrip Air from Zone 2: from $1,295

June 1 – August 31
Roundtrip Air from Zone 1: from $1,295
Roundtrip Air from Zone 2: from $1,495

Upgrade to Business Class: $3,500

Air Taxes: Airfare includes all government air taxes/fees of approximately $160 as well as all air fuel surcharges. Prices may be subject to change. See also Terms and Conditions.

Additional Notes:

* For 2008 Olympic dates air, add $500 to the Jun-Aug air prices.

U.S. flights depart one day prior to hotel check-in date. Transfers are included with roundtrip airfare purchase. If air is not purchased from Viking River Cruises, transfers between airport and hotel may be purchased separately; call for details.


2009 DEPARTURES

Available Ships
Beijing to Shanghai Shanghai to Beijing
Viking Century Sun Mar 18; Apr 7, 27; May 27; Jun 16; Jul 6, 26; Aug 15; Sep 4, 24; Oct 14; Nov 3 Mar 30; Apr 19; May 9; Jun 8, 28; Jul 18; Aug 7, 27; Sep 16; Oct 6, 26; Nov 15

Note: Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, double occupancy and include port charges. Limited singles are available, call for pricing. Early Booking Discount is not combinable with any other offer except Past Guest Discount and Refer-A-Friend Credit. Subject to availability and other restrictions may apply. See Terms and Conditions. Viking River Cruises reserves the right to correct or revise pricing or dates throughout the season.

* Please call us to inquire about 2009 prices and itinerary details

Itinerary
Day 1 Beijing
Begin your adventure in exotic Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s former imperial capital whose rich history dates back to more than 1,000 years B.C. We’ll 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
Explore the contrast of ancient and modern
This morning visit Tiananmen Square, built to accommodate over 1,000,000 people. Later, tour Beijing’s mysterious Forbidden City. Completed in 1420, it was off limits to visitors for 500 years. Explore the elegant palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens within its walls.

After a local lunch, tour the Summer Palace, a 700-acre complex. Walk among its elegant buildings and landscaped grounds, considered among the finest Chinese gardens. Tonight’s dinner features China’s famous Peking Duck followed by a performance of the world-renowned Peking Opera.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3 Beijing
Experience a walk along the Great Wall
After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills to walk the fabled Great Wall of China. Lunch in a local restaurant is followed by a stroll along the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue with massive animal sculptures guarding the Ming Tombs. Tonight enjoy a dinner of local specialties.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4 Beijing, Xian
Discover the alleys of Old Beijing
Today tour Old Beijing’s 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 618-907 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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
†Hutongs (rickshaw) tour only available on Beijing to Shanghai itinerary direction.

Day 5 Xian, Chongqing
Face an army of warriors & sail the magnificent Yangtze
After breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. Marvel at his eternal defenders—over 6,000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen and horses guarding his tomb. After lunch fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze. Enjoy a Western dinner aboard.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 Shibaozhai
Amazing architecture on the hillside
This afternoon you tour the 12-story red pavilion, Shibaozhai Temple. An amazing piece of Chinese architecture built during the Qing Dynasty, it’s set on the hill above the Yangtze. Have lunch and dinner aboard.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 Three Gorges Dam, Lesser Three Gorges
Glide through China’s exotic landscape
This morning, cruise past the spectacular limestone cliffs known as the Three Gorges. During your 150-mile journey, first pass Qutang Gorge, the 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. After enjoying a scenic lunch stop, board your ship and cruise through Wu (Witches) Gorge. Dine aboard and sail overnight.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8 Three Gorges Dam
Witness an extraordinary engineering feat
Enjoy breakfast aboard while traversing the five-stage locks of the Dam. Disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam. Learn about this immense hydroelectric engineering project and how it will affect the Chinese people and the Yangtze. Then cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Dinner is served aboard.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9 Jingzhou
Meet local children at our sponsored school
This morning, visit a rural village where Viking River Cruises has sponsored a much-needed elementary school. Arrive to a warm greeting from the children. Return to your ship for afternoon cruising and meals.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10 Dongting Lake
Experience “poetry-inspiring” beauty
After breakfast, sail Dongting Lake, China’s second largest freshwater lake. From here, tour 66-foot-high Yue Yang Tower and its nearby pavilions, originally built during the Qing Dynasty. Cruise overnight.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11 Wuhan
Discover China’s historic treasures
After breakfast, disembark in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. Tour the Hubei Museum with its many historic artifacts including a collection of ancient bells.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 12 Jingdezhen
See how porcelain is made
After breakfast, tour the Ceramic History Museum. Learn how ceramics were produced in ancient times and their significance to each Dynasty. Dine aboard and sail overnight.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 13 Mt. Jiu Hua
Beautiful temples tucked into lush landscape
Marvel at the tranquil beauty of Mt. Jiu Hua, one of only four sacred Buddhist mountains. Later, tour a Buddhist temple and enjoy dinner onboard.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 14 Nanjing, Suzhou
Stroll through China’s most exquisite gardens
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic motorcoach ride to Suzhou, nicknamed “Venice of the East” for its intricate canals. Tour the Old Town and embark on a sampan ride. Tour a Silk Factory and the exquisite Fishermen’s Garden. Have lunch and continue via motorcoach to Shanghai. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner with evening free time.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 15 Shanghai
A fascinating city of contrasts
This morning, tour Old Shanghai and the Bund, an elegant riverfront promenade. See many exhibits at the Shanghai Museum. Dine in a restaurant, followed by a Chinese acrobatic performance.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 16 Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your trip with one of our fully escorted land packages. You can enjoy the scenery of lush Guilin and shop in Hong Kong. Or, explore the history and culture of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Or, see the ancient culture and landmarks of two vibrant countries—Thailand and Cambodia.
Breakfast included.

Note: Schedules and activities subject to change dependent upon water levels, port accessibility and weather. Passengers must be able to climb ramps for ship embarkation/disembarkation; these have a number of steep steps. Tours include up to 1-2 mile walks over steps and uneven ground. For passenger safety and enjoyment, you should be in good physical condition to participate in all tours. Ships and destinations in China do not have facilities to accommodate wheelchairs or physically challenged passengers.

†Hutongs (rickshaw) tour only available on Beijing to Shanghai itinerary direction.

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air purchased from Viking River Cruises.

This itinerary also available in the reverse direction. Port sequence, tours and times may vary.

China Cultural Delight River Cruise Map

Extend you vacation with this pre- or post-optional extension

Hong KongADD 4 NIGHTS IN HONG KONG & GUILIN (2008)

Discover more of China with this 4-night escorted land tour you add before your river cruisetour (for itineraries beginning in Shanghai) or after your cruise (for itineraries ending in Shanghai).

HONG KONG & GUILIN DAY BY DAY
DAY 1 Guilin
After lunch in Shanghai, fly to Guilin where you’ll be escorted to your hotel. Dine at your hotel and your evening is free.

DAY 2 Hong Kong
After breakfast, board a small boat to see local village life along the Guilin’s breathtaking Li River. Then, take a walking tour of the Yang Shuo village. Next, fly to Hong Kong and check in to your hotel. Enjoy evening free time to explore; tonight’s dinner is on your own.

DAY 3 Hong Kong
Your half-day city tour takes you to the top of Victoria Peak. Travel around Hong Kong Island to visit the floating city of Aberdeen. Take afternoon free time to further explore the island or go shopping. Tonight, try one of Kowloon’s fine restaurants for dinner.

DAY 4 Hong Kong
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.

DAY 5 Hong Kong
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight.

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR EXTENSION FROM $1,399 PER PERSON*:

  • 3 nights Hong Kong and 1 night Guilin at centrally located 5-star hotels

  • 2 tours with private English-speaking guides: Hong Kong city tour & Aberdeen sampan ride; Guilin/Li River with Yang Shuo shopping tour

  • 7 meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner†

  • All intra-China flights & appropriate transfers

  • English-speaking escort

  • Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises

On the reverse itinerary, start by flying to Hong Kong, Guilin, and finally to Shanghai for your Shanghai to Beijing cruisetour. Hong Kong extension price includes $20 intra-China air taxes/fees.

If you purchase Viking River Cruises trans-Pacific air in conjunction with your cruisetour and extension, additional air charges may apply. Call for details.

*Single supplement $699.

†On pre-cruise extension, 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners.


ThailandADD 6 NIGHTS IN THAILAND & CAMBODIA (2008)

Discover Thailand & Cambodia with this 6-night escorted land tour you add after your cruisetour (for itineraries ending in Shanghai).

THAILAND DAY BY DAY
DAY 1 Bangkok
Transfer to your deluxe riverfront hotel. After checking in, you have free time to explore Thailand’s elegant capital.

DAY 2 Bangkok
This morning tour visit the Grand Palace, former residence of Thai kings, and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You then visit Wat Pho, home to the world’s largest Reclining Buddha. Your afternoon tour takes you to Jim Thompson’s House, a well-preserved home and museum highlighting the revival of the Thai silk-weaving industry. Tonight, dine on regional specialties as you watch a song and dance performance.

DAY 3 Ayuthaya
Today’s full-day tour takes you to Ayuthaya, former capital of Thailand. Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, founded in the 15th century. Continue to Bang Pa In and see its fine collection of Thai palace buildings. Embark on Pearl of Siam and enjoy lunch as you sail along the fabled Chao Phraya River. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 4 Angkor Wat
After breakfast, fly to Siem Reap. Tour Angkor Wat, the temple that became Cambodia’s national symbol. See the world’s longest bas-reliefs that adorn the walls. Then go to Ta Prohm, ancient temple ruins in the Cambodian jungle. This evening, you’ll enjoy the sunset from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.

DAY 5 Angkor Thom
During today’s tour, explore the famous Angkor Thom, a royal fortified city with five monumental gates and a 328-foot-wide moat that encircles it. Inside the walled city, see a number of temple ruins as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Later visit Preah Khan, jungle temple ruins frequented by Buddhist pilgrims, followed by the unusual sandstone Hindu temple Banteay Srei and its elaborate carvings. Evening at leisure.

DAY 6 Bangkok
Your morning tour takes you through the monumental Roluos Group Temples, some of the earliest temples of the Khmer period. See Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong, the largest and most interesting of the group that still maintains an active Buddhist monastery. Fly to Bangkok this afternoon and check into your hotel; evening at leisure.

DAY 7 Bangkok
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight.

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR EXTENSION FROM $1,699 PER PERSON*:

  • 3 nights at centrally located 5-star Bangkok Shangri-La, 2 nights at 5-star Siem Reap Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor & night at 4-star Bangkok airport hotel (or similar)

  • Daily breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

  • Guided city tours of Bangkok’s Old City, Ayuthaya, Angkor Wat, Angkor Royal Palaces and Roluos Group Temples

  • Guided tour of Angkor Thom

  • All intra-Asia flights and appropriate transfers

  • English-speaking escort throughout

  • Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises

Thailand/Cambodia extension price includes $30 intra-Asia air taxes/fees.

If you purchase Viking River Cruises trans-Pacific air in conjunction with your cruisetour and extension, additional air charges may apply; call for details.

*Single supplement $699.


VietnamADD 6 NIGHTS IN VIETNAM (2008)

Discover Vietnam with this 6-night escorted land tour you add after your cruisetour (for itineraries ending in Shanghai).

VIETNAM DAY BY DAY
DAY 1 Hanoi
Transfer to your deluxe hotel. Upon arrival, you’ll see some of Vietnam’s capital before arriving at your hotel. See the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known by American prisoners captured in Vietnam as Hanoi Hilton. You’ll then be treated to an amusing water puppets performance, an art form unknown beyond this region until the 1960s.

DAY 2 Hanoi
Your guided tour of Hanoi stops at Ho Chi Minh Museum, which highlights the past and the future. Then, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, where the ruler lived from 1958-1969. After lunch, take a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter. In this maze of streets, see traditional shops and tube houses filled with merchandise.

DAY 3 Danang, Hoi An
After breakfast, fly to Danang. From here, drive past historic China Beach and see the incredible five peaks of the Marble Mountains. Arrive in Hoi An, a culture-filled city of central Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free time allows you to stroll the city’s pedestrian-friendly streets.

DAY 4 Hoi An
Today is dedicated to sightseeing in this picturesque town. During your half-day walking tour, see a variety of architectural styles in the Quan Cong Temple, Phuoc Kien Pagoda and Quan Dong Pagoda. You’ll also visit the Tran Family Chapel and Phung Hung House. See the Japanese Covered Bridge and visit the Sa Huynh Museum, with exhibits of ancient artifacts. Afternoon free time; shop for hand-tailored clothing.

DAY 5 Saigon
Today you fly to Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city, known today as Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’ll tour the city to see noted sights including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and City Hall. The architecture here has interesting French influences. You have some free time to explore on your own.

DAY 6 Mekong Delta
Today you have a full-day excursion on the Mekong Delta aboard the Cai Be Princess, an elegant wooden boat that takes you from Cai Be to Vinh Long. You’ll tour the colorful floating market of Cai Be and visit local workshops that produce a variety of local delicacies. You then explore some of the smaller islands nestled in the canals surrounding Mekong Island and have lunch in a fruit orchard. Stop at An Binh Temple before ending your tour at Vinh Long. Return to Saigon, and the rest of your day is at leisure.

DAY 7 Saigon
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight.  

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR EXTENSION FROM $1,699 PER PERSON*:

  • 2 nights each at centrally located 4-star Hanoi Hilton Opera, Hoi An Life Heritage Resort & Saigon Sheraton (or similar)

  • Daily breakfasts, 1 lunch

  • Guided city tours of Hanoi, Hoi An & Saigon; Danang sightseeing & Vietnam countryside

  • Guided tour of the Mekong Delta from Cai Be to Vinh Long

  • All intra-Asia flights and appropriate transfers

  • English-speaking escort throughout

  • Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises 

Vietnam extension price includes $30 intra-Asia air taxes/fees.

If you purchase Viking River Cruises trans-Pacific air in conjunction with your cruisetour and extension, additional air charges may apply; call for details.

*Single supplement $699.

Copyright © Atlas Cruises & Tours, 1997-2008. All rights reserved

Partner Sites: AtlasTravelNetwork.com | LuxuryTour.com | AtlasTravelweb.com | EscortedTourOperators.com | ChristmasMarketTours.com
Privacy Policy | User Agreement Home | About Us | Site Map | FAQ | Contact Us