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2008 Beijing to Shanghai
Jun 2, 12, 22
Jul 2, 12, 22
Aug 1, 11, 21, 31
Sep 10, 20, 30
Oct 10, 20, 30
Nov 9

2008 Shanghai to Beijing
Jun 9, 19, 29
Jul 9, 19, 29
Aug 8, 18, 28
Sep 7, 17, 27
Oct 7, 17, 27
Nov 6, 16

2009 Shanghai to Beijing
Mar 20, 30; Apr 9, 19, 29; May 9, 19, 29; Jun 8, 18, 28; Aug 27; Sep 6, 16, 26; Oct 6, 16, 26; Nov 5, 15

2009 Beijing to Shanghai
Mar 13, 23; Apr 2, 12, 22; May 2, 12, 22; Jun 1, 11, 21; Aug 20, 30; Sep 9, 19, 29; Oct 9, 19, 29; Nov 8

Viking Century Sky

1-888-942-3301

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 Cruises. It is presumed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice.

Take in China’s highlights, beginning with cosmopolitan Shanghai, the nation’s most modern city. Cruise the legendary Yangtze and see an engineering marvel, the Three Gorges Dam; sail through the wildly beautiful Three Gorges and Lesser Gorges before you reach Chongqing. In Xian, marvel at the extraordinary sight of 6,000 terra cotta warriors individually modeled to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang through eternity. Walk the winding ramparts of the Great Wall of China in Beijing, where you’ll also explore historic imperial treasures like the Forbidden City and elegant Summer Palace. For 5 nights, you’ll cruise aboard the best ships on the river. Marvel at the scenery, whether through the lounge’s panoramic windows, from the sun deck or from 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, you’ll 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 as well as hidden gems. You’ll enjoy cultural highlights such as a Chinese acrobatic performance, Peking Opera and a Tang Dynasty dinner show. Explore ancient Chinese culture with visits to a silk carpet workshop and the Shanghai Museum.

Day 1 Shanghai
Begin your adventure in bustling Shanghai
Welcome to Shanghai, China’s largest city and one of the world’s most important ports. We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* Here, you can see the modern metropolis of the financial district juxtaposed with the older sections of the city.

Day 2 Shanghai
Explore a modern city alive with culture
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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3 Shanghai, Wuhan
Discover more of Shanghai—then fly to meet your deluxe ship
Take morning free time to further explore Shanghai. After lunch in a local restaurant, fly to Wuhan. Visit the Wuhan Museum, then transfer to Viking Century Sky, docked close to Wuhan’s historic waterfront. You’ll be welcomed aboard by a Western meal, and your ship sails this evening.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4 Yueyang, Three Gorges
Meet local children at our sponsored school
Today, visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises in this rural village. You’ll be greeted by the children and enjoy a performance. Return to your ship for meals and scenic cruising.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5 Three Gorges Dam
Marvel at this modern engineering feat
Cruise through the morning and enjoy lunch as you sail along Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Then you tour 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 5-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. Cruise through the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 Three Gorges, Lesser Three Gorges
Glide through China’s exotic landscape
"For the next 150 miles, you’ll 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 Wu (Witches) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. 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 Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Dinner is served aboard."
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 Shibaozhai
Amazing architecture on the hillside
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 for lunch and cruise through the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8 Chongqing, Xian
Step back in time to 970 A.D.
After breakfast, disembark and enjoy a short city tour and lunch in a local restaurant. Then fly to Xian, China’s key city of the Tang Dynasty. From 618-907 A.D. this dynasty presided over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods, spreading its influence throughout Asia into Europe and Africa. Tonight, you’ll experience the grandeur of the era as you dine surrounded by the historic song and dance of this colorful period.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9 Xian, Beijing
Meet 6,000 terra cotta warriors, face to face
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 Beijing, China’s former imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 1,000 years before Christ. Check into your hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10 Beijing
Take a walk along the historic Great Wall
After breakfast travel to the Badaling Hills to see one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the 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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11 Beijing
Stand where emperors did centuries ago
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’ll be treated to a performance of the Peking Opera, a fascinating cultural experience.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 12 Beijing
Beijing
We'll take you from your hotel to the Shanghai airport.*
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.

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

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

► ADD 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.

► ADD 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.

► ADD 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.