Since well before the time of Christ, the Yangtze has been an essential part of Chinese life and culture, with its mystical landscapes, an inspiration to artists from China and around the world. No visit to China is complete without a cruise on this great river, visiting the ancient temples along its route and witnessing the stunning cliffs and gorges that line its banks. On this 14-night journey you’ll indulge in China’s cultural delights and marvel its artistic treasures. You’ll discover Beijing’s silk trade, explore Jingdezhen’s ceramic heritage and marvel at Nanjing’s folk art. You’ll also explore Buddhist traditions and culture with a visit to beautiful Mt. Jiu Hua.

Includes:

• 9-night Yangtze River Cruise with balcony cabin onboard the new, deluxe Viking Century Sky
• Accommodations at 5-star hotels: 3 nights Beijing, 1 night Xian, 1 night Shanghai
• 16 tours with private English-speaking guides: Beijing/Tiananmen Square/Forbidden City/Summer Palace/Great Wall/Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs/Hutongs & Silk Carpet Workshop; Xian/Terra Cotta Army & Workshop; Shibaozhai Temple; Lesser Three Gorges; Three Gorges Dam; Viking River Cruises school; Wuhan Museum; Jingdezhen/ Ceramic History Museum; Mt. Jiu Hua; Nanjing/Folk Art Museum; Shanghai/Bund
• 40 meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 13 dinners with select meals at local Chinese restaurants
• Welcome Cocktail & Farewell Dinner
• Unique Cultural Highlights: Peking Opera; Peking Duck Dinner; Tang Dynasty dinner show
• Fully escorted vacation from airport arrival to departure
• All Intra-China flights & appropriate hotel/airport/ship transfers
• Payment of all port charges
• Past Passenger Discount for all returning passengers