From the imperial treasures of the ancient cities of Beijing and Xian, to the Buddhist gems of timeless Lhasa and lively streets of Shanghai, this 13-night voyage will take you to see the very best of China and Tibet. Nestled at the foot of legendary Mt. Everest, source of the mighty Yangtze River, is the city of Lhasa. Here, the people still practice Buddhist Lamaism, retaining their distinctive character and culture, and thriving in one of the world’s most rugged environments. You’ll explore Tibet’s most important Buddhist temple and the incredible Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama, as you experience the local’s time-honored traditions and generous hospitality.

Includes:

• 3- or 4-night Yangtze River Cruise with river-view, balcony cabin onboard the new, deluxe Viking Century Sky
• Accommodations at 5-star hotels: 3 nights Beijing, 1 night Xian, 1 night Chengdu, 3 nights Lhasa (best in city), 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; Lhasa/Jokhang Temple/Barkhor Market; Tibetan Museum/Potala Palace/Sera Monastery; Shibaozhai Temple; Lesser Three Gorges; Three Gorges Dam; Shanghai/Bund/Children’s Palace
• 37 meals: 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches & 12 dinners with select meals at local restaurants
• Welcome Cocktail & Farewell Dinner
• Unique Cultural Highlights: Peking Opera; Peking Duck Dinner;Tang Dynasty dinner show; Tibetan family visit & tea; Chinese acrobatic performance
• 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