Imperial Jewels of China

13 days
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41 reviews  
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River Cruise
This phenomenal itinerary presents China’s key highlights in just 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, China’s most cutting-edge, modern city. Cruise the legendary Yangtze between Wuhan and Chongqing through the scenic Three Gorges and wildly beautiful Lesser Gorges. Tour the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel that has changed the face of China. Visit...
From$3,417
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, imperial treasures like the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, and cruise the wildly beautiful Three Gorges region of the legendary Yangtze.
    • Visit the Great wall of China and explore its winding pathways and marvel
    • Visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze.
    • See Old Shanghai and travel along the elegant Bund, stopping to admire some of its historic buildings and city views.

What's this trip about?

    This phenomenal itinerary presents China’s key highlights in just 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, China’s most cutting-edge, modern city. Cruise the legendary Yangtze between Wuhan and Chongqing through the scenic Three Gorges and wildly beautiful Lesser Gorges. Tour the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel that has changed the face of China. Visit the necropolis at Xian, where you encounter thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors. In Beijing, explore imperial treasures like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and walk through historic Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public venue. The hospitality of distinctive hotels and the fabulous Viking Emerald round out an amazing trip.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range50 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityBeijing
End CityShanghai

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia
  • China

Attractions

  • Beijing
  • Great Wall of China
  • Shanghai
  • Terra Cotta Warriors
  • The Forbidden City
  • Three Gorges
  • Xian

Activities

  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • River cruise

Trip includes

    • 6-day Yangtze River cruise in veranda stateroom
    • 2 nights in Shanghai: Westin Bund, Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton Portman; 2 nights in Xian: Sheraton, Hilton or Crowne Plaza; 3 nights in Beijing: Kerry, JW Marriott, Regent Beijing or Ritz-Carlton
    • Fully escorted: 11 guided tours with audio headset
    • Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    • All meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners, featuring regional specialties with select meals at local restaurants, including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner
    • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch
    • Intra-China flights
    • Culture Curriculum: Listen to the sound of the Hubei Bells; attend lectures on the Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam & current affairs; see a Chinese Tea Ceremony; learn a few Chinese words; hone your skills at mahjong and tai chi
    • All port charges
    • Free internet service, connection speed may vary

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Beijing, China

Fly to Beijing, China’s imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years, then transfer to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to relax or explore.

Day 2: Beijing, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, which can accommodate over 1 million people. Then, tour Beijing’s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made up of nearly 1,000 buildings, it is the world’s largest sur...

Day 3: Beijing, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills. There, you behold one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. This 4,000-mile-long series of sandstone and earthwork fortifications was buil...

Day 4: Xian, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, tour Old Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleys) via rickshaw.† Discover the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese life. After lunch, fly to Xian, key city of the Tang Dynasty. From 618 to 907 AD, this dynasty presided ove...

Day 5: Xian, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. See the thousands of life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors, archers and infantrymen that were buried with him, each man and horse...

Day 6: Chongqing, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze, to board your ship and enjoy a Western dinner.

Day 7: Shibaozhai, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze. Tour the pavilion and temple before returning aboard for lunch. Enjoy Yangtze River scenery as you cruise this afternoon and through the night.

Day 8: Three Gorges, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

For the next 150 miles, 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 Qutang Gorge, the shortest...

Day 9: Three Gorges, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, where you learn about this immense engineering masterpiece and what it means for the Chinese people and the Yangtze. Lunch and dinner are served aboard while you cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges.

Day 10: Jingzhou, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, arrive in Jingzhou, where you visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises. You are greeted and entertained by the children, then return to your ship for scenic cruising.

Day 11: Shanghai, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, disembark in Wuhan. Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city and one of the world’s most important ports. Here, you can see the modern metropolis of the financial district juxtaposed with the older sections of the city. Check in to your hotel.

Day 12: Shanghai, China

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, see Old Shanghai and travel along the elegant Bund, stopping to admire some of its historic buildings and city views. Then tour the Shanghai Museum, featuring displays of ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and painti...

Day 13: Shanghai, China

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Consider extending your China journey with 2 extra nights in Shanghai to further explore this fascinating city, or 3 nights in Hong Kong.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,417
Price per day$263
Last Updated: 11/18/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Viking River Cruises.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Viking River Cruises

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Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail.

We call this the Viking Experience. It’s the way your bartender has your drink prepared at just the right moment. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China. Or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna. Every aspect of your time with Viking, from expertly prepared meals to carefully created enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships, is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.

With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, we offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart from other travel companies.

While we deliver the expected and iconic, such as visits to museums and landmarks, we also go beyond. On every itinerary, you can experience local life through such excursions as home-hosted visits or trips to local markets. We also offer the opportunity to see the working world of bakers and artisans, and the option for our guests to experience priviledged access to museums, private collections and after-hours events that we thoughtfully curate.

DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION

Our daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the land.

GAIN GREATER INSIGHT

Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Our Culture Curriculum, an enriching onboard program, infuses every cruise and brings history to life.

CAPTURE THE CULTURE

Accompany us on a shopping trip to the local market. Walk through the door of a centuries-old cathedral or visit a contemporary art museum. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. Our tastings and demonstrations expand your mind and satisfy your senses.

EXPLORE ASHORE

Have you yearned to visit the vaults of the famed Hermitage Museum? Attend a classical concert in Vienna? Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian? Your Program Director can organize a variety of optional tours.

PERSONALIZE

An appointment at the best spa in Prague or dinner at one of Lyon’s Michelin-star restaurants? Our onboard Viking Concierge is there to assist you with special requests.

 Tweets by VikingRiver

What they’re known for
Classy European and Asian river cruises with premium offerings like personal excursions and private access to attractions.

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Logistics

Ship & cabin information
Viking Emerald
Explorer Suite (Ps) Features Stateroom size: 603 sq. ft. Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 71 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration) Sitting area with sofa, armchair and desk Panoramic windows that open onto private wraparound veranda Private bathroom with bathtub, shower and premium bath products Bathrobe and slippers available upon request Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily Kettle and instant coffee available in the stateroom Air conditioning Space under bed for storing suitcases Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers Voltage: 220V and 110V in stateroom Two flat-panel TVs with premium entertainment package including CNN and other English-language programming
Cruise the Yangtze River on Viking Emerald, a state-of-the-art river cruise vessel. Accommodating 256 guests with full verandas, hotel-style beds in every spacious suite and stateroom, public areas bathed in light and an English-speaking crew, Viking Emerald is one of the most sophisticated river ships sailing the region. See the 360° Emerald Ship Tour
Deck Plans
Cancellation policy

For any cruise/land booking, whether under deposit, partially paid, or paid in full and air-inclusive packages paid in full, the following travel agent or guest-requested situations are considered cancellations and penalties will apply as noted below: changes to departure date; substitutions of itinerary; substitution of another person for original booked guest(s); or changing to a promotional fare. All cancellations must be in writing. For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after issuance of an airline ticket, the air portion of the refund, if any, will be processed only after the return of airline ticket to Viking. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all written cancellations received prior to departure up to the scheduled time of departure.

Cancellation received | Following charges will apply: (Broken out by days before departure) 121 days or more is $100 per person | 120-90 days is 15% of full fare | 89-60 days is 35% of full fare | 59-30 days is 50% of full fare | 29-0 days is 100% of full fare.

Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 11 Dinners

Age Requirements
50 years and up
Travelstride Take
For affluent travelers seeking to go a bit further off the beaten path, while still traveling in comfort - Imperial Jewels of China by Viking River Cruises could be the perfect fit.    This cruise, which travels the Yangtze River over 13 days, is great for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture as you meander down the river at a leisurely pace. You'll stop at many small ports and get to explore local life, food, and drink.   Great for:   50+ and Seniors   Adventurous minded   Photographers   Foodies   Not quite the right fit? Explore more Yangtze River Cruises »
Trip ID
viking-impjewvik

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