Explore the heart of China on a relaxing 11-day Yangtze cruise, bookended by two hotel nights in Shanghai. Sail through the legendary Three Gorges region, including a fascinating transit through the Three Gorges Dam's five-stage lock system and a tour of the dam facility. Visit the birthplaces of porcelain and dragon boat racing, and experience the tranquility of Mt. Jiu Hua, one of four mountains sacred to the Buddhist faith. Visit the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, where you are treated to a concert of bronze bells and other traditional instruments, and take a scenic journey to Suzhou to see its architectural gardens.

Day 1 Shanghai
Welcome to Shanghai, China's largest city. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* Relax in Shanghai this evening.

Day 2 Shanghai, Suzhou & Nanjing
After breakfast, ride to Suzhou, nicknamed "Venice of the East" for its intricate canals. Take a guided walk through the Old Town and along the city's canals, and then tour a silk factory and the exquisite Fishermen's Garden. After lunch, ride to Nanjing to board your ship. You are welcomed aboard with a Western dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Mt. Jiu Hua
Marvel at the tranquil beauty of Mt. Jiu Hua, one of only four sacred Buddhist mountains. Visit one of the area's Buddhist temples, then return to your ship for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Jingdezhen
Today, visit the Ceramic History Museum in this city dubbed "the Porcelain Capital" due to its 1,700-year history of making pottery. Learn how ceramics were produced in ancient times and their significance to each dynasty. In modern times these pieces are virtually priceless-a rare copper-red Ming Dynasty vase recently sold at auction for more than $10 million. Dine aboard and sail overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Wuhan
After breakfast, stop in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. Tour the Hubei Provincial Museum to see its many ancient artifacts, including a large collection of bronze bells, and enjoy a conert on these wondrous instruments. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Dongting Lake
Sail across Dongting Lake, China's second-largest freshwater lake. Stop for a visit to the 66-foot-high Yueyang Tower-built without a single nail-and its nearby pavilions, originally built during the Qing Dynasty. Cruise overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Jingzhou
This morning, visit a town where Viking River Cruises has sponsored a much-needed elementary school. Arrive to a warm greeting from the children. Return aboard for afternoon cruising and meals. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Three Gorges Dam & Three Gorges
This morning, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, an immense hydroelectric engineering project completed in 2008. After your tour, return aboard and cruise through the dam's five-stage lock system. For the next 150 miles, you will cruise past the spectacular limestone cliffs known as the Three Gorges. First, sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
This morning, cruise through Wu (Witches) Gorge, renowned for magnificent scenery. 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. Return aboard for lunch, and spend the afternoon cruising through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest of the three larger gorges. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Shibaozhai & Fengdu
This morning, tour the 12-story Shibaozhai Temple, an impressive example of Qing Dynasty architecture (c. 1650) set on the banks of the river. Lunch and dinner aboard, accompanied by scenic cruising along the Yangtze; dock in Fengdu this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Fengdu
Awaken this morning in Fengdu, a city dating back to the Han Dynasty. From here, embark on a tour of Snow Jade Cave, an underground labyrinth of caverns featuring dramatic karst limestone formations. Return to your ship for lunch, dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Chongqing & Shanghai
Disembark at Chongqing and fly to Shanghai, where you enjoy one final evening in this amazing city. (B)

Day 13 Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

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