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 & Chongqing
After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Shanghai before we take you to the Shanghai airport for your flight to Chongqing. You have a panoramic city tour of Chongqing, China's third largest city, on the way to the banks of the Yangtze River to be welcomed aboard your ship. Enjoy a Western dinner this evening. (B, D)

Day 3 Fengdu
This afternoon, sail into 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 dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Shibaozhai
After a morning of scenic cruising along the Yangtze, tour the 12-story Shibaozhai Temple, an impressive example of Qing Dynasty architecture set on the banks of the river. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
This morning, begin cruising past the spectacular limestone cliffs known as the Three Gorges. During your 150-mile journey, first pass Qutang Gorge, shortest and narrowest of the three larger gorges. 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 to your ship for lunch and spend the afternoon sailing through Wu (Witches) Gorge. Dine aboard; this evening, pass through the five-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Three Gorges Dam & Three Gorges
First thing 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 Xiling Gorge, longest of the Three Gorges. Dinner aboard. (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 Dongting Lake
After breakfast, cross 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 9 Wuhan
After breakfast, stop in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. Go through 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 10 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. Dine aboard and sail overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 11 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; return to your ship for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Nanjing, Suzhou & Shanghai
After breakfast in Nanjing, enjoy a scenic journey 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, then tour a silk factory and the exquisite Fishermen's Garden.

After lunch, continue to Shanghai; check in to your hotel and have dinner with evening free to relax or explore. (B, L)

Day 13 Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we 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.