This 10-day itinerary shows you two sides of China. First, immerse yourself in China's historic and very modern capital, Beijing: walk through the Forbidden City, stroll by the Summer Palace's Kunming Lake and shaded gardens, stand upon the Great Wall of China and see some of the many improvements made for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Then, see a very different aspect of China on a 6-day Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges and beyond. includes passage through the Three Gorges Dam, an excursion into the Lesser Three Gorges, and a delightful visit to a Viking-sponsored school along the river.

Day 1 Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, China's ancient imperial-and modern-capital. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to relax or explore.

Day 2 Beijing

This morning visit Tiananmen Square, an enormous public space which can accommodate over 1,000,000 people. Then, tour Beijing's Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; made up of nearly 800 buildings, it is the world's largest surviving palace complex. Walk its grounds among the opulent palaces, pavilions, courtyards and imperial gardens behind 26-foot-high walls. After lunch in a local restaurant, see the Summer Palace, a 700-acre complex of elegant buildings and gardens (complete with manmade Kunming Lake) used by the Imperial Court as peaceful retreat. Tonight, taste some local specialties at dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Beijing

This morning you will see the Great Wall of China-a 4,000-mile-long series of sandstone and earthwork fortifications built and maintained between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century A.D. that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride to the nearby Badaling Hills to walk along one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the wall and enjoy panoramic views. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by massive sculptures of elephants, lions and camels leading to the Ming Dynasty tombs. This evening you can relax and dine at your hotel-or, enjoy an optional evening featuring China's famous Peking duck and a recital by Peking Opera performers. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Beijing & Chongqing

Take the morning at leisure to explore more of Beijing-as always, your Tour Escort can help you plan your free time. After lunch, fly to Chongqing, and see some of this impressive riverside city on your way to the Yangtze to board your ship. Enjoy a Western meal as you set sail this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Shibaozhai

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 scenic Yangtze River cruising this afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges

For the next 150 miles, travel the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it makes its way through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. During breakfast, cruise through Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and most dramatic of the three large gorges. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Lesser Three Gorges. Sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering cliffs, noting fascinating sites including the hanging coffins and other artifacts of the Ba people along the way. Return to your ship for lunch, and spend the afternoon sailing through Wu (Witches) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Dinner is served aboard. This evening, transit through the five-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Three Gorges Dam & Three Gorges

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 now that it is completed and fully operational. Lunch and dinner are served aboard while you cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Jingzhou

This morning brings you a special treat: visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises. You are greeted by the children's marching band and entertained with song and dance, then you see them in their classrooms. Return to your ship for a final afternoon of scenic Yangtze cruising. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Wuhan & Beijing

After breakfast, disembark in Wuhan. Visit the Hubei Provincial Museum, where you see some of the more than 200,000 artifacts unearthed throughout the area, including a massive set of bronze bells. You are treated to a concert played entirely on replicas of the bronze bells and other traditional instruments. Then, fly to Beijing for a one-night stay. Check in to your hotel, which is adjacent to the Beijing Olympic Village. Take the afternoon to explore some of the iconic structures erected for the 2008 Summer Games, and enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Beijing

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.