This 17-day odyssey explores China's cradle of culture with an epic 11-day Yangtze cruise between Chongqing and Nanjing. See all the wonders of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai-the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terra Cotta Army and Old Shanghai. And, uncover the roots of Chinese civilization from Jingdezhen, birthplace of porcelain; to Mt. Jiu Hua's remote Buddhist Temple complex; to Suzhou with its elegant classical gardens. Those who really want to understand the origins of Chinese culture should strongly consider this itinerary, our ultimate China experience.

Day 1: Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China's former imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to relax.

Day 2: Beijing
This morning visit Tiananmen Square. Then, tour Beijing's mysterious Forbidden City, off limits to visitors for 500 years; explore its pavilions, courtyards and gardens. After lunch, walk among the elegant buildings and landscaped grounds of the 700-acre Summer Palace complex. Tonight's dinner features China's famous Peking duck; then experience a recital by performers from the world-renowned Peking Opera. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Beijing
After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills to walk the fabled Great Wall of China. Lunch in a local restaurant is followed by a stroll along the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue with massive animal sculptures guarding the Ming Tombs. Tonight enjoy a dinner of local specialties. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Beijing & Xian
Today, discover the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese life in Old Beijing's hutongs (narrow alleys) via rickshaw.*** Visit a silk carpet workshop for a demonstration. After lunch, fly to Xian, China's capital during several important dynasties. From 618 to 907 A.D., the Tang Dynasty presided over one of China's most glorious cultural periods. Tonight, dine surrounded by the song and dance of this colorful era. (B, L, D)

***Rickshaw tour only available on Beijing to Shanghai itinerary direction.

Day 5: Xian & Chongqing
After breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was buried over 2,000 years ago. Marvel at the more than 8,000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen and horses provided to accompany him into the afterlife. After lunch fly to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze. Enjoy a Western dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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. After a lunch stop at our exclusive scenic picnic area, return aboard and sail through Wu (Witches) Gorge. Dine aboard; this evening, pass through the five-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Three Gorges Dam & Three Gorges
First thing this morning, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, an immense hydroelectric engineering project scheduled for completion in 2009. After your tour, return aboard and cruise through Xiling Gorge, longest of the Three Gorges. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 10: 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 11: Dongting Lake
After breakfast, cross Dongting Lake, China's second largest freshwater lake. Stop for a visit to the 66-foot-high Yueyang Tower and its nearby pavilions, originally built during the Qing Dynasty. Cruise overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Wuhan
After breakfast, stop in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. Go through the Hubei Museum to see its many ancient artifacts, including a large collection of bronze bells. (B, L, D)

Day 13: 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 14: 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 aboard for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 15: 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 a sampan ride 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, D)

Day 16: Shanghai
This morning, tour Old Shanghai and the Bund, an elegant riverfront promenade lined with historic buildings. Visit the comprehensive Shanghai Museum to see some of its extensive collection of art and artifacts. Dine in a restaurant, then enjoy a performance of the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. (B, L, D)

Day 17: Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your trip with a fully escorted 4-night land package. Enjoy the scenery of lush Guilin and shop in Hong Kong.