Cruise Advice
Duration
14 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
10 Ports
19 September
Setting sail from Beijing
Home to 11 million people and an astonishing six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Beijing is an exhilarating and at times overwhelming introduction to China's distinctive history, society and culture. Brave the smog and feast your eyes on the majestic Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, along with an ever-expanding roster of spectacular modern architecture, including the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium, star of the 2008 Olympic Games. The old Beijing is still alive and well, and we recommend exploring the maze of narrow alleyways known as hutongs, where you'll find traditional shops, markets and restaurants.
Our tip
Covering an area larger than the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven gives an insight into the practices of the ancient Eastern civilisation, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is particularly pretty.
20 September
China: Dalian
Dalian is an eminently liveable city on the Yellow Sea coast, blessed with a pleasant climate, excellent beaches and a noticeable lack of pollution compared to many Chinese cities. At the centre of Dalian is the vast Xinghai Square, the biggest in the world at a mind boggling 1,760,000 square metres.
21-22 September
China: Qingdao
At first glance the seaside city of Qingdao looks like just another forest of skyscrapers, but take a closer look and you’ll find historic buildings that hark back to the city’s unique German colonial past. Qingdao is also a great destination for foodies, and the German influence gave the city China’s most famous beer, Tsingtao.
23 September
At sea
24-25 September
China: Shanghai
Booming Shanghai has long been China’s most outward-looking, cosmopolitan city, as evidenced by the fascinating mixture of European and Asian architecture. The Bund, a riverfront promenade flanked by grand colonial era buildings, is the city's most famous thoroughfare, while the Pudong financial district lights up the city skyline at night with its futuristic towers.
26 September
At sea
27-29 September
China: Zhoushan, Wenzhou, Pingtan
30 September
China: Xiamen
Xiamen is one of China’s most liveable cities, perched on an island next to the Taiwan Strait. One of the most popular activities here is a trip across to the much smaller and traffic-free island of Gulangyu, renowned for its beaches, gardens and crumbling colonial architecture built by European traders.
1 October
At sea
2 October
China: Shenzhen
3 October
Arriving in Qingshuihe/Shenzhen
Your home from home
Viking’s hugely successful river cruise operation expanded into ocean cruising with a fleet of ten contemporary 930-guest ocean ships featuring attractive inclusive pricing and interesting itineraries. Two new 998-guest ships join the fleet in 2024 and 2025.
What we love
The airy contemporary style of the ships, with fresh Nordic décor, is most appealing. Add to that the huge choices in dining and other facilities, and veranda staterooms throughout, not to mention included shore excursions and an excellent spa, and you have a winner. In 2024 and 2025, Viking will add two new ships to the fleet, Viking Vela and Viking Vesta respectively, which are slightly larger, carrying 998 guests each.
| Capacity | 930 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 602 International Staff |
| Style |
On Viking it is all about the destination. Back on board, expect to socialise with like-minded travellers, in an easy, spacious and understated hotel style environment. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Beijing
We think the Aman at Summer Palace is really special.
Excursions from Beijing
Within reach of the city are various sections of China’s Great Wall. We think Mutiyanya is the most scenic and the best to visit, and a private tour to help avoid the crowds is a must.
