Day 1: Beijing

Today you fly to China's imperial capital, Beijing. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore or unwind after your flight.

Day 2: Beijing

This morning we enjoy a trip to the enormous Tiananmen Square, a large city square in the centre of Beijing, which accommodates over 1 million people. Next we tour Beijing's UNSECO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City. With opulent palaces, courtyards, gardens and pavilions, it's a joy to discover. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

This evening you have the option to attend The Legend of Kung Fu, where you'll see an impressive demonstration of performance art.

Day 3: Beijing

Today we journey into the Badaling Hills, where you'll see the impressive Great Wall of China. Running 4,000 miles long, this sandstone and earthwork fortification dates back to 5th century BC, and today remains one of China's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After lunch, we continue on to Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by enormous elephant, lion and camel statues, which leads up to the Ming Dynasty tombs. In the evening we'll dine in a local restaurant and spend the night relaxing in the hotel.

Day 4: Xian

We tour the narrow valleys of Old Beijing today, getting an insight into the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese life.

After lunch we join a flight to Xian, the key city of the Tang Dynasty, an influential cultural period which presided over China from 618 to 907 AD.

Day 5: Xian

This morning we take a trip to the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. It's here we'll see the iconic Terra Cotta Warriors, thousands of life-sized archers and infantry men which were buried with him.

After lunch you'll have some free time to explore Xian, before a choice of restaurants for dinner, accompanied by the song and dance of this colourful era.

Day 6: Chongqing

Today we join a flight to Chongqing, where you'll board your ship, ready to sail down the Yangtze.

Day 7: Shibaozhai

After breakfast, we'll visit the impressive 12-story Shibaozhai Temple. Built in 1650, this impressive structure sits along the Yangtze, and contains inscriptions of past dynasties and stunning views of the Yangtze from each floor.

Back on board you'll enjoy a delicious lunch, as we continue cruising throughout the afternoon.

Day 8: Wu Gorge

For the next 150 miles, travel the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. During breakfast, cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Goddess Stream. Sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way, see fascinating sites including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliffside. Return aboard for lunch, and spend the afternoon sailing through Wu (‟Witches”) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Dinner is served aboard. This evening, sail through the 5-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam.

Day 9: Wu Gorge

This morning, 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. Lunch and dinner are served aboard while you cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges.

Enjoy lunch and dinner on board as you cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges.

Day 10: Jingzhou

Me make a visit to an elementary school, sponsored by Viking River Cruises this morning. Here you'll be greeted and entertained by the children, before we return to the ship for some more scenic cruising.

Day 11: Wuhan

Today we explore Wuhan, including a visit to the Hubei Provincial Museum, where you'll see relics from 400 BC, to the soundtrack of ancient bronze bells.

Day 12: Shanghai

After breakfast this morning we disembark, heading to the airport for our flight to Shanghai.

Day 13: Shanghai

We have the chance to explore the modern metropolis of China's largest city, Shanghai. We'll begin with a tour of Old Shanghai, travelling along the elegant Bund, and admiring some of its fascinating historical buildings. Next we make a stop at Shanghai Museum, which contains displays of ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and paintings.

After lunch we'll wander through the pristine Yuyuan Garden, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. This evening we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a performance from the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.

Day 14: Shanghai - UK

Unfortunately your China adventure ends here as we check out of our hotel and head to the airport for your flight back to the UK.