Viking Emerald
Ship Facts
Passenger Capacity: 256
Crew Members: 138
Year Built: 2011
Length: 361 feet
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Discover China & Yangtze River Cruise Tour
March 16 – 28, 2016
Viking River Cruises Viking Emerald
With mist-wreathed, temple-topped mountains, quaint villages, water towns and awe-inspiring antiquity, China is home to one of the world's oldest and most remarkable civilizations. On this 13-day, once-in-a-lifetime all-lesbian vacation, you'll experience the best of both worlds, on land and by riverboat.
From Beijing's famous Tiananmen Square and mysterious Forbidden City to the monumental Great Wall, fascinating Ming Tombs, an enchanting Peking Opera performance, and a rickshaw ride through the ancient alleyways of Old Beijing, each day will be filled with China's cultural and historical treasures. Marvel at Xi'an's Terra Cotta Army, visit Shibaozhai's 12-story pagoda built in 1650 along the Yangtze River, and cruise through the magical series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. You'll even have the chance to visit a rural elementary school for a musical performance. Upon arrival in Shanghai, take a tour of the old town and the famous Yuyuan Garden, which dates from the Ming Dynasty. Sound like your bucket list vacation? We think it does.
This phenomenal itinerary presents China's key highlights in just 13 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, China's most cutting-edge, modern city. Cruise the legendary Yangtze between Chongqing and Wuhan through the scenic Three Gorges and wildly beautiful Lesser Three Gorges. Tour the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel that has changed the face of China. Visit the necropolis at Xian, where you encounter thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors. In Beijing, explore imperial treasures like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and walk through historic Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public venue. The hospitality of distinctive hotels and the fabulous Viking Emerald round out an amazing trip.
Your Ship - Avalon Felicity
The beautiful and luxurious, Viking Emerald, will be your home away from home for six days. With 256 guests, full verandahs, hotel-style beds in every spacious suite and stateroom, public areas bathed in light and an English-speaking crew, Viking Emerald is one of the most sophisticated river ships sailing the region today.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Restaurant with panoramic views
• Panoramic picture windows for landscape viewing from common areas
• 2 elevators
• Balconies with each stateroom
• Observation lounge & bar
• Onboard boutique, tailor, and library
• Free Internet service
• State-of-the-art Western kitchen offers a choice of expertly prepared Asian and European cuisines
• Doctor & hairdresser
• Laundry service
• Business center
• Sauna
• Spacious Sun Deck
• Lounge for relaxing with friends
• Small fitness center with sauna and massage
• Voltage: 220V & 110V (U.S. outlet) in stateroom
Stateroom Amenities:
• Explorer Suites are 603 square feet, have separate sleeping & sitting quarters, 2 flat-panel TVs, bathtub/shower, refrigerator, panoramic windows & wraparound verandah
• All staterooms & suites have hotel-style beds with optional twin-bed configuration
• All staterooms have a verandah with sliding glass doors
• Private bathroom with shower & premium bath products; bathrobe & slippers upon request
• Flat-panel TV with CNN & more
• Telephone, safe hair dryer & air conditioning
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Sun deck with shaded sitting area
What is included?
• Airport transfers to/from the hotel in Beijing and Shanghai
• Accommodations for 13 days/12 nights:
- 7 nights in 4+ star hotels
3 nights in Beijing: Kerry Hotel, Regent Beijing Hotel or Ritz-Carlton Hotel (or similar)
2 nights in Xian: Sheraton Xian Hotel, Hilton Xian Hotel or
Crowne Plaza XI'AN Hotel (or similar)
2 nights in Shanghai: Westin Bund Center Shanghai Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Portman Hotel or Jing An Shangri-La Hotel (or similar)
- 5 nights on the beautiful Viking Emerald
• All meals during the program, beginning with breakfast March 17, and ending with breakfast on March 28, 2016
• During lunch & dinner at local restaurants on land portion, one drink (soft drink, bottled water or local beer) is included
• Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board the ship
• Bottled water is included in your staterooms on board the ship
• Olivia and local programming on board
• Sightseeing tours indicated on the itinerary
• Flights from Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Chongqing and Wuhan to Shanghai
• Gratuities to ship's staff and your main group guide in China
• Special Peking duck dinner and opera in Beijing
• Olivia staff assistance throughout
What's not included?
• Airfare to Beijing and from Shanghai
• Alcoholic beverages, bottled water and soft drinks (except where indicated)
• Tips to local guides
• Phone/Fax/Internet/Salon Services
• Optional excursions
Traveler Info
Being Gay in China
It is not really "spoken" about in China, although gays and lesbians do exist as we all know. As a group, we are in most of the "tourist" areas, and we tend to blend in without too much attention drawn to us. While we are on the ship, we are completely free to be who we are, but while we are in their culture, as always, we respect their cultural norms, and it is suggested that outward displays of affection are kept to a minimum.
Activity Level
This tour does require a good amount of walking. Stairs, uneven ground and hills are a daily part of this tour. This itinerary is incredibly fast-paced, and with all the sites and cities we have included, we are constantly on the move. Guests should be physically able to keep up with the pace.
Food
We will be traveling through different regions of China that will allow us to experience different menus. It is not your typical U.S. Chinese Restaurant food, which many of us tend to think. It differs from region to region in its spiciness, use of ingredients, and typical entrees and meats. We know you will enjoy trying these different tastes, and of course there will always be rice and veggies available. Included in this trip will be the opportunity to try the Peking duck, which is a favorite.
We do recommend you stay away from street vendor food as many of us are not used to the food and as a result, you may experience stomach issues.
Breakfasts in all hotels have a variety of options for a full American breakfast, or perhaps you will try some of the local Asian specialties. For lunches and dinners, there will be a variety of Chinese food options. While on the ship, all meals will include basic American dishes and always a Chinese option.
Travel and arrival
Where to fly into/out of
You will need to fly into Beijing (PEK) and out of Shanghai (PVG), China. If you are extending your vacation with our Guilin/Hong Kong tour, your departure flight will be out of Hong Kong (HKG). We encourage all passengers to arrive at least a day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays and to catch up with the time difference.
Suggested arrival/departure times
Guests arriving in Beijing on March 16, 2016 can check into the hotel after 3p.m. Many flights arrive in the evening.
Return flights from Shanghai on the day of disembarkation (March 28, 2016) can be at any time. Hotel checkout is at 11:00 a.m.
For those on our post-trip stretcher to Guilin and Hong Kong, return flights from Hong Kong (HKG) on April 2 can be at any time. Hotel checkout is at 11:00a.m.
Luggage allowances
This trip does have a very strict luggage allowance. Checked bags on the intra-China flights are not to exceed 16 x 24 x 39 inches (40 x 60 x 100 cm) and total weight is not to exceed 44.2 lbs (20 kg). Each passenger may carry on one piece only with dimensions not to exceed 8 x16 x 22 inches (20 x 40 x 55 cm) and total weight not to exceed 11lbs (5 kg). Excess pieces range from $100-$200 per piece per flight. Because of this, we recommend you pack a soft duffle in one suitcase to carry clothing home, and use your suitcase for any purchases made along the way.
On intra-China flights, it is recommended that you lock your checked luggage.
For your international flights, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.
Transfers and meeting up with Olivia
Getting to your hotel
You will be met outside baggage claim by an Olivia/Viking representative. Group transfers from the airport to the hotel are included in your fare if you are arriving on the day of the program (March 16) or have purchased our one- or two-night packages. If you book a hotel on your own, transfers are not included.
More specific information about hotels and emergency contacts will be updated as we get closer to the trip.
On your own transfers
If we are not providing your transfers, or you miss your transfers for any reason, please proceed directly to the host hotel in Beijing (selected hotel will be announced closer to the trip). Taxi ride will take between 30-60 minutes depending on traffic, and cost approximately $20-$30 or 150-225 renminbi (RMB). You should have local currency or change money at the airport prior to taking a taxi.
Transfers after your trip
Group transfers to the Shanghai Airport after the cruise are included in your fare if you are departing on March 28, or to Hong Kong airport if you are departing on April 2 (or with any Olivia hotel post-stretcher package).
Check-in
Hotel check-in will be available after 3pm.
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Discover China & Yangtze River Cruise/Tour Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 16 Mar |
Beijing, China |
|
| 17 Mar |
Beijing, China |
B, L, D |
| 18 Mar |
Beijing, China |
B, L, D |
| 19 Mar |
Beijing / Xi'an |
B, L, D |
| 20 Mar |
Xi'an, China |
B, L, D |
| 21 Mar |
Xi'an / Chongqing |
B, L, D |
| 22 Mar |
Shibaozhai |
B, L, D |
| 23 Mar |
Qutang & Wu Gorges / Lesser Three Gorges |
B, L, D |
| 24 Mar |
Three Gorges Dam |
B, L, D |
| 25 Mar |
Jingzhou |
B, L, D |
| 26 Mar |
Wuhan / Shanghai |
B, L, D |
| 27 Mar |
Shanghai |
B, L, D |
| 28 Mar |
Shanghai / Home |
B |
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Guests arriving in Beijing on March 16, 2016 can check into the hotel after 3p.m.
Return flights from Shanghai on the day of disembarkation (March 28, 2016) can be at any time. Hotel checkout is at 11:00 a.m.
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Beijing, China
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
 Fly to Beijing, China's imperial capital whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years. Arrival in Beijing. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure to explore China's former imperial capital on your own.
Beijing, China
Thursday, Match 17, 2016
 Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tours.
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Tiananmen Square. At 100 acres, it is the world's largest public square and was initially the "front door" of the Forbidden City. Completed in 1420, the Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world's largest palace complex. It consists of buildings containing a total of 9,999 rooms and is protected by a 20-foot moat and a 32-foot wall. Now known as the Palace Museum, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Outside visitors were forbidden for five centuries. Here you will explore the imperial treasures in the grand palaces and pavilions, exquisite courtyards and gardens in what was once the residence of China's rulers. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
 Summer Palace Tour
Visit the magnificent Summer Palace, once the summer retreat and playground for the imperial family and royal court during the late Qing Dynasty. Considered one of the finest Chinese architectural gardens, the Summer Palace spans over 700 acres with breathtaking views, pavilions, towers, palaces and halls. You can also enjoy a dragon boat ride across the garden's beautiful lake (dependent on water conditions). Return to your hotel in the afternoon for some free time before dinner in your hotel.
Peking Opera
Peking opera is a form of traditional Chinese theater which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. The Peking Opera is renowned for its complex storytelling and regarded as one of China's cultural treasures. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Beijing
Friday, March 18, 2016
 Great Wall Tour
After breakfast, take a motor coach to the Badaling Hills to walk along one of the best-preserved sections of the fabled Great Wall and see the magnificent views. Here, the Great Wall is nearly 28-feet high, and wide enough for ten people to walk along, shoulder-to-shoulder. Learn some of the fascinating history and legend of this engineering marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once stretched for more than 6,200 miles and symbolized the country's isolation from the rest of the world.
Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs Tour
Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to the valley the Ming Emperors chose as their burial place. Here you will walk along the elegant Sacred Way that leads to the tombs. Beginning with a grand marble gateway more than 400 years old, the long avenue is lined with 18 pairs of massive stone sculptures of elephants, lions, camels and mythical beasts.
Peking Duck Dinner
This evening you will enjoy a Peking duck dinner, the region's famous dish. This delicately roasted meat undergoes a specific process that originated during the Ming Dynasty. Vegetarian options are available.
Beijing - Xi'an
Saturday, March 19, 2016
 Hutongs Tour.
After breakfast, take a rickshaw ride along Old Beijing's hutongs (narrow ancient alleys) and discover the sights and sounds of local Beijing life in these traditional Chinese neighborhoods. You will receive a box lunch before your transfer to the airport.
Fly to Xi'an
Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Xi'an. Located in the Yellow River Basin, Xi'an is one of the birthplaces of civilization. It has seen 3,100 years of development and 13 dynasties, and along with Athens, Rome and Cairo, it is one of the four major capitals of the ancient world. Xi'an reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty and is rich with cultural and historical significances. Transfer to your hotel, then dine at a local restaurant.
Xian
Sunday, March 20, 2016
 Terra Cotta Army Visit
After breakfast, drive to the site where Xi'an's incredible Terra Cotta Army was discovered, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will marvel at the thousands of soldiers, archers, horses and chariots that were buried with the Emperor Qin Shi Huang more than 2,000 years ago.
Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show (Optional)
From 618-907 A.D., the Tang Dynasty presided over one of China's most glorious cultural periods. You can choose to experience the era's grandeur with traditional song, dance and colorful period costumes during tonight's optional dinner show (cost of optional tour is approx. 500 RMB, which includes transportation, dinner, the performance and a guide). Otherwise, dinner will be at the hotel with a free evening.
Xi'an – Chongqing (Embarkation)
Monday, March 21, 2016
 Fly to Chongqing & Embark Ship
After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Chongqing.
Ship Location
Your ship is located at Chaotianmen Port, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, Dock 8 or 14.
Perched on steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and its major tributary, the Jialing River, Chongqing is the gateway for downstream Yangtze River cruises. This proud mountain city was the capital of China during World War II, when the American Volunteer Air Group, the "Flying Tigers," was based here. After embarkation, enjoy some time to settle in before gathering for your first dinner on board. Your ship sails for Shibaozhai around midnight.
Shibaozhai
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
 Shibaozhai Pagoda Visit
You arrive in the afternoon and disembark after lunch for your visit to the Shibaozhai Pagoda, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 A.D. along the Yangtze. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the river below.
Welcome Reception
Gather this evening with your traveling companions at a welcome reception before dinner. Your ship sails through the night.
Qutang & Wu Gorges – Lesser Three Gorges
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
 Scenic Cruising & Included Lesser Three Gorges Excursion
During breakfast, the ship sails into Qutang Gorge. This spectacular gorge is the shortest and narrowest of the Three Gorges. After breakfast, board a sightseeing vessel for a cruise on the Daning River into the exquisite Lesser Three Gorges. Some of the Yangtze's most beautiful scenery lies in these gorges, a series of limestone ridges that are inaccessible to larger vessels.
Scenic Cruising
Return to your ship for lunch this afternoon and cruise through Wu (Witches) Gorge. Lush, mist-enshrouded mountains, including the legendary Twelve Peaks, rise up on both sides. In the evening, your ship navigates the locks of the world's largest dam. The passage through these 5-stage locks takes nearly four hours and dramatically highlights the immense scope of the project. Your ship docks for the night at Yellow Ox Temple (Sandouping).
Three Gorges Dam
Thursday, March 24, 2016
 Three Gorges Dam Tour
After breakfast, disembark for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam. This is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. You will learn about what the Three Gorges Dam project means to the Chinese people and the Yangtze. Enjoy lunch on board.
Scenic Cruising
Enjoy your afternoon as you sail through Xiling Gorge, the largest of the three Yangtze River Gorges. Sail through the night on your way to Jingzhou.
Jingzhou
Friday, March 25, 2016
 Viking River Cruises School Visit.
Today you are invited for an exclusive visit to an elementary school renovated and sponsored by Viking River Cruises. The children will greet you warmly and offer a charming performance of music and stories. This is a unique opportunity to meet local children and gain insight into education in China's rural areas.
Scenic Cruising
Your ship sails during lunchtime.
Wuhan (Disembarkation) – Shanghai
Saturday, March 26, 2016
 Wuhan Museum Visit & Bells Performance
After breakfast, disembark in the Hubei provincial capital of Wuhan for a visit to its renowned museum with wonderful artifacts dating to the Warring States period. Here, you will enjoy a musical performance of the museum's noted collection of chimes and bells.
Transfer to Shanghai
You will receive a box lunch before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel where you will have dinner this evening. Shanghai is the world's busiest port, China's largest city and center of finance and trade. As you drive to your hotel, notice the modern architecture juxtaposed with older sections of the city.
Shanghai
Sunday, March 27, 2016
 Old Shanghai & Yuyuan Garden Tour
After breakfast, take a tour through Old Shanghai, which retains its narrow lanes, sights and sounds of ancient times. Then, visit Yuyuan Garden, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It contains five acres of delicate pavilions and winding paths, and its Grand Rockery boasts caves, grottoes and an artificial mountain nearly 46-feet high. After lunch, take a tour of a local silk carpet workshop, where you will see a carpet-weaving demonstration.
Bund & Shanghai Museum Tour
Enjoy a drive along the Bund, the city's elegant riverside promenade. After, you'll visit the Shanghai Museum, filled with exhibits of ancient Chinese art. Return to your hotel and the rest of your day is at leisure.
Farewell Dinner & Acrobat Show
Dinner at a local restaurant is followed by a performance of Shanghai's wonderfully talented acrobats.
Shanghai
Monday, March 28, 2016
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, or enjoy a post-vacation stretcher in China.
Traveler Info
Languages
Mandarin, Cantonese
Currency
China uses the renminbi (RMB), and the basic unit is the yuan.
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).
ATMs are widespread in China's large cities, but non-existent in smaller cities along the river. ATMs dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards, and have a service fee of approximately 3%. Should you wish to use ATM machines, confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card and PIN number will work abroad.
MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards are accepted in all countries in major shops, restaurants and hotels as well as to settle your shipboard account. Notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling abroad to avoid inconvenient "holds" on your account should they assume suspicious activity.
Most shops and restaurants in China will generally accept cash only. Travelers checks are not accepted, while U.S. Dollars generally can only be used locations which are heavily frequented by foreign visitors such as the Great Wall. For incidentals and small vendors, we recommend getting some local currency.
Travel documentation and identification
All guests are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of your entry into China. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with their consulate on correct passport requirements.
Visas are necessary for all U.S. and Canadian citizens. A packet of information on how to obtain your visa will be sent 6 months prior to the trip for U.S. citizens and Canadians. Non-U.S. citizens and Non-Canadian should check with their consulate on correct visa requirements. Please be sure the China visa stamped in your passport is valid for the dates you are traveling.
Travel insurance
We recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to protect yourself and your trip investment from the unexpected. Now more than ever it's extremely important to think about the unexpected. It is important to purchase the travel protection within 15 days of your initial invoice date in order to receive the most comprehensive coverage. Consider travel protection for trip cancellation/trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation, trip delay, baggage delay and more.
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