A glorious part of the world
What a glorious part of the world! I think I will come back here again someday. The views, the food, the staff—I couldn’t have asked for more during my much-anticipated vacation to China.
Aaron Watson
2011
My 25th anniversary gift
My husband surprised me with a trip to China on a Viking river cruise in April for our 25th anniversary. Our journey began at the airport in Shanghai, where we were met by Viking staff and taken to our beautiful hotel. Before long, we were introduced to our Tour Escort, who always prepared our group very well about the things we might experience, whether it be a highlight, a cultural difference or a tourist trap to be aware of. In her talks on the bus, during our many travels to hotels, historic sites, restaurants and cultural events, she created a context for what we were about to see or do with a combination of historical, cultural and personal details. I was prepared to be led around China on a tour by a person who would be an expert, giving facts and figures about this fascinating nation. What I was not expecting was the genuine care, concern, warmth and sincerity that our guide displayed to her Western guests. She did not spout off lists of facts that she had memorized; she shared her heart about her homeland in a way that helped us to look at and understand China in a more personal way.
Linda Geleris
2011
Our first river cruise with Viking
This was our first river cruise and first experience with Viking. The cruise was an excellent value. Booking the trip and the follow-up process was absolutely effortless. From our very first meeting at the airport, we knew Viking had provided us with a very professional and capable Tour Escort—any apprehensions we had about traveling in a foreign country were quickly set aside. He was responsive to our every need, provided expert narrative throughout our trip and patiently answered all of our questions. We were always kept informed about scheduling and he took the time to explain to us the intricacies of Chinese culture and cuisine. Our impression of China has been overwhelmingly positive. We will definitely recommend this journey to others. Thank you for such a memorable experience.
Jim & Candy Burdett
2010
Perfect way to see China
This itinerary is the perfect way to see China for the first time. We covered more than 2,000 miles in China and now have a lifetime of memorable experiences in just 12 days. Our guide was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, even arranging a breakfast box for us before our very early morning flight back home. The accommodations were wonderful and the people were friendly and welcoming. Don’t miss this trip!
Beverly & Bill Freeman
2010
We saw so much in only 12 days
This is an amazing trip. The Viking guide assigned to our small group was friendly and knowledgeable—she took care of every detail possible. Tours were organized, entertaining and informative—we were never bored. The sights in China are beautiful and historic. We especially loved the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Army. When I look back at the pictures we took, it's hard to believe we saw so much in only twelve days! The Chinese people were friendly and welcoming; there are so many things to see in China, I'd like to go back to this fascinating country. My sister and I left the tour one day, and went to one of the large markets in Beijing, which was worthwhile. If I went again, I'd spend a few days on my own in Shanghai or Beijing at the beginning or end of the trip. I would thoroughly recommend Imperial Jewels of China and want to go back to see more of China. This was my first trip with Viking, and I plan to take more.
Charlotte & Sharon Smith
2010
5-star cruise
My wife and I traveled with a friend and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We arrived in Beijing a day early and took the opportunity to do some sightseeing on our own. Once we started our tour we were divided into smaller groups; we really bonded with our group and Tour Escort, who was outstanding. The ship was very comfortable and offered excellent service and food. Shore excursions were great. I took about 1,700 photos of our trip! All in all, I would give this cruise 5 stars.
Dean & Ann Uphoff
2010
Memories that will last a lifetime
My husband and I learned so much about China’s culture and people, and its future as a country. Our guide captured every detail and shared stories about growing up there, making our numerous excursions consistently interesting. The Chinese people were very friendly as we toured the old and new parts of various major cities, such as Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. The cruise showed us so many beautiful areas along the Yangtze River, and we saw how immense and important the Three Gorges Dam is. The Olympic Games sites we had seen on television were beautiful in person. We were also very impressed by the Viking-supported school we visited. The 12 days went very quickly and we were left with memories that will last a lifetime!
Nancy & Ted Goble
2010
I love all things Chinese now!
What a fabulous trip—I love all things Chinese now! Our tour guide was wonderful and there wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer. Our first Viking River Cruise was Waterways of the Czars and I didn’t think a trip could get any better than that. However, traveling and sharing all the sights, food and excitement with another couple made our Imperial Jewels of China cruise even more special. Thanks for such a great vacation. We’re already planning another trip on the Rhine for the upcoming holiday season!
Ann & Nick Sanders
2010
Twelve days of pure enjoyment
Every aspect was first class! We had time to relax, we never felt hurried or rushed, and yet we were able to experience such a broad scope of activities, sights and sounds. We really felt like we got to the very heart of China. The ability to use our personal electronics alone ensured that we’ll be back for many more Viking River Cruises. It was twelve days of pure enjoyment in every respect.
Donald & Valerie Elson
2010
Truly the trip of a lifetime
What an incredible trip—we simply cannot say enough about Viking. Service on board was excellent; we especially enjoyed relaxing on our balcony before breakfast. Our guide was superb—there was not a question he could not answer. A wonderful traveling companion, he was charming and funny and the quality of his service was extraordinary. Every day we would always remark on our tour and how it exceeded our expectations. The school visit was a touching moment; it was particularly poignant to see our daughter, Xiaoling [adopted from China as a baby, now 15], with the students. Every destination was great—from the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian to Beijing and the Forbidden City—yet, we loved Viking Century Sun and were always sad to leave the ship. We got to know so many great people on the tours and on board: Viking attracts great travelers. I am overjoyed about our Imperial Jewels of China cruise, truly the trip of a lifetime.
Peter W. Keller
2010
Always first class
This was our second cruise with Viking. Everything has always been first class. Once we returned home, we booked a Viking cruise to Russia the very next day for June of 2011.
Jim & Jill Gaston
2010
Never a dull moment
Great trip! Never a dull moment. The Hong Kong & Guilin extension was the best—seeing villages up close and relaxing in Hong Kong before the long ride home was great.
Chuck & Mardell Martinek
2010
Our experience was fantastic
My wife and I recently booked the Imperial Jewels of China on the Viking Century Sun. This was our first experience on a river cruise—before it was only large ocean liners—and our experience was fantastic. The trip started off in Beijing for three full days and it was still not enough time to see it all. We saw Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. We traveled to the Badaling Hills to see the Great Wall of China then took the Sacred Way to the Ming Dynasty Tombs. Shanghai was a great city—very modern, yet steeped in the old Chinese traditions. We are most definitely touring again; in fact, we are booked for your Grand European Tour on the 31st of July!
Rusty & Martha Underwood
2010
What a great adventure
Wow, what a great adventure! We really enjoyed seeing China’s “Imperial Jewels.”
For more detail, please see the trip report Rebecca published on IndependentTraveler.com, reproduced here with the editors’ kind permission.
Rebecca Stone & Mary Anne Glazner
2009
You far exceeded our expectations
Thank you for providing wonderful programs and people to show us the beauty of so many places in the world. You far exceeded our expectations for service, accommodations, tours and travel coordination.
Clifford & Karen Vaughn
2007
A great value
We travel quite a bit and almost never use a tour company.... You have convinced us that a truly professional company can provide a vacation to remember. And, it was a great value.
Richard & Chris Gernand
2007
My second Viking cruise
The ship, hotels, and cuisine were way above my expectations. This was my second Viking cruise and I certainly believe that you are the best river cruise company in the world.
Denise Weber
2007
The trip was a great experience
The special tours around the dam, the gorges and the other stops, were unique and meaningful. This trip was a great combination of culture, arts, science, popular culture and national politics and seeing the preparation for the 2008 Olympics was fun too. This trip was a great experience.
David & Julia Gelfand
2006
Our first trip with Viking
The level of professionalism exhibited by your staff was exceptional. This was our first trip with Viking, and it will most certainly not be our last!
Glenn & Carol Oelker
2006
Everything was first-class
Everything was first-class: 5-star hotels, all the guided sightseeing tours, the excellent shows and dinners included in the package. We didn’t have to pay for anything except gratuities. We enjoyed every bit of this tour.
Edward & Juanita Chan
2006