Tour Itinerary

Day 1

This afternoon we will depart from Ottawa by chartered coach for Montreal and our flight to Lisbon.

Day 2- Lisbon

Upon our arrival in Lisbon we will be transferred to our hotel in the downtown core. Check in is not available until mid- afternoon. Your tour director will have a few options to help you discover this fabulous city.

Day 3- Lisbon

This morning you will have the chance to enjoy a tour of Lisbon conducted by a qualified local tour professional. Your afternoon will be at your leisure.

Day 4- Lisbon

Today is a free day. There will be plenty of options and your tour director will be happy to go over them with you.

Day 5- Lisbon to Porto

This morning we will be travelling north from Lisbon to Porto. Along the way will be stopping in Fatima for a visit to this religious facility. Later in the afternoon we will board our ship and settle into our cabins. This evening you will have an option to see Porto by night.

Day 6- Porto

While in Porto, one of the oldest cities in Europe, you will have a chance to enjoy a guided tour this morning. Your afternoon will be free. After dinner you can enjoy some Fado entertainment aboard the ship.

Day 7- Porto to Regua

If you have a taste for port wine Peso da Régua, a UNESCO site, the Douro Valley is somewhere you’ll love.

Until the 20th century Peso da Régua was where port wine barrels would be loaded onto wooden boats known as rabelos and shipped down to Vila Nova de Gaia at the mouth of the Douro where they would make their way around the world. The region itself is the base of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, the Douro DOC, regulated since 1756. The landscapes that you will encounter are absolutely stunning.

Day 8- Regua to Vega de Terron

As we reach the border between Portugal and Spain we will stop at the small Spanish port town of Vega de Terron. This town is a popular passageway to the ancient university city of Salamanca. With both Portuguese and Spanish influences, Vega de Terron is a charming settlement dotted on the banks of the fascinating waterway across from beautiful Douro International Nature Park.

Day 9- Salamanca

Today we travel to Salamanca. Salamanca is located in northwestern Spain. It is the capital of Salamanca province and is part of the Castile and León region. With a history dating back to the Celtic era, it’s known for its ornate sandstone architecture and for the Universidad de Salamanca. This small town has a vibrant atmosphere with picturesque parks and squares.

Day 10- Barca D'Alva to Ferradosa to Pinhao

The morning will be spent cruising. We travel between Barca D’Alva, Ferradosa and ultimately arriving in Pinhao. Some of the best Port wines are produced in Pinhao. The picturesque town offers more than wines. Pinhão sits on a particularly lovely bend of the Rio Douro. Its shops are quaint and the atmosphere around town is particularly vibrant. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening aboard our ship.

Day 11- Pinhao to Porto

On our return to Porto we will stop in Lamego. Lamego is nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro valley and its port wine-growing region. The town itself is overlooked by an ornate shrine done in a Baroque style. The art is everywhere and will turn your heads in wonderment. Its gardens are exquisite and its lifestyle typical of the Douro. This afternoon will be spent cruising. Tonight, you will be able to enjoy an evening of traditional folk entertainment.

Day 12- Porto

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. for the airport and your return flight to Canada.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Ottawa on your scheduled flight(s) to Shanghai. Dinner and a light breakfast are served onboard. (D)

Day 2

Shanghai, China

Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city, then transfer to your hotel. See the modern financial district juxtaposed with the older sections of the city. (B)

Day 3

Shanghai, China

This morning, tour Old Shanghai and travel along the elegant Bund, stopping to admire some of its historic buildings and city views. Spend some time at the exquisite Yuyuan Garden, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. After lunch in a local restaurant, tour the Shanghai Museum. Dine locally before seeing the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe from the best seats in the house. (B, L, D)

Day 4

Shanghai, China

After breakfast, prepare for your flight to Wuhan. Upon arriving, transfer to your ship docked close to Wuhan’s historic waterfront. You are welcomed aboard with a Western meal. (B, L, D)

Day 5

Wuhan, China

Today visit the Hubei Provincial Museum, where you hear the chimes of ancient bronze bells and view fascinating relics from 400 BC. Return to the ship and set sail this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 6

Jingzhou, China

After a morning of sailing, arrive in Jingzhou. Visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises where you are greeted and entertained by the children. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Wu Gorge, China

This morning, cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. After lunch, 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. Return to your ship and sail through the 5-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. Dock overnight at Badong. (B, L, D)

Day 8

Wu Gorge, China

During breakfast, cruise through Wu (‟Witches”) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Goddess Stream. 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, then spend the afternoon sailing through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 9

Shibaozhai, China

This morning, visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze. Tour the pavilion and temple before returning aboard for lunch. Enjoy Yangtze River scenery as you cruise this afternoon and through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 10

Chongqing, China

After breakfast, disembark and enjoy a brief tour of Chongqing, the largest city in western China and an important inland port. Visit the Chongqing Zoo to see the giant pandas and other exotic species. After lunch in a local restaurant, fly to Xian, key city of the Tang Dynasty. From 618 to 907 AD, this dynasty presided over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods, spreading its influence throughout Asia into Europe and Africa. This evening, have dinner and relax at your hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 11

Xian, China

After breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. See the thousands of life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors, archers and infantrymen that were buried with him, each man and horse molded with its own distinctive features. Walkways provide a bird’s-eye view of the entire necropolis where the Terra Cotta Army was discovered in the 1970s. After lunch, you have free time to further explore Xian. This evening, you may choose to dine surrounded by the song and dance of this colorful era. (B, L, D)

Day 12

Xian, China

Today, fly to Beijing, China’s imperial capital, whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years. Check in to your hotel and dine there; enjoy free time this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 13

Beijing, China

After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills. There, you behold one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. This 4,000-mile-long series of sandstone and earthwork fortifications was built and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 16th century AD, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its winding pathways and marvel at the panoramic views from its ramparts.

After a lunch of local specialties, visit the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by massive sculptures of elephants, lions and camels leading to the Ming Dynasty tombs. This evening, dine at a local restaurant and relax at your hotel, or enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner, the region’s famous dish. (B, L, D)

Day 14

Beijing, China

This morning visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, which can accommodate over 1 million people. Then, tour Beijing’s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made up of nearly 1,000 buildings, it is the world’s largest surviving palace complex. Walk its grounds among the opulent palaces, pavilions, courtyards and imperial gardens within the 26-foot-high walls.

After lunch in a local restaurant, take some free time to explore Beijing on your own or do some shopping. Enjoy your dinner this evening, or attend The Legend of Kung Fu for a beautiful display of this performance art, which has roots that date back 4000 years. (B, L, D)

Day 15

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)

*Itinerary always subject to change*

** Please note that you are required to have a valid Canadian passport with you. Non-Canadians may require a visa. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have such a document if required. Any other nationality other than Canadian persons must identify themselves to the booking agent for verification of documents required. IF YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR DEPARTURE POINT WITHOUT PROPER ID YOU WILL BE DENIED BOARDING.**

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Ottawa on your scheduled flight(s) to Shanghai. Dinner and a light breakfast are served onboard. (D)

Day 2

Shanghai, China

Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city, then transfer to your hotel. See the modern financial district juxtaposed with the older sections of the city. (B)

Day 3

Shanghai, China

This morning, tour Old Shanghai and travel along the elegant Bund, stopping to admire some of its historic buildings and city views. Spend some time at the exquisite Yuyuan Garden, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. After lunch in a local restaurant, tour the Shanghai Museum. Dine locally before seeing the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe from the best seats in the house. (B, L, D)

Day 4

Shanghai, China

After breakfast, prepare for your flight to Wuhan. Upon arriving, transfer to your ship docked close to Wuhan’s historic waterfront. You are welcomed aboard with a Western meal. (B, L, D)

Day 5

Wuhan, China

Today visit the Hubei Provincial Museum, where you hear the chimes of ancient bronze bells and view fascinating relics from 400 BC. Return to the ship and set sail this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 6

Jingzhou, China

After a morning of sailing, arrive in Jingzhou. Visit an elementary school sponsored by Viking River Cruises where you are greeted and entertained by the children. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Wu Gorge, China

This morning, cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. After lunch, 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. Return to your ship and sail through the 5-stage locks of the Three Gorges Dam. Dock overnight at Badong. (B, L, D

Day 8

Wu Gorge, China

During breakfast, cruise through Wu (‟Witches”) Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery. Then, board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Goddess Stream. 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, then spend the afternoon sailing through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 9

Shibaozhai, China

This morning, visit Shibaozhai Temple, a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze. Tour the pavilion and temple before returning aboard for lunch. Enjoy Yangtze River scenery as you cruise this afternoon and through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 10

Chongqing, China

After breakfast, disembark and enjoy a brief tour of Chongqing, the largest city in western China and an important inland port. Visit the Chongqing Zoo to see the giant pandas and other exotic species. After lunch in a local restaurant, fly to Xian, key city of the Tang Dynasty. From 618 to 907 AD, this dynasty presided over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods, spreading its influence throughout Asia into Europe and Africa. This evening, have dinner and relax at your hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 11

Xian, China

After breakfast, tour the mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2,000 years ago. See the thousands of life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors, archers and infantrymen that were buried with him, each man and horse molded with its own distinctive features. Walkways provide a bird’s-eye view of the entire necropolis where the Terra Cotta Army was discovered in the 1970s. After lunch, you have free time to further explore Xian. This evening, you may choose to dine surrounded by the song and dance of this colorful era. (B, L, D)

Day 12

Xian, China

Today, fly to Beijing, China’s imperial capital, whose rich history dates back more than 3,000 years. Check in to your hotel and dine there; enjoy free time this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 13

Beijing, China

After breakfast, travel to the Badaling Hills. There, you behold one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. This 4,000-mile-long series of sandstone and earthwork fortifications was built and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 16th century AD, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its winding pathways and marvel at the panoramic views from its ramparts.

After a lunch of local specialties, visit the Sacred Way, a tree-lined avenue guarded by massive sculptures of elephants, lions and camels leading to the Ming Dynasty tombs. This evening, dine at a local restaurant and relax at your hotel, or enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner, the region’s famous dish. (B, L, D)

Day 14

Beijing, China

This morning visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, which can accommodate over 1 million people. Then, tour Beijing’s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made up of nearly 1,000 buildings, it is the world’s largest surviving palace complex. Walk its grounds among the opulent palaces, pavilions, courtyards and imperial gardens within the 26-foot-high walls.

After lunch in a local restaurant, take some free time to explore Beijing on your own or do some shopping. Enjoy your dinner this evening, or attend The Legend of Kung Fu for a beautiful display of this performance art, which has roots that date back 4000 years. (B, L, D)

Day 15

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)

*Itinerary always subject to change*

** Please note that you are required to have a valid Canadian passport with you. Non-Canadians may require a visa. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have such a document if required. Any other nationality other than Canadian persons must identify themselves to the booking agent for verification of documents required. IF YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR DEPARTURE POINT WITHOUT PROPER ID YOU WILL BE DENIED BOARDING.**

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Ottawa on your scheduled flight(s) to Amsterdam. Dinner and a light breakfast are served onboard. (D)

Day 2

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer to your ship. After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, you may wish to visit the Rijksmuseum, or the van Gogh Museum next door. (D)

Day 3

Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

This morning we sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. You learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, plus you enter a working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return on board for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample handcrafted Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and take in a culturally enriching presentation on the Dutch Golden Age. We cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4

Cologne, Germany

You have a morning tour of Cologne, including a visit to the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your tour, spend the rest of the day and evening exploring Cologne on your own: There are Roman ruins, interesting neighborhoods and wonderful museums like the Fragrance Museum and the Chocolate Museum. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or, join an optional excursion on which you will ascend to the Dom’s roof, enjoying up-close views of the cathedral’s architecture and bird’s-eye vistas of Cologne. Lunch and dinner are served aboard; we depart at midnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5

Koblenz, Germany

Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine, stopping in Koblenz to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. After your tour, continue cruising this stunning stretch of the Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river’s narrowest point and is named after the legendary Rhine maiden who lured sailors to their demise. Lunch and dinner are served aboard your ship. (B, L, D)

Day 6

Miltenberg, Germany

The morning is spent sailing along the beautiful Main River as it winds its way through the Spessart region, home of the actual Snow White. During our sail, you will have the opportunity to learn about the region’s glassblowing traditions during a live demonstration. After lunch, we stop in Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered houses and Germany’s oldest inn. Join our walking tour that concludes with free time for you to explore. Alternately, depart the ship prior to our morning sail for an all-day optional excursion where you will gain a rare glimpse into noble life, enjoying Privileged Access visits to two very different castles: Schloss Mespelbrunn and Schloss Löwenstein. We sail through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Würzburg, Germany

After breakfast, tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, instead, join an optional full-day journey along Germany’s picturesque “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg, with its turreted city wall and impressive Gothic and baroque architecture. Upon returning to Würzburg, you will also enjoy a tour of the Bishops’ Residenz. Before rejoining your ship for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 8

Bamberg, Germany

Sail through the morning; after lunch we visit Bamberg, with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral, reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century, and the picturesque city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river. Take some free time to enjoy Bamberg and perhaps try some of the town’s distinctive smoke-flavored beer before returning aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 9

Nuremberg, Germany

After breakfast, disembark in Nuremberg and visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s; then see the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. Alternately, you may take an optional World War II tour that includes the illuminating Documentation Center Museum. After lunch, spend free time exploring Nuremberg’s Old Town. Or, join an optional tour to discover the secret network of underground bunkers where priceless art was hidden in wartime. We depart just before dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 10

Regensburg, Germany

Arrive in Regensburg midday. After lunch, tour this wonderfully preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including structures dating back to Roman times. Discover many 13th- and 14th-century patrician houses and see the splendid St. Peter’s Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Würstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant. Alternately, you may choose to disembark this morning and drive with your guide to Munich for an optional full-day tour of this cultural and historic city, rejoining your ship in time to enjoy dinner on board before our evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 11

Passau, Germany

Arrive this morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. You’ll see the New Bishop’s Residence and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe’s largest church organ. Enjoy lunch aboard your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. Alternately, set out this morning with your guide to enjoy a full-day optional tour of picturesque Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of The Sound of Music. We cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 12

Melk, Austria

After breakfast, visit the abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Cruise through the spectacular Wachau Valley this afternoon. Before dinner, you have time to explore the time-honored town of Krems and see the Steiner Tor, the last remaining city gate, or take an optional excursion to a local winery to sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region. (B, L, D)

Day 13

Vienna, Austria

Today we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. Ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some of the city’s baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Alternately, you may choose to join an optional excursion to see the famed Lipizzaner Stallions; or, express your creativity and create a lasting keepsake at an optional art workshop inspired by the work of Gustav Klimt. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)

Day 14

Vienna, Austria

Enjoy a day at leisure in Vienna. Perhaps see an unrivaled collection of Old Masters at the Museum of Fine Arts, or visit the Albertina. Maybe ride the Riesenrad, the world’s oldest Ferris wheel. Alternately, you may join an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the “Versailles of Vienna,” or enjoy a Viennese waltz lesson as well as visiting the palace during a full-day optional excursion. A cup of coffee or tea and a slice of exquisite Sachertorte are a must for any afternoon in Vienna. Later, rejoin your ship and sail for Budapest. (B, L, D)

Day 15

Budapest, Hungary

The Danube River divides Hungary’s capital city into the once separate towns of Buda and Pest. Explore both sides, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. Alternately, choose one of our optional excursions designed to allow you to delve deeper into the history, culture and cuisine of this fascinating city. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 16

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)

*Itinerary always subject to change*

** Please note that you are required to have a valid Canadian passport with you. Non-Canadians may require a visa. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have such a document if required. Any other nationality other than Canadian persons must identify themselves to the booking agent for verification of documents required. IF YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR DEPARTURE POINT WITHOUT PROPER ID YOU WILL BE DENIED BOARDING.**