Viking has announced that for the first time it is offering guests new experiences in Mongolia with the “Spirit of Mongolia” extension program. The line is also offering other pre- and post-cruise extensions on its new China itineraries, which include a cruise on the Viking Yi Dun.
Guests booked on the five-night, fully guided “Spirit of Mongolia” pre- or post-cruise extension will begin their journey in the city of Ulaanbaatar, where they will visit the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and step behind the scenes for a look at fossil specimens and more in the paleontology lab.
Next up is Dalanzadgad, where guests will stay at the Three Camel Lodge, located in the foothills of the Altai Mountains in the Gobi Desert near the Gurvan Saikhan National Park. For three days, guests can enjoy lodge activities including archery, a camel safari or an exploration of the Flaming Cliffs. Guests can also enjoy a sunrise trek through the desert hills with a guide or take in views of the steppe from Bulagtai Mountain to examine ancient petroglyphs. Alternatively, they can learn the secrets of making buuz (steamed dumplings) from the lodge’s Mongolian chef. Following their time in the Gobi Desert, guests will return to Ulaanbaatar for additional exploration for one night before continuing their journey home or embarking on their Viking voyage in China.
Viking is also offering four pre- and post-cruise guided extensions ranging between three and four nights. These include:
- Beijing – Visit seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall, besides choosing from optional excursions. The three-night extension is available on the “China Discovery” itinerary.
- Hong Kong – An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China’s lively southern coast. The three-night extension is available on the “Classic China & the Coast” and “China Discovery” itineraries.
- Hong Kong & Guilin – Admire the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, while Guilin captivates with karst mountains, rivers and ancient caves. The four-night extension is available on the “Classic China & the Coast” and “China Discovery” itineraries.
- Suzhou & Wuxi – Visit UNESCO-listed classical gardens, stroll ancient alleyways, gain insight into the region’s legacy of silk making, cruise the Grand Canal and view one of China’s largest Buddha statues. The three-night extension is available on the “China Discovery” itinerary.
Viking’s China itineraries include:
- “Best of China” – This 20-day cruisetour allows guests to see the Forbidden City, Great Wall and giant pandas, to name a few. Guests will delve into Tibet’s spiritual tradition and admire the Terracotta Army while sailing the eastern coast.
- “Wonders of China” – On this 20-day cruisetour, guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terracotta Army. Additionally, guests experience the coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, and Shenzhen.
- “China Discovery” – This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.
- “Classic China & the Coast” – This 15-day voyage combines the experiences of the 10-day “China Discovery” itinerary with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army and other landmarks. While sailing China’s coastline, guests can experience the diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines.
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