The Silk Road

16 days - from $3280

The journey of a lifetime on the legendary Silk Route, across the deserts of western China to Kashgar

For centuries, traders have plied the so-called ‘Silk Road’, a long and hazardous adventure linking the markets of western Europe to the ancient Chinese capital of Xian. This tour re-traces part of that epic journey, travelling along the fabled Hexi Corridor, then out across the deserts of western China, with a detour to amazing Xiahe, a place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Lamaism.

Many spectacular sights are witnessed during this journey, including the awe-inspiring Forbidden City in Beijing, various sections of the Great Wall of China, the renowned Terracotta Warriors and the superb Buddhist painting at Dunhuang. The scenery is varied and even hostile in places, but always hauntingly beautiful. Most of all, this tour represents a cultural odyssey. From the heart of the Han Chinese homeland, you travel west, meeting numerous ethnic groups such as the Mongols and the Turkish-speaking Uighurs of central Asia, en route to the remote oasis town of Kashgar.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Buddhist murals of Mogao Caves
• The Forbidden City
• Terracotta Warriors of Xian
• Kashgar - the Silk Road capital of the Uyghurs

Itinerary:

Day 1: Beijing2-3: Beijing - overnight train4-5: Xian - overnight train6-8: Lanzhou - Xiahe - overnight train9: Jiayuguan10-11: Dunhuang - overnight train12: Turpan13: Turpan - Urumqi14: Urumqi - Kashgar15: Kashgar16: Kashgar
Included:

Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Departure taxes, departure transfer, visas, other meals, insurance, tips, items of a personal nature, cost of any optional tours and activities during free time.