China | The Silk Road
Experience the rich convergence of cultures and religions as you travel one of the world's great trade routes on this incredible 17-day journey. From Xian's famed Army of Terracotta Warriors to the oasis town of Turpan and fabled Kashgar, explore lively local markets, visit an Uygher home in Turpan and take a camel ride among sand dunes.
| Duration: | 17 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW84 |
| Trip Style: | Moderate - 3 star |
| Departure Dates: | 08 Apr 2012, 06 May 2012, 27 May 2012, 17 Jun 2012, 15 Jul 2012, 12 Aug 2012, 09 Sep 2012, 14 Oct 2012 |
| Price: | $4,210 |
| Single Supplement: | $790 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
This small group journey is the perfect way for solo travellers to experience Asia. The style of travel means that you will experience Asia as a group of friends, not as part of an anonymous coach-load. Join your western tour leader and fellow travellers for an evening meal or sunset drink, or strike out on your own. The choice is always yours. This tour generally attracts a mix of couples, friends and solo travellers. The group never exceeds 16 passengers, which means you will always have the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
If you don't want to pay a single supplement you can choose to share and pay the twin-share price. If there isn't one other person of the same sex willing to share on your departure, you will stay in a single room at no extra cost. Alternatively, you can ensure a room to yourself by paying a single supplement.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 18 Max.
Your Journey starts Beijing, ends Urumqi
Days 1 - 2 ~ Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. We walk through the incredible expanse of Tiananmen Square before continuing on foot to the splendid Forbidden City. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony before heading into one of Beijing's few remaining hutongs (back streets) for lunch in a local home and a rickshaw ride. See the city's famous Drum Tower, travel to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and enjoy an amazing acrobatic show.
Hotel: Novotel Xinqiao
Days 3 - 5 ~ Overnight Train & Xian
Board our comfortable overnight train to Xian, home to the remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors. Marvel at these life size warriors, wander the fascinating streets of the thriving Muslim Quarter and visit the Big Goose Pagoda. We also have the chance to indulge in a sumptuous dumpling banquet, and take an overnight train journey to Lanzhou.
Hotels: Overnight train, Bell Tower
Day 6 ~ Lanzhou
Nestled in a narrow valley, Lanzhou was once a major transport hub and garrison on the Silk Road. Wander along the banks of the Yellow River and climb the peak of White Pagoda Hill for incredible views of the city below. Tonight you might like to try some delicious noodle soup, or another local Hui specialty.
Hotel: Lanzhou Legend
Days 7 - 8 ~ Overnight Train & Jiayuguan
From Lanzhou we drive then boat to Bingling Si Caves. Back in Lanzhou, we board an overnight train to Jiayuguan. Here, the vast desert is flanked by snowcapped peaks, making for a stunning contrast. We visit an ancient frontier fortress, climb a remote part of the Great Wall, and visit the Great Wall Museum.
Hotels: Overnight train, Huayuan
Days 9-12 ~ Dunhuang & Turpan
We travel by road to the oasis town of Dunhuang, the ideal location for a camel ride and perhaps some tobogganing in the nearby sand dunes. Visit the spectacular Mogao Caves, birthplace of Chinese Buddhism and setting for some ancient Buddhist cave art before taking an overnight train to Turpan, home to the striking Emin Minaret. Here we enjoy lunch with a local Uygher family, explore a local vineyard and visit the colourful local bazaar.
Hotels: International, Overnight train, Grand Turpan
Days 13-17 ~ Urumqi & Kashgar
We drive to Urumqi, where we visit the fascinating Xinjiang Provincial Museum and bustling local market before boarding our flight to Kashgar. This fascinating frontier town is still an important hub for traders throughout Central Asia. Experience the clamour and excitement of the Sunday Bazaar, visit the Id Kah Mosque and step back in time on a walking tour through the city's backstreets. Returning to Urumqi, we take a side trip to the beautiful Heavenly Lake. Set against the spectacular ice-capped Tianshan Mountain Range, the area is dotted with traditional yurts inhabited by Kazak people. Your Silk Road experience ends with a farewell dinner then an airport transfer on day 17.
Hotels: Taxinan Barony, Orient Dynasty
Trip grading: ADVENTUROUS
Suitable for travellers with above average levels of fitness and mobility. Prepare for some long road journeys, four overnight trains and plenty of walking.
Inclusions
- 12 nights hotel accommodation
- 4 overnight trains (soft sleeper 4-berth shared cabin)
- flights as specified
- all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles
- all sightseeing as specified, entrance fees
- Western tour leader based on a minimum of 7 travellers
- local English-speaking guides throughout
- arrival and departure transfers
- breakfast daily and 2 lunches
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
