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Our Silk Road Explorer itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.
Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)
Housed in three immense hangars, the ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis, constructed to protect China’s first Emperor in the afterlife. Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers’ fascinating story. Later, enjoy a gentle cycle ride that will take you the nine miles around the wall past many smiling locals and take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. (B,L,D)
Start the morning with an optional early visit to the local park to see Xian’s residents taking part in Tai Chi and dancing. Visit the Xian Museum and the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, board the train to Lanzhou. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a moment of tranquillity at the hilltop Baita Temple and tuck into some delicious Lanzhou-style noodles made with hand-stretched dough. The next day, cross Liujiaxia Lake by speed boat and head into the green hills around Liujiaxia to explore the extraordinary Thousand Buddha Caves of Bingling Temple and their wealth of Buddhist murals, statues and sculptures. Also visit the statue of Maitreya (B,L,D)
Conquer the scenic Jishi Mountain Pass to arrive at Tibetan Xiahe. (B,L,D)
Giving a taste of the mysteries of Tibet, Labrang Monastery is a fascinating maze of prayer wheels, chapels and chortens. Dine on traditional Tibetan food for lunch, including Tibetan dumplings, known as momos. (B,L,D)
Return to Lanzhou and take the speedy bullet train to Zhangye, once an important commercial town along the Silk Road. (B,L,D)
Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over the kaleidoscopic mountains in Danxia National Park. Return to Zhangye and visit the Giant Buddha Temple before boarding your bullet train to Jiayuguan. (B,L,D)
Seen as China’s western gateway, Jiayuguan is the perfect place to get to grips with your Silk Road history. Visit the Jiayu Fortress and take a walk on the western extremes of the magnificent Great Wall for panoramic views over the starkly beautiful Gobi Desert. (B,L,D)
Drive to Dunhuang. Located on a major trade and cultural crossroads, Dunhuang, known as the ‘City of the Sands’, sits in a verdant oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Visit the Shazhou Night Market, where you can wander amongst the stalls, tasting local snacks. (B,L,D)
A system of temples and sanctuaries, visit the Mogao Grottoes that exhibit wonderful examples of Buddhist paintings and statues that span thousands of years. (B,L,D)
Visit Crescent Moon Spring, nestled amongst rolling sand dunes, and the famous Singing Sand Dunes, a phenomena produced by the wind blowing through the grains. (B,L,D)
Take the bullet train to Turpan, a lush green oasis set in a barren landscape. An easy-going town famed for its grapes, its pleasant streets are lined with lush vine trellises. (B,L,D)
Visit the ruins of ancient Jiaohe and the striking red sandstone Flaming Mountains. See elegant Emin Minaret before visiting a typical home in grape valley. Also learn about the fascinating Karez irrigation canals. (B,L,D)
Over the next four days travel along the original Silk Road through the Xinjiang Region, viewing ruins and sights largely unvisited by tourists. Travel to Kurla and visit the ruins of the Iron Fortress. The next day, see the ruins of Subashi, arriving in Kuqa to visit the old city wall. Also see the Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves before travelling to Aksu. Arrive in fabled Kashgar the following day. (B,L,D)
Its skyline punctured by minarets, Kashgar feels a million miles from China – in fact, it feels a million miles from anywhere! Although now a modern city, the sights and sounds of Kashgar’s bazaar have remained unchanged for millennia, Today’s visits include Abakh Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque and the atmospheric alleyways around Id Kah Square. (B,L,D)
Dive headlong into Central Asia’s largest bazaar. Within this riot of textures, vivid colours and traditional dress, you can browse hundreds of stalls selling anything from spices and carpets to boots and blenders. Fly to Urumqi. (B,L,D)
Escape to the tranquillity of Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), formed in a crater. Pay a visit to a Kazakh minority family in their yurt and spend some time with them, learning their way of life. Tonight, enjoy local Uyghur lamb skewers for dinner. The following day, make a short visit to the Xinjiang Museum before flying to Beijing. (B,L,D)
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate its sheer magnificence. You will have an opportunity to visit a Jade Museum, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens. (B,L,D)
Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you’ll find a complex full of imperial treasures. Soak up the ambience of the Temple of Heaven before visiting Yandaixiejie, where you’ll have some free time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of the old Beijing before the emergence of high-rise buildings and modern commerce. Sit down for lunch with one of the families who call the hutongs home. This evening, dine on Peking duck and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show. (B,L,D)
Fly to the UK arriving the same or following day. (B)
<First Last>Wendy Wu Tours inspect all of our hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. If the hotels listed below for your tour are not available on your chosen departure date, hotels of a similar standard will be used.
King Dynasty Hotel
Located opposite the ancient city walls, the Xian King Dynasty Hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an indoor pool, a sauna and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy both Chinese and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant. ...Read more
Changxin International Hotel
Located in the centre of Huzhou City, Changxing International Hotel Lanzhou offers cosy rooms with air conditioning, safety deposit box, minibar and satellite television. It features an indoor swimming pool, a spa and a gym, as well as 2 onsite restaurants offering both Chinese and Western cuisine. ...Read more
Xi Ling Hotel
Great Wall Hotel
The Great Wall Hotel offers fantastic views of the nearby Qilian Mountains and is in easy reach of the Great Wall Museum and the Jiayuguan Great Wall Pass. There are 150 modern rooms equipped with satellite television, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. ...Read more
Jin Ye Hotel
Conveniently located in Dunhuang, Dunhuang Jinye Hotel is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city and its local attractions. Each of its air conditioned, modern en-suite rooms include satellite television, a minibar, wired internet and tea making facilities. There is an onsite fitness centre and spa, and the hotel’s restaurant serves Chinese and Western dishes. ...Read more
Turpan Hotel
Right in the heart of the wooded Turpan, the Turpan Hotel has comfortable en-suite rooms with modern amenities, including air conditioning, tea making facilities, satellite television and a safety deposit box. The hotel also features an onsite restaurant serving local Chinese cuisine. ...Read more
Tianyuan International Hotel
The Tianyuan International Hotel, located in the city centre of Kashi, has traditionally adorned en-suite rooms with modern amenities, including tea making facilities, a minibar, free Wifi and complimentary newspapers and toiletries. The hotel’s onsite restaurant serves local Chinese dishes. There is also a spa onsite....Read more
Bintuan Grand Hotel
The Bintuan Grand Hotel located in Urumqi city centre offers spacious rooms with city views, en-suite bathrooms, complimentary toiletries, satellite television and a minibar. The hotel has 2 onsite restaurants, as well as a fitness center, a sauna and a spa....Read more
Zhongle Six Star Hotel
The luxurious Zhongle Six Star Hotel, conveniently located in Beijing, has spacious en-suite rooms which include, spacious and modern rooms featuring a hot tub, refrigerator, flat-screen cable TV, in-room safe, work desk and a sofa. The hotel’s onsite restaurants serve local Chinese and Western flavours. There is also a spa centre and TV area....Read more
| Depart UK | Return Date | Price |
| Sun, 20th May | ||
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