Secrets of the Silk Road - 14 days

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Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

2 peopleMinimum to book

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Beijing, China

Ends

Beijing, China

Highlights

Beijing - Explore the vast Tiananmen Square, visit the Forbidden City and admire the Temple of Heaven

Huanghuacheng Great Wall - Hike this section of the Great Wall of China, unique for its partially submerged and picturesque portion of the wall

Xi'an - Marvel at the sprawling army of Terracotta Warriors, walk along the ancient City Wall, and discover the vibrant Muslim Quarter

Dunhuang - Visit the Mogao Grottoes, explore Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes and delve into Silk Road history at the Dunhuang Museum

Turpan - Feel the heat at the Flaming Mountain, explore the ruins of Gaochang and discover a traditional Uyghur village

Urumqi - See the towering Emin Minaret, explore Red Hill Pagoda, and wander through the Grand Bazaar, then visit scenic Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountains

Kashgar - Take in the Id Kah Mosque, wander through Uyghur alleys, see the Mausoleum of Abjak Hoja, and enjoy the vibrant culture of the city

Urumqi - See the towering Emin Minaret, explore Red Hill Pagoda, and wander through the Grand Bazaar, then visit scenic Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountains

Kashgar - Take in the Id Kah Mosque, wander through Uyghur alleys, see the Mausoleum of Abjak Hoja, and enjoy the vibrant culture of the city

Itinerary

Unlock the secrets of China’s legendary Silk Road on this 14-day private tour. Beginning and ending in Beijing, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, and hike a stretch of the Great Wall. Then, fly west to Dunhuang for the mystical Mogao Grottos and the Singing Sand Dunes, traverse to Turpan’s Flaming Mountain, and uncover the history and culture of the Uyghur people. Explore Urumqi, marvel at Heavenly Lake, and discover the ancient crossroads of Kashgar. This easy-paced, self-guided journey is tailored for seasoned travelers and seniors, offering a deep dive into China’s rich heritage and the enduring legacy of the Silk Road—a trip where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge.

day 1 - Arrival in Beijing

On arrival in Beijing, you'll be greeted by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel (approximately 1 hour). The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

If time permits, you can take the opportunity to visit one of Beijing's remaining ‘hutongs’, traditional lanes that capture the essence of the city’s history. Wander through these charming alleyways, where tightly packed courtyards offer a glimpse into the daily lives of locals. Explore unassuming courtyards once inhabited by the last empress of the Qing dynasty, and let the bustling food stalls tempt you with Beijing's authentic street food.

OverNight:Beijing

day 2 - Exploring Beijing

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and head to Tiananmen Square. As you stand in this vast, historic square, you’ll be able to see the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong overlooking the Tiananmen Gate. One of the largest public squares in the world, it has witnessed numerous significant events in Chinese history, and you’ll also have the opportunity to visit Mao’s mausoleum at the far end of the square.

Next, visit the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace that served as the heart of Chinese power for over 500 years. Home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, this expansive complex features more than 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers, all reserved for the royal family and their elite.

After some free time for lunch (not included), you will continue to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, one of the most renowned symbols of Beijing, is a remarkable example of traditional Chinese architecture. After your visit, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can get dinner or relax.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Beijing

day 3 - Hike the Great Wall

Beijing - Great Wall - Beijing. Today, you’ll transfer to the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, one of the most picturesque parts of this historic structure. Beijing’s Great Wall stretches over 600km, mostly dating back to the Ming Dynasty, although older sections can still be seen. The Huanghuacheng Wall, named for the yellow flowers that bloom in the area, is perfect for a moderate hike, offering breathtaking views of two lakes at either end, formed by dams in the 1970s and 1990s. From the Wall, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas, with the Wall curving down into the water below, providing a truly spectacular scene.

Afterwards, visit a pearl factory, where you’ll observe how pearls are carefully harvested from oysters, then sorted and processed into beautiful jewels. You return to your hotel in Beijing for a final night.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Beijing

day 4 - Beijing to Xi'an

Beijing - Xi'an. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Xi’an (unescorted). The 5-6 hour train ride offers a comfortable journey to Xi’an, once known as “Chang’an,” the ancient capital of multiple dynasties.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you and take you to the vibrant Muslim Quarter. As you stroll through the lively streets, the enticing scents from the food stalls will fill the air. You can sample a variety of local dishes, including Halal skewers, roast mutton, and persimmon cakes (at your own cost). Xi’an boasts one of the world’s oldest Muslim communities, established over 1,300 years ago by traders from Persia and Arabia who settled here along the Silk Road.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Xi'an

day 5 - Terracotta Warriors & Xi'an City Wall

You’ll begin your day early with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors site, where a professional guide will help you unravel the secrets of this extraordinary archaeological discovery. Marvel at the life-sized figures of soldiers and horses, crafted to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang. Discovered on the outskirts of Xi’an, the Terracotta Army comprises over 8,000 soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses, each one unique, created to guard the emperor’s grand mausoleum.

Following this, you’ll visit a jade carving factory before enjoying some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Xi'an City Wall, where you can take a leisurely walk along this historic structure. The wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, was originally built from rammed earth and later rebuilt with bricks during the reign of Emperor Longquing. You can rent a bike or electric bike to cycle along the wall, either completing the entire circuit or exploring a section of this monumental structure. Enjoy a second night in Xi'an before your Silk Road adventure begins tomorrow.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Xi'an

day 6 - Journey to Dunhuang

Xi'an - Dunhuang. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you'll transfer to the airport for your included flight to Dunhuang (approximately 2.5 - 3 hours). On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day will be at your leisure, giving you time to relax and explore Dunhuang at your own pace.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Dunhuang

day 7 - Exploring Dunhuang

Today, you’ll transfer to the Mogao Grottoes, located on the edge of the Gobi Desert. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s most important collections of Buddhist art, comprising a network of caves and cells that house stunning statues and murals created over a thousand years, from the 4th to the 14th centuries. A total of 492 caves have withstood the test of time.

You’ll have some free time for lunch, before spending the afternoon visiting Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes. Located six kilometres south of Dunhuang, the desert meets an oasis, creating a stunning landscape. If time allows, you’ll enjoy the sunset at Crescent Moon Lake, with the towering sand dunes providing a spectacular backdrop to the oasis. You'll then return to the hotel in Dunhuang.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Dunhuang

day 8 - Dunhuang Museum & Turpan

Dunhuang - Turpan. Start the day with a fascinating visit to the Dunhuang Museum, where you’ll journey through time from the prehistoric age to the Qing Dynasty. The museum houses an extensive collection of relics that tell the story of Dunhuang’s rich history and its importance along the Silk Road. You’ll have the chance to see ancient pottery, sculptures, and traditional costumes, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Liuyuan Nan Railway Station for your included high-speed train to Turpan, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Please Note: The Dunhuang Museum is closed on Mondays.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Turpan

day 9 - Flaming Mountain, Gaochang & Uyghur Heritage

After breakfast, you’ll begin your day with a visit to the Flaming Mountain. This striking mountain, composed of red sand and rocks, resembles a red dragon resting on the basin. From a distance, the heatwaves and floating clouds create the illusion of fire as the sun shines upon it. In summer, the temperature here can soar to 80°C, and the Flaming Mountain Museum features a large thermometer to show you just how intense the heat can be.

Next, you’ll explore the ruins of Gaochang, an ancient city founded in the 1st century BC during the conflict between China and the Huns. Originally built as a military fortress, Gaochang was once a grand city with fortress walls, palaces, and churches. Today, only the remains of these structures survive, offering a glimpse into the past glory of this once-thriving city along the ancient Silk Road.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit a traditional Uyghur village, where you’ll step back in time to experience life as it was in Central Asia centuries ago. Then, you’ll explore the Bezeklik Caves, known for their stunning wall decorations. Finally, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Jiaohe Ruins, one of the oldest earthen cities in existence, dating back over 2,300 years. After a busy day, you'll return to Turpan for the night.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Turpan

day 10 - Turpan to Urumqi

Turpan - Urumqi. This morning, you’ll visit the Karez Irrigation System and the Emin Minaret, the largest Islamic tower in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Karez system, dating back over 2000 years to the Han Dynasty, was once the main source of water for both agriculture and daily life.

After lunch, you’ll drive 184 km to Urumqi. Your first stop will be the Red Hill Pagoda and Park, built in 1785. Located atop Red Hill at an altitude of 910 metres, the pagoda is a landmark of Urumqi. The hill’s distinctive reddish-brown colour gives the park its name, and it offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.

In the late afternoon, after checking into your hotel, you’ll take a relaxing walk through Urumqi’s Grand Bazaar. This vibrant market provides a glimpse into the city’s rich local culture, where you can explore its colourful stalls and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Urumqi

day 11 - Heavenly Lake Excursion

Today, after breakfast, you’ll visit Heavenly Lake, also known as Tianchi Lake, a breathtaking natural wonder located on the northern side of Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountains. This stunning scenic spot is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy lunch at a Kazak village before heading back to the city in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Urumqi.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Urumqi

day 12 - Urumqi to Kashgar

Urumqi - Kashgar. Today, you’ll have the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your included flight to Kashgar (approximately 2 - 2.5 hours). Upon arrival in Kashgar, you’ll visit China’s largest mosque, the Id Kah Mosque, which is not only the largest mosque in Xinjiang but also one of the most influential in Asia.

Next, you’ll take a stroll through the intricate Uyghur alleys of Kashgar, a city known for its folk crafts, art, and vibrant bazaars. If you wish, stop for a pot of brick tea and enjoy the sounds of Uyghur music and singing in the old streets of Ustang Boyi, offering a unique glimpse into the authentic local lifestyle.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kashgar

day 13 - Exploring Kashgar

After breakfast, if it’s Sunday, you’ll visit the lively Sunday Bazaar, which has preserved its ancient charm for over a thousand years. Vendors arrive on foot, by bike, or even on horseback, donkey, or camel, offering a colourful array of goods. Following this, you’ll explore the old town of Kashgar, with its winding streets and traditional brick and wood buildings, some of which have stood for centuries.

Later, you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Abjak Hoja, built around 1640 AD as the final resting place of Muhammad Yusuf, an Islamic leader. This impressive mausoleum is an important historical site in Kashgar. After the visit, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kashgar

day 14 - Goodbye China

Kashgar - Beijing. This morning, you’ll have some free time before being transferred to the airport for your included flight back to Beijing (approximately 4.5 to 5 hours). The tour will conclude upon your arrival at the airport in Beijing.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

13 nights in 3-4 star hotels

Meals

13 breakfasts & 2 lunches

Transport

Arrival transfer on day 1All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles3 economy class domestic flights from Xi’an - Dunhuang, Urumqi - Kashgar & Kashgar - Beijing, with one 20kg luggage allowance per person

Others

Services of English speaking local guides for included sightseeingGuided sightseeing in Beijing, Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar2 high-speed train journeys from Beijing - Xi’an & Dunhuang - Turpan24 hours emergency hotline (English-speaking)

Entrance

Entrance fees and fees for activities listed in the itinerary

What's Excluded

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