The Silk Road

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The Silk Road

12 Days from £1693

Beijing (3 nights), Xian (2 nights), Dunhuang (1 night), Overnight train (1 night), Turpan (1 night), Urumqi (1 night), Kashgar (2 nights), Urumqi (1 night)

This incredible journey traces the steps of the first merchants on their trading route linking Xian with the Mediterranean. Travelling through Xinjiang, China's largest province, you will cross through deserts and oasis towns, past towering mountains and crystal clear lakes. Steeped in history, culturally diverse and undoubtedly unlike the rest of China, this province shares more with Central Asia than the motherland. This is an unforgetable tour and the trip of a lifetime.

Highlights include:
• Private touring for maximum flexibility.
• Spend time wandering round the magnificent Forbidden City
• Visit Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace
• Explore the Muslim Quarter in Xian and view the spectacular Terracotta Warriors
• Visit the desert towns of Turpan and Dunhuang
• Experience typical and traditional Uighur hospitality
• Attend the fascinating livestock market in Kashgar
• View ancient ruins and fortresses

Departures:
Daily between May to October although we recommend arriving into Beijing on a Friday (day 1) to ensure you can experience Kashgar livestock market on a Sunday (day 10).

Day 1: Arrive Beijing:
On arrival transfer to your hotel for 3 nights and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Accommodation: Novotel Peace Beijing

Day 2: Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City:
A full days sightseeing starting in central Beijing at Tian'anmen Square. Continue on to the incredible Forbidden City, originally home to the Ming and Qing dynasties and the heart of the empire for over 500 years. After lunch at a local restaurant visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China's best examples of Ming architecture, it was originally built in 1420. (B,L)

Day 3: Lama Temple, Hutong Tour and Summer Palace:
This morning visit the oldest Buddhist temple in Beijing - Yonghegong Lama Temple before exploring Beijing's fascinating maze of narrow lanes and ancient courtyard houses known as the 'Hutongs'. In the afternoon visit the Summer Palace and its extensive grounds filled with temples, lakes, pavillions and gardens. (B,L)

Day 4: Beijing - Xian:
Depart Beijing for your flight to Xian. On arrival visit the impressive ancient city walls (dating back to the 14th-Century) and the Provincial History Museum. In the evening you may wish to attend a Tang Dynasty dinner show (at own expense). (B)
Accommodation: Grand Mercure on Remin Square

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter:
Spend the morning visiting the spectacular Terracotta Warriors, which were only discovered in 1974. After a local lunch, return to Xian to spend the afternoon exploring Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in 652 AD, the atmospheric Muslim Quarter and its centre-piece the Grand Mosque. (B,L)

Day 6: Xian - Dunhuang:
After breakfast transfer to Xian airport for your flight to Dunhuang. On arrival visit Maogao Caves, China's richest treasure house of Buddhist murals, manuscripts and sculptures set into the desert cliffs. In the evening maybe visit the lively night market to enjoy the delicious local food. (B)
Accommodation: Silk Road Hotel

Day 7: Dunhuang - Turpan:
In the morning enjoy a visit to Singing Sands Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake at the base of the incredible Mingsa sand dunes. You have the option of a memorable camel ride down to the lake before transferring to the train station to leave the lush green oasis of Dunhuang on your overnight sleeper to Turpan. (B,L)
Accommodation: Overnight train

Day 8: Turpan:
On arrival at the oasis town of Turpan freshen up at your hotel before a full day tour of the surrounding area. In the morning visit Bezeklik Caves and the ruins of Gaochang, once a major outpost on the Silk Road. Proceed to Tuyoq, a small village and pilgrimage site surrounded by the Flaming Mountains. In the afternoon explore the Jiahoe ruins and a typical Karez (a traditional Central Asian well). In the evening enjoy a traditional Uygher singing and dancing performance. (B,L)
Accommodation: Oasis Hotel

Day 9: Turpan - Urumqi:
In the morning visit Emin Minaret, a decorative circular minaret on top of an Afghan-style mosque. Afterwards set out for Urumqi and explore Tian Chi Lake, also known as Heavenly Lake. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, the deep blue of the lake contrasting with the snowy Tian Shan mountains. Enjoy a local lunch at a restaurant nearby before returning to Urumqi. (B,L)
Accommodation: Hoi Tak Hotel

Day 10: Urumqi - Kashgar:
Take a morning flight to Kashgar to spend the rest of the day exploring the narrow lanes of the Old Town and Abakh Hoja Tomb, one of the largest in China. If you visit on a Sunday, spend time at the unique and fascinating Sunday livestock market. (B,L)
Accommodation: Accommodation: Barony Hotel

Day 11: Kashgar - Karakul Lake:
Spend the whole day at Karakul Lake along the infamous Karakoram Highway. The lake is ringed by dazzling white mountains clearly reflected on the water's surface. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning back to Kashgar. (B,L= picnic)

Day 12: Kashgar - Urumqi:
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Urumqi where your tour ends. Ask your consultant asbout onward flights. (B)

Prices Include:
• Accommodation and meals as specified (B = breakfast, L = lunch)
• Tours and transfers with an English speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Domestic flights as stated. International flights from the UK are not included.

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