The Silk Caravan

Day 1: Beijing

Your trip starts today with your arrival in Beijing. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-departure briefing with your tour leader late this afternoon.

Day 2-3: Beijing & The Great Wall

Beijing is a thriving metropolis and home to over 16 million people. Over the next couple of days, we explore many of its main attractions. The Forbidden City, built over 500 years ago, has been off limits to commoners until about 100 years ago. After entering through an archway beyond Tiananmen Gate, we spend the morning exploring this huge complex and marvel at the many intricate carvings that adorn its buildings. A visit to China is not complete without taking a walk along the Great Wall. You will visit one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience - the surrounding views are amazing. There is ample free time to explore the many other sights of Beijing, such as the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, or just kick back and soak up the atmosphere of this historic and vibrant metropolis. On Monday evening we board the sleeper train for Xian. You can either purchase dinner on the train or buy some food prior to boarding. We stay in six-berth air-conditioned cabins that have an open and relaxed feel about them. A blanket, sheets and a pillow are provided, although some people may wish to bring their own inner sheet. Travelling on the train is a great way to mix with the locals and practise your Chinese-language skills.

Day 4-5: Xian & Terracotta Warriors

On Tuesday morning we arrive in Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province, where we are soon out exploring the awesome army of Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed in 1974 by farmers digging a well, these life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots were all individually hand carved. There are over 6,000 of these clay statues, all in battle formation and facing east, in order to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang. Afterwards, we have free time to wander around this historical city. The Muslim Quarter, situated just a few blocks from our hotel, is a fascinating place to visit with its Great Mosque and vast array of market stalls. The local dumplings here are legendary! Alternatively, you can cycle along the top of the ancient city walls or climb the Bell Tower, with its commanding views across town. On Wednesday we board the sleeper train for Jiayuguan.

Day 6-7: Jiayuguan

After a long train journey we arrive early morning in Jiayuguan. This town was a defining point of the Silk Road as it marks the end of the Great Wall for the Chinese. After we freshen up at our hotel we spend the day at the Jiayuguan Fort, the last major stronghold of China in the middle ages. The Following day we have the option of either visiting the Overhanging Great Wall or the First Watch Tower of the Great Wall. This outpost of the Great Wall truly reminds us of the epic journey these traders took on the Silk Road.

Day 8-9: Dunhuang

We travel by bus to Dunhuang, whose ancient Chinese name meant beautiful desert oasis. It is here we can view the grand Buddhist art at the Mogao Caves that dates back to 366 AD. These caves were a huge destination on the Silk Road for traders to pray and give thanks for a safe journey. Following this later, we will travel to Lieyuan to board an overnight train to Turpan.

Day 10-11: Turpan

The oasis town of Turpan is a pearl of the Silk Road. It encapsulates the many influences of the travellers of the Silk Road. Once in Turpan we visit the the Afghan-style mosque of Emin Minaret followed by the ancient Jiaohe ruins, which has been preserved for 2000 years. If the sun is not too hot the best way to do these sites is by bicycle, so get ready to peddle. The following day is yours to explore this fascinating area with options such as the Grape Valley, Bezeklik Caves, the Karez Wells or even travel out to the village of Tuyoq.

Day 12-14: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake

In the morning of Day 12 we catch a bus to Urumqi, a city that is the furthest away from the ocean than any other city in the world. We have the option in this city to visit the Xinjiang Museum. This fascinating museum houses mummies dating back 4000 years. After time in Urumqi we catch a public bus up to Tianchi, otherwise known as Heavenly Lake. We find ourselves staying two nights in a Kazakh yurt at this picturesque deep blue lake. It is here we can go for hikes, interact with the local Kazakh people as we take in the majestic beauty of this lake and marvel at the country side we have travelled through to get here.

Day 15-17: Kashgar

We arrive in Kashgar mid morning on Day 15. After checking into the hotel we have time to explore this vibrant city that was the nexus of traders from Rome through to Beijing. We have time in the afternoon to travel to the impressive Idh Kah Mosque and the Abakh Hoja Tomb. The following morning you can haggle yourself everything from a camel to pashmenia as we visit one of the most lively and ancient markets: The Sunday Kashgar Markets. You have free time to explore the old town that still has blacksmiths and craftsmen working the way they have for centuries. Our trip ends on the morning of Day 17 in Kashgar. Checkout time is usually around 12 noon; however you are free to leave at any time in the morning. Additional accommodation can be arranged on request.

Tour Grade: Culture

Whether you’re taking in man’s greatest works at places like Petra or Angkor Wat, experiencing grand set-pieces like the Trans-Mongolian Railway or trying your hand at regional specialities like tango in Buenos Aires, getting to grips with local cultures is what travel’s all about. A few tips from a local guide and a sense of adventure are pretty much all you need. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get the lowdown on high Tibet among Lhasa’s magisterial temples; follow up Delhi’s eye-popping bustle with a fix of its fiery food; and mix manic markets and Incan masterpieces in Peru.