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Since before the dawn of recorded time, the Silk Road has conjured up images of adventure. Caravans crossing the forbidding deserts of Central Asia brought Cathay's gossamer silk treasures all the way to Rome. For more than a millennium, the arduous land route not only carried silk and other exotic goods to the west but also provided the way for the eastward expansion of Buddhism. Our adventure begins in Beijing, the capital of China. The resplendent golden roofs of the Forbidden City, the historic Tiananmen Square, and the poetic Summer Palace reflect the imperial splendor of this amazing city. Travel to Urumqi, the most "inland" city in the world, a green oasis amidst the barren and uninhabited deserts. An excursion takes us to Tian Chi or "Heavenly Lake" about halfway up the 5,000 mile high Bogda Mountain in the Tian Shan Range. Then we journey to Turpan, an oasis of vineyards on the edge of the vast deserts of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. We visit Bezeklik, in the Flaming Mountains, site of Qianfodong, the "Thousand-Buddha Caves". Our expedition continues to Gaochang, the ancient walled capital of the Uighurs. An overnight rail adventure takes us to the 2,000 year old corridor town of Dunhuang and site of the most priceless collections of Buddhist art in the world, the Mogao Grottoes. At Jiayuguan Pass weíll visit an unforgettable Ming Fortress and the western end of the Great Wall.
To the journeyer
 One of the advantages of traveling with China Professional Tours is that local staff will handle all the practical details of your stay thus freeing your time for the enjoyment of your personal journey. The Silk Road journey plan takes you to some of the most remote areas of China. We skirt the untamed edges of the Gobi desert where the tourism infrastructure is simple and conditions can be challenging. This unique tour isn’t for everyone. The journey plan is designed for those participants truly interested in traveling through the remote reaches of Western Asia. Historical and cultural enthusiasts as well as seasoned travelers looking for adventure will all find the Silk Road itinerary an incredible life experience. |
| Detailed Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Depart USA
Depart the United States on your international flight to Urumqi. |
| Day 2 |
Enroute |
| Day 3 |
Arrive Urumqi
Arrive Urumqi. Transfer to your hotel.(B D) |
| Day 4 |
Urumqi
Excursion to Tian Chi ( Heavenly Lake).(B L D) |
| Day 5 |
Urumqi - Kashgar
Visit Nationality Museum, transfer to airport for flight Kashgar, transfer to hotel.(B L D) |
| Day 6 |
Kashgar
Full day experiencing the culture of minority people, including visits to local family, the Sunday Barzaar, the great Mosque. (B L D) |
| Day 7 |
Kashgar - Urumqi
Visit Apahoja Tomb, afternoon flight to Urumqi.(B L D) |
| Day 8 |
Turpan
Drive to Turpan in the morning. Visit Grape Valley, Gaochang Ancient City Ruins, and Bazaklik Caves.(B L D) |
| Day 9 |
Turpan - Liuyuan
Tour of Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins; afternoon transfer to train station for overnight
train to Liuyuan.(B
L
D) |
| Day 10 |
Liuyuan - Dunhuang
Arrive Liuyuan. Drive 2 to 3 hours to Dunhuang, tour of Singing Sand Dune and Crescent Moon Lake. Stay at your hotel. (B L D) |
| Day 11 |
Dunhuang
Full day tour of Mogao Caves, City Museum.(B L D) |
| Day 12 |
Dunhuang - Xi'an
Fly to Xi'an then connect flight back to USA or start your choice of optional tour.(B) |
| Optional Tours |
| A |
Xi'an |
| Day 1 |
Xi'an
Arrive in Xi'an. Transfer to hotel. Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the
ancient City Walls. (L D) |
| Day 2 |
Xi'an
Excursion to the Terra Cotta Army Archaeological Find. Tour Banpo Neolithic Village Museum. Attend a special Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show. (B L D) |
| Day 3 |
Departure
Transfer to airport for exit flight back to the USA. |
B |
Beijing |
| Day 1 |
Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Meet your guide upon arrival and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
Beijing
Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Boat ride on Lake Kunming. Welcome Peking Duck Banquet.(B L D) |
| Day 3 |
Beijing
Full day excursion to the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall.(B L D) |
| Day 4 |
Beijing
Visit the Temple of Heaven. Travel through the old neighborhoods of Beijing (Hutongs) via rickshaw pedicel.(B L D) |
| Day 5 |
Departure
Transfer to airport for exit flight back to the USA. (B) |
C |
Shanghai |
| Day 1 |
Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to hotel. Visit Shanghai Museum. ( L D) |
| Day 2 |
Shanghai
Visit Temple of the Jade Buddha, Yuyuan Gardens and the Bund. Remainder of day is free to shop and explore. (B L D) |
| Day 3 |
Departure
Transfer to airport for exit flight back to the USA.(B L D) |
(B/L/D - indicates meals included in the package)
* Please note: the above itinerary is subject to change without
notice.
Should you want to add additional hotel nights and tour options in China and
other Asian destinations, use our Create-A-Tour or
Make it Asia! Stop-Over Package
options to create your own tailored itinerary. Your tour coordinator will be happy
to assist you with questions and rates.
*Notes Tour prices quoted are per person. Quotes are subject to change without prior notice, and are valid for a minimum of 2 persons. Quotes are not applicable during special holidays, e. g. New Year, Chinese New Year. For Biking, Skiing, Diving, Golfing and Diving tours, quotes do not include equipment. Special rates for groups larger than 10 persons are available. Please contact us for more information.
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|
| Map |
 |
| Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Depart USA |
| Day 2 |
Enroute |
| Day 3 |
Arrive Urumqi |
| Day 4 |
Urumqi |
| Day 5 |
Urumqi - Kashgar |
| Day 6 |
Kashgar |
| Day 7 |
Kashgar - Urumqi |
| Day 8 |
Turpan |
| Day 9 |
Turpan - Liuyuan |
| Day 10 |
Liuyuan - Dunhuang |
| Day 11 |
Dunhuang |
| Day 12 |
Dunhuang - Xi'an |
| Day 13 |
Departure or
Choice of Optional Tours |
Price (Main Tour) |
| US$US$3, 190pp |
US$576 (Single Supplement) |
Price (Xi'an Tour) |
| US$US$394pp |
US$164 (Single Supplement) |
Price (Beijing Tour) |
| US$US$806pp |
US$227 (Single Supplement) |
Price (Shanghai Tour) |
| US$US$667pp |
US$185 (Single Supplement) |
Tour Inclusions |
| 1) International Air from West Coast, except "Stop-over" tours and Hong Kong/Macau tours. |
| 2) English Speaking Guides as stated in itinerary. |
| 3) Hotel Accommodations are based on Run-of-House or standard. Rooms are based on twin beds unless otherwise specified. King bedrooms may be more (and may be based on availability at time of checkin). Non-smoking rooms may also not be available and are on request basis only. |
| 4) Cruises are based on standard room category. |
| 5) All flights are based on economy class. |
| 6) Round Trip Transfers are private unless otherwise stated in itinerary. |
| 7) Meals -
American (buffet) breakfast & Local Lunch & Dinner
unless otherwise stated in itinerary. B = Breakfast
L = Lunch D =Dinner. |
| 8) All tours and entrance fees private unless otherwise stated in itinerary. |
| 9) Generally, only one piece of checked baggage at 44 pounds in addition to one carry-on per person is allowed on all Chinese domestic flights, China to/from Hong Kong flights and some Intra-Asia flights. |
Tour Exclusions |
| 1) U.S. Domestic Air or Other Transportation not mentioned in itinerary. |
| 2) Items of a personal nature. |
| 3) Those items
as not stated as included. |
| 4) Guide and
Driver tips are left to your discretion. |
| 5) Hotel portage
baggage handling. |
| 6) Passport
and Visa Fees. (Visa services provided by China Professional
Tours. Ask your agent for details.) |
| 7) Excess
Baggage Fees. |
8) Travel & Tour
insurance. (Highly recommended optional insurance
available through China Professional Tours. Ask your
agent for details.) |
| 9) International
Cell Phone. (Rental of cell phone for international
use is available. Please call for details.) |
| 10) Other
U.S or International Departure Taxes. |
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