Legends of the Silk Road tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cruisine.
- Return international economy flights, taxes, and current fuel surcharges (unless a land-only option is selected)
- All accommodation
- 3 nights onboard the Silk Road Express in a Gold Class Cabin
- Meals as stated – 12 breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
- All transportation and transfers
- English-speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) or Local Guides
- Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
- Comprehensive travel guides
The only things you may have to pay for are personal expenditures e.g., drinks, optional
excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, tipping, early check-in or late checkout, and other items not specified on the itinerary
Itinerary:
Day 1 – 2: Fly overnight to Urumqi (D)
Fly overnight to the modern city of Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China’s northwest. You will be met at Urumqi airport in the Arrivals Hall by your Local Guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, transfer to your hotel. Early check-in is not included. Additional nights before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 2. Late arrivals will receive a boxed dinner.
Destination Information
Urumqi – Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Province and was a major hub for trade from the Tang Dynasty all the way to the Qing Dynasty. The city today has a thriving economy.
Day 3: Urumqi (B, L)
Today, you will leave the bustle of the city behind and spend the day among the glorious nature of Tian Shan, the ‘Mountains of Heaven’. This region of snow- and glacier-capped peaks, forests, meadows, rivers, and lakes is a stark contrast to the nearby desert – you’ll get spectacular views of it all on a cruise of Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), before visiting a Kazakh minority family in their yurt for insight into the nomadic lifestyle. Later, go on to relax at your hotel or head out on a walking tour through the atmospheric alleyways of the Urumqi Grand Bazaar.
Destination Information
Tianchi – An alpine lake in Xinjiang, literally translating as ‘Heavenly Lake’, Tianchi is a stunningly picturesque lake that offers water activities and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Day 4: Urumqi – Kashgar (B, D)
With a history stretching back over 2,000 years and long an important trading centre, Kashgar’s minaret studded skyline evokes the timeless spirit of the Silk Road. On arrival, your Silk Road Express experience begins, with a special welcome dinner this evening – the perfect introduction to the luxurious adventure you’re about to embark on.
Destination Information
Kashgar – Kashgar is an oasis city and is geographically one of the westernmost cities in China. Kashgar has a long and rich history as a vital trading point on the Silk Road. Due to its location, Kashgar’s culture, way of life, cuisine and traditions are heavily influenced by the cultures of China, the Middle East and Pakistan. The old town in the centre of this modern city has charming narrow streets which hold its deeply entrenched heritage.
Day 5: Kashgar – Board the Silk Road Express (B, L, D)
This morning, visit the Terraced Households, traditional Uyghur dwellings built of mud bricks, tightly packed down old, atmospheric lanes.Continue your explorations in the Old Town, where plenty of heritage crafts are still undertaken – enjoy a visit to a printing and clay pottery workshop to see the artisans at work. Go on to board the Silk Road Express, settling into the classic grandeur of your cabin as your journey following the routes of the fabled Silk Road begins. Pulling out of Kashgar, sit back in comfort and watch the landscapes slip by as you travel deeper into China’s northern extremes. Tonight, you will enjoy a traditional Muqam dinner.
Destination Information
Silk Road Express – The Silk Road Express gives visitors an opportunity to travel along one of the world’s most legendary trading routes, and experience first-hand, the vibrant culutures and legendary landscapes that have inspired travellers here for centuries.
Day 6: The Silk Road Express: Hotan (B, L, D)
Enjoy a free morning making use of the train’s amenities, relaxing in your cabin or one of the lounge cars as you arrive into Hotan. After lunch, served on the train, disembark and drive to the Hetian Museum to view cultural relics of the local area. Continue to a traditional handicraft workshop, a silk commune and a hand-stitched carpet workshop to visit the local artisans and watch them at their work. Then, explore ancient Yotkan, a city with a fascinating thousand-year history and strong links to the Silk Road. Return to the train and enjoy a delicious dinner full of regional flavours
Destination Information
Hotan – Situated on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Hotan has historically been an important oasis along the ancient Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the East and West. The region remains a significant center for the production of silk, jade, and cotton and is also famed for its natural beauty, including the surrounding desert landscapes and nearby mountains.
Yotkan – Also known at Yutian, Yoktan has long been a vital stop on the Silk Road, connecting Central Asia and China. The area is known for its agricultural production, particularly in the cultivation of cotton and wheat.
Day 7: The Silk Road Express: Ruoqiang (B, L, D)
Today, you will pull into the desert-bound town of Ruoqiang. Departing the train, travel to the ‘Ruins of Milan’, a city that was once a major point on the Silk Road, providing shelter for trade caravans from the harshness of the desert. Returning to Ruoqiang, explore the artifacts of the Loulan Museum, excavated from ancient desert cities. Back onboard the train, enjoy a drink in the elegant bar car or take in the 270° panoramic views from the Observation Car.
Destination Information
Ruoqiang – Known for its dry desert landscapes, a stark contrast from its lush oases that supports agriculture, including the cultivation of cotton and fruits, Ruoqiang has played a significant role as a crossroads between Central Asia and China.
Day 8: The Silk Road Express – Disembark in Xining (B, L, D)
Spend a free morning on the train, savouring it’s comforts, as you cross a final stretch of starkly beautiful desert to arrive in the city of Xining. After lunch onboard, embark on an exploration of Xining’s sacred set spectacularly in a narrow valley outside the city, then create a traditional Thangka with a master artisan. Your Silk Road Express experiences comes to an end this evening with dinner and an overnight stay at a five-star hotel.
Destination Information
Xining – Located on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and situated at an elevation of 2,200 metres, the city of Xining boasts a rich history with influences from Tibetan, Hui Muslim and Han Chinese cultures. Xining is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, grasslands and rivers, with its location providing key transportation routes that connect China with Central Asia and beyond.
Day 9: Xining – Jiayuguan (B, L)
Transfer to Xining train station and board a bullet train to Jiayuguan, a journey of approximately 4 hours.
Seen as China’s western gateway and home to the western end of the Great Wall, this desert city is the perfect place to get to grips with, and a feel for, your Silk Road history.
On arrival, tour the renowned Xixuan Winery, home to the largest cellar in China, and learn about the wine-making process from harvest to bottling, complemented by a tasting of two regional varietals. Later, head to the Overhanging Great Wall for a leisurely walk and the chance to witness a breathtaking desert sunset – a truly magical way to end your day.
Destination Information
Jiayuguan – Long an important resting point on the Silk Road, Jiayuguan is perhaps most famous for the Jiayu Pass, the largest and most intact pass of the Great Wall of China.
Day 10: Jiayuguan – Dunhuang (B, L)
Visit Jiayu Fortress, the westernmost point of the magnificent Great Wall, then drive to Dunhuang, known as the ‘City of the Sands’, located in a lush oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. In the evening, wander the stalls of the bustling night market, where the streets come alive with vendors selling handicrafts and the aromas of sizzling meats and fragrant spices.
Destination Information
Dunhuang – Dunhuang was a major post on the Silk Road and is best known for the temple system of Mogao Grottoes. It is also an oasis town, with nearby Crescent Moon Spring.
Jiayu Fortress – The Jiayu Fortress is the city’s main attraction and protects the pass which lies between the snow-capped peaks of the Qilian and Black mountains.
Day 11: Mogao Grottoes (B, L, D)
Begin the day at Crescent Moon Spring, nestled amongst rolling sand dunes, before exploring the Mogao Grottoes. This UNESCO-listed system of temples and sanctuaries is full of wonderful examples of Buddhist paintings and statues created between the 4th and 14th centuries. Showing its evolution over thousands of years, the grottoes are considered one of the most important collections of Buddhist art in the world.
Destination Information
Mogao Grottoes – Mogao Grottoes are one of the largest and grandest collections of Buddhist art in the world. In the past, the Mogao Grottoes acted as monasteries and housed monks, nuns, artists and calligraphers.
Day 12: Dunhuang – Xian (B)
Enjoy a free morning and later, fly to Xian, a treasure trove of age-old history and the easternmost terminus of the ancient Silk Roads. Transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure to relax, or you may wish to begin your exploration of this fascinating city with a guided walking tour through the winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter.
Destination Information
Xian – Xian has long played a pivotal role in China’s extensive history and has been a thriving hub for cultural exchange, economic trade as well as national politics for centuries. Home to some of China’s most ancient sights, diverse architecture and delicious fares, Xian is a must-see destination.
Day 13: Xian (B, L, D)
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since.
Spend the morning with an expert viewing the enigmatic ranks of these life-size warriors. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.
Destination Information
Terracotta Warriors – One of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, this unearthed terracotta army holds over 7,000 soldiers, horses and chariots. The army was built in life-sized form by thousands of workers and designed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to defend himself in the afterlife.
Day 14-15: Depart Xian (B)
Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.
Late check-out is not included. Additional nights before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book.
