The Silk Road - 17 days

2012 - Your Journey starts Beijing, ends Urumqi

DAYS 1-3 - BEIJING & OVERNIGHT TRAIN
On arrival in Beijing, transfer to your hotel. Cross the astonishing expanse of Tiananmen Square and then wander the Forbidden City. Lunch in a local home amidst one of the few remaining hutongs, or backstreets, in Beijing and then board a rickshaw for an exciting ride. Admire the city’s famous Drum Tower and marvel at the incredible feats at an acrobatic show. Travel to see the famous Great Wall of China at Mutianyu and enjoy the chance to feast on a lavish Peking Duck dinner, then board a comfortable overnight train.
Hotels: Yong An, Overnight train

DAYS 4-5 - XIAN & OVERNIGHT TRAIN
Wake up in Xian, home to the remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors. Marvel at the huge number of intricate life-size warriors, undiscovered for centuries. Wander the fascinating streets of the thriving Muslim Quarter and visit the Big Goose Pagoda. In the evening you have the chance to indulge in a sumptuous dumpling banquet, before taking an overnight train journey to Lanzhou.
Hotels: Union Alliance Atravis, Overnight train

DAY 6-7 - LANZHOU
Nestled in a narrow valley, Lanzhou was once a major transport hub and garrison on the Silk Road. Wander along the banks of the Yellow River and climb the peak of White Pagoda Hill for incredible views of the city below. Try some delicious noodle soup or other local Hui specialties. A tranquil boat journey brings you to the beguiling Bingling Si Caves. Race through the night aboard an overnight train.
Hotels: Lanzhou Legend, Overnight train

DAY 8 - JIAYUGUAN
Wake up in beautiful and remote Jiayuguan. Here, the vast desert is flanked by snowcapped peaks, making for a stunning contrast. Discover an ancient frontier fortress and climb a remote part of the Great Wall, before stopping at the Great Wall Museum.
Hotel: Huayuan

DAYS 9-12 - DUNHUANG & TURPAN
Travel by road to the oasis town of Dunhuang and take an exhilarating camel ride through the desert. At the spectacular Mogao Caves, witness ancient Buddhist cave art before taking an overnight train to Turpan, home to the striking Emin Minaret. After lunch with a local Uighur family, wander the colourful bazaar, then head into the Flaming Mountains to see the haunting ruins of Gaochang and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.
Hotels: International, Overnight train, Grand Turpan

DAYS 13-17 - URUMQI & KASHGAR
Watch the desert scenes passing you by on the drive to Urumqi, where the fascinating Xinjiang Provincial Museum awaits. Ramble through the bustling market before boarding your flight to Kashgar, still an important hub for traders throughout Central Asia. Experience the clamour and excitement of the Sunday Bazaar, the impressive Id Kah Mosque and then step back in time on a walking tour through the city’s backstreets. Return to Urumqi for a trip to the beautiful Heavenly Lake, set against the spectacular ice-capped Tianshan Mountain Range. The area is dotted with traditional yurts inhabited by Kazak people. On your last day, enjoy some free time before your departure transfer.
Hotels: Taxinan Barony, Urumqi Ramada