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Seattle: Nov 18 - New Zealand |
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Featured Adventure
| Tour: |
China
The Silk Road - TIC |
| Duration: |
19 Days |
| Cost: |
$3,785 USD |
As your camel crests a sand dune in the fabled Gobi Desert and an oasis comes into view you will experience the same rush that’s inspired 2,000 years of travel and trade along the 'Silk Road'.
From the imperial metropolis of Xian and her famed Army of Terracotta Warriors to the kaleidoscope of colors at Kashgar's Sunday Bazaar, prepare yourself for windswept desert fortresses, endless mirages, snowcapped peaks and lively local markets. Explore medieval Tibetan monasteries and caves which shelter thousands of ancient Buddha images, and experience the rich convergence of cultures and religions as you travel the world's greatest ancient trade route.
Itinerary:
| Day: |
Description: |
| 1-3 |
Beijing:
Arrive in Beijing and explore by rickshaw, where you will get to meet a local family for lunch in their home and see an age-old ritual at the Drum Tower. A picnic at the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a wander through the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, and a view of the 2008 Olympic Games sites are sure to fascinate. |
| 4-5 |
Xian:
The Terracotta Warriors are Xian’s crowning glory, but you will also make memories in the colourful Muslim Quarter and pagodas, and enjoy delicious regional cuisine. Take some time atop the ancient city walls and see the Big Goose Pagoda, as well as Calligraphy Street. Take a glimpse at the starting point of the Silk Road – the legendary trail you are about to follow. |
| 6- |
Lanzhou:
From White Pagoda Hill you will get the best views of this important trading town and the Yellow River. The friendly Hui population serves up tasty local delicacies. Take some free time to peruse the shops and back streets, and later take a boat cruise to the caves at Bingling Si – a spectacular and sacred Buddhist monument built to protect travelers centuries ago. |
| 7-9 |
Xiahe:
Take a sidestep from the Silk Road to Xiahe, the most important Tibetan town outside of Tibet and home to Labrang Monastery, a center of Buddhist learning. When you visit a Tibetan home in the Sangke Grasslands you will have the chance to learn about daily life from the locals themselves. Take some free time to absorb this picturesque town and to meet the pilgrims before visiting Linxia Mosque and boarding your overnight train to Jiayuguan. |
| 10 |
Jiayuguan:
Climb one of the final, westernmost ramparts of the Great Wall against a landscape of endless desert and snowcapped mountains. The Jiayuguan Pass Fort and Great Wall Museum offer fascinating insight into the creation and history of this wonder of the world, and the town itself is very atmospheric – perhaps you will try the local noodles and a cool glass of homebrew at the night market in your free time. |
| 11-14 |
Dunhuang & Turpan:
You will encounter the famed Mogao Caves, Emin Minaret, wonderful bazaars and local vineyards in these oasis towns of the Gobi Desert. The Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Museum, a camel ride and lunch with a local Uighur family in their home are sure to be highlights, as are the Flaming Mountains, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves and sunset at the Gaochang Ruins. |
| 15-19 |
Urumqi & Kashgar:
From Urumqi fly to Kashgar to witness the amazing Sunday Bazaar. Discover Abkah Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. An Old City Walking tour and a visit to the animal market are not to be missed. Return to Urumqi and visit stunning Lake Tianchi. |
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