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  Travel Talks
Seattle: Nov 18 - New Zealand
Traveler Pick of the Month

Name: Karin C.
Booked at: ATC - San Francisco

Got a travel story, trip review, or photos you’d like to share? Email us at:
mytravels@atcadventure.com

Tour: The Silk Road (TIC)
Duration: 19 Days
Cost: From $3,785 USD

"What a wonderful, interesting, exciting and marvelous journey this has been. Everyone was so helpful, and nice. It was such a joy to have met all these wonderful people, including the guides, drivers, local hosts, and last but not least my fellow travel companions who have made this small group journey more than memorable.

And special thanks to our tour leader whose graciousness, warmth, and enthusiasm made the trip smooth as silk!"

Karin C.

ITINERARY:

Day: Description:
1-3 Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and explore her fascinating backstreets 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 colorful 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 backstreets, 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 centre 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. Depart on day 19.

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Agent Pick of the Month - Archive

August 07 Morocco
September 07 Nepal
October 07 Australia
November 07 Italy
December 07 Thailand
January 08 India
February 08 Greece
March 08 Egypt
April 08 Romania
May 08 Tango & Samba
June 08 Morocco
July 08 Trans-Mongolian Express Eastbound
August 08 Costa Rica
September 08 Papua New Guinea

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October 6, 2008