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Traverse the vast desert of China's northwest in five-star comfort, discovering cities, landscapes and fascinating archaeological sites steeped in the timeless legends of the Silk Road. With three nights aboard the opulent Silk Road Express, and explorations of ancient cities like Kashgar and Xian, on this tour, luxury meets adventure.
*Offer valid for new bookings only made by 31 March 2025, unless sold out prior.
Inclusions
Highlights
Kashgar Old Town - Wander through the historic maze of narrow streets, traditional architecture & bustling markets
The Silk Road Express - Step into the timeless elegance of the Silk Road Express, where opulence and exploration go hand in hand as you embark on an immersive adventure along the Silk Road
Great Wall of Jiayuguan - Walk on the westernmost point of the iconic Great Wall at Jiayu Fortress
Mogao Grottoes - Explore the UNESCO-listed system of temples and grottoes showcasing Buddhist art from the 4th-14th centuries
Inclusions
29 Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners
International flights from Adelaide, including taxes
12 nights in 4+/5+ star accommodation
Max Group Size: 20
Physical Rating 1 - Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | Fly overnight to Urumqi
Fly to the modern city of Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China's northwest. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day will be at leisure to relax or start your explorations. Meet your group for a welcome dinner in the evening.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3 | Cruise on Heavenly Lake
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, relax at your hotel or head out on a walking tour through the atmospheric alleyways of the Urumqi Grand Bazaar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 | Fly to Kashgar
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 | Wander Kashgar
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. 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, enjoy a traditional Muqam dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Discover Hotan's Artisans
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 then 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Explore the Ruins of Milan
Pull into the desert-bound town of Ruoqiang. Departing the train, strike out by road to visit 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Arrive in Xining
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 Kumbum, a Tibetan monastery 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Wine Tasting in Jiayuguan
Transfer to Xining train station and board a bullet train to Jiayuguan. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 | Dunhuang Night Market
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 | Mogao Grottoes
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 | Fly to Xian
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 | Meet the Terracotta Warriors with an Expert
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14-15 | Fly Xian to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day.
*Advertised price based on per person twin share, inclusive of savings amount and is subject to change and availability at time of booking, correct as of 12 March 2025.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
