Great Silk Road

For 2,000 years, the Silk Road was the principal artery for caravans traveling between China and Europe laden with textiles, spices, gold—and ideas, philosophies, and religions. On this fabled road we follow the footsteps of Marco Polo from ancient Xi’an, cradle of Chinese history, to fabled Kashgar in China’s wild west, a vital hub when silk caravans passed this way a millennium ago. As we explore, we encounter a range of peoples, from Uighur traders to Kazakh nomads, and learn how their cultures and traditions are deeply tied to this desert and mountain realm. We also visit a dazzling array of epic archaeological sites, from the famed tomb of the Terra Cotta Warriors to the cliff-bound Mogao Grottoes, a priceless repository of Chinese Buddhist cave art long lost in the desert. There’s no other journey in the world quite like this adventure on the storied road across the Far East.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Beijing / Xi’an / Terra Cotta Warriors

In Xi’an, cradle of Chinese history, we visit the world-renowned Tomb of the Terra Cotta Warriors, with a special private entrance to the tomb’s lower level where other visitors can’t go. Already 2,200 years old when it was accidently discovered in 1974, this World Heritage-listed tomb holds the 8,000 “buried warriors” of China’s first emperor, each life-sized figure unique. We also walk (or bike) along Xi’an’s city walls, the most complete that survive in China, and visit the Forest of Stone Tablets, China’s finest collection of calligraphy.

Days 3-7
Dunhuang / Mogao Grottoes / Turfan

From Dunhuang, we head out to watch the sunrise at the Mingshashan Sands, then explore the remote Mogao Grottoes, where spectacular cliff caves are adorned with Buddhist paintings and sculptures from the 5th to 13th centuries. In the oasis of Turfan, we encounter the Uighur farmers and sample sweet melons, grapes, and apricots from orchards watered by ingenious underground channels.

Days 8-10
Urumqi / Kashgar / Sunday Market

A desert outpost with an end-of-the-world feeling, the Silk Road outpost of Kashgar is in the farthest reaches of western China. We visit the legendary Sunday Market, one of Asia’s greatest gatherings of traders, enjoying aromas of fresh-baked breads, cumin, pepper, and grilled lamb, and watch the spirited negotiations of traders bargaining over everything from camels to spices.

Days 11-12
Beijing

Return to Beijing and depart on Day 12.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 2, or easy to moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but on certain days, you should be prepared for 2-3 hours of walking. We encourage you to get in good shape before the trip because travel requires some physical stamina. For most of the journey, we stay in five- or four-star hotels, or the best-available hotels in each destination. All breakfasts are in the hotel. For lunches and dinners, we dine in places that highlight the authentic local cuisine rather than going to tourist-oriented restaurants. Bottled water is provided throughout the trip.

Explanation of Trip Levels